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Dissatisfaction with the constitution and workings of the Weir House Management Committee was strongly expressed by the outgoing president and endorsed by residents at the annual general meeting of the Weir House Association on March 21.
In his report to the meeting Mr. John Marchant, last year's house president said the College Council should assess the Value and effectiveness of the present methods of administration of Weir House through its standing sub-committee. Changes might be necessary if Weir was to fully serve its proper functions.
Mr. Marchant stated that he had often doubted the existence of any profound and active interest on the part of some who had "found themselves on the Management Committee."
"There is the legend that a few members of this committee have never been inside Weir House and that their are others who are not at all sure what the building looks like. Though I cannot believe this I am disturbed, for rumour is not often unrelated to fact."
The Council should be on its quard against a repetition of
A third mooting was concerned solely with the appointment of a matron. "In this matter the committee is to be commended for its care and consideration before making a decision."
Here is the text of Mr. Merchant's report concerning the Management Committee. Abridged sections are in square brackets.
The work of this committee, more perhaps than any other portion of the affairs rolating to this association, has given me the greatest cause for concern.
Quite frankly I am very unhappy about the management of Weir House by the College Council and the sub-committee which makes recommendations to it.
Any gift which is held in trust and administered by a public body should be most carefully and meticulously governed. The Council, which was responsible for the appointment of the first committee to recommend the management of Weir House, must surely have realised this: it was implicit in their action.
But no matter how experienced members of a Council may be, ten of their number—together with three ex officio members—cannot recommend with scrupulous care and thorough attention the management of Weir House in two brief meetings in any one academic year. Such was the case in
This Is not good stewardship!
The first meeting (13/5/54) considered:—
The second meeting had set down on its agenda for consideration:—
It is disturbing to consider that each of these meetings was doe to start at 7.30 p.m. to be followed at 8 p.m. by a further meeting of a Council sub-committee.
A third meeting of the Management Committee which was held during the year was concerned solely with the appointment of a matron. In this matter the committee is to be commended for its care and consideration before making a decision.
I suggest that in the future the Council should be on its guard against the repetition of
I consider that it is time that the College Council assessed the value and effectiveness of the present methods of administration of Weir House, for if it is to fully serve its proper function changes may be necessary. I firmly believe that there is that need for revision and adjustment and the foregoing comments and suggestions have been made in the knowledge that fair and just criticism is of value to anybody who endeavours to serve the best interests of the Trust which it administers and the wishes of the benefactor who created it.
The president of the Weir House Association, Mr Barry Boon, has been requested by residents of the house to ask Mr M. J. O'Brien, student representative on the College Council, to express to the Council "the dissatisfaction of the house at the organisation and selection of the Management Committee, and their policy of management."
After the outgoing president. Mr John Marchant, had presented his report to the association's annual general meeting, a motion "that the house approve the president's dissatisfaction with the Management Committee" was carried without dissent.
It was then decided that more definite action should be taken, and the resolution that the new president should communicate the feelings of residents to the College Council through the student representative was passed.
* * *
The Management Committee has no executive powers, and meets only when called upon to do so by the College Council, said the Registrar of VUC, Mr L. O. Desborough, when approached by "Salient."
The committee can only make recommendations to the Council. There is no point in their meeting unless policy is referred to them by the Council, he added.
Criticism of the management committee has bees considered to be the traditional and regular practice of the residents of Weir House and their association's committee. It is, however, a mere coincidence that I should be taking part in that ceremonial custom.
My thesis throughout the annual report (and especially in the section on the management committee) is that every person who accepts public office and responsibility must discharge his duty with care, attention and hard work.
The College Council recognised its responsibility in the administration of Weir House by appointing a sub-committee to recommend its management. During the Academic year of
If shortage of time prevents the members of the Council and its subcommittee from devoting more time to Weir, inter alia then those who are at fault should not continue to sit on either body.
It is time that the Council assessed the value and effectiveness of the present methods of administration, for if Weir in to fully serve its proper function changes may be necessary. I firmly believe that there is that need for revision and adjustment and the comments and suggestions which appear in the Association's Annual Report have been made in the knowledge that fair and just criticism is of value to any body which endeavours to serve the best interests of the Trust which it administers and the wishes of the benefactor who created it.
N.B.—Perhaps the continued criticism by the residents has not been properly diagnosed as a symptom of genuine concern but lightly passed over as a mere observance of an ancient custom.
These are the men who constitute the Weir House Management Committee, which makes recommendations to the VUC College Council on matters concerning the house:—
"For many reasons," writes Mr. Marchant in his report to the Weir House Association lest month, "I often doubt the existence of any profound and active interest (on the port of some) who hove found themselves on the Management Committee."
"There is the legend," ho continues, "that a few of the members of this committee have never been inside Weir House and that there are others who are not at all sure what the building looks like. Though I cannot believe this, I am disturbed, because rumour is not often unrelated to fact".
The Chairman of Council, Mr. T. D. M. Stout, a member of Council since
The story is told of a certain gentleman (a member of College Council) who attended the Weir Dinner lost year without the basic courtesy of replying to his invitation. Ho arrived unheralded and unsung. Another guest had to bo asked to step down from the official table in order to make room for him. This is doubtless an isolated case, but it indicates that not all members of the committee are fulfilling their obligations to the residents of Weir.
Last academic year a total of three meetings of the committee were held—the third to discuss solely the appointment of a matron. The total time involved in the other meetings was two hours and fifty minutes. Is then the administration of Weir so smooth-running, are the finances of Weir so perfect, are the residents so happy, that all the time the committee can afford to give them is less than three hours per academic year?
This idiotic policy must stop. Either reconstitute Weir Committee or, better, ensure that the committee has sufficient time to deal with the matters which it should consider. Those Council members who draw up the agendas for the meetings should in future ensure that sufficient time is allocated to this matter. The remedy lies in the hands of Council. We await their reply.
The Evangelical Union entertained staff members and students at a welcome dinner to freshers on March 21 In the Little Theatre. Host and hostess were Mr. and Mrs. E. K, Braybrooke.
To those acquainted with the cooking facilities in the Little Theatre (there are none) the revolutionary aspect of these proceedings will be plain. The food was cooked in the Cafeteria and a marathon lift, human chain style, was organised by EU members to ensure that the food arrived in its proper state. It did.
The guest speaker was Mr. Lums-den recently arrived from Australia to take charge of evangelical work in New Zealand.
With particular reference to N.Z. students Mr. Lumsden debunked the fallacy that every novel step taken in adult life, without regard for Christian standards, necessarily leads to a widening or deepening of experience.
On the contrary, it might wither the capacity for Joy altogether and blunt the individual physically and mentally. He stressed the urgency of this problem for those who had not yet faced it and said that the light and power to solve it were to be found in Jesus Christ himself.
As all well-informed people know, the Socialist Club is the meet important club at VUC—not because of its size, but because of its aims. It tries to give people an interest in international and domestic affairs, and to arouse political consciousness. Lunch-hour meetings are held to discuss student affairs in relation to the greater problems of the world. Aula's concerns are our concerns. It is in the students' interest to know what is happening.
We may become involved in a war at any time and we should know why we are at war. A lot of people in the last world war and in minor wars since then have thought that they knew what they were fighting for: but how many were mistaken. It is not simply a case of one side being right and the other aide wrong (except in the case of the "Dominion" and the "People's Voice").
Of course it is easier to do and believe everything we are told, than it is to try and find out for ourselves. Does it require a war or a depression to make people ask what is wrong? The answer lies in questioning the reasons given. The Soc. Club is not here to give answers but to raise questions.
The trouble is that no-one is interested in either questions or answers, and this apparent indifference to the political problems of our day can only contribute to
For sheer entertainment value this is one of the best things that the Players have done. Roger MacDougall's comedy, which has scored a considerable hit in the West End production, abounds with delightful characters, ingenious situation and sparkling epigram. There is a youthfulness of outlook in this play that makes it an ideal choice for a company possessing a comparable verve and vitality. This is not a great play—the element of farce becomes too dominant for good comedy at times, but in the content and the style there is a very marked resemblance to G.B.S. and Oscar Wilde, to whom the playwright is being increasingly compared.
As far as criticism of the production is concerned the best I can do is to suggest that you see it for yourself. I found nearly all the principals excellent. "Roy Patrick once again demonstrated his genius for completely identifying himself with the part he is playing," and as John Hampden, the militant Pacifist who obsessed with the desire to reform the world yet lacks the necessary human qualities to make a success of his family life, he creates another memorable role. Gay Dean, as the wife who revolts from the boorishness of her' husband. Helen Stirling as her Mother-in-law and Bernard Shine playing Andrew Dee-son, the likeable but business-like Scots newspaper reporter, were the most impressive of the other adult leads.
Geoffry Wren, as the tremendously likeable, scruffy Sixth Form Idealist, gave one of the roost heart-warming performances I have seen on the stage, while Lyn Brooke-White, a Wellington schoolboy, the youngest member of the Players, acted his part with the assurance of a veteran. Only Mr. Britton Chadwlck who was asked by his role to make the somewhat awkward transformation from a pedagogical Headmaster to an enlightened advocate of Inspired educational methods and seemed more concerned with displaying his admittedly beautiful voice, at times failed to convince.
The main set is an extremely tasteful modern interior, and is well up to the high standard that we have come to expect from the Player's brilliant young designer. Raymond Boyce. It has a solidity and beauty far removed from the poster paint and cardboard affairs that we usually are given in plays with an equivalent setting. All in all a worthy opening to a season in which we are going to be given Edith Campion playing the title role in Shaw's "St. Joan." probably the most exciting venture in the history of the N.Z. stage.
From the Chemistry Department, Cupid, away: will not the flashing points of thine arrows tarnish with H2S?
• • •
Victoria College was not established (1) to add lustre to the name of the Chairman of the College Council (2) For the convenience of the caretaker.
• • •
Patience is a virtue; everything comes to him who waits, except the waiter. (To be invoked when thinking of the Building).
• • •
At a recent meeting of the executive, the secretary moved that VUC support the remit for freshers being eligible for Caster Tournaments. The resolution was carries, with Mr. B. V. Galvin dissenting, and the matter will go before the NZUSA annual council meeting at Auckland during Easter.
• • •
Stage I English had a class test the other day, in which a definition of venial was required. One answer received was "causing harm, l.e., venial disease."
• • •
Miss Marie Dronke and Mr. David Mummery, both members of the law faculty, have been appointed a subcommittee by the executive to investigate the situation existing in this college of unfair discrimination against women. They will report back to the executive before the annual general meeting of the As-sociation in June.
• • •
John McLean, member of the Men's Committee of the Executive, and well-known footballer, left on the "Rangitoto" for England a few days ago. John is working his way over as a "slushy".
Messrs. J. C. Williamson Ltd. have pencilled in the dates 7th-12th May for Extravaganza at the Opera House. The dates 14th-2lst May suggested as alternatives, were not available. This means that the Extravaganza first night will be the night after Capping Ball, and that a dress rehearsal will be held on the Saturday morning, after Capping Ball.
• • •
Unfortunately Garth Young (last year's successful musical director) was unable to take on the job again this year (matrimony intervened), but Peter Crowe and Barry Miles will doubtless capably fill his place. Front of house, last year's House Manager, Cliff Terry is in command with an able assistant in Sales Manager Nick Turner.
• • •
The following appointments have been made to Extravaganza staff.
• • •
Mr Peter Dronke. MA., at present temporary lecturer in the English department, has been accepted for admission to Magdalen College. Oxford. He intends to leave New Zealand about June-July of this year. As well as lecturing in the English department, he is also taking lectures in Honours Philosophs.
• • •
Rosa O'Rourke shifted into a new flat last week. When asked about the possibilities of a house warming party, he said "Yes, but wait until we've got some beds In the place."
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The engagement was announced recently of Miss Audrey Cook, BSc sometime secretary of NZUSA
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Paul Oestreicher, prominent ex-OU type, announces that there is a possibility that he may attend the University of Bonn for two years, studying the application of theology to political science, He is hoping to obtain a scholarship to help finance the project.
Mr. Sefton Delmer, a much troubled man, probably knows as much as anyone about the superficial aspects of International affairs, but if he has any knowledge of subterranean politices he takes food care to keep it to himself. Thus he expressed naive surprise when Japan's Prime Minister told him that, if returned to power at the recent elections, one of his first actions would be to recognise the Government of Communist China and establish official relations with it.
The innocent Mr. Delmer likened this to the dropping on him of a minor atom-bomb. Why? Does he realty suppose that that attitudes of the American people towards Communism is also the attitude of Wall Street? If so, he is a very credulous gentleman. The fact is that the International lending houses of New York seized the first opportunity after V-J Day to finance the reconstruction of Japan's industry, and so here is a direct interest in restoring Japan's spheres of economic influence.
When president Eisenhower proclaimed that the American interest in Indo-China was to secure markets for Japanese goods, he gave the whole game away. Because of the prevailing climate of opinion In the United States, at the present time, no American Government would dare openly urge Japanese trade with Red China, but there is no reason why the Japanese Government should not do so on Washington's behalf. Such tactics are very old. There is already a substantial Sino-Japanse trade, which Wall Street undoubtedly wishes to see increased at Britain's expense. Nor can it be supposed that Wall Street is solely concerned with Japanese exports. If it was the progenitor and protector of the Bolshevist Revolution, might not it now possess some sort of secret agreement with Mao's China?
There are some interesting clauses in the agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the Soviet Union for setting up a modern integrated iron and steel plant. This will have an initial capacity of one million ingots to be rolled into about 750.000 tons of rolled products. The plant will be designed with a view to eventual expansion to the capacity of one million tons of rolled products.
One such clause Is that the plant and equipment to be supplied from USSR are to be paid for in twelve Instalments, the rate of interest on the amount outstanding each year being calculated at 2½ per cent. Payments will be made in Indian rupees to be paid into a special account opened for this purpose In the Reserve Bank of India. Amounts thus credited to this account may be utilised for the purchase of goods in India and are to be fully convertible into pounds sterling.
Thus, presumably, it will be possible for the Soviet Union to import from Great Britain goods now forbidden for strategic reasons, simply by making use of the India backdoor.
Interesting, too, is the clause which provides for training of a sufficient number of Indian technicians both in India and the USSR so that Indian personnel may man the plant to the maximum "extent possible from the beginning."
Steel production will not be the only, or even the chief, lesson that the Indian technicians are taught. Although there is electoral shadow-fighting between the Indian Congress Party and the Indian Communist Party, no body can be in doubt as to which of the two is performing major services for the Soviet Union. Mr. Nehru's so-called "neutralism" is perhaps a far bigger menace to the West at the present time than would be an avowedly Communist Government in New Delhi.
The article by "Polemic" demanded that you delete the words" "an organ of student opinion" from "Salient's" front page. For that reason,' if for no other your action will meet with student approval.
For surely no student of VUC is capable of the "impertuable drivelling idiocy" that manifested itself in "Opinions Politic." Polemic's opening sentence provides an apt and accurate description of the entire article—"a pitiable effort!"
By arriving at novel conclusions, by being unconventional, is not, Polemic should heed, to be superior, is not to be clever. He castigates Eden, criticises opponents of the South African Government's apart-held policy, and condemns Communist aggression.
The diatribe on the Prime Ministers' Conference manifests the nineteenth century opinions of an ex-trente reactionary. He infers that we should have refused to compromise in Persia, without realising that Britain had but two alternatives either re-enter Persia as a subordinate partner, or lose all Interest in British interests in that country. The position was somewhat analagous in Egypt. Polemic must put himself to sleep by reading Kipling's verse and singing "Britannia Rules the Waves." One wonder if he was awake when he wrote the article.
His indictment of Eden was wholly unwarranted. Polemic would do well to study Eden's life instead of merely learning how to spell his name. Few politicians have shown his consistency or character; his career has been the very antithesis of the "yesman Polemic describes. From his resignation as Foreign Secretary in Chamberlain's Government to his sharply conflicting attitude to the Americans over Formosa. Even the BBC is accused of "ballyhoo and fan worship." Is Polemic's critical faculty so intellectually bankrupt that the BBC's objective treatment of world news is beyond his comprehension? Then the fatuous charge that every conference at which Eden is present is a "positive menace to world peace." No mention is made of Geneva!
The zenith of Polemic's perverted outlook is reached when he terms the forced evacuation of Sophiatown as a "triumphant progress." Apparently he has yet to observe the policy of racialism upon which the South African Government is based. He deduces its outward "benevolence"; he Ignores its philosophy and its aims.
Let us hope that we will not have to suffer in the future the opinions of a person whose opposition to Communism and dislike of Eden have become so uncontrollable as to degenerate into irrationality. "Salient" is a university newspaper. It is the Editor's duty to ensure it is one in fact, as well as in name. To allow a contributor to unleash an unfounded personal attack behind a nom-de-plume is not only deplorable but is cause for us to ponder whether the Editor has been guilty of a breach of trust.
[The front page this year shows that "Salient" is a newspaper, not an "organ of student opinion"; we must assume that the students are in
The point that "Salient" is a university newspaper we doubt; judging by the interest taken in it and the use made of it. It is not the Editor's task to "ensure that It is one in fact"; that responsibility rests upon the readers and contributors. When the Editor beats his head against a brick wall in a futile attempt to gain some tangible expression of student opinion, he is willing—indeed has to—accept whatever opinions offer. A breach of trust. Sir? To allow an opinion to be presented does not constitute a breach of trust. Polemic's reply follows.
The articles headed "Opinions Politic" are merely "opinion," and their whole object is to arouse interest—even heated criticism—among students on matters which should command their earnest attention. That object has, it appears, been achieved—at least in part.
(Our edition—
The latest move of the N.Z. Government, is quixotic to Hay the least, that is the decision to send N.Z. troops to bolster the failing bastions of European Imperialism in Malaya. The United Kingdom must realise that the days of their Colonial exploitation in S.E, Asia are irrevocably over.
They may be able to hold on for a few years in Malaya but in the interim they are further antagonising the people of Malaya and the whole of Asia at a time when the goodwill of the Asian world is of the utmost importance to the preservation of world peace. However they appear to be unwilling to relinquish the last vestiges of their Imperial pride in the face of the mammoth forces of emergent Asian Nationalism. The public reason given for their tenacity is that they are stopping the spread of the dread bogy Communism. Personally, I consider that the people of Malaya have every justification for turning Communist in an even more virulent form than they are at present.
Whatever the revolt it has evolved from discontent within; from a country that has had its natural economy ruined by a century of British Colonial Mercantilism which has ruined the native Industries in the interests of Industrial Britain, which has imported innumerable other Asiatics to work in the mines and industries, and so Malaya was meta morphosed from a happy self-sufficient country, to an over-populated country dependent for its economy on the fluctuating world markets in such cash, export products as rubber and tin.
Malaya has a chance of joining an economic union of other South East Asian States in which she will exchange industrial products for food from the rice bowls of Indo-China etc. If Britain withdraws soon before she does any more damage it will need a strong government to restore the ravaged economy of the country, and Judging by the work in East Europe a totalitarian gov ernment would appear to be eminently suitable for the task.
The Western world must realise that their best defence against the emergent tide of Asian Rationalism which they label Communism is not to engage in hopeless resistance but to encourage it. In the hope that strong government may be able to set up an economy which will solve that agricultural overpopulation problem by setting up Industries: before the Asians realise they are so over-crowded, and take over the empty spaces of Australia and New Zealand.
If it is useless for England to try and hold Malaya, then there is even leas reason for New Zealand to assist her. We are more vitally concerned in Asian politics. Nothing annoys the Asian Nationalities more than the Western World trying to fight their battles in Asia; we can at the most expect an attitude of neutrality in South East Asia in the event of world conflict, but the presence of New Zealanders fighting in Malays can only have the effect of antagonising Asians towards New Zealand. When will Western politicians realise that Asians are naturally enough jealous of their new found national-ism and will not tolerate Interference from outside countries? Has the New Zealand Government been duped into sending troops into Malaya with the thought that they are preventing the spread of Asiatic Communist dominance to New Zealand? I have endeavoured to point out that I consider that they are doing the opposite.
They are bringing to the Asiatics notice that we consider they are a menace; it is tantamount to declaring war on the whole of South East Asia. Every normal South East Asian has been fed since birth on a hatred of European Imperialism, be it English. Dutch or French, and there can be no sense in assisting England to fight a loosing battle, while antag onising South East Asia.
England is merely attempting to get New Zealand and Australia to shoulder some of the cost of her own futile retention of Malaya. She was little assistance to us in our defence in the last war, and would be even less in the event of another. So why help In an unworthy cause? There has been too much Idle talk in New Zealand since
To all who have been selected to represent Victoria at Auckland this Easter, I wish good fortune. We look to you to emulate the fine performance of our team at last Winter Tournament when Victoria headed the other five colleges by a convincing 20-point margin.
For many of you, attending your first University Tournament, this Easter will prove a new experience. You will have the opportunity of meeting and competing against students from all other colleges.
You will no doubt form lasting friendships with many of the people you meet, particularly in connection with your own sport. Take advantage of the entertainments provided by the host college; there will be dances, a scenic tour, the fabulous Drinking Horn, and of course, Tournament Ball, which is the social highlight of the whole show.
To those old campaigners who will be looking forward to renewing acquaintances with former rivals, I offer only one word of advice. Remember you are the backbone of your respective teams, and make sure you give your younger team-mates the lead they expect.
Many of you will be billeted by obliging folk without whose interest no tournament could be staged. Be considerate towards them so that the pleasure of your visit will be mutual.
I know you will give of your best in the sports arena and no one can do more than that. May the keynote of your Auckland visit be one of happiness and good fellowship.
Finally, I would like to thank Miss Pamela Beck sincerely for her help and the work she has done as Junior Delegate.
The team appears to be a well-balanced one except that we have been unable to find a flyweight. The members are all fairly fit, and with Herb Robinson looking after them again their chances are very good.
At least three weights should be won, and with a little luck VUC should once again take the boxing shield.
The following team has been tentatively selected to represent VUC:—
Doug Law; runner-up in flyweight to NZU Blue Jim Winchester at Christchurch last year.Tony Mos Aed (Massey); present titleholdcr, should win again.Marshall Maher; a newcomer to Varsity boxing, has fought in amateur bouts in Levin and in a good prospect.Sam Saili; also a newcomer to Varsity boxing; is fast and hard-hitting and should perform very creditably.B. Tate (Massey) and Rua Bris-Towe (VUC). Bristowe is very fit and strong and should be hard to beat.Wilson Whinneray (Massey): A heavy puncher who could well win his weight.
This year's eight, although containing much new blood, promises to improve on past years' performances. Last year's VUC Blues, Graham Thompson and club captain Dick Kirby will be a strengthening factor with their considerable experience, the latter as stroke. Thompson, a former Canterbury rower, will be at bow.
Last year's all-novice four are in the eight, with Des Slow (7). Mike Winter (5), Noel Tichbon (4) and Paul Canham (3). With Perry Preston-Thomas (6), these four were in the Wellington Club's maiden eight which has had considerable success throughout the country this season. Steve Wilson, relief stroke, rounds out the team which should make its presence felt at Auckland.
Dixon Reiliey (stroke). Graham Alecock (3). Stan Robinson (2) and Ray Palmer (bow) make up the four, which is a largely novice combination.
Ian Longstaff provides the club with the proficient cox which has been lacking so long, and under his direction crew members are gaining noticeable confidence.
This year's team should do well both on and off the field. Most of the players have represented VUC before, and some have played cricket. Here they are:—
Jim Thompson: A left-hand slow spin (?) bowler of infinite subtlety and guile, widely recognised as the bowler most batsmen would like to face; also a forcing right-hand batsman regarded as the batsman most bowlers would like to bowl against. A former Plunket Shield player, scored 400 runs and captured 34 astonished batsmen in senior cricket this season. Noted cabaret performer and talented musician.
Barry Kerr: A forcing but who did well in Tournament last year, but has devoted much time this season to encouraging flagging bowlers. Has looked like being in form for some time without producing results.
Dick Barry: A promising left-hand opening bat who has represented Wanganul in Hawke Cup cricket, top-scorer against Otago last year. Labours under the impression he can bowl—regrettably not shared by others in the team.
Lou Cornish: Sound opening bat who scored over 300 runs in senior cricket this season. Topped bowling averages by burgling four wickets at nominal cost. Butter-fingered slip fieldsman who accepted an estimated one chance in eight but who retained position in slips owing to sparkling repartee.
Mo McEwan: Slow medium bowler, captured only ten wickets in senior cricket this season, but suffered from lack of opportunity a great deal. Perpetrated enormous hoax by posing as number six batsman in the senior XI all season. Has some very fine shots, but prefers to keep them for opposing bowlers at Eastet—we hope. Easy to entertain.
John Martin: Promising slow spin bowler, whose career, like Traeman's was interrupted this season by military training. Unlike Trueman will be asked to tour again in spite of past record.
Ken Phillips: Ageing, balding, slowing up. Ensnared 32 senior batsmen this season with the same old assortment of long hops. Like Wilfred Rhodes, wishes to forsake bowling and fight his way up the batting list from number eleven, but cannot gain sympathetic hearing from numbers one to ten. Is frequently libelled about his fielding.
Doug. Lang (Massey): Tall, handsome and red-haired; in the team for solid batting, good looks and erstwhile wicket-keeping.
Bob Harrison: Not in the team for his looks or his batting, so the only reason must be his wicket-keeping which is a dubious one at that. Senior keeper and the fifth worst batsman in senior cricket, the other four all having got a "pair" in their only two innings.
Gerald Blathwayt: All-rounder in senior XI and a good footballer. A noted wit.
Peter Carver: Gained more units than runs this season. Claims to be a golfer, and therefore cannot resist low scores. Does best in social games.
B. Cashmore (Massey): An unknown quantity, noted for his agricultural shots.
There is a distressing lack of synchronisation between the College clock and G.M.T. Surely this is carrying our urge for autonomy and Independence a little too far. I am certain that Victoria College would not lose face if the clock just inside our main doorway showed the correct time. In view of possible power cuts, one hesitates to advocate an electric clock but there are obtainable reliable mechanically powered clocks. To defray costs, the present timepiece could be sold to the Dominion museum as a valuable example of ante-delu-vian craftsmanship.
In
The Athletics team for tournament is as follows:—
Men:
Women:
A Ged 21, Barry Boon, who received his earlier scholastic training at New Plymouth Boys' High School, came to Victoria in
From the first Barry has shown intense interest in the activities of the tennis and golf clubs. He first represented VUC as a member of the Winter Tournament golf team in
In the field of tennis Barry has had even greater success. He entered the VUC tennis team for Easter
However, Barry's University interests have not stopped at sport. A Weir Houseman for the last four years he was elected to the committee of the Weir House Association in
A Junior Tournament Delegate last Easter Barry has now been selected Senior Delegate. He has worked hard over the last few weeks straightening out all these problems which naturally arise out of a Tournament such as this and for this work deserves the thanks of all members of the Victoria team.
Five members of the team played in Tournament last year, and one represented Wellington in the Senior B team. The standard of the team has not changed since last year, but a permanent coach is a great asset. The team is:—
A. Smith, V. Fraser, A. Wesney, V. Bilham. D. Devereux (capt.), E. Titterington (vice-capt.), K. Sparks, F. O'Shea, P. Timmls, S. Abercrom-ble, D. Grover, P. Barraclough.
We have a strong team this year and are confident that our representatives will acquit themselves well. The men's team will probably comprise last year's, and Betty Nelson will be a great strengthening influence in the women's team.
Barry Boon, last year's runner-up and an NZU Blue, has this season won the men's singles and doubles titles in the Wellington championships, the Taranaki singles and doubles and the Wanganui singles, and must be given a great chance of winning. Larry O'Neill will be a strong second string in the singles, where his big service will be a dominating factor.
Tom Eichelbaum is at the top of his form after several tournament successes over Christmas; he has partnered Boon for several seasons, and these two should win the doubles. The fourth man, Alan Robinson, is an experienced player, completing a well-balanced team.
Betty Nelson is a Nunnelly Casket representative, and has defeated N.Z. representative Pat Nettleton. Val Henderson, June Lee and Barbara Little are all good enough to cause an upset.
We have the talent to go a long way in this tournament, and with a little luck there Is no reason why we should not win.
It would be useless to pretend that the
We have one or two brilliant individual swimmers: Jackie Twigg, who won two titles for AUC last year; John Hamilton, who needs no introduction: Roger Gibbs, of Mas-sey, who is showing some of the form wo saw at the British Empire Games in
With the old stalwarts Speight, Fraser and McCann once again taking the water we should have a fairly strong water polo team, greatly strengthened by the presence of Verhoeven, the Wellington representative goalkeeper, in the rear.
Professor Boyd-Wilson sired by a stationmaster, spent his early childhood travelling from one one-horse town to the other. His first voyage of academic interest was to Nelson College, whence he gained a Junior University Scholarship to take him to CUC. Here the activities which seemed to him of most nostalgic interest, were becoming the secretary of the Rugby Football Club and distinguishing himself as a hooker in the first representative team to play the Australian Universities, in
Off on his travels again, he taught for a year at King's College, Auckland, and thence proceeded to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Here he sold oranges and matches, instructed the sons of nobility in rudimentary French and did the recently-instituted Modern Languages Tripos.
After obtaining a first-class pass here, he crossed the Channel to teach English in a German Government school in Antwerp. This brings us up to
During the thirty-live years he spent here, he found time for all kinds of extra-curricular activities. He was the prime mover in founding the Tramping Club, Football Club, and the French Club. Gardening, Rugby, deerstalking, fishing, winemaking, tramping, and carpentry, interior decorating and scenery-shifting for the French Club have all occupied him and even found their way into lectures as far apart as French Prose Composition and Aucassin and Nicolette.
His most significant sporting interest as far as promoting better relations between the City of Wellington and the University, goes, was his membership for nineteen years of the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Football Union.
His most famous pupil is Professor Fraser MacKenzie (Birmingham) who occupies the chair of Modern Languages at VUC this year. Professor dedicated his this is to his former teacher, and says that it is to Professor Boyd-Wilson that he owes his initial love of France.
By all his old students he will be remembered most as an advocate of the "play-way" of learning French —it was one of his firmest principles that students have to be entertained to be taught.
It is an elementary British principle that not only should Justice be done, it should also be seen to be done, but this is not a principle which one would expect to have any appeal to Communists. Justice has certainly not been seen to be done by the Communist-dominated Electrical Trade Union (England) whose leaders have imposed lines on men who led a return to work without permission during a strike of employees of J. Lyons and Co., last year. Three of the men have been fined £20, £15 and £5, and, in addition, have been suspended from eligibility for cash benefits and deprived of the right to stand for union office for five years.
Letters sent to other men telling them disciplinary action against them is pending are reported to have pointed out that, if they sign the enclosed "confessions" of their guilt, they need not appear before the executive council. One of the men on whom a fine has already been Imposed has said that, when he appeared before the executive council, he was not allowed to call his own witnesses or to question those said to have made statements against him, at least one of whom had denied making such a statement. During his "trial," he said, a concealed microphone relayed his remarks to a tape recorder. When he complained of this, the president of the Union, Mr. F. Fowlkes, replied that it was merely normal procedure. The known methods of Communism do not make this seem mildly improbable.
This type of secret "trial" is abhorrent to British opinion, but unfortunately, many workers have been so misled by years of class-war propaganda that they can be persuaded to accept almost any abomination in the name of solidarity.
Write for "Cappicade". This year's issue, scheduled to roll off the presses on May 5, is edited by Trev. Hill, B.A., and will be based on the core and specialist military training which all eligible males over the appointed ages are required to undergo. Apart from stories, jokes, anecdotes, verbal pictures of camp life and KP's, the editorial staff require cartoonists, and technical people. Anything received will be printed, unless its twice as low as usual, and all magnum opus and MSS should be typed on One side of the paper only, double-spaced. Contributions should be placed in the Men's common room (that disgusting den of death and decay) or in the Executive room letter rack, addressed simply, concisely and unambiguously to "The Editor, Cappicade'". Entries close on April 11, or thereabouts.
All the hard work, frustration and enjoyment involved in staging Eitrav. 55 in the Opera House in May, started last week when the casting meeting was held, musical directors appointed and script chosen by the selection committee.
This meeting was well attended.—about 100 came along—but not as well as last year. Many more are needed in all sections of the show. The meeting lacked a little purpose (there was no script), but Bill Sheat (producer) explained what everything was about. "If your mother won't let you do it for Heaven's sake tell us," he pleaded (referring to those dancing in the girl's chorus).
Those who had been in last year's production occupied themselves with fond reminiscences and fervent avowals that nothing could be as good as last year's show.
Two scripts were submitted this year, one by David Vere-Jons. Tony Ferrers, Derek Homewood et al.; the other by Jim Hutchison (gentleman, patron of the arts) and Gavin Loe. Verr-Jones et al deal with problems of social credit, juvenile delinquency and Mazengarb; Hutchison et al deal with an attempt to sell N.Z's oil rights to a Greek millionaire. Jim and Gavin participated in the writing of last year's extrav. and theirs is the one chosen this year.
Presumably in the fashion of all extrav writers of recent vintage, they now have to write the rest of it.
On latest information it seems as if we will be able to get into the Opera Mouse at approximately the time desired (see "Caf Chaff"
The show will start the Saturday night after Capping Ball on the Friday and will finish on the following Thursday. This Is a lot better than It could be, (It Is difficult to see how.
Concerning the all-important matter of appointments: Bill Sheat last year producer of the successful "The Pirates of Finance." is again in command, and is looking forward to repeating the success. He will be assisted by Ian Rich (rehearsals manager)—the most notable drunk ever to grace the floor of the Opera House (Sir Carol Reed said "truly astounding"). Stage manager is again Huddy Williamson who will be assisted by Laurie Crighton and Bryce Evans. Wardrobe mistress is Elizabeth Parr (ex-OU) and ballet mistress has yet to be appointed as we go to press.
Everyone, concerned Is confident that a great show will be turned on in the Extrav. tradition. If you want to be in, hurry along.
Sherlock Holmes is at Victoria on the trail of a dangerous state enemy. The Students' Associaton attempted to convince him that there are other likely criminal retreats in New Zealand, but he persisted; and I have had to show him round the College. Watson used to marvel at his comments; so do I (though he is occasionally mistaken—due to the unfamiliar surroundings) and I decided to ask his advice on a certain problem which baffles all students, especially freshers.
"Sir, how do you know the difference between first year students and the college methusalahs? and between faculties?" "Elementary, my dear fellow!" We took our stand in the main vestibule, Holmes putting at his pipe (I haven't liked to point out that smoking inside is forbidden) and he explained.
The following is a summary of his instructions:
"And Arts?" I asked.
"A mixture." he replied. "All the vices, none of the virtues except—"
At this moment (it was 4.55) the clock struck and an explosion of students towards the Caf broke his sentence.
And so we may never know what virtues he did find in Arts students. . . .
All Students Invited
Some of the activities conducted by the Physical Education Department of the College are intended primarily as a preparation or training for particular sports. There are many groups however that form to participate in activities for their recreational value alone. In the easy informal atmosphere of the Dance Classes, there is opportunity for the sharing of pleasures and the widening of one's circle of friends. Added to this is the enjoyment of self-expression to be found in translating music into rhythmical movement.
There are many people within the college who wish to dance but lack the confidence necessary to do so on the several social occasions when the opportunity has been present. Last year it was possible to arrange tuition for approximately twenty-five students. This year one hundred and fifty students have expressed a desire to attend ballroom dancing classes, but very few have done anything towards the establishment of a group in which their wishes can be met.
Unless students who, are anxious to learn attend at the gymnasium on Tuesdays at noon, or alternatively notify me of other times more convenient. I can do little to satisfy the obvious need for instruction.
Some students prefer the programme of the country dance group to that of ballroom dancing, and it was encouraging this year to receive fifty names of people who wish to attend this class. I have decided to place emphasis on Scottish country dances as these proved to be the most popular with former groups. These lunch-hour classes are lively and exhilarating, and for those who measure value in terms of muscular development or physical fitness they should have an added attraction. Again I appeal to those students who wish, to attend these classes to inform me if the times chosen are not convenient.
From this column I have been able to tell you of the provisions made for your recreation. There is more to follow. But before too many weeks have passed, read the notice-boards and establish for yourself a place in the life of the college. There are many clubs and societies; in some of them you should be able to contribute much that is worth-while.
What you receive in return depends on what you are able and prepared to give.
The International Club AGM was held on Monday, March 28 when the new committee was elected. President Mike Edwards summarised last year's activities and made suggestions for future activities—more lectures on international affairs and overseas countries, discussion groups, social evenings, and an international dinner or picnic.
Members suggested an international song and dance evening, a barbecue, and if possible, lectures by Sir Carl Berendsen, and representatives from the legations for India, Pakistan and USSR. The committee will be handling the "hospitality scheme" for helping travelling students both here and abroad.
Meetings will be well advertised and everyone is welcome, especially new members from overseas, as one of the club's main purposes is to give them an opportunity to make friends here. Last year there were over 20 nations represented, we hope this year there will be more.
Officers elected for the coming year are:—
During the course of the annual report delivered to the Philosophical Society on Wednesday. March 23, the Secretary Mr. H. Roberts drew the Society's attention to "the disproportionate financial grants given to sporting and non-sporting affiliated clubs and societies." It was pointed out that in the year ending
"It isn't that we want the money Just because we sec that others have more than us", emphasised Mr. P. Hutchings, "but it is a fact that we could put to good use any money that we can set, by bringing more visit ing speakers to the College or to the Society, and by buying useful periodicals of a philosophical nature: activities at present largely denied us owing to the insufficiency of our funds."
The officers of the society elected for the year
After the formal business, a talk on "Faith and Reason" was given by Mr. E. P, M. Dronkc, and an animated discussion followed often the religious pedigrees of the lecturers of the philosophy department.
(Other matters discussed at the Philosophy Society's meeting will be covered in our next issue.
The Rev. P. Sutton, in his address to members of the VUC Student Christian Movement at their opening
An example of sports reporting—
Owing to circumstances that were perhaps—to be truthful—well within my control I have been unable to see a film for review this week. There is, however, a letter appearing in this issue that directs its remarks against Salient's film critic. I will not defend myself, but I hope that the following "article" (rather more a loose collection of thoughts) will in a round about way give something of my side of the case. In the meantime thanks to the correspondent for acting as a stimulus.
The cinema in the last 18 months has seen many changes—Cinema Scope, VistaVision, the downfall of 3-D, the decision of Marilyn Munroe to become a director. The film frame is no longer of a standard size; and, what is more, makers of films (the directors) have had to make the decision as to whether they will stick to the orthodox film size or work in that vastly different medium—CinemaScope. However, that is their business. All I am concerned about is the progress of the directors wo have grown to admire—men such as Elia Kazan, Sir Carol Reed, John Huston, David Lean.
We have recently seen pictures that are, in their ways, disturbing and reassuring. "On The Waterfront," "Hobson's Choice," "Beat The Devil." "The Man Between" and The Wages of Fear." They were disturbing if they posed serious questions as to the artistic and creative, progress of the directors; they were reassuring if they showed evidence that the directors are not becoming stale or artistically and creatively cheek-mated. Let us consider these films separately.
Ella Kazan's "On The Waterfront" (disturbing). In this film Kazan shows that he is supreme as a technician. It is his most showy and cleverest film to date and a different film from his first big success, "Panic in the Streets." A recruit from the theatre, Kazan in "Panic in the Streets," showed that he had mastered cinematic technique—but in a quiet, unobtrusive way so that the theme and plot of the story' were able to come through in their own right.
But then with "Viva Zapata" "Streetcar Named Desire" and "Man on a Tight-rope" the ostentatious displays of cleverness began to creep in, until the saturation point was almost reached in "On The Waterfront." If Kazan keeps this up, he has only to have one weak script and his work will be labelled clever and' brilliant, but empty and shallow. At present he is making John Steinbeck's "East of Eden." Is he going to restrain himself or is he going to weaken Steinbeck's story by giving us too much startling technique?
David Lean's "Hobson's Choice." (reassuring): After "Great Expectations" and "Oliver Twist"—very good adaptions of Dickens in mood and character—Lean suffered a relapse with "The Passionate Friends" (a total misfire) and "The Sound Barrier" (script trouble). He seemed to have difficulty In finding suitable subjects. The trouble was that he had nothing significant to say; he was more a story-teller than a creative artist. We accepted that; but was he afraid to enlarge his range of stories, was he too willing to stick to moods that he had created successfully in the past? This question was answered firmly in the negative by his comedy "Hobson's Choice". Not a brilliant film, full of small mistakes and marred by a serious one. But it is a film that showed that Lean is prepared to show versatility in observations of life. With an increasing range, David Lean is sure to produce films of greater significance in the future. And it is indeed fortunate that his wife. Ann Todd, has shown her true talent in a recent stage production of "MacBeth."
Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear": (disturbing): is a film of the type that is dangerous. In many ways a brilliant film, and probably the most gripping I have seen. It Is nevertheless deceiving. We have a picture of human nature carefully prepared by the director in the early sequences—filthy dogs making false love in the drink-sodden and smoky atmosphere of a dirty and depressing town. But later during the truck ride the climaxes which should have added significance to the early sequences are thwarted by the directors desire to get the most suspense possible out of the moments. All the director has done is to present an unpleasant view of human life by piling squalid detail upon squalid detail. Brilliant technique may deceive some, but the few fatal lapses revealed that that director really had no deep feeling for human nature—whether pleasant or unpleasant. Are other directors going to deceive future audiences in the same way?
John Huston's "Beat The Devil": (disturbing and reassuring). John Huston has made a name for himself as a producer of "tough" films. But "Beat the Devil"—a holiday film and a parody—shows that Huston knows that such films are made up of key tricks and devices and this film is Huston's declaration that he will not be mastered by such tricks and cliches. Huston's is a fresh talent, and after seeing "Beat the Devil" we may be reassured that he has not settled into an artistic groove. But the slap-dash method of his narrative and the lack of control shown in this film and also In "Moulin Rouge" Is disturbing. In his future films are we to miss the terseness and concise construction of "The Maltese Falcon" and "The Asphalt Jungle"? Let "Moby Dick" give us the verdict.
Sir Carol Reed's "The Man Between" (disturbing): is alas as unlike "Beat The Devil" as it is similar to "The Third Man." Following the old theme, began in "Odd Man Out." of the outcast in society "The Man Between" shows how hampered Reed is by a weak script. This time the director was forced to impose a strong technique to make the film entertaining. Tricks became obvious tricks, and the details pointing to atmosphere became obvious details pointing to obviously cinematic atmosphere. The characters and situations consequently became larger than life and the finale forced and theatrical. "The Man Between" was just a poor shadow of "The Third Man" and most of us feared that Reed was becoming stagnant all washed up. Where would he turn next? Had his talent dried up or would he have the courage to try new fields of expression? Apparently Reed does not lack courage. He has just recently finished "A Kid for Two Farthings," a story of East End children. It is a fantasy; and fantasy needs different treatment from the melodrama of "The Third Man" and "Odd Man Out."
Apart from the prologue—a well-meaning but poorly executed attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a production held in th epresence of Louis XIV—and the unfortunate pantomime effect at the end when Miles Malleson, the translator, neverts to rhyming couplets after having used prose for the body of the play, Mollere's "Tartuffe" emerges reasonably unscathed from the Thespian's recent production.
John Jenkins, aided by startling make-up and sombre costuming, was a completely odious and evil Tar-tuffe, and convincingly substantiated the impression which the supporting cast had skilfully built up of him in the first act, in which he does not appear. As M. Orgon, the credulous gentleman who is infatuated by Tar-tuffe's assumed saintliness, Kevin Woodhill brought to life one of Mollere's most fascinating but inconceivable dupes, while Joan Smyth as Elmir, Orgon's second wife, was impressive, especially in her two scenes with Tartuffe. But the star for me was Miss Jonny Eddy as Flipote, the companion maid to Orgon's daughter, who was a delicious little sui-vante in the very best
The whole production was greatly enhanced by gorgeous costumes, cun
A Balance of 5/7 in the Post account and a unanimous motion "that a series of lectures be arranged with the aim of giving arts students some insight into the methods and ideas of the sciences," were the only interesting matters discussed at the Maths and Physical Society AGM on March 24.
A reciprocal motion was passed by the Philosophical Society the evening before, and it is hoped that the other societies will take part in these lectures (if they eventuate) so that a stimulating and valuable series can be arranged.
Twenty-five members of the science faculty found time and energy to attend the AGM.
Officers ejected for
Officers elected at the annual general meeting of the Catholic Students "Guild, held recently, were as follows:
The committee will be augmented later in the year by the election of two fresher members. The first meeting of the guild was held on Sunday, March 27, at St. Patrick's College, where fifty students heard the Chaplain. Rev. G. H. Duggan, S.M., give an account of the historical inaccuracies in the pro-Lutheran film "Martin Duuther."
The scope of the first "Salient" was of necessity confined to a very small range of topics, reports on the several student conferences and congresses, notices, an odd article, and a kindly editorial addressed to freshers, were all that filled the first four pages of the first issue.
It is a difficult task to criticise these as they, in the main, state only facts, and provided that each subject is adequately covered, no more can be asked. This therefore leaves me no option but to criticise the criticism of "On the Waterfront" by Mr Rich.
It would be petty to dispute the critic's Insight and judgment up to the point where he mentions the technicians. At this stage, I feel, be consciously or unconsciously becomes a victim of his own knowledge of the emoluments of the directors, and of him-making technique, which he complains stand in the way of his direct enjoyment of the film. This, while in its way a valid criticism, is perhaps too personal to have a place in a review intended to guide the ordinary student.
This approach is similar to that adopted by those who go to the opera or concert, text and score in hand, and delight in the verbatim or note for note reproduction of the master copy; and if they detected a line out of place in one of the actor's speeches, would (like the Frenchman attending a performance of Cyrano de Bergerac) stand up indignant, and cry "Monsieur, le texte!"
The critic who feels uneasy because he happens to know that one of the actors is wearing pink underpants and condemns the performance accordingly, has surely missed the point.
However, it might be my susceptibilities that are misleading rather than Mr. Rich's and in any case my remarks are addressed to no more than a paragraph and a half of a very fine review.
"Salient" requires a literary editor. His or her tasks would include editing the annual Literary Issue of "Salient", a booklet of prose and poetry and photographs, to be published this year in June: soliciting poetry from the English I (and Philosophy I) Bohemians; soliciting literary articles and from time to time commenting on literary standards within the College. Applications and enquiries for further details should be addressed 'The Editor,' Salient!," c/- Men's common room or c/- exec, room. Entries close with the Editor, Salient, on
NZUSA Congress passed a resolution concerning the desirability of one international student body and, at the same time, hoping that NZUSA would enter into the closest practical liaison with IUS. The two parts of the motion are mutually exclusive if it be thought that the object of the first part will be achieved by carrying out the second. It would seem, from C.B.s article in the issue of March 10, that at least one contributor to "Salient" thinks In this fashion.
A closer look at that article shows a host of errors. COSEC is described as a "splinter group . . . which docs not claim to be a fully fledged organisation at all." If one can logically argue that a body which broke away from an older group but which now numbers more than twice as many national student union members is a "splinter group." then C.B.s statement would be correct. There are at least 44 national student unions in co-operation with COSEC. Only 18 national student unions, including 12 from Communist countries, are members of IUS. This gives the benefit of doubt to six of the 18. By "national student union." I mean an organisation of students in Universities or Institutes of higher education, which represents all or the majority of the students in a territory having a separate defacto governmental administration, and whoso executive is freely elected.
C.B., then states that there is some evidence that many of the opponents of IUS dislike the kind of political action in which IUS engages and goes on to imply that this is because these people dislike such notions as democratic education. These people, he says, "have led the split away from IUS." Again this is grossly untrue but is another example of the smear tactics used by the protagonists of IUS to belittle those who disagree with them. The people who led the split away and were later joined by a host of others, have this to say about national Independence and democratic education:
(the conference) . . . "recognises that education in many countries and in particular in colonial areas is often inappropriate and educational opportunities are inadequate or unequal, and that national Independence Is of primary importance in the intellectual, cultural, social and, often, in the economic life of these areas, and therefore recommends that national unions of students lend moral support to the wishes of students in those colonial areas lighting for national Independence to move as rapidly as possible toward the goal of that independence, which is the prerequisite of full educational opportunity."
In addition to the "moral support." the national student unions who cooperate with COSEC, particularly in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia have done much In the way of promoting scholarships and providing relief to assist in the education of people in these areas much more than students in this favoured country can be persuaded to do.
If C.B.'s reasons for people leaving IUS are incorrect, then what are the correct ones? The simple answer is that these student unions objected and still object to partisan political activity on the part of IUS. Like most of "Salient's" readers, they objected to such things as the gloriflcation of North Korean aggression, the unconstitutional expulsion of Yugoslavia when that country was expelled from the Cominform, the fervent support of all causes that were Communist causes, and the fanatical opposition to those that were not. These students objected to the failure of the IUS to be "political" when it was a question of protesting against the shooting of Czech students by the Czech police when they were protesting against Communist "Action Committees" taking over their democratically run student bodies. It was because the IUS had become little more than a Cominform agency that those national student unions left.
The paragraph which states that all South American States, all states of the Middle and Far East and all African areas where there were educational facilities are represented, mostly by representative national unions, is untrue. The only "national union" from South America at the last IUS Conference was Ecuador. If you give the benefit of the doubt to Bolivia, the tally would be increased to two. At the last COSEC conference, seven came from Latin America and there will probably be more this year.
Outside communist Asia only two national unions (Japan and Burma—the latter a doubtful case) were at the last IUS conference as compared with 4 at the last COSEC conference, excluding Australia and New Zealand. Apart from the Arab countries and South Africa, only one delegate came from Africa itself to the IUS conference, compared with delegates from six national unions who attended the COSEC conference. There is only one full European member of IUS, Finland, and the Finns dissented from most of the motions at the last IUS meeting.
C.B. suggests that, if we were in IUS. there are also all sorts of advantages we could gain. The activities that he mentions are largely impossible because of the distance and cost whether IUS or COSEC organises the activities he mentions, and he is probably fully aware of this. Moreover, COSEC offers all these, freo of the odour of an all-embracing political bias if we are able to participate in them ail.
The statement Issued by NZUSA at the time of disaffiliation was a summary of the views of the five colleges which voted to disaffiliate and contained many of the points I have made above. To suggest that it was imbecile to talk about costs when that cost amount to about £250 or over half of the annual Income of NZUSA, shows an irresponsibility that is happily rare in student affairs. NZUSA's officers have always been willing to tell people these things and have done so whenever asked. They did not decide on these matters. The policy-making power is in the hands of the College executives.
The new Associate Membership is useful only to those countries who are near enough to get some benefit from practical activities. The three countries, Britain, South Africa and Israel, which have adopted this form of membership have been careful to see that they are in no way associated with IUS policy decisions. The South Africans have hedged their membership with restrictions that run to half a foolscap page of single-space typing. As Car as the rest of the
COSEC, C.B., offers a chance to students of the democracies to cooperate in an atmosphere free from the partisan politics of IUS. In the fact that so many have taken this chance in such a short time, lies the main hope of achieving International student unity. While the IUS forgets the spirit In which it was founded, and the letter of its constitution it can never contribute to the achievement of this goal.
"Vietnam is going to be an area of great interest in the follow-tag year. This point was made by Miss Shirley Smith in her talk on "The Situation in South East Asia" given to a lunch-time meeting of the Socialist Club on Friday March 18. Miss Smith said that according to the terms of the Geneva Conference Vietnam was divided into two areas, the northern under the Viet-min Government and the southern
The Geneva settlement provided that there should be general elections through the whole of Vietnam towards the middle of next year so that the people may determine what government they are going to have," continued Miss Smith. "It appears that these elections will be won quite decisively by the North. Let me quote to you part of an article from the Economist.—Therefore the problem of the free world is how to avoid having free elections in Vietnam, for this will mean that the state will come under the 'rebel government. The problem is increased in that if the elections are not held the Communists with claim that we are violating the Geneva Agreement.—You can bet your last piastre they will."
Miss Smith also touched generally on the problems of the other lands in the sea and emphasised the "Justifiable" fears of the South-East Asian peoples. "They fear the atomic bomb, and think that it was first used upon Asia because they were only Asiatics, and it did not matter if a few of them were killed. Above all they wish for freedom and independence from colonial powers. "This was the reason for the peoples of South East Asia being wary of organisation like Seato. Of its members the United States. Great Britain. France. Australia, New Zealand, and the Phililplnes were "colonial powers or linked to colonial powers," Pakistan was "governed by a repressive dictatorship" and Thailand was "another corrupt 'musical-comedy' state."
"The peoples of South East Asia," concluded Miss Smith, "regard America's interest in their lands as an attempt to keep the area for their own capitalistic exploitation, and to this end they are using what we know as the 'Red Bogy' to excuse their exploitation."
There was no time for questions and the meeting concluded at 1 p.m.
"I believe it is possible for reason to draw inspiration from matters of faith and that it is possible in the sphere of faith itself to apply a critique of pure reason."
These two points were made in a paper entitled "Faith and Reason" delivered by Mr E. P. M. Dronke, M.A., to the Philosophical Society at the annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 23.
"Philosophy," said Mr. Dronke. "has often drawn theological ideas into its orbit. By keeping philosophy open towards theology the fields in which the philosopher can reason may well be fruitfully enlarged."
"Indeed ancient philosophy used religious myths not only as a goal for certain modes of reasoning, but also as a continuation of these modes. If a certain myth is reasonable—that is if it conforms to tests of internal coherence, and if it has an acceptable and logically connected point of origin in reason—then the most probable extension of our knowledge about a certain question may be along the lines of that myth.
"Of course, that one can always go further in the sphere of religious knowledge is impossible to prove. But it is an assumption that we must make—not to make it amounts only to a resolution not to investigate any further.
"If such a sphere were opened up to the methods of logic and the theory of knowledge, the ancient and modern traditions of thought might at last be seen in pcrspectvlc and in unity."
The Debating Society held its annual meeting on Friday, March 18. In the Little Theatre, presenting an example, as a member of the audience remarked, of "democracy at work."
Sir James Fletcher, nominated as patron because the society's funds were low failed to gain the necessary majority, and Sir Matthew Oram was elected.
Officers elected were:—
The first debate of the year, "That New Zealand should send a strong armed force to Malaya," held on Friday, April 1, will be reported in our next issue.
Published for the Victoria University College Students' Association, Inc., by Brian Shaw, student, of 252 The Terrace, Wellington, and printed by The Standard Press, 25a Marlon St., Wellington.