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The fission-fusion situation in the Middle-east has of recent months made any news from there important and not unnaturally then the visit of a man who for many years was the political spokesman of a state (before even the United Nations political creation) that is a party to the conflict is of particular interest to New Zealand.
Moreover, what Mr. Sharett had to say was of particular merit for he had been an architect of Israel's foreign policy since the creation of the state in
Uppermost in our minds of course, was the November crisis and events thereafter and Mr. Sharett explained that they have both helped and hindered the chances of a general settlement between Israel and her Arab neighbours. "The Arabs will increasingly realise" he said. "the utter destructive futility of their present attempt and determination to perpetuate a state of war against Israel, wasting their resource on constant disarmament instead of devoting them to constructive purposes."
Meanwhile it was difficult to draw a balance. He felt that peace in the Middle-east was inconceivable unless Isreal's security was effectively safeguarded, that recent events had removed an imminent threat to Israel's survival and at the same time shattered Arab dreams that Israel could be eliminated by force. He pointed out that while East-West rivalry had not created the present conflict it had certainly aggravated it especially, he felt, "the extravagant military aid accorded by the Soviet Bloc to Egypt." This had only served to inflame Nasser's ambition to dominate the Arab world and bring about the speedy annihilation of Israel. "Ambitions which have met with the resounding failure they so abundantly deserved."
He was equally definite when we asked him about the suggested collusion between Israel and the Anglo-French governments. He explained that at the time he was not a member of the government and in fact was out of Israel at the time. But he did say that he was absolutely convinced that when the Sinai campaign was launched "Israel alone was responsible for the action it took and that it was responsible only for That action."
Emphatically he denied that Israel bore any responsibility for the plight of the Arab refugees. "The Arab exodus from Israel was the direct outcome of a war' of aggression launched against Israel by the Arab States around her. The one who started the war must bear full responsibility for its results." He went on to demolish what he termed "the fallacy" of the contradictory promises made to the Arab and the Jews by the British government after the
Finally we asked Mr. Sharett about Israel's relations with Asia, and we quote him in full: "Israel is most vitally interested in developing relations of mutual understanding and assistance with the Asian countries which have of late regained their independence and are now striving to develop their resources to uplift the material and cultural levels of their people, to strengthen within them the principles and practice of democracy and to make their own contribution.
"Israel hopes that the concern so acutely felt in those countries lest any international conflagration should hamper their peaceful progress and imperil their independence will lead them to exert their influence on behalf of a freely negotiated peaceful settlement in the Middle-East.
It was with some diffidence that we had asked Mr. Sharett for an interview. Obviously he had been plagued with reporters both in Australia and here, nevertheless one of his first comments was that he regretted not having had the opportunity to speak at the University as he had done in Melbourne and by the end of the interview we shared his regret for he would have made a most engaging speaker.
Nominations will shortly be called for by the Returning Officer for the following positions which fall vacant this month.
Nominations for the positions should be made in writing on the form provided and/or available from the Executive office, and must bear the signature of the nominator and two seconders, and the consent in writing of the person nominated. All four signatories must be current financial members of the Student's Association.
Nominations close at noon on Saturday, 15th June, in the Executive office.
The Returning Officer for the elections is Mr. C. Austin.
For the rules governing the elections, prospective candidates should see the Office Secretary at the Association's Executive Office. Lower Gymnasium, or the Returning Officer.
For the Exec. elections "Salient" will publish a special blurb sheet stating the candidates qualifications for this high office. All Candidates, whether unopposed or not, should sent in a brief statement of Not More than 250 words by Saturday, 15th June. State your back ground and future plans, if any.
For the benefit of those who are not acquainted with past efforts we publish sample copies.
X.Y.Z. Pumperkin, (President. Secretary)
Xan is a vital member of the student community. Third year full-time divinity student, prays for the Exec. each night. Has been on the following societies: Socialist, G.S.C., E.U., Film. Photographic. Fencing. International. Rugby. Women's Hockey, Philosophical etc. Founder of the Anthropoligical Society (now defunct), participated in Extrav. (assistant sub-script writer), Proshesh (make-up). Tournament (photographer). Congress (supplies), "Salient" (office boy), fraternal delegate to the New Zealand Anthropoligical Conference. Has always taken a keen interest in female facilities. Failed in the Arts. Law, Commerce, and Science faculties.
If elected would press for better faculties, rapid completion of the Sub., higher club grants for cultural clubs, more student say on College Council, better (and mixed) hostel accommodation for students, fare concession on Cable Car, equal rights for both sexes improved relations with the city night life.
Last year the successful candidates made these promises.
C. J. C. Marchant—elected unnopposed, hence no blurb. (In
The extension of Weir, and improvement in the existing common rooms and progress towards the new Student Union Building.
A marked improvement in the Capping Book.
Contributions to the public welfare by capping collections and further Extrav. tours for charity.
E. A. Woodfield Jr.—No promises.
Gay Jackson, Jill Le Fort. Rosemary Lovegrove, Jaette McCracken, Susan Mitcalfe all were elected unopposed and made no promises.
P. Caham—(resigned early '57) "Would like to see the student representative on the College Council as more of a representative than at present; favours the idea of a canteen open all day to sell confectionery, cigarettes, etc.; recognises the need for a common room.
H. R. Carver—"Would be quite prepared to listen to suggestions from the progressive and criticisms from the dissatisfied."
A. A. T. Ellis—offered experience.
Alan Ward—(resigned early 57) "concerned about the apathy of students college big shots towards physical education activities and certain sports. Would work for greater Exec. backing for these activities and seek to interest College Council in supporting efforts to secure better facilities until Te Aro is broken in.
Would also wish to foster better public support for V.U.C. by publicising the real work of the College—its faculties and its specialist clubs—through advertising, liaison with city organisations and perhaps a new periodical like a cross between Political .Science and Time.
Sees an urgent need for better common room facilites and would support the idea of a good common room with block."
B. Hume—elected unnopposed; no promises.
What does all this show:
N.B. "Salient" requests all Exec. members whether they made promises or not, and whether they are standing again or not, to hand in a brief account of their activities this year, by June 15th. with specific reference to the promises of themselves and their successful fellows (sec "Salient",
"When I hear the word "culture", I cock my revolver, said Herman Goering, or some other thug of the 'thirties. His philosophy appears to be shared by a great may politicians whose stars are still at their zenith.
Last issue, we featured the assaut on academic freedom being waged by the Government of Queensland. But that is only one of many incidents of the past few months which, seen as a whole, present a frightening picture of rings of darkness closing in on the little islands of light are the universities of the world.
The South African situation has been sufficiently well publicised. With the whole of the University communities of Capetown and Witwatersrand lined up against them, together with every reputable intellectual in the country, the Government cannot impose Apartheid without a full scale crusade against independent thought.
Most sinister is the South African Government's use of prostitute intellectuals for the purpose of proving that the thoughts of various liberal South African have "Communist tendencies" (whatever that means) possession of which is equatable, under the incredible laws of that country, with treason.
Trials reminiscent of Torquemada, where the charge laid is concerned entirely with thoughts and not deeds done, have been rightly condemned in Hitler's and Stalin's Europe.
We have even condemned them in McCarthy's America—though the latest inquisition of the courageous playwright Arthur Miller has so far met with very' little protest, and world opinion seems to have cooled in its fervour for Hungary's intellectuals since it has become evident that so many of those who have fallen foul of the Government are themselves professing Communists.
But inquisition is becoming increasingly frequent in the Commonwealth, too. It was shocking to read the other week the assertion of a London University Law Professor (Lord Chorley of Kendal) that University teachers were being required to "Security" officers to spy on the activities and associations of their students and fellow teachers.
When inquisition takes this form, the victim is often sentenced without trial, without even knowing what he is charged with. Inferences are drawn in his absence from possibly innocent facts. Human relationships and confidences are eroded by fear and suspicion.
This is a menace to all the University stands for and we shall condemn it—and fight it—whether it happens in Budapest, London, or Wellington.
"Are we children? No—but we we being treated as such? cries Caclin the Lincoln students paper.
Students are required to be of temperate habits, and the hotels at Lincoln. Tai Tapu. Springston, and Prebbleton are out of bounds. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into any part of the College, consumed or held in possession there." That is the regulation in the Information Booklet which has created the position discussed here.
"Let us go back to the beginning. Professor Hudson established this regulation in
Some of those rules have now become redundant as we advance with the times; Here is one of them."
Students are no longer children—they Are mature enough to make up their own minds, to fight for their country. 'Students will drink—they are men, and as men can decide what they want." It is understandable to prohibit drink at the College "but should the hotels be out of bounds? No."
Some abuse would occur if the regulations were amended. It is up to the community concerned, however, to deal with its misfits
"Student opinion is that there is no justifiable cause for the four local hotels to be out of bounds—we are being penalised because of a few misguided individual who would be better dealt with by other methods. It is an insult to our status as men. Lastly it an attack on our democratic rights."
Alter an outstandingly successful Wellington season. Extrav. ("Up the Poll") played twice in Hastings over Queen's Birthday weekend, for the benefit of local Boy Scout's and Girl Guides funds.
After Monday night's performances the heads of the two organisations were each handed an £80 cheque by V.U.C.S.A. President, John Marchant.
Large audiences, although not as demonstrative as their Wellington counterparts, indicated approval.
Highlights of the tour included a Rugby match between an Extrav. team and the Havelock North Senior XV on Monday morning To everyone's amazement. Extrav. scored a converted try in the first minute—but the wear and tear of the tour became increasingly evident as the game progressed.
To counter the opposition's employment of a horse in the full back area. Extrav. reinforcements—about 20, both sexes—invaded the field to end an excellent game in a manner which gave an ironical twist to a match billed as "Rugby as the Students Play It."
Mention must be made of the excellent organisation and wonder full hospitality of our hosts.
With horror we throw up our hands at the South African Government politics—not so much because we object on principle to an attack on University freedom or the setting up, almost with no attempt at disguise, of a fascist state. After all they are still in the Commonwealth.) We are horrified because racial discrimination is something we cannot tolerate. With self-righteous smugness we point to our success in handling our own natives—once we had bloodily slaughtered many and made sure they were only a minority. At the beginning of the century our curious Anglo-Saxon conscience was upset at the thought that the Maoris were facing extinction—as a result of our actions. Perhaps the only redeeming feature—if it could be considered such—is that we, as far as is known, never tried to poison them off, like rats, as did our equally self-righteous neighbours across the Tasman. Nor are they now being left half nourished and starving in some arid blackblock, after their best land has been seized by the Whites. We even let them play in our All Blacks (except in South African tours)—especially since they are good players. A few even go to University.
How good we are! How we impress our visitors! How carefully we point out to them that we are jolly good fellows and Maori and Pakcha live together as one big happy family—the Pakeha in cities and rich farms, the Maori in Waikikamoukow and small settlements.
A further point of which we are so justly proud is our help, totalling several pounds, to our unfortunate Asian friends, we even give them plenty of advice, free. Naturally though we cannot admit them into this country as permanent citizens—after all they aren't quite like us. With unbounded generosity we welcome a dozen or so to come and study here and carry back to their evious friends stories of our Great Little Land. Once here of course they must fend for themselves—and pity help the poor innocent who thinks that because Apartheid does not, and cannot, exist in this democracy that therefore they will be able to get jobs or board. Recently the "Evening Post" published the story of two coloured students who have been refused lodging and employment because of their skins. "We don't take people like you," they were told But this is not an isolated incident. It is typical of Anglo-Saxons. It is one thing to tolerate the Coloureds, but we can't have them in our houses—especially if we have daughters. The Maori is fine, as long as he keeps in his alloted sphere.
Of all races we are perhaps the most hypocritical. The Romantic races tend to accept skins as they are. The Boers at least are honest about their attitude. But we enjoy the best of both worlds. New Zealand doesn't even have a "White New Zealand" policy like the reactionary Australians we just apply it.
How much do we as individual students do about this? Mostly nothing. At least as a start we could endeavour to make board available invite them to our
(Those willing to help should contact individual students or apply to the Exec. Officer concerned, or "Salient" Editors, P.O. Box 196. We could furnish names to any foreign students who request it)
At the recent S.G.M. the Exec. was strongly urged to organise a demonstration against H-bomb tests. In its wisdom it has decided not to do so. Naturally it was not considered necessary to inform the students why their recommendation was not carried out. Ours not to reason why ... Students would also like to know what has happened to the motion "That a petition embodying the resolutions against the Aests be drawn up, circulated among staff and students, and sent to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition."
Students in Otago are asking similar questions about the fate of motion passed recently by them.
N.Z.U.S.A. will not give observer status to any New Zealand student attending a W.F.D.Y., I.U.S. or affiliated festival. It is feared that our reputation for good sound democracy might cracked by such a bold acknowledgement of the existence of the over-throwers of the Tsar Nicholas, and Chiang Kai-Chek.
"Semper Floreata" is resolutely the dullest . . . "On Dit is so uniformly monotonous it beggars description . ."
Across the Tasman the journals get more staid and more conservative, and only rarely startle. "Craccum" and "Critic" are the most prominent"—Martin Davey in Honi Soit (Sydney).
Thank you, we will try harder in future to distinguish you from your less startling brethren.
Last March General Adolf Heusinger took over supreme command of the German Wehrmacht. The last Adolf to occupy this postion was Adolf Hitler (of whom most History students should have heard.)
On
From the time that Hitler successfully seized power, Heusinger hitched himself to his star. In his autobiography in
"Our soldiers have done magnificent deeds. I hope that will be recognised at a later date They fought to the last, and kept their honour unsullied."—General Adolf Heusinger. "Befehl im Widerstreir.".
Notable innovation at recent Exce. meetings has been that the two Vice-Presidents have started to
The French Customs men soon got to know us and waved us through without glancing into the car, but their Italian opposite numbers became increasingly surly. They charged us ridiculously high duty even on a Camembert or a loaf of bread, so it soon became a point of honour to smuggle at least one item every time we crossed the border. Betty the highest score with two small melons tucked inside her blouse—which gained murmurs of quel beau balcon!" from the kindly French . . .
Delegates from the four main centres gathered in Wellington recently for the Annual Conference of the university catholic Society of New Zealand. The conference took place on Saturday and Sunday of Queen Birthday weekend at st Patrick's College, Cambridge Tee.
The atmosphere of the Conference was one of pleasant informality. This was maintained from the opening meeting on Saturday afternoon until the final function on Sunday evening.
A variety of matters came under discussion; much of the business done was the usual matter which occupies such annual gatherings, but upon several
The meetings were presided over by Mr. R. Cotter all, LL.B. who, by his competent and witty direction, did a great deal to assist in the swift and smooth passage of a heavy programme of business. Miss Nan O'Shea, B.A., was Vice-President, and in the Secretary's chair was Mr. C. Bowley.
Apart from the meeting on both days, the arrangements included two social evenings. On Saturday evening the visiting delegates were the guests of the local C atholic Student's Guild at a film-show in the city, and on Sunday evening a gathering was arranged at his home by the secretary of the host organisation (C.S.G.), Mr. P. V. O'Brien.
It had been requested at last year's Conference that a report be prepared concerning the relations of the various Catholic groups with World University Service (W.U.S.) This report was submitted on Saturday afternoon, wherein it was shown that relations generally were quite cordial. The C.S.G. at Vic. is the only Catholic body with official representation on the committee of W.U.S.; but the report stated that individual members of the corresponding bodies were active on the committees in other centres, and that good relations in any event did not depend upon official representation. It added by way of conclusion that the greates the interest of local Catholic and other religious bodies, the more active is the W.U.S. committee. The President informed the Conference that U.C.. now had official representation on the Dominion committee of W.U.S. and that Miss loan Thompson of O.U. had been appointed to this position.
A long but refreshing Annual Report was read by the President, who summed up the year's activity by saying that The Society's year has been one of quiet development.
After the reading of reports by delegates from the constituent societies, a motion was introduced by the executive to the effect that "The Society should send an observer to the African Seminar of University Catholic Societies.
It was decided, on a motion of the Executive. that a "Lay Forum become an annual fixture at Catholic Congress. The purpose of this is to let ordinary members of the U.C.S. air their views on matters concerning U.C.S., either directly or otherwise. This innovation should prove lively, interesting and fruitful. (Congress, incidentally, is this year the concern of C.S.G. at Vic., and is to be held at Raumati.)
The President (Mr. R. Cotterall. LL. B.) reported on behalf of the board of trustees of the Asian Scholarship Fund. It is hoped, he said, that sufficient funds will be collected this year to enable the board to advertise for a new student in
Rev. Father F. During. S.M.. M.A., the National Chaplain, addressed the assembled delegates on Sunday morning. He congratulated the C.S.G. for standing on its own feet. Speaking eloquently on the apostolate of Catholic students, he mentioned the interest in Catholicism displayed by non-Catholics during a lecture series he presented at the College last year. He praised also the success of the newly-formed Catholic Graduates' group.
An observer from the Catholic Graduates group. Dr. D. Hurley, detailed the work of the group. He made mention of the fact that there were few Catholic graduates in Science and it was subsequently decided that each of the constituent societies should conduct its own investigation into the staffing ratios and qualifications in Catholic schools.
In the election of officers for next conference. Mr. M. O'Connor. Ph.D., was chosen President. Mr. P. Neazor, Vice-President, and Mr. C. Bowley was returned as Secretary.
The final meeting finished late on Sunday afternoon. Later on, the delegates re-assembled at the home of Mr. P. V. O'Brien, where a we Unorganised social evening was enjoyed by everybody. All agreed that it was a pleasant conclusion to Conference, —D.F.
"Some are born silent, some achieve silence, and some have silence thrust upon them—this could well have been the motto of those who took part in the recent annual Retreat of the Anglican Society, at Wallis House. Lower Hutt. Whether any of the
"Why try to achieve silence? you may ask. Short of actual participation in a Retreat, the most effective of explanations, the answer is briefly this: "In order to move closer to God." The word "Retreat sounds negative, yet it covers one of the most positive activities anyone can perform, the determined putting aside of the distractions which beset us in our daily life, and the concentration of the whole being in prayer; not the few moments of hurried prayers most of us snatch early in the morning, or in the lunch hour, or at our bedside in the evening, but sustained meditation, prayer and worship for a day, or two days, or a week if we are lucky, under the guidance of a capable spiritual director.
The rule of silence helps to avoid distractions. There is no special virtue in not talking, but by not chattering we free ourselves to attend to God and we place ourselves completely at his disposal, so that we may come better to know him and ourselves. Our voices are reserved for their highest purpose, that of worship, at the Eucharist and in the seven traditional daily offices of the Church. Peace gradually stilts the mind and leads it into God's presence, there to re-orient and place our everyday activities in their true perspective. "Laborare est orare," "to work is to pray", but only when our devotional life is secure is our daily work likely to take on the character of prayer.
This year the Anglican Society was fortunate in agai having as the conductor of the Retreat its Chaplain, the Reverend Professor G. E. Hughes. He centred the Retreat around the theme of the Eucharist, and the depth of his addresses and his quiet skill in presenting them enriched our mediation and prayer immeasurably. A Retreat is an essentially personal and individual experience, yet "doing the Eucharist" together, meditating upon its meaning, and worshipping together hour by hour is a deeply corporate experience as well, and increased each retrcatants realisation of our unity in the Body of Christ.
Each year increases the Society's conviction that its annual Retreat is the peak of its activities, and this year's Retreat served only to strengthen that coviction. All Anglicans at V.U.C. would do well to attend at least one in the course of their university studies. Accommodation, however, is usually limited, and early application is essential.—P.S.
Throughout the first term. S.C.M. (Student Christian Movement) met on alternate Wednesday evenings with other interested people to hear speakers on topics we felt would be of general interest to students.
Mr. Arun Sircar, a Chemistry graduate from Calcutta University, spoke on "India since Independence", and if the questions and discussion afterwards are any indication of the interest aroused, the speaker was a complete success.
Rev. Peter Gamlen on "Church Aid to Sute Schools", presenting the case for both sides of the obverse topic, also went on to make not only a fair judgment of this dilemma, but to throw out a challenge to both teachers and University
Rev. L. Clements, senior Chaplain to the Justice Department, had many provocative things to say—especially his parting shot. He said that the minimum educational requirement for a Prison Warder was a Standard Four pass. A man with only that attainment could not hope, however good a fellow he was, to understand the psychological problems and social difficulties underlying crime. When he taxed the head of the Department with this apparent paradox and suggested it would be more appropriate to give the job to graduates, the reply was "Find me the graduates willing to do it and we'll appoint them!"
This term was are continuing the fortnightly talks—the first on Wednesday of last week (5th June) was by New Zealand's chief delegate to the Asian Conference of the World Council of Churches. Others will follows watch the noticeboards.—J.D.M.
At its last meeting the Exec. directed "That the matters contained in letters from N.Z.U.S.A. on
Contributions on student
The National Union of Australian University Students (N.U.A.U.S) supports N.Z.U.S.A.'s application to hold the Asian Student Seminar in this country N.U.A.U.S. president James Thomas has informed the Co-ordinating Secretariat of National Unions of Student (C.O.S.E.C.) that Australia does not propose to apply for the seminar, but favours New Zealand as a venue.
Miss Gabrielle Jackson, women's vice-president of V.U.C.S.A., has been appointed N.Z.U.S.A. Travel and Exchange Officer with a position on Resident Executive. Miss Jackson has made all the necessary preliminary arrangements for the Australian Travel and Exchange Scheme next summer, and N.U.A.U.S. Travel Director Bill Lucas appears to have been equally active. The smooth ness with which preparations are being made on both sides of the Tasman augers well for successful
Once again Extravangaza has hit the boards—Ker-runch! Audiences in Lower Hutt, Wellington and Hastings were treated to a show unusual in its polish, cohesiveness and wealth of talen when they turned out see Ian Rich and Bill Sheat's production of 'Up the Poll'—book and lyrics by frank Curtin, Ian Rich and Bill Sheat.
It is probably due to the tastes of the producen that 'Up the Poll' fits so excellently into the trend taken by Extravaganza over the last few years, though there may be some doubt about the excellence of the trend itself. For it is quite apparent that 'Up the Poll' like its predecessor The Seven Year Switch', belongs to the theatrical category' of 'Oklahoma' rather than to the unique and unidentifiable catefory of 'Vothuhalla' or 'Utopanella. This may seem sad, but the old order changes, and the new-type Extravaganza, even if it is not really an extravaganza at all, is certainly going down well with the masses.
'Up the Poll' fully deserved its success both at home and on tour. Frank Curtin's story had a solid theme, the dialogue was well written, the songs were lively and witty. The humour, mostly new if from the oldest source in the world, was intelligently put across and appreciated to the maximum by most of the audience. As usual, there seem to have been one or two of those jokes so unutterably subtle that no one in the audience ever catches on, so subtle in fact that they are rarely appreciated by even the quickest member of the cast until the dress rehearsal or later. These jokes being almost invariably the most shockingly crude in the whole show, it is probably all for the best.
Among the cast, mention and most of the credit must definitely go to Derek Homewood, who, handling a part that on paper seemed inadequately drawn for such an important central character, showed such, professional facility and skilful verve that he provided the show with a constant strength throughout. Nobody could have handled the part as well, and to such an extent docs 'Up the Poll' revolve about Cecil Candy that a lesser man than Derek would have been disastrous.
Joy Booth by as Venus did very well. She looked well on the stage and despite a weak singing voice managed to pet the utmost out of the part, achieving always a fine response from the audience.
Lesser leads who showed excellence were Tony Ferrers and Des. Deacon Tony's experience was apparent in his performance, and Des. is the possessor of a superb stage voice of which he made constant and valuable use.
Much of the show's success must be attributed to those players who were not leads, but who held the stage for a few moments only with a single act or song. Among these. Armour Mitchell at Danic Craven. Peter Barush as Professor Volkswagen and Lloyd Johns as Elvis the Pelvis spring immediately to mind. These bit parts are a staple of every Extravagant, and this year they seem to have been particularly good.
The choruses, coping with some fairly difficult material, managed on the whole very well. Most successful were the smaller groups singing numbers such as the Chars Song and 'Seven-and-a-half Years but the larger massed choruses were for the most part extremely competent and this goes for the particularly difficult production numbers such as 'We're in the Stone Age as well.
Scenery and costumes were as effective as usual, though one has the feeling that the producers and the stage manager may have worked a little too independently of one another. I am thinking in particular of the backdrop for the Commission on Love Scene, where we saw a relatively straightforward courtroom with, in the background, a chequered pathway receding to infinity, bordered by smoky celestial pillars. This may have some point which I have missed, but my feeling is that the backdrop would have been more suitable to the Heaven Scene.
Messrs. Sheat and Rich can feel truly proud of 'Up the Poll'. A group of amateurs putting a show before the public on equal terms with professional companies must make heavy demands upon those in charge, and these gentlemen actually knew what they were in for when they took on the task of producing the show. Their courage in this is to be admired; their success in doing is well as they have is to be marvelled at. Extravangza 57 has been great.—J.S.
"The Polish Earthquake" by K. A. Jelenski in Encounter,
"In a Land of Unwashed Brains" and "Two Wandering Satellites" by Peter Wiles in Encounter. October, '56 and January, '57.
"Polish October" by Leo Huberman in Monthly Review, January, '57.
Recent issues of monthly magazine "Poland."
"A spectre is haunting Eastern Europe—the spectre of humanitarian socialism."
That sounds like something George Brown might have said over the dinnertable to Khrushchov. In fact, it is a leading Polish poet writing in Poland's foremost literary periodical.
The aphorism itself, and its being published where it was, are a clue to what is happening in Poland. Gomulka—brave leader of Poland's red underground in the Nazi occupation, prisoner of the Stalinists for half a decade without a trial—has been swept back to power by popular pressure, and has pulled off a revolt against Moscow more spectacular than Titos.
Writing last August. Jelenski (a lightly left Polish exile in Paris) said: The impulse behind the Poznan was hope, not despair."
The thaw-out after Stalin's death went faster and farther in Poland than elsewhere in East Europe—a discredited tyranny lifted the lid off, papers and organisations (including Communist Parly cell echoed with exposures of the past and demands for change. Trumped-up trials, police torture, enforced orthodoxy in the arts—all were dragged into the daylight and chewed over.
Leading figures in the cultural world started damning the "doctrine of the infallibility of the Parly leadership" which had stultified literature and history. Workers began agitating for trade unions that stuck up for their interests instead of grovelling before the production demands of the bureaucracy.
But Poland never was completely Stalinist. Alter all, Gomulka was still alive to take over and save his country from bloodshed; Hungary's Rajk had done to death, and so had most of East Europe's Communist heretics.
Peter Wiles (Oxford economist) deals in his delightfully cynical way with the persistent failure of the Polish intellectuals ever to accept the Kremlin line. The poets, especially, kept a sturdy independence, and proved in the long run Shelly's dictum about "unacknowledged legislators."
He contrasts events in Poland and Hungary—having been in Poznan and Budapest at the critical times. Why did Gomulka succeed where Nagy failed? Because he compromised on the right points (Warsaw Pact, for instance), or because, whereas the Hungarian C.P. was full of sadists and careerists, "Polish Communists are genuinely the nicest Communists in the world."
He compares the criminal stupidity of Mindszenty's provocative behaviour in Budapest with Wszynski's calm realism in Warsaw: "Mindszenty may be of the stuff of which martyrs are made," he quips. "Wyszynski is of the stuff of which Cardinals are made." But the Church position in Poland is one of Gomulka's great achievements. In casting off repulsive Stalinism, he has gained wide support from the whole population. And in establishing that Socialism can exist without Stalinism, he is winning support for Socialism itself—even from sections of the population like the clergy and the grasping peasantry, not naturally predisposed to Socialism in any form.
Freed from the secret police and all the rest of the Muscovite machinery, the positive socialist achievements of the post-war period look much more attractive. There are few Poles who would now favour a return to pre-war conditions.
For Gomulka has put the soul back into Socialism. In a dynamic speech the day of his October victory, he said: "If we say the countryside needs co-operative farming, it isn't just because someone thought up the doctrinaire idea, but because we want to case the peasant's toilsome labour, to abolish all forms of exploitation of man by man. . . ."
Socialisation from above is giving way to socialism based on the people.
In the cities it is the same Huberman (the well-known American Socialist) comments on the new "workers' councils" which are beginning to take over control of their own factories. Cabinet Minister Oscar Lange (Professor of Economics at Chicago during the war) told him the Party was closer to the workers than ever before, and relations with the Western labour movement would be continually strengthened.
The changed atmosphere is vitally reflected in the State-sponsored monthly "Poland." which has burst forth from being just another dull Eastern propaganda bulletin full of tractors, tractorfactories, and tractor-drivers—into a colourful and original magazine that would rival any slick American contemporary in saleability.
There are abstract art, strikingly original photography, startling stage sets, cartoons that are really funny, and intimate information about the doings of ordinary Poles—with accent on youth and students.
A recent issue featuring "Bim-Bom," the young satirical theatre, makes it clear that individuality and cutting social criticism are very much alive in the arts; an article on a club for "young intellectuals" describes heated discussions on Aristophanes, town-planning, juvenile delinquency, Catholic and Socialist morality, and recent work by young Polish poets.
Here is something fresh and welcome springing up inside the Soviet orbit. May it blossom and bear fruit.—C.B.
A renewed outburst of good satirical poetry on a scale unseen in New Zealand since the "socially conscious" days of the Slump, is one of the most
James K. Baxter's two contributions starring Harry Fat (his own wonderful name for the epitome of our petty politics) are gems. There is a tetc-a-tete with Holyoake on relations with Asia:
And a tete-a-tete with Uncle Sam on tourism.:
"No whorehouse on the cornerWas a grief to our Marines."'Try Mazenagrb, wrote Harry Fat'For some talent in the teens'."
Another beauty is Anton Vogt's "Songs for a Bolshie-Yank Duo":
Our favourite sport is a heresy hunt.a heresy hunt, a heresy hunt,Our favourite sport is a heresy hunt,at 5 o'clock in the morning.We'll peer through the keyhole and under the bed; Bolsh: I'll find me a bourgeois . . .
On more tender themes, the volume can also boast a rich harvest. Baxter, again, hits highspots with "Heard in a Chimney". Peter Dronke's translations from Wolfskehl (the German poet who lived out his life of exile in Auckland) either get across the soul of their Creator, or infuse a soul of their own. Bertram gets beautifully intimate about horses he has known.
Among the youngsters. K. M. Jowsey promises well, and so (still) does Jocelyn Henrici. Earle Spencer ("Your tongue in my mouth/Like an apricot") I find a little embarrassing.
Curnow, Johnson, and Brasch are still vigorous—but Glover's themes indicate an unhappy acceptance of middle —M.
As my contribution towards constructing this particular glass-house was negligible, who am I to throw stones? However for what its worth here is my bouquet of weeds to Mike Cullinane and his crew for their work on "Cappicade" '57.
Korbs cover lacked the subtlty of Brockie's effort last year, but gained immensely in eye-catching appeal. The friendish Beczlebub promised a seething cauldron inside. This promise was not entirely fulfilled. Much was rather tame. Although the Affair Cable Car got nice treatment and the Eden rake's progress was good the whole-Jacked bite.
Where was the topicality. Where was the staire? For theme we might have had something better htan raspberries and lavatory seats which didn't give the haphazard concoction a sense of unity.
Again this year we missed out with our advertisements. Whatever the cost these Must be humorous in a really good capping book. O.U. has funny advertisements (some very good too) why can't we? Let the editors long again at page sixteen and seventeen to see how stolid ads (and bumble-handed layout) can ruin three cartoons.
Quotes at top and bottom of pages would have been worth the extra work.
Having had my moan I must congratulate the editors for the good things the assembled. Generally the "Sports Post" guying was well done especially Brockie's deepsca adventures with Prof. Squidson., the "Lodge" cover, and "In Lighter Viany Korb's hand showed up well—his D.O. Men drooled most lasciviously—but best in a derivative piece—the desert island man. Top marks too to the Cappg Ball belles and the final Droops saga.
I understand "Cappicade" sold out this year. Good work—Altogether a competent job if not a first rate on.—K.W.
Ordinary progress was made at the last Exec. meeting. It was decided to draw up a formal contract for the
Once again it was decided to hold an afternoon tea for Colombo Pian students and staff. Finally the ever careful Exec., haven't supped in two sitting since "Salient" jog is only a small one, passed without any apparent dissent, the motion that: "The Kitchen Controller look into the matter of the disappearing kettles and report back to the Executive.—G.A.W.
"Although this has been, in a sense, a memorial gathering, it has hardly been solemn. But Fairburn was not a very solemn person. Anyway, we have proved that Wellington can appreciate a great New Zealander—even if he is an Aucklander."
With these words. Aucklander James Bertram closed a reading from the works of the late A R D. Fairburn at the Library Lecture Hall on Friday evening. 24th May.
It was a memorable evening.
James K. Baxter has a beautiful voice, but it is no carping criticism to say that his intoning style of reading verse docs not seem to help the audience grasp the meaning of what he is reading. His contribution to the evening did, however, include some of Fairburn's finest lyrical verse, notably "Elements".
Louis Johnson described as " the loveliest love poem ever written by a New Zealander" the little gem "Age will unfasten us," and he read it most movingly.
This fund has been opened so that the friends of Rex Fairburn and those many others who feel that both as a poet and a man he enriched their lives, can express their gratitude and regard for him. All proceeds will go to his wife and family. Please send them to c/o F. H. Haigh. Solicitor. Box 119. Auckland.
Though lacking Baxter's initial advantage as to voice; Johnson's reading style is most expressive. He also delighted the audience with "Rhyme for a Dead Self and Tom's A'Cold".
One humorous highlight of the evening was Anton Vogt's rendition of the famous parody on a speech by the late M. J. Savage—The Sky is a Limpet" (—"onwards and uppinesh into a void hurting money body . . . Now then:") and a selection of pithy epigrams. Vogt also gave us "La Belle Dame Sans Merer, a biting comment on certain manifestations of the New Zealand way of life, especially the suburban attitude to capital punishment.
Maria Dronke read some more lovely lyrics in her equally lovely voice and pleasing style. ("It is indeed a pleasure to hear good verse well read," commented Mr. Bertram afterwards.) Notable items were "Well Known and Well Loved (The moments of our love are flakes of dream—falling on a snow-scene in a fairy-tale"), "Wild Love", and 'Sons at Summer's End."
He Shall Not Rise: poems. London, Columbia Press.
Dominioes and other poems: Christchurch. The Caxton Press.
The Sky is a Limpet (a pollytickle
Poems 1929-1941. Christchurch. The Caxton Press.
Hands of the Tom Tom. Wellington Progressive Publishing Society,
We New Zealanders; an informal
How to ride a bicycle; in seventeen lovely colours. Auckland. The
The Rakehelly Man. Christchurch.
Strange Rendezvous, poems.
Three poems. Dominion. The Voyage and To a friend in The
The last reader, Denis Glover, the only one who could be "He lolloped through the meadowsUpon his great black horse,A-seeking in his madnessA maiden he could force."
After that, the Chairman could no longer be entirely serious even about his earlier suggestion that New Zealand literary and cultural figures should receive public recognition more, frequently than they do—and was carried away at the thought of R.A.K Mason with an O.B.E.—B.
International Daily Newspaper
This paper, printed by the Christian Science Publishing Society, is issuing monthly a special study page on word affairs. The first three deal with the subject:
How Strong is World Communism?"
Price 6½d. each posted.
For further information, please telephone the Circulation Representative Tel. No. 36-960.
Some current students assume that V.U.C's reputation for being a "hotbed of Communism" was acquired in the post-war years when the views of certain students on Indonesia, Mr. Gottwald, Sir Howard Kippenberger, and the Dean of Canterbury, made Leadlines in the daily press.
In fact, as previous instalments of this serial tale may have
And the incident which was mainly responsible for the College being thus christened, was the Heddi Weitzel affair.
Miss Heddi Weitzel passed through the College rather unostentatiously, studying hard (mainly part-time), and graduated with some distinction in
She led a full life—was active in the downtown Socialist Society (later amalgamated with the Communist Party) but had never joined any clubs at the College except the most harmless sort of sports clubs.
In
The same year, Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs were caught selling another prohibited publication—the book "Red Europe" by Australian Labour M.P. Frank Anstey. But however heavy the fine they were ordered to pay, it would have been easier for them to meet than it was fot Miss Weitzel to meet the £10 fine imposed on her by the Magistrate. But a number of students who had come along to hear the case, took up a collection on the spot and raised the whole amount.
And that was the real cause of the whole rumpus.
The Massey Government's Minister of Education, Hon. C. J. Parr, was thrown into a panic at the news. "When I was informed on the most reliable authority," he said, "that there were 15 or 20 students of the University College in the Court, and that they by their attitude indicated sympathy with Miss Weitzel, I was concerned . . . I ordered an Inquiry at the University to ascertain how far this think had gone."
As well as ordering an Inquiry, the Minister made a press statement which, as the Chairman of the College Council complained, was "very detrimental to the reputation of the College." It was announced all over the country, before the College had been directly approached, that the antecedents of Miss Weitzel, the teaching at the College, and College clubs (especially the Free Discussions, Heretics—defunct then seven years—and Debating Clubs) allegedly "permeated with undesirable influences." were all to be "investigated.
This McCarthyite technique of "verdict first, trial afterwards" was objected to by the Council. Prof. Hunter especially raised his voice in protest—which prompted a question in the House. "I do not wish to discuss Professor Hunter at this stage," answered Mr. Parr. "The Inquiry will do good. It will show the young teachers of New Zealand—whether they are pupil-teachers or professors—that, at least so long as this Administration remains in office, we shall not permit any teacher to draw public money and be a propagandist for revolutionary socialism."
In self-defence, the College Council' ordered its Chairman to submit a report on the matters the Minister wanted "investigated." His report, which asserted the right of students to run their own clubs "as long as they kept within the law," and made no apology for the fact that students read "banned literature," achieved almost as much publicity as the Minister's original statement. It clinched the argument neatly by a reference to the College's war record as proof of the basic loyalty of its members.
But the smear stuck. And the independent attitudes of students (the real basis of the smear) stuck too—the Debating Society went on to defend Socialism against a visiting Oxford team, and to give a platform to striking railway men when the press had denounced them as (guess what?) "wreckers and saboteurs.'
Congratulations on Sal's Editorial. Don't let this criticism pass by without action by the Association. I hope the new Exec. will tackle this problem and raises the tone of Capping celebrations.—B.D.
Your contributor "Partisan", like so many recent apostates, attributes to the late Joseph Stalin all the sins of the Soviet set-up. I think he has fallen for Khrushchovs great hoax about "the cult of the individual". Marx would never have been taken in. He knew it is the cistern which is wrung and thought the indivisible." Anyway, Stalin wrote an excellent little tract about "nationalities" which condemned in advance the things which Khruschov (after Stalin was dead and stuffed) did to the Hungarians. "Stalinism"—balderdash!—P.W.
Congratulations on your excellent article on the duties of an Exec. member. I personally am no longer in doubt to the tasks membership of the Exec. entails, the sub-committees, the power of discipline, the hour of work outside the meetings, uncompleted activities of the outgoing Exec., problems to be faced in the near future. Exec. relations with the College authorities, with N.Z.U.S.A., Colombo Plan students. I.S.C., etc. Please keep up these lucid and valuable results of co-operation between a present and past "Salient" editor.Sal
person who used to write in "Salient"
If "Partisan is (as I suspect) the under the same pseudonym a few years back, then it would certainly be harsh to expect to find consistency in his armoury of virtues. The one-time groveller before the ikons of Stalinism lashes at his ikons in blind fury when he discovers their feet of clay. But at least he could be consistent in his spelling—to find a man called "Khruschov". "Khrushchov and "Krushchev" all in one article is a bit much.— Graduate
(A famous New Zealand politician used to say, "Consistency is the refuge of fools."—ED.)
"We, students of Iraq, are suffering from very hard and unbearable conditios prevailing in our University and general life . . . difficulties and deprivations in our educational and economic life as well as in our academic freedoms.
"According to the present regulations we have no right to express our point of view with regard to our teaching programmes, allhough these programmes contradict the most simple scientific and educational basis. We have no right to discuss general matters, even those touching our country's sovereignty and independence. We have no organisations recognised by the authorities of the Ministry of Education . . . . because of practising one or another of the above rights, we have suffered terrible oppression, and tens of our fellow students were thrown into prisons and concentran camps, a number of them were
"This outrageous measure affects, besides the thousands of students, all teaching bodies in schools and colleges according to the anti-constitutional Law prohibiting officials and teaching bodies from political activities."
What a curious departure the editorial of the last issue turned out to be. While "Salient" must be open to student opinion surely future aspirants to the editorial column will be required to present those opinions in a coherent manner. I gather that the writer wishes to avoid "sex and grime," he objects to the Association sponsoring "a mag, and show of smutty repute." he wants some moral policing on the campus—he tosses in the cable-car affair (apparently believing the "Evening Post" exaggerations) as an unrelated side-issue. He seems to think those who produced "Cappicadc" and Extrav. were a corrupting influence, as well as wasting their time. We can hardly accept all of this. Consider these two productions as they are, not as seen by the writer. I fear he has been misled, as he suggests subsequent generations will be, on very tenuous grounds; (he added that the smutty reputation was not 100 per cent, justified, himself). He has made, in fact, the sweeping assumption that license means depravity—a supposition as suspect as the conjunction of "sex and grime".
I suggest that he considers the idea that, far from having some benevolent despotic authority (he mentions the Association—does he mean the Exec.?) to discipline these riotous proclivities, thus removing license (which means freedom, but not usually lust) he should remember that in order to grow up it is necessary to find out our own standards and to accept discipline, not of an arbitrary and imposed nature, but from within? It is not by accident that the Association has only ever disciplined such few offenders who have been unable to accept such a premise.
He suggests that "Canpicade" be modelled on "Punch" and the "New Yorker". (An odd juxtaposition: it leads me to believe he can never have read either or at best only one; as their styles are most dissimilar.) I, for one, should most certainly refrain from reading "Cappicade" if its humour was modelled on that of "Punch", which is either so precious as to elude many people, or presents the opinion that the man who slips on a banana-skin is funny, but if he breaks his neck while doing so, it s simply side-splitting.
On the other hand, the "New Yorker" is not always meant to be funny, a-ha. I would remind "SAL" that that model of strained (and distinctly un-funny) reporting. Hersey's "Hiroshima" first appeared in, and was in fact commissioned by the "New Yorker". True, there are cartoons—but so are these cartoons in the "Auckland Weekly News"—not normally quoted as a humorous periodical. Some of the cartoons in the "New Yorker" actually have men and women in them too. It also has columns of criticism devoted to the arts: it has articles: it prints better-than-average short stories.
And finally—what of "Cappicade" Fifty-seven? (I should state here and now that I do not suffer from the delusion that sex cannot be funny). I thought there were fewer than average sniggers behind the hand and more honest laughs. (I liked "We hope its a boy." best): I found three articles modelled on one of America's most delightful humorists—I must remember to look up his answer to the query "Is Sex Necessary sometime. I was delighted to meet an old friend of mine from the "Saturday Evening Post" at a football match: I agreed that beer in cubesh is a good idea—in fact, the more I consider the sweeping editorial statements, the stronger become the conclusions that this may well be a similar case to that in the story of the Army psychiatrist and the private (you must have heard it—the catch-line goes "But I always think of sex") or more charitably, that perhaps he hasn't read "Cappicade" either.
May I amend J. T. Devine's penultimate sentence (with no apology) "Let this editorial be the last"—of such a standard.—T.P.
The New Zealand government has officially approved in principle the N.Z.U.S.A. Graduate Employment Scheme, according to a letter received from Mr. G. C. Burton of the Department of External Affairs, at a meeting of the Resident Executive of N.Z.U.S.A. in Wellington on May 29. The letter indicated that the department's representative in Djakarta. Mr. Hull, would investigate practical aspects of the scheme before full approval would be given. It is believed the Indonesian government will readily approve the scheme once the New Zealand government has done so, and there seems to be no reason why the scheme should not be in operation by next summer.
The scheme provides for New Zealand graduates to work in Indonesia with the object of assisting the Indonesian people to build their war-ravaged country into a fully developed and prosperous nation. Graduates working under the scheme would live in the same manner and receive the same rate of pay as Indonesians in similar positions.
N.Z.U.S.A. believes this is an important part of its inter-national activities: it is one of the two specific schemes through which N.Z.U.S.A. hopes to give practical aid to South East Asian countries. The other scheme is the S.E. Asian Scholarship under which an Indonesian student. Wasisto Surjodiningrat is at present studying at A.U.C. The improvement of relations and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Asian countries, particularly at a student level (the student of today is the leader of tomorrow) is a cardinal point in N.Z.U.S.A.'s international policy.
At the Easter Council Meeting of N.Z.U.S.A.. president Des. Dalgety told delegates that the association had been ready to put the scheme into operation for many months; an impressive number of applications had been received, and delays on the part of the New Zealand and Indonesian government in approving the scheme had been most frustrating. The scheme proposed by N.Z.U.S.A. is closely modelled on one which has been successfully operated by the Australian national student union for some years.
N.Z.U.S.A. would not contaminate itself by associating with I.U.S. or granting observer status to anyone going to a festival in a Communist country. But the Student Labour Federation in New Zealand is doing a great deal of work preparing for the 6th world Students Festival in Moscow this winter. The S.L.F. can be contacted through the Exec. Office.
Printed by the Disabled Servicemen's League, 21 Lloyd St., Wellington for V.U.C.S.A. Inc.
Religion seems to be booming in New Zealand University life, and politics to be suffering from a slump.
That might augur well for Christianity—if it were not for the fact that the brands of religion most fashionable are (in the words of Dr. Donald Soper) "Those whose spiritual allegiance to Christianity means that they have got their hats and coats on ready for the next world, and are passing their time in this one 'watching and waiting—looking above' (to quote from a popular glucose chorus hymn)."
From recent conversations with a few local E.U.. S.C.M., and C.S.G. members on such subjects as Christmas Island tests, relations with Asia, and alcoholism, it seems that like the fat English yeomen described by Samuel Butler, they seem to be the kind of Christian who would be "equally horrified at hearing the Christian religion doubted, and at seeing it practised.
The tendency is not confined to New Zealand. An English clergyman recently wrote as follows in a prominent weekly:
"Whenever religion is discussed today, one sign that is quoted as proof of its revival is the fact that at the universities religious meetings and associations are .so much better supported than political. "As a parson, I cannot pretend to be sorry that people support their faith. But the lack of political interest amongst students is most unhealthy, and bodes ill for the future. "I do not, myself, think it is good either for democracy or religion."
Many—maybe most—of our Christian students will be shocked at the suggestion that it is as important for Christians to be active politically as religiously. We recommend to them Dr. Soper's special message to "Salient" printed in a box on this page.
We also draw their attention a statement of Dr. George MacLeod, now moderator of the Church of Scotland, during his recent visit to New Zealand.
"Religion today." he said ("Dominion" Not the most important issues before the Church. Every body-talks about these topics to stop thinking about the H-bomb."
What Dr. MacLeod would say to Rev. Dr. D. W. B. Robinson (the gentleman whom readers of our last issue were advised to hear when he came to V.U.C.), who recently stated ("Dominion"
"I cannot see that a nation can possibly be controlled by the same ethics which can govern an individual.
This shocking utterance epitomises me views of the consciously a political Christian.
To deny the political relevance of Christian moral doctrines is to exile Christianity entirely to the hereafter Many Christian students are apparently happy to do this—it makes Christianity much more comfortable and less disturbing to their smug consciences.
No wonder, when their consciences are awakened by the prospect of civilisation being disintegrated in a radioactive holocaust, the Christian student sometimes looks elsewhere than to the Church for moral leadership.
At this awful moment of the world s history, he finds the representative mouthpieces of Christendom talking about the wickedness of over-indulgence in alcohol or smutty Christmas cards.
Mr. E. K. Braybrooke, lecturer in Law at V.U.C., was recently quoted in the press ("Evening Post" Do, we do not believe Mr. Braybrooke's answers art in any way adequate.
His answers are three: (I) That "University students knowledge of the Christian faith is too immature to measure up to the new challenge." (2) That the "essentially critical approach to University studies had a disintegrating effect on the student's faith." (3) That the University and the community as a whole "were thoroughly and basically secular."
If the next-worldly, Pharisaical brand of Christianity we find in our religious societies is what Mr. Braybrooke is calling "immature", we can only agree with him. But is there any evidence that people whose religion is of this kind in youth becomes any more mature as they grow older?
As to the impact of the "critical approach" if the student's faith does not stand up to this challenge, it must be a poor thing. The whole basis of a university, and the tradition of V.U.C in particular, are grounded in the free clash of ideas. And, as Milton says, "Whoever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter?"
The third argument is equally invalid. Where there is no unanimity in religion, public education roust necessarily be secular. The job of the wayfaring Christian is not to moan about his view being left out in the cold, but to take off his coat (the one he has got on all ready for the next world), get in, and prove in action that his view is superior.—B.
During the first week of term, E.U. (Evangelical Union) arranged four special meetings for two visitors to New Zealand who lately spoke at the I.V.F. (Inter-Varsity Fellowship) Conference.
Dr. Norton Sterrett, an American from Madras University, spoke on the working of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. He dealt fully with some apparent contradictions in the Bible as to whether we should submit our lives to the direction of the Holy Spirit or strive to live as Christians by our own willpower. It became clear that the truth docs not lie between the two but rather in both of them.
The other speaker. Rev. D. W. B. Robinson of More Theological College. Sydney, gave three addresses. His first was on "The Inspiration and Infallibility of Scripture." The Bible is a sure guide," he said. "It brings us to a knowledge of God." Whether some historical facts of the Old Testament are verified or not by modem historigraphy is really irrelevant, as those facts do not affect the vital message and purpose of the Bible—the saving of our souls. Rev. Robinson also spoke on "What We Believe about the Gospel"—closely linked in many ways with his first address.
In his final talk he spoke on the activity of the Holy Spirit with particular reference to his work in regeneration.
Throughout this series, the practical importance of the various doctrines discussed was emphasised, and when E.U. resumed its Friday night meetings this emphasis was continued.
On Friday, 7th June, Miss Ruth Moses. I.V.F. travelling secretary, spoke on 'The Christian in the University". On Friday, 14th June, Rev. Ian Bourke will speak on the "Christian in his Church", and on Friday, 21st June, Rev. Don Wilson on 'The Christian in his Home". The final meeting of the month will be on Friday 28th. when Mr. Arthur Skeels of the Orient Missionary Society who has just returned from Korea. Formosa. Japan, and Hong Kong will speak on 'The Far East". A warm invitation is extended to all students to attend these meetings.
Hungarian students are living in poverty in Wellington. Miss Janette McCracken reported to
"Salient" wrote recently to a number of well-known clergymen and asked them if they would let us know their answers to the above question.
Rev. Dr. Donald Soper, former President of the British Methodist Conference, hits replied as follows:
"It may sound dampening—even a little presumptuous—but the first duty of a Christian student is to study, so that when his College days are through he will not only be morally but intellectually fit to take his place for Christs sake in the society in which he lives. "At the same time, student days offer an unparalleled opportunity of experiment and adventure in trying out and testing the Christian principies which underlie his various studies. In this respect, there is in my judgment one golden rule—and that is that truth cannot be divorced from action . . . "We have to thank Karl Marx for recovering this truth from the neglect into which it had fallen . . This means that a Christianity which is not lived out in the context of contemporary life is not worth the name. "To say that a Christian can be indifferent to, or detached from, politics, is balderdash. Moreover the sinister fact in my judgement and experience is that it is those who practise political apathy as a mark of their spiritual piety who are invariably supporters of right-wing and Tory points of view. "Pacifism and Socialism, both of which I believe in, can only be expressed through a faith which is first concerned with the Kingdom of Heaven, and not the individual prospects of the souls of the converted. Furthermore. Christian truths need constantly to be sharpened and tested by the common life with which we are all confronted. "If this is not forthcoming, then theology becomes more and more remote and almost totalitarian, while preoccupation with the next world renders those who express such theology less and less use in this one. "So I would venture a short answer to the qcustion. 'W'hat should the Christian student be doing?' He should be seeking first the Kingdom of God as a classless non-violent worldwide society. He should be saying his prayers and coming to the Table of the Lord to be cleansed and equipped so that he may take his place in such a society. "Finally, he should believe with all his heart that whatever is true will bring him nearer to God and therefore he must resolutely refuse to believe anything for the good of his soul which can be shown to be untrue."
It is rumoured that, following some comment in the N.Z. Rugby Council, there may shortly be a showdown on the question of men playing for university teams—and especially travelling abroad as University representatives—who never attended a lecture in their lives.
A remark of Mr. T. H. Pearce ("Evening Post.
The N.Z. University Rugby Council is also expecting a showdown on its highly independent stand (linked with the question of non-university players) towards participation in N.Z.U. Winter Tournament.
There is no doubt that until Rugby becomes an integral part of Winter Tournament, that event will never achieve the status or popularity of Easter Tournament.
Rugby is, after all, our national game.
At its last meeting Exec. passed a vote of congratulations to everyone associated with Capping and Extravaganza. The leaders of New Zealand opinion. Messrs. Holland and Nash, were reported to have been "enthusiastic".
Over 16,000 "Cappicades" are reported to have been sold. This is a record. Profits are not yet known. £500 is anticipated from Extrav. (In reverse, 55 was spent on the Graduands Supper.)
We offer our congratulations to the following persons awarded V.U.C. Blues in summer sports for
Rowing: Messrs. W. Loader, M. Winter, F. Crotty, P. Preston-Thomas.Athletics: Messrs. J. Barry, R. Urwin. D. Trow.Boxing: Mr. R. E. Jones.Cricket: Messrs. M. W. Lance, J. R. Martin, J. M. Pope, J. C. Thomson. J. H. Zohrab.Defence Rifles: Mr. I. V. Newton.Swimming: Mr. W. E. McCarroll.Water Polo: Mr. T. C. Verboven.Tennis: Messrs. B. R. Bloom and A. D. Robinson. Miss B. Nelson and Mrs. V. Andrews.
The Resident of the Otago Student Association has written to the other Student Presidents pointing out unfortunate incidents that occurred at Tournament last Easter. For instance:
"The Otago flatting community enjoys entertaining. It is however, unreasonable that guests should arrive quite uninvited and unknown at a flat where no party has been envisaged, and where their continuing presence is undesired. It will be realised that such a situation can be of the utmost embarrassment to our female students in particular, whose only recourse is to the police, a course which for obvious reasons they are loath to take at Easter Tournament."
It was further complained that guests would stay all night at parties, that they did not obey Rules of Residence when billetted in residential halls, did not behave properly at private billets, and damaged equipment.
It is feared that such actions will affect the efficient running of Tournaments and the co-operation of the public.
We posed the same question as that we put to Dr. Soper, to Rev. Father Trevor Huddleston. C.R., well known for his brave work in South Africa. He replied: "Much as I would love to do this for you. I'm afraid 1 am at present simply snowed under with requests of this kind and I simply dare not undertake any more. I'm sure you'll appreciate this doesn't mean that I am not interested or indeed encouraged by your request, but there is a limit to what I can do . . . Best wishes."
In place of a personal message, we cite a few sentences from the end of an article by Father Huddle stone on the recent "treason" trials in South Africa: "And if you are a Christian and do nothing about these things—it seems to me—you will face an even longer sentence from an even sterner Judge one day.
"I would prefer to be called a traitor, and punished for it, by Mr. Justice Rumpff—or whoever is called upon to preside on this fantastic but fateful occasion—than to commit that other treason and deny the presence of my Master in the person of my brother.
"If to affirm human rights and decencies is Communism, then I am a Communist: and if to fight for them is high treason, I am proud to be a traitor."—"Tribune"