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Well, What of Tournament '53 and Dunedin? How did "We" get on, the traditional question. Well, everyone ran, leapt, swam, etc., here and there with the usual varying degrees of success. The results are recorded somewhere. Generally, however, the things that go unrecorded, except maybe over a passing cup of coffee in the caf, are the things which essentially constitute that mysterious word "Tournament."
Undoubtedly the most important newspaper commented that there was the drinking horn. A Dunedin event not listed as an official sport was "a Homeric touch" about the whole proceedings; whether this heroic ideal was in keeping with the beery tobacco-filled
Dunedin itself is a curious place. The town seems to have a passion for statues and cathedrals, dotting the former around here and there in the most unlikely and improbable places, the sizes in descending order from a large pensive Bobby Burns in the Octagon. Perhaps there aren't as many cathedrals, but one always seems to be running into them, from the spirey one in the Octagon to the little edifice over the men's convenience in High Street.
Dunedinites themselves seem curiously martyr-like. Although the beer down there is unpalatable to any Wellingtonian brought up on the Northern brew, they actually seem to like it and moreover, drink it in such alarming quantities that often have I feared for their health, for it seemed to us down there that to drink of it at any length was to open the door to permanent poisoning and corrosion of various internal tubes, if not life-long insanity.
This was strongly brought home to me when I found myself at the "Rigger String" or rowing club orgy. I arrived rather late and at first sight all I could see was a medley of legs and arms, bodies and beer. At first I thought
Incidentally, on the way down we stopped off at Christchurch long enough to speculate on the origins of the improbable architectural style of the railway station and to stare blankly at a local picture theatre which advertised its entertainment in foot high letters across its front as being "The whole gory story of dirty yellow Journalism."
Very apparent in Dunedin is the Way the whole city itself is interested and tied up with the University. Continually I was stopped in the street to be asked questions about Victoria what I thought of Dunedin and so on. Possibly because of this the city is tolerant of any thing called a student to an amazing degree; we could sing noisily and loudly with impunity in any bar or up any street in a way that would have fetched every policeman and police car for miles in conventional Wellington. And apparently, as at the Otago capping ceremony when a toast was proposed to "the old Burghers of Dunedin" or the Students put a horse down the spiral stairs of the stock exchange, everybody thought it a huge joke even those who had to remove the horse. In fact here, in all Its activities, we saw something approximating to what a university can and should be. They have a battered old band which turned up everywhere and thumped out tunes such as "The Tinker" and "Roll Me Over" (no words!) whenever there was a dull moment. A well organised haka-party kept things moving by putting on farcical acts like the contest between "King Kong Tarook, the Human Anaesthetic" and "Queen Marritwo the Opiate of the East" at the boxing finals. Possibly the best example of what a group of students can do when they get together was illustrated by the Sunday evening concert. All the items were first class and completely devoid of that uncomfortably "corny" atmosphere which so easily ruins a good evening. Many of the songs were made up for the occasion and were astonishingly good. One memorable verse, questioning the use of artificial insemination, eventually decided to fall back on the old proverb "'Spare the rod and spoil the child."
Many events must go unrecorded. I might mention J. McLaren's several attempts to reach the stage to be presented with an N.Z.U. drinking blue after winning it. Victoria's idea of winning the rowing eights event in a whaleboat, the curious hours in which Dunedinites take to drinking, despite the laws of the country, or the cryptic comment in a Dunedin newspaper when half the events had been decided, that Otago had a firm grip on the shield and Victoria could not be beaten (what delicate wording) for the wooden spoon. So I suggest that if you want to know all about Tournament go to the next one yourself.
To Run the Vic Cafeteria, So Tea Services Ltd. Are Pulling Out. President O'Brien Informed "Salient" of This Decision on the Caterers' Part on Monday Evening; Treasurer McCaw Considered that the Position was Gloomy—As Indeed it is.
The withdrawal of Tea Services will place the Association in a difficult position. The last time the Association ran the cafeteria by student labour under an experienced chef-manageress it lost an ever-increasing amount each year. Already this year Tea Services have been faced with a staff shortage, but we have been unable to ascertain the exact reasons for their withdrawal. Tea Services handle some very large catering contracts: perhaps they consider the profit (approx £100) made here does not compensate for the difficulties with which they have had to cope.
Malcolm McCaw informs "Salient" that the first stops to remedy the situation will be to determine the reasons for the withdrawal and attempt to meet Tea Services and arrive at an understanding. If they hold to their decision the Executive will have to decide whether the Association will attempt to run the caf itself or to attempt to get another contractor; the latter course would seem preferable but the same difficulties might arise eventually. A full report on the Executive's deliberations will be printed next issue.
At one of the most interesting N.Z.U.S.A. Council meetings for some time, our President (M. J. O'Brien) was elected unopposed and by popular acclamation President of N.Z.U.S.A. He thus follows his brother's success in that he is at present President of both V.U.C.S.A. and N.Z.U.S.A., and student member on the V.U.C. Council. Fresh from his recent trip to Australia and with over five years of brilliant success in student affairs, Mr. O'Brien should prove the most capable President for years.
Popular Ken Phillips fills the position of sports officer: he has been a V.U.C. Tournament delegate and is at present Vice-President of V.U.C.S.A. The former sports officer (Mr. D. B. Horsley) was elected a Vice-president, not only as an acknowledgement of his services in that position but also to enable N.Z U.S.A. to have a fully accredited observer at national meetings and conferences in Europe. The newly-elected Secretary (Miss Audrey Cook) is a former Exec. member—women's Vice-President—and Congress
The first item which aroused any argument was the question of billeting which has vexed the host colleges over the last low tournaments.
Otago University had favoured the imposition of a levy "for some time and now thought that a 10/- levy should be imposed on all people who could not find their own billets; this scheme to be tried for two years when the matter would be reviewed again.
V.U.C. opposed the levy on the old grounds in the strongest terms; at this stage of the meeting Victoria was represented by P. M. McCaw as the President (M.J. O'Brien) had not yet arrived from Wellington. The Sports Officer (D. B. Horsley) wondered whether the money would go into the billeting or home college account.
A.U.C. was still bound by the motion of their A.G.M. but thought that the levy would make no difference to the number of people who found their own billets. They were strongly against the levy as it bore most heavily upon representatives travelling from their college. They then moved a series of motions aimed at reducing either the levy itself or the amount of lime during which the scheme was to be tried. Those lapsed for want of a seconder; Auckland spoke again. The next Tournament was to be at Auckland which was opposed to the idea of a levy and did not see why they should have to be the first college to put the scheme into execution. Auckland had large travelling expenses at every Tournament and the levy would make a difference to her representatives. Otago still considered that four Tournaments were necessary to test the scheme, as did Massey College which remarked that as two years trial meant a Tournament in each centre the results would be statistically sound. An amendment was put and lost on the President's casting vote. An amendment "that commencement of the levy be deferred until
Malcolm McCaw, for Victoria, then queted why the Agricultural Colleges were forcing the other colleges into that position when A.U.C. and V.U.C were strongly against the levy, O.U. against, and C.U.C. sitting on the fence. Evidently determined by this very good point by McCaw. Peter Sinclair, the Canterbury President, announced out of the blue that C.U.C. was definitely committed against the levy! The vote was taken on the unamended motion: M.A.C.. C.A.C., for the levy: A.U.C., C.U.C., and V.U.C. against the levy. The motion was lost on the President's casting vote, and there will be no billeting levy.
Various matters rising from the minutes were then discussed. The N.Z.U.S.A. constitution is to be redrawn with its appropriate schedules. D. B. Horsley of Victoria and D. Stewart of Canterbury were congratulated on their Rhodes' Scholarships, after which the President presented the report from N.Z.U.S.A. resident executive: the most interesting item was that there was a loss of £33 because of the high travelling costs in the past year, costs of M. J. O'Brien's trip to Australia, and P. Cotton's to Europe.
The colleges presented their reports: O.U. reported that finances for the new Student Union building were increased by sixteen and half thousand pounds; they now had £40,000. "Critic" was responsible for a loss of £340; the liquor regulations had been considerably relaxed. A.U.C. noted a surprising increase in law enrolments; a second professor in Law is to be appointed. There had been a general improvement in publications although "Craccum" had lost £314. The Capping Ball was to be honoured by the presence of the Governor-General.
C.A.C. reported that their new hostel, "Hudson Hall." had been started; it had 160 bed-studies, a cafeteria, darkroom, billiards room, lounge and a library. Although its circulation was only 200, "Caclin" made £10 profit over thirteen issues, mainly because of good advertising. M.A.C. had incurred a loss of £219. They had distributed an orientation handbook in a cyclostyled formal. Their liquor regulations were similar to those of Otago but on an unofficial level. C.U.C.'s roll was down 4 per cent Their tearooms lost £70 but they were well satisfied "Canta" lost £120 approximately but it was expected that their loss would be greater this year as they were finding it difficult to obtain advertising. The shifting of the college to the other site would not be considered by Cabinet until money was available after the school-building programme was finished. Their International Club was considering a Board Bureau to place overseas students.
V.U.C. presented a brief plan of the Student Employment Service. Victoria's students were badly boused academically, but the seven-story science building was to be started next year. Although they had not been announced yet the Government had chosen the architect and contractor. Mention was made of the stationery celling service, of Victoria's successful year of sport, and of the successful Overseas Students' Evening recently held. "Salient" lost £270 with the literary issue thrown in.
Various remits were discussed; these will be given in full later, after the N.Z.U.S.A. minutes appear. From the Sports Officer's report submitted by the retiring Sports Officer (Mr. D. B. Horsley) the question of Rugby Blue and the Blues Panel provided the most contentious item but as the negotiations are at a delicate stage, we will omit mention of the discussion with the intention of crystallising the dispute once it has been resolved.
The Sports Council proposals brought forward a rehash of all the old arguments both for and against, no one college appearing to have changed its views on the matter. C.U.C. had envisaged a Sports Council analgous to N.Z.U.S.A with six resident members in Wellington and two delegates from each college. Mr. Horsley spoke on the drawbacks of such an idea. There would still have to be a separate Tournament Committee in each college, and there would be overlapping duties and responsibilities. C.U.C. moved and C.A.C. seconded proforma. "that a Sports Council be set up" and the old arguments were rehashed. C.A.C. withdrew its seconding and the motion lapsed. O.U. then moved: "That an N.Z.U. Sports Council be not set up as this body regards N.Z.U.S.A. as capable of administering all matters that such a Sports Council could administer." This was seconded by V.U.C. and passed unanimously.
The Congress report from the Controller (Miss Audrey Cook) was received, following which the Congress remits were taken. The majority (as you may ace below) required no further action by N.Z.U.S.A. but the first eventually aroused some interest, and opinions were expressed on the book-importing question.
The Sports Officer's report was further discussed on Saturday morning, in particular the section on the swimming tour, and the Rugby Blues. M. J. O'Brien stated that the V.U.C. excet still did not know why the V.U.C. Swimming Club did not take part in the tour, the Government had subsidised it to the extent of £200.
The Travel and Exchange Officer's report was presented by Miss Marion Solly, of Auckland. Miss Pauline Hoskins of Wellington was appointed to be a has on in Wellington for the Travel and Exchange scheme. After this the Resident Executive presented a Bursary report from a sub-committee composed of R. S. Milne (Chairman), G. Brewster. E. Ireland and C. J. Paterson, all of Resident Exec. This report was considered by the council who thought it one of the most important reports to come before the Council for some time. We intend to print a summary of it in a future issue. Submissions are to be made to the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister before the latter leaves for the Coronation.
M. J. O'Brien's Australian report was also received and considered, and most of his recommendations formally adopted. A report of the success of the American debating tour was also received and each college reported on its section of the tour.
V.U.C. deplored the fact that C.M.T. weekend camps were held immediately before "finals," this disturbing swotting., No excuse that preparation for examinations was necessary during this weekend had been accepted by the military authorities.
M.A.C. reported that the N.Z Soccer Association wanted a representative of university soccer clubs on their council. Dr. Davey of M.A.C. was acting as the representative but his appointment needed ratification by N.Z.U.S.A.
O.U. wished a clause added to the auditor's statement to certify that the audit of Tournament accounts had been under the terms of the Tournament constitutions. This was moved and carried.
The vacancy on the Blues Panel was filed by the re-election of the retiring members. Mr. Daniels. Then followed the N.Z.U.S.A. elections, all being elected unopposed.
President: M. J. O'Brien (V.U.C.); Vive-Presidents: R. S. Milne (O.U.), D. B. Horsley (V.U.C.), T. Fitzgibbon (C.U.C); Secretary: Audrey Cook (V.U.C.); Sports Officer: K. M. Phillips (V.U.C); Treasurer: Mr. Matthews.
At the N.Z.U.S.A. Council Meeting at Otago University another step was made to bring student facilities up to the level of those in other countries. The Student Nnewspapers Association came into being (officially) and was given a pat on the head by what it is hoped will be the parent body.
It is not generally realised in the Colleges that their newspapers are quite big business compared to other item of finance. £2500 approximately is spent by the member collages of N.Z.U..S.A. to ensure a coverage of college news and to aid the growth of corporate university life and spirit. Papers that lose approximately £300 each become quite important in college finances. And up to now there has been no integrating organisation to cover the activities of these papers. Now that there is the newly elected President and Secretary of the N.Z.U.S.N.A. note the "N"J have several problems and aims about which to obtain information for presentation at the second council meeting in August.
One of these is the interchange of blocks. An ordinary single column block costs at the least tan shillings; there is often duplication of blocks of important people (e.g. Dr." Currie) it is easily seen that if one block of each such person—and there are many—it made and then inter-changed between college papers the meagre financial resources of each paper will be able to stretch further. This and the journalistic standards of the papers would be raised.
There are many aspects of this mutual help which can be arranged by N.Z.U.S.N.A but as is being pointed out at N.Z.U.S.A. and elsewhere, this is no good reason for forming another organisation. As M. J. O'Brien remarked: "It seems like an organisation merely for the sake of having an organisation. The papers could quite easily exchange blocks and the like amongst themselves without having to form yet another organisation." The "progenitors of N.Z.U.S.N.A. while admitting the validity of the argument up to a point felt at dunedin that this view was rather limited and short-sighted. Gut there does exist another important aspect of journalistic life in the universities which cannot be adequately catered for without a national organisation.
There is for example the question of gaining recognition from the local and national Press organisations to the extent, not that we ourselves sacrifice any of our individuality, but that we obtain certain privileges and facilities that will raise the standard of student journalism to heights impossible at present. Membership in a national body recognised by each other bodies as (for example) the N.Z. Press Association. N.Z.U.S.A. and the N.Z. Journalist's Association and other bodies both here) and in the Commonwealth and in foreign countries will bring many advantages recognised fully by the College papers if not yet fully by N.Z.U.S.A.
In the end the justification of this new organisation will be in its success, and in the enthusiasm and capability with which its aims are furthered by its members. Time only and the benevolent co-operation of the N.Z.U.S.A. and the Colleges can determine the fate of this "yet another organisation."
When An Event like the arrival of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company comet to the ends of the earth, dropping like manna from heaven, the first and, really, the only important thing is to express one's gratitude. The event of a lifetime should simply be accepted. Criticism seems almost out of place, and a purely receptive attitude is here far more worthwhile than pedantic attempts at alertness. On the other hand, a panegyric and display of one's own feelings will scarcely interest anyone else, so I offer merely a few observations and impressions of these performances.
But first a word or warning, By what standard of values can these observations be made? If one has no comparisons with the best of theatre overseas it is futile to set up as an absolute what one "expected" or hoped for Even a slender possibility of comparison, as with the Old Vic company of a few years ago, breaks down. The greatest contrast between the two companies is that this one is even and closely-knit, with neither the Old Vic's star-billing nor its consequent lack of teamwork nor its weak, supporting cast. Here, it can really be said, "the play's the thing."
And now, about those plays. My only qualification for writing about them at all is perhaps that I was lucky enough to see almost every Wellington performance of them. So my "absolute" standard is Just the best of which the presentations were capable, though here again the yardstick measuring that standard may have an unfortunate lean towards the literary rather than the theatrical.
The crux of any interpretation of "Othello" seems to be under what conditions is Othello's jealousy credible? Suggestions like Leavis", that Othello's fall was the inevitable consequence of his own self-dramatisation and self-deception, or again that the essential tragedy is that one who completely lacked self-discipline was triumphed over by one who possessed it supremely, contains elements of truth, but do no Justice to this complex, tragic situation. Its validity hinges on the character of Iago and the whole of Leo McKern's brilliant performance, its variety and subtleties can. I think, be summed up by saying that he fully achieved that credibility, both regarding lago's own evil nature and its effects on Othello.
Not only did his sharp contrast of the bluff, Jovial soldier, the rough diamond whose cynicism no one takes seriously, with the embodiment of evil of the later acts, show how easily all those who knew him and took him for "honest Iago" could have been deceived, but it also made him the more terrible later on. Terrible, but also so real that any critics' fiction of supreme evil and supreme intellect, to Shakespeare's conception. This "pure motiveless malignity," seems by comparison hopelessly inadequate Iago hunts for motives to Justify himself, letting the real motive, half unknown to him, show itself, as at those intense moments like "I am your own forever," or "Work on my medicine . . . ." manifesting that lust for power which makes Othello and the others playthings in his hands. Finally, he showed the excitement of the many different porta he had to assume at crises of his plot.
But though so much of the plot depends on Iago, it is still Othello, the romantic hero, first admired then pitied, perhaps the most poetic of all Shakespeare's characters, who la the central figure of the play Anthony Quayle's Othello, however, apart from some great momenta in the two scenes with Iago, was not as complete a success as the latter role. He also sought a contrast, between simplicity and nobility at first, and the torment and fury Othello undergoes in the course of the play. The simplicity, despite Mr. Quayle's magnificent voice and stage presence, tended towards monotony, especially in the speech "Her father loved me . . . where he tells how he won Desde-mona. If one contrasts it with Iago'a important speech in the first act "Put money in thy purse." Othello's seems somewhat unreal, whereas one can hear Iago's very thoughts ticking, and feel that every drop of meaning is being squeezed out.
I also feel that Othello's jealousy, to be convincing, should not show itself as soon as it did here, not, in fact, before the soliloquy following his first encounter with Iago. That at Iago's line "Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio" Othello should make as if to strike him, and then bury his face in his hands, seems quite out of place. This beginning of the Jealousy stands in fiat contradiction to Othello's description of himself at the end as "one not easily jealous, but being wrought, perplexed in the extreme, "which is generally felt to be at least to some extent genuine, and not mere self-deception. Othello's scenes with Deadezmona, until Dcsdcmona'6 death, though again they had some fine moments, were not really heart-rending, and the miraculous line "Put out the light and then put out the light" was mined by Othello's pointing, as he said It to the lamp and then to Desdemona.
After her death, Othello's most wonderful poetry ("Me thinks it should be now a huge eclipse of sun and moon"; "Here is my journey's end here is my butt, and very seamark of my utmost sail"; and, of course his death-speech) here came close to being rant; and my main impression of the last scene was the moving acting of Emilia, who also had made a brilliant contrast between her earlier, almost excessive restraint and her being transfigured at death.
Space does not permit me to say much of the other performances, though I must still say that the difficult part of Desdemona was played by Barbara Jefford almost to perfection. Despite her helplessness at the end, and her incapacity to resist throughout, which are essential to the play, she emerged as a person in her own right, and gave a real insight into the psychology of her character Among the others, I found Raymond Westwell outstanding as Roderlgo, especially in the balance he kept between the ridiculous and his love for Desdemona.
"As You Like It" was a far more obviously brilliant production than "Othello"—It had periods of sheer de light, like Monsieur Le Beau, the birds in the trees, Touchstone with the shepherd at the pond, or his miming with William. Sir Oliver Martext and the many touches of comedy in the scenes between Orlando and Rosalind. All these are things I shan't ever forget. Much of this rich comic invention is extraneous to the play, though it is perfectly in character. But if one also considers what has been cut in the play, does it not seem a little unbalanced as a whole? it assumes that "As You Like It" is nothing more than an enchanting fairy-tale, that Shakespeare in writing it was as carelessly Indifferent as the title might seem to indicate, and it Ignores the more serious note running through the play and harmonising with it.
Barbara Jeffords Rosalind was technically very wonderful, but somewhat cold and statuesque. I also think it Important that on the fairytale level (on the representational one it is, of course, impossible) she should enter completely into her "boy's" part, at least that there should be two really distinct Rosalinds. Here where they often tended to merge, although this was charming and amusing., it did not quite get the essence of the part. I was perhaps more impressed, therefore, with Orlando, which is
I am a sentimental cuss. I have, therefore, a prejudice towards a Chaplin film, a Capra film, a John Ford film or any Dim that displays sincere sentiment. "The Quiet Man" is Ford's latest work. I welcomed it and went along expecting great things.
I was not disappointed. If "The River" was Renoir's Song of Love for the Indian people, "The Quiet Man" is Ford's Song of Love for the Irish people. Ford, himself an Irishman, has at last come among his own people (he has been planning this film for years) and observes them in a manner that is satirical and slightly detached, but nevertheless sympathetic. The Irish at Home with their pubs, lazy green countryside, fiery tempers and while, emerald green cottages.
As a vehicle for this "artist's portrait" of the Irish. Ford uses and alters to suit his own temperament, a Maurice Walsh story of an embittered ring fighter, who travels from America to the land of his birth in order to forget his killing of an opponent. But to quit fighting is not an easy thing because he soon finds another opponent. He wants as his wife an Irish shepherd girl who is just as stubborn and set in her ideas as he is. We have the clash of personalities in the smokeless, quiet atmosphere of the Irish scene.
The clash of Individuals is Ford's main theme. I say this deliberately and with every hope of being contra-dieted. Others will say no it is the clash of one man against a tradition. Ford. I think, would deny this. He has taken pains to show that it is always the individual that is concerned. Ideals and creeds are pushed to the background. The scene is set in a part of Ireland that is free from dirty factories, capitalists and underdogs. There is no talk of the British Empire, no remarks about international wars, racial discrimination, atomic bombs it is true that the Protestant and Roman Catholic creeds are represented, but the village vicar and priest are seen, by Ford, to work and live together in friendly co-operation. As for the business of the courting and marriage of Irish couples, it is clear that it is only the individual Mary Kate who takes it seriously. Micheleen Flynn. the village marraige compere, docs not hesitate to relax some of the courting rules: Danaher, after being tricked into giving Mary Kate away to Sean Thorton, doesn't allow tradition to force him to part with his sisters rightful dowry. And Mary' Kate's tactical use of the "dowry tradition" is prompted only by her strong personal pride. She is no woman to be treated lightly. She plays 'at being hard to catch, and desires to sec the pursuer almost faint with exhaustion. How else can we explain her ultimate delight at being dragged over five miles of countryside by a desperate and determined husband?
Ford sets about illuminating this theme in a lyrical, leisurely fashion. (An echo of "The River"? These films are very similar.) Gone is the predominance techiniques such as sudden cutting and dramatic close-ups. The presentation is quiet: the story and theme is one steady flow over and above the individual shots and scenes. For Ford, poetry must come first, and if the film goer sometimes finds the film too drawn-nut and alow then he has obviously missed this poetry it is difficult to define this elusive quality on the screen, except to say that, like verse it uses the devices of suggestion and symbolism. The drama played against a backdrop of blue sea, green fields, yellow, sun-light trees, grey rivers and ruined abbeys. A shot of the strolling, courting couple with a cluster of bright white flowers in the foreground: the symbolic game of chasing between Mary Kate Scan and the forbidden kiss in the rain-drenched rums of some past age. To top all, the battle at the end: "Homeric, Homeric!" says Mr. Flynn.
Ford has achieved atmosphere, and if it was atmosphere he wanted, I hardly think it fair to go into a detailed analysis of how he got it. But let me say that his use of colour and grouping is exciting, his scriptwriter's dialogue is spirited and fully in character (or perhaps I should say that it rarely strikes a false note), his background music is quite rightly sentimental (there are times when it is overdone) and always in mood. And of course, there are his characters who are, from the gang at the station to the vicar's wife, some of the most lovable and delightful of my film-going experience in dealing with a film that is so much concerned with individuals, I should have left more space for the discussion of these people Sufficient to say that John Wayne is admirable as the fiery man with the quiet exterior and that Maureen O'Hara fits the bill perfectly as the champion of all women who think that they should not be the slaves in the family household, but perhaps even the masters. Of the smaller parts there are some-weak performances but generally a high standard is kept. Barry Fitzgerald, as the village bookie and match-maker is the star. Let my next-door neighbour describe him: "He's a scream." I thought he was rather cute as well.
Having now degenerated to the light-heated, it la obvious I am getting tired. If I had more time and space for more energy, I could have filled a page. No, you would get more bored. I shall give way to Mr. Dronke and Shakespeare. But talking of Shakespeare and becoming serious once again, I shall ask one more question: la it such a step from Ford's "The Quiet Man" to Shakespeare's "As You Like It"?
Whether this film version is Hemingway or not, I can't say because I don't know Hemingway. I've never studied him deeply, and I might venture to say that neither have the producers if I can go on these two painful facts "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" neither moved me nor made me think. Of course, the fault may be in the translation from book to screen. If that is so, then Henry' King (he must take most of the responsibility) is not an artist.
Nevertheless, he is a superb craftsman and technician. I've rarely seen the flash back used with so much excitement and originality: with an overlapping of sound we go straight into the scene, with no tire-somely distracting dissolves or fade-outs. His cutting is also good and most of his camera angles. The technicolor is strong and I enjoyed my sightseeing tour of Paris. Madrid. London and Africa in other words the presentation is entertaining if you are interested in that sort of thing.
The players entertain too especially Gregory Peck and Ava Gardiner. Peck maintains his high reputation, while Ava Gardiner enhances hers. She la a promising dramatic actress to keep an eye-on.
High grading in entertainment, but the theme is made not very interesting. I don't think it's worth discussing.
Grading: ***(*).
(How I loathe this grading system; but some seem to think it's a good Idea.)
Published for the Victoria University Student' Association and printed by Standard Press, 25a Marion Street, Wellington.
The Most Outstanding Performance at the Easter Tournament by a V.U.C. representative was that given by G. Stevens in the three-mile championship. Showing stamina and speed which seemed out of all proportion to his slight physique, Stevens finished second to the all-conquering Australian, Plummer. This gave Victoria its third New Zealand University Athletic title.
Stevens, the son of a former New Zealand harrier champ, and who only regards the three-mile as a good training for harrier events, captured the of nearly half a lap on Stevens, who was lying second. He in turn had left imagination of all who witnessed this event. Hummer soon opened up a lead the remainder of the field behind by a similar distance. Plummer, a tall, strongly built man, woe" Goliath compared to the much sailer Stevens. The spectacle of Stevens doggedly pursuing Plummer quickly roused the interest Of the Crowd. But the hone which many must have experienced was not to be. Plummer won convincingly. But the hero of the race was certainly Stevens.
Once again Otago University has won the Easier Tournament Shield With 44½ points, Canterbury gaining 22½pts., Auckland 23. and Victoria again won the Wooden Spoon with 17 points. The competition was generally of the usual high standard and several records were broken or equalled. On the social side proceedings were highly convivial and everybody had a good time. The organisation was not quite as good as it has been for previous Tournaments in Dunedin and in some respects left a lot to be desired. As far as Victoria's team is, concerned it performed much as expected in some Sports a little more luck would have won us valuable points while in others we reached an all-time low it is first a reflection on those poor types who "can't be bothered" going to Tournament or "haven't got the time or the cash" even with a generous Exec. travelling subsidy of £2/12/-per head, which meant the cost for men was £4/6/- and for women £3 16/-. Our team's performance is a poor reflection, too on those types who play for outside clubs rather than Show loyally to their University for those are the guys who criticise and minimise the other guys who went to Tournament. Anyhow this is what happened:
On paper the team was weak and can be congratulated on doing better than expected. U. A. James, with a first in the 100 and third in the 220 and B. W. Battell with a second in the 100 and first in the 220 ran the Australians close, and G. Hurdle, of Mossey, won the 440 by inches in a glorious finish. G. Stevens had the grandstand on its feet with his game running in the three miles behind Plummer of Australia. Graham must haw been the smallest competitor on the ground but ran with remarkable liveliness and determination. R. A. Moffat ran well for third in both 880 and one
This was an almost clean sweep for Otago. Miss M. Campbell, of Massey ran determinedly for us, being beaten in the 220yds. by inches and also ran third in the 100yds. Apart from this our competitors achieved no worthwhile results. There must be many good women athletes at V.U.C. hiding their lights under a
Our team sadly lacked a good coach, match practice and a settled combination. For these failings the Club Committee is directly responsible. A Root! coach is surely available and the money for her expenses could well be borne by the Exec. V.U.C. have not won a single game during the past three Tournaments, being beaten lust year by A.U.C. 11-3 O.U. 27-7 and C.U.C. 15-8 (although I am told the game against C.U.C. could have been won by better shooting Ysobel Corkill and Val. Yates played well and with Elaine Foote are to be congratulated on making the North Island team.
We thought we had a good team but won only the light-heavyweight division with Bruce Curran in the lightweight, heavy middleweight and heavyweight divisions our contestants were quickly disposed of but C. McMahon fought well against N.Z.U. Blue J. Wakefield (C.U.C.) in the featherweights and J. Hutchison. M. Mayman and H. Mosaed (Massey) all fought well without success, Jim Hutchison in particular being unfortunate to lose his tight against Caughey (A.U.C.) on a close decision. Otago with four wins, won the Shield from C.U.C. with three wins.
Victoria had a good win against Auckland on Kelburn Park largely due to the batting of Malcolm McCaw (78 and 55) and Trev. Turner (51) and the bowling of Jim Thomson. Bill Perkins and Rendle Brime. The scores were: V.U.C. 162 and 204: A.U.C. 173 and 115. Against Otago however, the batting completely collapsed for 53 and 99. Malcolm McCaw made 19 and 17 his second innings completed in 2hr. 10min., while Doug Lang batted well for 22 and Jim Thomson, after three previous blobs, made 15 in less minutes, thus earning 15 beers and three whiskies, winch I understand have yet to be delivered. Jim was also successful in taking six wickets for 50 runs in Otago's first innings of 148 and must be considered unlucky to have missed selection for the N.Z.U. team. Our congratulations to Bill Perkins, Malcolm McCaw and Doug. Lang (12th man), who made the N.Z.U. team.
Here we won the Haslam Shield by the substantial margin of 40 points with 1038 points to Otago's 998. Brian Perry, with the excellent score of 199/225. deserved his N.Z.U. Blue and also was easily top scorer by 14 points. All the rest of the team shot well, as is indicated by their score in this sport more N.Z.U. Blues could have been awarded.
The Rowing Club could not row as an eight because three members were declared not eligible. However, various odd bods were prepared to fill the gaps, although they had never rowed before. The Rowing Club would not let thorn row in a skiff for fear of damage so we had a look at the Constitution and saw that any type of eight-oared boat could be used—we promptly decided on a whaleboat! You can imagine the reception at O.U. when we explained that We had to row an eight before rowing a four and double sculls according to the Rowing Rules and proposed to row said whaleboat. The crew would have been:
Chatwin (Senior Tournament Deleg.), (stroke). Liddett (legitimate rower). Rudley (220yda. athlete). Walte (440yds. athletic). Mclean (Law Clerk). Palmer (Sprinter). Kirby (Rowing Club Captain Aldridge (Legitimate Rower) (bow). Dunedin urchin (cox).
On Thursday morning the illegitimate rowers gathered at the sheds to find a whaleboat. O.U.'s Rowing Controller had tried to get one one a ship but they were all on the rocks until high tide at 7 a.m. on the morning of the race. Anyway he told us to take the Haka Party's boat off the Harbour Board davits, about three miles away. This we did but found it was only a six-oared boat, which was hardly playing the game. So we handed the boat back to six stupetied members of the Haka Party and walked back around the waterfront. About this time our guide, philosopher and friend (Dunedin urchin) pointed out a Sea Scouts boat half-full of water but nevertheless an eight-oared boat. We were very disappointed when the legitimate rowers (by now almost dead from laughing) amended the Constitution to allow us to row a four and a double sculls without rowing an eight in the meantime I should mention that I had drawn the best boats for the sculls and the four out of the hat in the absence of our Rowing Club captain in due course the legftimate V.U.C. rowers came second in the fours and sculls, which were sterling performances and perhaps even inspired(?).
The water polo team did quite well to come third defeating Auckland 6-5 and being unlucky to be defeated by Otago 8-4. Canterbury (the winners) bent our team 10-5 in the Individual events our team did not do well and apart from Wins by Des. Dowse in the 100 and 220yds. breaststroke and 100yds. butterfly, we gained no points. The standard was high and Des is to be congratulated on breaking the 220yds. breaststroke record and gaining a N.Z.U. Blue.
V.U.C. was decidedly unlucky in tennis, winning only the combined doubles with Don Robinson and Judy O'Brien 6-3. 7-5. Alan Robinson and tarry O'Neill played brilliant tennis throughout and were first pipped in the third set 11-9 by Nicholson and Class of O.U. in the final of the men's doubles in the final of the women's singles. Judy O'Brien was narrowly defeated by Racwyn Dickson of A.U.C 7-5." 7-5 Alan Robinson was beaten by Die men's singles winner M. Ellis (of A.U.C.) 6 1, 9 7 in hi? first game, and would have won the second set 7-5 had not an incorrect call been given. Don Robinson lost a bard throe-set match in the men's singles to Nicholson of O.U. whom he beat last year, going down 6-4, 3-6. 3-6. The women's doubles combinations both lost their first games and were not up to the standard of the rest of the team. Incidentally, the Tennis Club would be well advised to commence its play-offs for the team considerably earlier than it did this year as a certain amount of unnecessary bad feeling was caused by the decisions of the Committee, in particular all Clubs should realise that challenges may be played up to the last moment before leaving tor Tournament, that challenges need not be written, that the instructions of Tournament delegates should be observed and that any person must be given the opportunity to challenge all or any of the members of a team. After all the best players should go to Tournament.
The salient facts which emerged from the various competitions were to my mind that our shooting team is strong, the tennis and cricket teams were unlucky, the boxing team, which had the strongest membership for years, came up against an unusually high standard, the Rowing Club needs more members, the basketball clubs also needs more members and, in addition, a coach, in athletics we need more field events men (who may be available next year in John Hawkes, Gwen Hyslop, Dave Leech and Guntur Elepans) in swimming the Tournament standard is very high and we've just got to have better swimmers to have any chance of winning. When all these defects have been overcome we may just head Otago off at Canterbury next year.
All in all a very good time was had by all and you should make it your ambition to represent Vic. at Tournament.
One reason for McCaw's bright batting display at Kelburn at V.U.C.'s second Innings was the inspiration given him by a very bookish young lady it is said that it may have also contributed to his downfall. That six he was trying for when caught had a value other than the extra runs that would have been added to the team's total.
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It has been suggested by the Tournament delegates that the semi-official post of delegate assistant bestowed on two fellow competitors this year should be made a 'permanent figure when tournaments are held at such cold places as Otago.