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The Editorial Committee invite contributions, either in prose or verse, on any subject of general interest, from students or officials in connection with the College. All literary communications should be addressed to The Editor, Victoria College, Wellington.
Subscriptions are now due, and are payable to Mr. P. W. Robertson, Financial Secretary, Victoria College.
"Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host That he which hath no stomack to this fight Let him depart.
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We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother."
— King Henry V.
It is more than four years, O students, since the pioneers of A. Victoria College first gathered together at the Girls' High School. They have been years of toil, and, on the whole, years of toil rewarded. Our successes have not been conspicuous, neither have they been insignificant. Measured in University degrees we have not been found wanting; of B.A.'s and M.A.'s we have a goodly crop. Our commercial friends, who aggregate the magic letters before they strike a balance, may even find some day that Victoria College is paying a dividend.
With such calculations, however, The Spike has little concern. Arithmetic never was our strong point, and we are very much more interested to know that there has grown up in four years a College life and a College spirit of which some older institutions would be proud. We have a Tennis Club
esprit de corps which is the boast of English school and University life the world over.
There is no student who cannot add something to the social welfare of the College through one or other of its institutions. We have no quarrel with those who think they have no time for anything but "swat," though we believe ourselves they are labouring under a profound mistake. They must, however, recognise that they reduce the College to the dead level of a night-school, and that their University degree is no earnest of a true University career. There is, however, another class of student to whom The Spike desires an introduction.
There can be no doubt in the mind of anyone who has conceived the idea of a University spirit that to a member of a College the needs of his College club must take precedence over the needs of any similar outside club. If proof were necessary it would be found in the traditions and practice of every famous university of the world. Now, as Victoria College does not happen to be a famous university college, and as, moreover, it can hold out no very dreadful "sanction" for an act of defection, and as, again, it happens to be easier to support an assured cause than to strive for a doubtful one, some students have taken the less heroic course and have deserted the College in her hour of need. It is probable that had this spirit been absent a Ladies' Hockey Club would now be flying the colours of Victoria College. It is certain that the Football Club would have been greatly strengthened and the Hockey Club placed in the front rank in both classes. Here, again, The Spike cannot strike deep, for the constitution of the New Zealand University provides for students who wish to attend "night-school." We are, however, sorry that our friends have not risen to a nobler ideal, and Would ask them to consider the position from what we believe to be a higher point of view.
But if The Spike is to do its duty, "dealing out to each and all their just meed of blame or praise without, fear, prejudice, or favour," it has one word more. It has a right to demand from every member of that Committee to which the students look for
It is our pleasing duty, on behalf of the students, to welcome Professor Kirk to our College. The Professor Biology has already infected his students with something of his own enthusiasm, and we are assured that the College Council will have no reason to regret its latest appointment.
Patron: Professor T. H. Easterfield.
President: Geo. F. Dixon.
Vice-Presidents: Miss A. Batham, B. A., H. P. Richmond, B. A., L.L.B.
Hon. Treasurers: Miss F. G. Roberts, A. G. Tudhope.
Hon. Secretary: J. A. Bkailsford.
Committee: Misses A. W. Griffiths, L. Van Staveren, E. F. Wedde;
Messrs A. H. Johnstone, B.A., F. P. Kelly, H. H. Ostler, A. G. Quartley, and other officers of the Association (ex officio.)
President: Professor Von Zedlitz.
Vice-Presidents: H. P. Richmond, B. A., L.L.B. (Chairman), A. G.
Tudhope (Vice-Chairman).
Hon. Secretary: A. G. Quartley.
Committee: Miss E. M. B. Lynch, B.A., Miss F. Smith, Messrs G. F. Dixon and H. H. Ostler, and other officers of the Society (ex officio)
President: Professor Von Zedlitz.
Secretary: G. Prouse. Treasurer: Miss F. G. Roberts.
Committee: Misses A. Batham, L. Van Staveren, E. Wedde; Messrs G. V. Bogle, F. A. de la Mare, F. P. Wilson, and other officers of the Club (ex officio).
Auditor: P. W. Robertson. Delegate to W.L.T.A.: F. P. Wilson.
Patron: His Excellency The Governor.
President: Str Robert Stout.
Vice-presidents: Professors Brown, Easterfield, Kirk, Mackenzie, Maclaurin, and Von Zedlitz.
Captain: R. St. J. Beere. Vice-Captain: D. Matheson
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: F. P. Kelly,
Committee; J. Bee and F. Dixon, and other officers of the Club (ex officio.)
Patron: Professor Easterfield. President: Professor Von Zeditz.
Vice-presidents: Professors Maclaurin, Brown, Mackenzie, Kirk, and Messrs Adams, Ritchie, and Richmond.
Captain: H. H. Ostler. Vice-Captain: F. A. de la Mare.
Secretary: G. V. Bogle. Treasurer: A. H. Johnstone.
Committee: A. Tudhope, A. G. Quartley, W. Gillanders, and other officers of the Club (ex officio).
Auditor: F. P. Kelly.
President: R. D. B. Waugh. Vice-president: Miss E. M. B. Lynch.
Corresponding Secretary: Miss A. W. Griffiths.
Recording Secretary: W. C. Blair. Treasurer : Miss C. M. Taylor.
Editorial Committee—Editor: F. A. de la Mare. Sub-Editors: Miss F. Smith; S. S. Mackenzie, and H. H. Ostler.
Financial Committee—Secretary: P. W. Robertson.
Assistant Secretaries: J. A. Brailsford and R. M. Watson.
General Management Committee: Consisting of all officers.
"O heavens, what some men do, While some men leave to do !"
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"Perseverance, dear my Lord, Keeps honour bright."
The Spike" does not publish the story of the Second Easter Tournament in any boastful spirit. We do not flaunt our "spoils" before the world as barbarians did of old. In the first place it would be unbecoming and in the second place we have none to flaunt. The "joy," for us "lay in the pursuit." Of course we would have done better, and we might have won—if Canterbury, Otago, and Auckland had not been so good. As things are, however, we do not feel ashamed of being beaten by such teams, but rejoice that, as we had to go down, we went down to such good performers and such good "sports."
There is no better place to be beaten in than Auckland. From one point of view we make these trips to win races and to enjoy ourselves. If you cannot do much of the one it is an advantage to make the most of the other, and Auckland certainly gave us no lack of opportunity. The weather was perfect, the grounds were excellent, and the hospitality of the people left nothing to be desired. There is said to be much rivalry and jealousy between Auckland and Wellington. The rivalry will long whet the energies of both cities but, as far as the University Colleges are concerned, the jealousy does not exist.
The teams which represented Victoria College did not differ very much from the teams of last year. Mrs. Longton and Miss Van Staveren, who won the Ladies' Tennis Championship at Christchurch were both away. The unavoidable absence of F. P. Wilson and G. V. Bogle considerably weakened the men's tennis team, while our chances of winning the Debating Shield were greatly reduced by the fact that we were not able to take H. P. Richmond.
A Selection Committee consisting of A. S. Henderson, F. A. de la Mare, and T. E. Seddon selected the following Athletic Team:—
The Tennis Team, taken from the Tennis Club's "Challenge Ladder," consisted of Misses A. Batham, F. G. Roberts, E. F. Wedde, H. M. Batham, A. W. Griffiths, B. Whyte, Messrs. G. S. Prouse, R. St. J. Beere, F. A. de la Mare, R. S. Mitchell, O. R. Prouse, and J. A. Brailsford.
H. H. Ostler and A. G. Quartley were elected by the Debating Society to represent the College in the Debating Contest.
A. S. Henderson was elected manager by the combined teams.
On the Wednesday before Easter we had the pleasure of meeting the Canterbury and Otago representatives, and on Thursday the three teams set out by the early train. There
On Saturday morning we met at the Eden and Epsom Tennis Courts. The courts are prettily situated and the turf was in fine condition. In the Men's Singles G. Prouse got into the Semi-Finals, but was beaten by E. D. Rice, of Canterbury College, who won the championship after a fine game with R. S. Brown, of Otago. In the Ladies' Singles Miss Batham was beaten by Miss McCahon, of Dunedin, after a hard struggle. Mitchell and de la Mare worked into the Semi-Finals in the Men's Doubles. In the Combined Championship Miss Batham and G. Prouse were beaten in the first round by the champion pair—Miss Gorrie and Coates, 6-5, 6-5, after a very exciting game.
The following table shows the results:—
Auckland and Canterbury, with two wins each, thus share the Tennis Cup for this year.
On Easter Monday the Athletic Meeting was held and it was an unqualified success. The Domain was in good condition, and the performances were of no mean order. W. H. Moyes, of Canterbury College, ran the 440 yards Flat in 51 2 2/5 seconds, thus establishing a record. R. Hay, of Auckland, equalled the standard in the 100 yards, while A. S. Henderson lowered the standard for the 440 yards Hurdles by covering the distance in 62 2/5 seconds. In the latter race O'Kane, the New Zealand champion, who was running close up, second, fell at the last hurdle, and Henderson won easily. P. H. Buck of Otago. won a gold medal in the Long Jump, with the fine leap of 20 feet 11 inches. J. Davie of the same college, won the Half and the Mile in fine style—running with excellent judgment. Apart from the 440 yards Hurdles, Victoria College did not meet with conspicuous success, though her representatives "also started" in all events. They ran throughout with plenty of pluck, but were outclassed—they were beaten, but not disgraced.
[The official results are given on the next page.]
Judges : J. W. Joynt, Esq., M.A.; Rev. J. W. Simmonds; W. J. Morrell, Esq., M A.
St. Benedict's Hall was crowded on Saturday night to hear the Debate, and a contest of very even merit was patiently endured. Though much of the "oratory" was good, little was really excellent. The Canterbury men waxed most eloquent, though the Auckland men probably made the best points. Few in the Hall were certain as to the result when the Judges retired, but few were surprised at the decision.
The Debate was arranged in two parts, Victoria College and Otago University trying conclusions first, and Canterbury and Auckland Colleges afterwards on the same question. The subject of Debate was "That a System of Compulsory Military Training for Home Defence be enforced throughout the Empire." The Victoria College Representatives spoke well, Ostler especially relieving the situation by taking up a slightly dramatic line of attack. Canterbury College was awarded first place, and Otago University second. Canterbury College was represented by Rev. A. B. Chappell and Mr. J. R. Cunningham.
While the judges were considering their verdict the Auckland students entertained the audience with an amusing comedietta, "Sappho," the words of which were written by Dr. B. D. Bamford, an old student of Auckland College.
Besides the set business of the meeting, Auckland College and its friends provided us with many amusements. The University Ball on Easter Monday was a great success in every way, though regrets may still linger in the minds of those who played in the Tennis Finals next day. On Sunday afternoon we were entertained at afternoon tea by Professor and Mrs. Thomas in their beautiful garden. On Tuesday afternoon the Harbour picnic to Matu Tapu was enjoyed to the full, for training was off and duty done. The kindness of the Auckland people, the miscellaneous programme provided by the students, the beauty of the Harbour, combined to make the excursion a most enjoyable one. On Wednesday afternoon the fond partings, such as "crush the life from out young hearts," and the final cheers attested the cordial feelings entertained by the visitors for those who had managed the Tournament so ably, and given to all such a royal welcome.
The Debating Society has now turned the corner of its fourth year stronger than ever, with a membership second only to that of the Students' Association, and with every prospect of still further rapid growth. "Why should all students make an effort to help the Society and make that effort now?" "That is the question," as Hamlet would say. Once more the "Whips of time" excuse is thrown in the Secretarial teeth, once again a committee has to face those long-faced lanterned-jawed and spectacled individuals, who work all Saturday, work all Sunday and have that "tired feeling" all the week. If the Society existed for the express purpose of lifting these people out of themselves, and, once a fortnight at least, of giving them other thoughts "de officiis" than those of Cicero, we would deserve recognition by the Society which concerns itself with the treatment of dumb animals.
But this race of student is fast dying out; the aims of this Society are towards eradicating the same; we blush not when we claim that our objects are these. We endeavour by entertaining means to bring students together and to further that great object, that scholars should educate one another. We endeavour to make it a Society where the weak can help the strong, where the seed of ideas is carefully watered, pruned, and tended so that, in the future, it may flourish into a strong and vigorous plant, bearing the fruits of action. Does this object commend itself to you—are we working on correct lines? It is for the students to judge, by their dictum we succeed or fail.
Perhaps a stronger reason why the Society deserves the attention and support of the students, yea, and of the University authorities themselves, lies in the indisputable fact that the Society may claim to bring the students of the University in touch with the general public. Dependent as we are on the sufferance of the community, it is but right that "the man in the street" should be able to form some opinion concerning the work of the college which lie helps to support. What better proof than the fortnightly meetings of the Society, what evidence
. . . .
No one will deny the Debating Society's claim to bring the students into closer relationship with the leading celebrities of this city and Colony. All thanks is due to those ladies and gentlemen who, as friends of the College, have done more than anyone else to strengthen this body and through it the standing of the College itself. There is no reason why this movement should not increase and expand. The best of the present is thus brought into contact with the future, assuring for it seriousness and strength.
. . . .
In considering its syllabus the Debating Society has stretched out its hands to the Students' Association. Three nights have been given to the discussion of matters intimately connected with the welfare of the College, and no doubt the union of these two bodies will help to strengthen both, and will work for the good of the College as a whole.
. . . .
Owing to the Easter Tournament, the session was somewhat late in commencing. The annual general meeting was followed by an impromptu debate. The committee notes with pleasure that a large number of Freshmen braved the audience. "It is a sign of growth when the buds begin to shoot."
In the first debate of the Session, R. G. M. Park maintained that a "Students' Boarding House on co-operative lines" was eminently desirable. Having exhausted the resources of the English language, he claimed the Parliamentary privilege of an interpreter, and H. Ostler rose to the occasion by giving a somewhat free though poetical translation of the rhythmic Maori periods. W. Newbury and A. Tudhope brought much legal acumen to destroy the plaintiff's case.
. . . .
"The Elevating Influence of the Stage" was discussed at the next meeting. The affirmative position was moved by F. A. de la Mare, who was supported by Miss F. Smith. J. Buddle and C. Collins were eloquent in opposition, and carried the voting in a thin house by 13 to 9.
Professor Wall, of Canterbury College, in a letter to the secretary of the Students' Association, asked that the Association should discuss a scheme by which he considered the value of the New Zealand pass degrees might be raised by means of a system of specialisation. The idea was that a wide range of subjects should occupy the first year at College, with a comparatively easy examination at the end. In the second year the number of subjects should be reduced, and the standard of examination raised, while in the third year specialisation should be carried a step farther. In other words, the examination year by year should lose in extension and gain in intention. The Students' Association suggested Professor Wall's scheme as a subject for the Debating Society's consideration, and the question was settled once and for all by 14 votes to 6, in favour of the scheme. A. H. Johnstone set forth the disadvantages of the present system and the advantages of the proposed change, and he was supported by H. H. Ostler. J. A. Brailsford and with him A. G. Quartley, the one with humorous subtlety, the other with dramatic intensity, supported modification without revolution. Professor Mackenzie, while agreeing with the spirit of the suggestion, thought it unsuited to the condition of student life in New Zealand, and advocated a modification of the Scotch system. Most of the other speakers supported Professor Wall.
. . . .
The Session promises to be a very successful and enjoyable one, and we cordially invite all students and their friends to attend. Non-members are allowed to speak, but not to vote. There is an annual Essay Competition in connection with the Society, for which a prize is offered. The subject for this year is "Student Types."
Overcharged with double cracks, so they Doubly redoubled cracks upon the foe."
Those who prophesied that the Victoria College Hockey Club would die a lingering death on the formation of a football club need prophesy no more. There is yet no sign of syncope, for, though we lost some of our best players, we gained so many promising recruits that two teams still do battle for the College each Saturday. The first team is not appreciably worse than it was last year, and the second is appreciably better.
. . . .
What is still more satisfactory is that our reserve strength is no longer a "nebulous hypothesis." There are enough keen men waiting to get into the teams to make it worth while for everyone to play up. It was necessary last year to deliver tirades against deserters, and to say hard things about men who consistently missed trains. This year such sayings would not be understood. So mote it be!
. . . .
Matches this season are played at Day's Bay, and, though the di stance is great and fraught with all the perils of the sea, the grounds on the other side are as a consolation to the traveller. If the dressing-rooms were enlarged to the size of a ship's cabin they would hold eleven men each with greater comfort and give each man a chance of finding his clothes after the fight.
. . . .
When the new players gain a little more experience the results of matches should be very satisfactory. All the games played so far have been closely contested, though the College team has not always proved victorious. The Second Team has several men who should soon be asserting their right to Senior honours—notably, G. Prouse and Ryburn.
The following are the results of matches:
We are glad to be able to publish in this number a photograph of Professor Mackenzie, one of the Foundation Professors of Victoria College. Besides the Chair of English, Professor Mackenzie has held the Lectureship in Mental Science since the establishment of the College. On another page will be found our representatives at the Easter Tournament. A corresponding group was published last year, and we hope the record will be kept complete, for it should be the aim of every student to gain a place in the team which does battle for his College in the Inter-Varsity Sports.
We are also enabled by the courtesy of the College Council to print a copy of one view of the Prize Design for the College Building. The successful competitors are Messrs. Penty and Blake, of this city.
The Victoria College Tennis Club has every reason to congratulate itself on the Season of
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The success of the Tennis Club was not achieved without struggle. A club which aspires to take a place among the best clubs of 'Wellington should have more than two courts. Matches must be played, and a match means two courts for a whole afternoon. This means that those players who are not in the teams are frequently unable to get a game on Saturday afternoons, and they often fall out of the club altogether. Beginners, too, often fall out because they think that they are in the way when better players are waiting for a game. It is hard to convince them of the fact that the members of the Victoria College Tennis Club are always happy to devote themselves to helping their weaker brethren on Saturday afternoon.
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There is thus urgent need for another court, and we hope that the Victoria College Council will lay down four courts at the new buildings, and give the Committee of two years hence an opportunity of providing for all its members.
Early in the season the question of providing seats at the courts looked like involving the club in financial ruin. It is proposed to send the first seat made to the museum—maker's name and price attached.
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The Treasurer, Miss F. G. Roberts, has reason to be proud of her surplus of ten guineas. Last year's surplus turned out a minus quantity.
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It is rumoured that two Primus stoves are for sale—cheap. Information can be obtained from the Secretary.
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The Wellington Lawn Tennis Association is to be congratulated on having inaugurated its Provincial Championship Club scheme. We congratulate the Thorndon Club on being the first winner. We were proud to be runners up for Wellington.
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Many of our ladies are away during the summer months and there is occasionally great difficulty in filling up our teams. We have to thank some ex-students who came to our aid in the hour of need.
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One of the pleasantest events of the season was the trip to Otaki. We had a beautifully-fine day, and the Otaki Tennis Club laid itself out to make us enjoy ourselves. We hope that this will not be our last match with the Otaki Club.
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We have to thank the Newtown Club for two very pleasant practice games.
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An account of the Tennis at the Easter Tournament is given in another place.
The following are the results of the matches played:—
V.C. v. Petone (Brougham Hill Courts). Won, 17—1. A more interesting game than the score indicates.
V.C. v. Wellington (Thorndon Courts). Won, 12—6. The play was very even, the games standing 97 to 78.
V.C. v. Thorndon (Brougham Hill Courts). Lost, 3—15. This was the final round and though the result was a foregone conclusion, many of the games were very interesting. Miss Van Staveren won two sets, and Wilson and de la Mare one.
Championship Totals.—Won 2, lost 1. Sets—for, 32; against, 22. Games—for, 255; against, 225.
V.C. v. Newtown. Won, 8—1. Four sets were not played owing to rain. Newtown was not fully represented.
V.C. v. Brougham Hill. Lost, 4—9. Richmond, first man, gained a good win from Amies, 9—8. The games were 69—92,
V.C. v. Otaki. Won, 18—4. A most enjoyable game. A fairly easy win, but by no means a walk-over. The points showed V.C. 913, Otaki 790. Burns, our ex-champion, played for Otaki.
V.C. v. Newtown. Lost, 6—7. Games, 89—90. Very closely contested. College won all the men's singles.
V.C. v. Wellington. Lost, 2—11, Miss Batham beat Miss E. Williams after a good game. G. Bogle also played well for College.
Totals.—Won 2, lost 3. Sets: For, 38; against, 32. Games: For, 289; against, 330.
Totals for all Matches.—Won 4, lost 4. Sets: For, 70; against, 54-Games: For, 544; against, 555.
V.C. v. Brougham Hill. Lost, 3—10. Will won his single. Brails ford and Bee made a good fight in the Men's Doubles, winning 9—8.
V.C.v. Brougham Hill. Lost, 6—7. A very close match. Th games were 79 to 89.
V.C. V. Khandallah. Won, 8—5. An interesting game.
V.C. v. Newtown. Won, 9—4.
V.C. v. Wellington. Lost, 4—9. Bee and 0. Prouse won the singles and double. Miss Roberts scored a meritorious win.
Totals.—Won 2, lost 3. Sets: For, 30; against, 35. Games: For, 37 5; against, 422.
Sealed Handicap Singles.—Men's, R. Beere; Ladies', Miss N. Heath.
Handicap Doubles.—Men's, G. V. Bogle and R. Nagle; Ladies', Misses E. Page and E. Wedde.
"Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better."
— Browning
Victoria College has at last a Football Club. In A
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The inaugural meeting was held at the Girls' High School as soon as possible after the beginning of the term. There were 17 men present, as against 3 at the first meeting of the Hockey Club. Mr. S. W. Gawith was voted to the chair. H. H. Ostler kicked off, so to speak, by moving "That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when a football club should be formed." After some discussion this was carried, and a subsequent motion, "That a Victoria College Football Club be formed," was enthusiastically carried by 11 votes to 4, despite the efforts of the Chairman. A committee was next appointed "to foster the interests of the Club," consisting of G. V. Bogle, W. Gillanders, A. H. Johnstone, F. A. de la Mare, It. Mitchell, H. H. Ostler (convenor), A. G. Quartley, R. G M. Park, and A. Tudhope.
The First Annual General Meeting was held on 2nd April.
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As the result of an active canvass in the College it was found possible to enter two teams, one for the Junior, and one for the Third-Class Championships.
V.C. v. Old Boys II. Lost, 11—3. College played a hard though disorganised game. Lack of practice and training told its tale, but the game was not without promise. Ostler scored a well-earned try.
V.C. v. Petone II, Lost, 17—0. The forwards lacked dash, and the three-quarter line, which suffered from the loss of two men of the previous Saturday, did not get together.
V.C. v. Wellington II. Lost, 13—0. A keenly contested game. Eight points were scored in the last few minutes; otherwise the game was even. The forwards got more work in, but the back line had no defence. G. Bogle at half-back played a sound game.
V.C. v. Southern I. Lost, 6—0. College played a hard defensive game, in which Hay, Bogle, and Taylor did excellent work.
V.C. v. Wellington III. Lost, 41—3. Smith had the honour of scoring the team's first try.
V.C. v. Old Boys III. Lost, 52—0. The best team won.
V.C. v. Kia Ora II. Lost, 3—0. The team was reorganised and strengthened, and played with good heart. There was enough doubt as to which was the best team to make things interesting right through.
At the Convention and Summer-school of the A.S.C.U., held at Wollongong N.S.W., January 4-11, our Union was represented by a member of the executive. This year a Summer-school will be held in New Zealand, and we hope every member of the executive and many other students of Victoria College will be able to attend. A handbook for the use of students was issued at the opening of the session by the Union, and early in the year the members gave a very enjoyable social for the purpose of welcoming new students to the College.
April 18.
Professor MacKenzie delivered an interesting address on "Religious Indifference." The Union is greatly indebted to Professor Mackenzie for the willing help he has given on so many occasions.
April 24.
Mr. Mott, general secretary of the world wide student movement, arrived in Wellington. He was publicly welcomed by the Mayor on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, and afterwards addressed members of the Union in the Y.M.C.A. lecture room. Keen and practised in Christian Union work, he quickly detected weak spots in our Union, and gave a number of conditions under which a strong union might be built up.
Briefly, these are as follows:—
At 4 o'clock Mr. Mott addressed the women of the University, together with the staff and senior pupils of the Girls' High School, on "Christianity, Real and False." At 6 o'clock the men students were addressed on the subject, "Temptations of Students in all Lands," after which lecture Mr. Mott left by the "Rotomahana" for Christchurch and Dunedin. The first Missionary Conference of the students of New Zealand was held in Christchurch on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the first week in May, when 318 students met together to consider the problem of evangelisation. Eleven delegates were present from Victoria College. After our return from the conference we were able to welcome Mr. Mott to Victoria College once more. He left many pressing duties to give us an address which will always live in the memory of those who heard it—" Why an Increasing Proportion of Students throughout the World are Becoming Christians."
The first Mission Study class was held in connection with V.C.C.U. on Saturday, May 30. This class meets fortnightly on Saturday evenings from 7.15 to 7.55, and all students are heartily invited to join.
May 16.
April 30.
Rev. Newman Hall gave an address on the preenainende of Christ, in which he showed that, while many other characters in history have been eminent, the character of Christ was pre-eminent.
The men's Bible Class meets on Thursday evenings, and the women's on Wednesday evenings. In both classes the course of study for this year is the life of St. Paul.
We have now the first books of the large C.U. library of future days. These books, which were ordered by the delegates who attended the conference at Christchurch, will shortly be placed in the library for the use of all students,
" Negligens, ne qua populus laboret parce privatus nimium cavere; dona praesentis cape laetns horae et linque severa."
To show the joy all felt at the thought of beginning work again, and to raise some money for the Easter trip, the first evening of this term was given over to revelry, in the form of a concert followed by a play. An excellent programme was provided, and the thanks of the College is due to some of Wellington's leading musicians and reciters for the readiness with which they give their help on occasions of this kind. Misses Parker and Page opened the programme with a pianoforte duet, tastefully played. "A Summer Night" was sweetly sung by Mrs. F. P. Wilson. Miss Julia Moran was loudly recalled for her violin solo, Papini's "Tarantelle." Mr. J. M. Clark recited Disowning's "Hervé Riel" excellently, and was recalled. Mr. G. Toopsood gave a description of a cricket match in his best style. Mr. A. Newton achieved signal success in his song "A Girton Girl," describing the troubles of a young man who thought Tolstoi was a racehorse and who had to take a "new woman" to dinner. As an encore lie explained why "Mother laid the carpet on the stairs." Mr. E. F. Hiscocks was loudly applauded for his clever and amusing lightning sketches.
" Queen.—Was it, my lord, so very, very, bad?Claudius.—Not to deceive my trusting queen, it was."
Expectation ran high when the curtain rose on the first scene of W. S. Gilbert's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern," in which the great master of comic opera parodies "Hamlet, as he is acted." As G. Toogood, in the robes of King Claudius, confessed the sin of his youth—his five-act tragedy—a perceptible shudder passed through the audience. Miss Nell Batham, as Queen of Denmark, received the awful news with a grace and dignity which befitted her exalted rank. It was not, however, till Claudius crossed the stage in the bitterness of his humiliation that the audience seemed to see the concentrated essence of Irving, Bentley, and Wilson Barrett. But if Claudius was tragic, who can describe the grace and elegance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern—A. S. Henderson and R. M. Watson. Who could wonder that the fair Ophelia, robed in dainty white and so charmingly portrayed by Miss F. G. Roberts, should forsake at once the antic Hamlet and admire the perfect mould of Rosencrantz. And Hamlet himself, so full of dark forbodings, so fall of long soliloquy, so lank and lean, with what grim earnest did he suffer "his lucid intervals of lunacy." F. A. de la Mare was most natural in the rôle, and he embraced Ophelia and the Queen at the last farewell, if not with practised skill, yet with manifest enthusiasm Miss E. Page, as the "Player Queen," was seen all too little, and G. V. Bogle sustained the part of "Player King" with all the fondness and delicacy the part demanded. A. G. Quartley was abundantly sepulchral as Polonius, while T. Seddon, R. Mitchell, and O. Stout were appropriately dignified and knightly as "Lords in Waiting."
"No sleep till morn when youth and pleasure meet To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."
The term was drawing towards its close when the social—to welcome new students—was held. It was a great success, except for the new students—who were conspicuous by their absence. If they could only realise what good fun College socials really are the hall would not be large enough to hold them—even on such a night as Thursday, the 28th of May. New student, next time a social is given in thine honour, come; or thou wilt find at the eleventh hour how much pleasure thou hast lost.
The large hall at the Girls' High School was prettily decorated with flags for the occasion. The euchre went fast and furiously till ten o'clock, at which hour the killed and wounded were gathered together and the spoils handed to the victors. Miss Tait, Miss Roberts, and Miss F. Smith were the successful ladies, and Professor Brown, with Messrs. Park and Quartley, shared the honours of the men.Miss N. Batham had a "walk over" for the ladies' "booby" prize, while J. A. Brailsford achieved a similar honour—in the absence of last year's champion. Mr. Ritchie distributed the prizes, Professor Brown having a more important duty to attend to. Then the decks were cleared for action, and a most enjoyable dance ended all too soon.
Fellow Students,—
To make our Carnival on the evening of Diploma Day the success it deserves to be, "Victoria College expects that every Student will put his shoulder to the wheel."
Will You do what you can?
Join the Haka Practice.
Attend the Glee Club's Rehearsals of Capping Songs, Etc.
If you're a funny man, report yourself to the Comicality Committee.
Tell your friends about the Carnival.
Come Yourself.
If you can't do anything else—
Buy a Ticket.
The MacMillan-Brown Memorial Prize was this year awarded to a Victoria College student, who, under the motto "Quis Separabit," sent in a blank-verse composition, varied by songs in ballad metres. Space will not admit the insertion of the whole of it, but we publish extracts which will give an idea of the nature and style of the work. The subject is "The Future of Imperialism."
. . . . .
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"Wait till you come to forty-year."
Scene.— Judge's Chambers.
Dramatis Personæ.—A Chairman, an Inspector of schools, a Chief Justice (being a Sub-Committee of a College Council), and a Student.
[Enter Chairman and Inspector of Schools.]
Enter C. J.
The number of students attending lectures this year is 180, as against 167 last year.
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Professor Kirk has taken up temporary quarters in Miss Baber's school, in Pipitea Street. He has fourteen students, who talk about biology as though it were football or some other exciting pastime. An enthusiastic student writes that on the 22nd May "Kirk's Lambs" went "bug-hunting" at Petone, "bent on capturing and killing water-fleas, frogs, and other dangerous animals." This sounds like philanthropy. "After an interesting and exciting day," we are told, "the excursionists returned home richly laden with specimens." We wish the "lambs" luck every time.
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The budding biologists were somewhat lacking in facilities for work at first; but, thanks to Messrs. Hoby, Watson, Haylirh, Richmond, Evans, and Miss Myers, microscopes were obtained. Professor Easterfield threw in some antique skulls and a few venerable bones, so that now things are looking quite homelike at the Pipitea branch.
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Students will no doubt look upon the new seal (which appears on our cover) with feelings of intense relief. We have long desired (vainly) that the stain of "desideranda" should be washed away. We have ourselves "little Latin and less Greek," but we do not like to see the show given away on the College seal.
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Since our last number P. S. Foley has gone to other fields and pastures new. How we miss the smile of genial Pat. The Hockey Club lost a fine goal-keeper, the Tennis Club a mine of cheerfulness, and all of us a jolly good fellow, the day Foley left for Napier. Here's luck, Patrick.
We regret to have to chronicle a painful scene which occurred during a recent hockey match. It was indeed de-plorable to see a member of the city Licensing Committee—one elected on the Reform Ticket at that—in the clutches of Beere. We are glad the matter was settled out of Court.
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The College has suffered considerable loss in the departure of G. V. Bogle, who has accepted the position of junior master at the Napier High School. Bogle has distinguished himself during the last two years as a good all-round man. At football, hockey, and tennis he has proved one of the most useful men in the College first teams. At hurdling and long jumping he has given considerable promise, and it was with great regret that the team heard of his inability to go to Auckland as one of our representatives at the Easter Tournament. Such a good athlete should prove of great advantage to a school, and we congratulate the Napier High School on its selection.
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We are asked to announce some results of a careful analysis of a valuable collection of stones brought from South Africa by H.O.S. The large diamond consists of 95% Sio2, and 5% veldt dust—total, 100%. Our correspondent remarks enigmatically, "Most people wonder why De Wet was not cornered." We don't.
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"The night of April 16th was calm. Everything was calm except the heart of the "Takapuna" and the manly breast of one who was, alas! seeking calmness and repose. But it was not to be. Forty tireless undergrads with the ferocity of Captain Kidd and the ruthlessness of Bluebeard, took possession of the ship. "Ties shall be fastened in bows,' rang out the staff-order—' double collars up, and coats inside out, trousers half-mast.' Hardly were the words uttered when a band of muscular ruffians proceeded to enforce the commands, and in a twinkling all resistance was overcome. Then with savage "hakas" and barbarous war-crys was night made hideous, and the eight bells for "mid" had long since tolled before sleep at last became possible. And in that lonely cabin who shall describe the joy of the afflicted one whose misery was no longer insulted by deeds of lawless violence or the shouts of an exultant rabble?" Who, indeed?
At break of day New Plymouth was reached, and even the afflicted one joined the piratical crew in an attack upon the town. A party of twenty at once laid siege to a fruit shop. It belonged to Murphy—presumably an Italian.
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"One, two, three," said a small voice, and then a mighty shout broke the morning stillness, "We—want—Murphy." Half the town started from slumber, fearing a riot; not so Murphy. For fully five minutes the raiders kept on repeating their polite request, and then Murphy, who had mistaken the call for the last trump, appeared on the scene with a look of unfathomed dread in his eye. He forgave, however, and now cherishes quite a kindly remembrance of twenty hungers—satisfied.
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To this day the villagers along the line tell with delight a strange legend of fifty bronzed and beardless faces that saluted them from the platform of the express with unhallowed and ghastly noises of stupendous magnitude. But the war songs grew thinner and wearier, and the last gurgle of heroic effort died languidly among the hills of Porirua.
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Lest anyone should suspect us of exaggeration we reproduce the words of the great Victoria College battle-cry, given under the leadership of our famous Maori chief, Rangitihi Whakahirahira (Paaka):—
We congratulate our readers that we are unable to reproduce the sound and the faces.
We have again this year to thank Mr. H. E. Nicholls for his able assistance in preparing for "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern." Mr. Nicholls gave considerable time and trouble to a play which was first accepted and then, almost at the last moment, discarded. It speaks volumes for his kindness and skill that he helped us through, and that the play went off so well. The actors signed a round robin, which they presented to Mr. Nicholls after the performance. The words spoken at the presentation were not many, but they were meant.
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The method of scoring the tennis points at the Easter Tournament is unsatisfactory. Some scheme should be devised by which each representative makes an appreciable difference to the result. At present two men and two ladies are all that count, and it is possible for four really good players to carry off all the points against a good even team of twelve. If the team as a team were encouraged it would be much easier to get the best team away.
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"Oh Victoria,sempiterna Sit tibi felicitas Alma mater, peramata Per aetates maneas."
The excavations on the College site are now completed. The competitive designs, which were sent to Melbourne to be judged, are now in the hands of the College Council. No doubt some modifications will have to be made in the successful plan, and some time will be occupied in letting the contracts. Allowing for all delay, however, there appears no reason why the foundation stone should not be laid early next term.
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We are glad to be able to announce that The Spike came out last year with a cash balance of £1 7s. We have as assets 72 magazines and stock-in-trade valued at £2.
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We are always pleased to publish gems of oratory from the Debating Society. A correspondent, who is also a short-hand writer, sends us the following:—
"Who would be a doctor? When the choice was first offered me and the chance given to prosecute the study of medicine at home, I spake to myself thus. These were my very words:—'New Zealand wants men, high-minded men, men who their duties know. New Zealand cannot afford to lose men of my calibre. I will go to Victoria College and study law. For is not justice holy, sacred, eternal? Does not every other consideration appear mean and sink into insignificance beside this?' And it is my chief ambition to become a successful advocate that I may defend the cause of the criminal and the spieler, that I may cheat the rope of the hangman and rob the gaol of its birds."
"It is especially gratifying to us older and experienced speakers to see so many younger students amongst our audience. We extend to them a hearty welcome, and feel sure that by paying attention to our words and gestures they will in time acquire the facility of speaking, the exquisite modulation of voice, the gracefulnass of gesticulation, and the force of logic possessed by us older hands."
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One of the most exciting contests of the Easter Tournament was the Tug of War. In the first pull Victoria and Canterbury Colleges had a great struggle. Victoria College had slightly the best of the ground, and managed to win. In the final with Auckland College there were three pulls. In the first Auckland succumbed to the best pull of the day. In the second Auckland had the advantage after a hard go. But in the great final both sides strained every nerve. Excitement ran high—cheers, hakas, shouts rent the air as the warriors on either side gained or lost an inch. Professor Easterfield passed along our line. With great shouts he urged us on, and at last as the night set in one long last heave brought us victory.
Diploma Day is this year to be celebrated by a Students' Carnival. There is to be a farce, an item called "Comicalities," which includes the "taking off" of some of our leading public men. Maori hakas, under the leadership of R. G. M Park, will be a feature of the Carnival. The proceedings will be interspersed with solos, choruses, etc. A prize has been offered for the best capping song. G. F. Dixon is managing secretary.
Quite a bright, breezy little social was given by the C.V. early in the session for the purpose of welcoming new toilers. Even the shiniest lights grew almost as caperish as innocents abroad at an Easter Tournament, and the beautiful row of Professors who sat in a beautiful row on the stage, and made touching little speeches waxed almost humorous in a high class way. The gentlemen vocalists were keenly appreciated, especially B., who got up with an air of seriousness, almost of pathos, and sang us a weird soulful air that went to our very hearts. Lady vocalists were conspicuously absent, but a charming student in pink performed a morceau, and another charming student not in pink performed another morceau, while yet another recited a poem—an inspiring, stimulating, uplifting, all-sufficing, Scotch poem. At least H. declared it was Scotch, and his opinion ought to carry weight, considering he is at present engaged in taking a course of instruction in Scotch and Maori from the natives themselves. It certainly was uplifting, for it made H. rise and stagger forth into the frosty night air and miss all the rest of the beautiful morceaux, not to speak of coffee, and wafers and——'celebrities.'
I don't think I enjoyed those celebrities as much as I should. It is too candid a form of amusement for my liking. To discover first hand from one whom you have every reason to believe was a friend that you are unbecoming, far from young, a pro-Boer, and a football enthusiast is calculated to give one a narrower opinion of human nature than is expedient. Besides this the game is distinctly cruel. I had nineteen pin jags in my shoulder-blades, which necessitated a visit to the chemist on my way home, for a pot of ointment. An unwounded friend who had preferred to "look on," scouted ointment, and gave a glowing description of marine soap and moist sugar. I bought the soap—a large bar, in case I should be inveigled into any more C.U. "celebrities"—and sent in the bill to the Union. They curtly returned it with the intimation that "this Society does not provide sick benefits," and trusted it would soon be convenient for me to pay my annual sub.
[Entry in my diary.—Eschew "celebrities."]
"History repeateth itself!" In the Debating Society we have this month had the pleasure of welcoming Abou Tassan to the chair. Needless to say, "The Commander of the Faithful" occupied his position with becoming dignity, and we have every reason to congratulate "the Faithful" on their choice. That half-sad, half-stern, Napoleonic air, that pitying O—what—a baneful—lot—you—unenlightened—promiscuous—magazine—readers—are sort of manner is plainly calculated to impress.
[Entry in my diary.—Abou, thou art a pearl of quality in a sea of quantity.]
The debate on "The Stage" was keenly contested. The mover showed that he had large and extended views as well as an expressive eye, while the amazing intimacy displayed by the opposer towards the wicked wiles of the boards was something rarely seen off the stage itself. It filled us with poignant anguish, it almost brought us to the brink of tears to see that white-souled Briton standing before us, his manly chest heaving, his whole form wrung with unspeakable misery, resisting those wiles, nobly refusing to be elevated. How the evil ones writhed! Even Little Jack Horner who had but a short half-hour before risen from his corner to innocently recount the circumstances attending the most blissful moment of his life, had his sins so vividly brought home to him that he was forced to discover in discretion the better part of valour, and in company with his little brief bag made hurried tracks for Murphy street. Appearances are certainly deceptive. It had always been my opinion that Master Horner was prone to the enjoyment of select and staid delights. But "the sex is peculiar and vacil-lating," to quote one of Scylla's profound remarks. And that reminds me of a friend I lost the other day—on what grounds I have as yet failed to discover.
Ordinarily I try to win a reputation for good nature by other means than by insulting the intelligence of men students, especially the younger portion, by saying that women know anything when they indisputably do not. Still we all, like Hamlet, have our 'lucid intervals of lunacy,' and I really thought, after patiently listening for half-an-hour to the follies and foibles of amateur dramatic clubs, I was justified in asserting when next I encountered C. my deep and abiding abhorrence of all matters stagey. C. gazed at me with withering scorn. "The stage," he began. "I know it," said I, "don't say the word, there's a Professor behind us." "The stage," he continued, "is the plectrum that makes music with the heart-strings of man."
I answered not; I was mystified. "A plectrum, you must know, is an instrument for striking ancient lyres." "Yes," I faltered, "and modern ones?" I am still waiting for C. to finish explanations.
[Entry in my diary.—Have discovered that C. is made up wholly of the serpent without the least grain of the dove.]
I see at the next debate Sinbad is to hold forth on the elevating influences of the voyages of the Contingenters, which occasion Hindbad will politely beg to differ.
The Inter-University-College Tournament has given us an interest in the other centres of the New Zealand University which three years ago had been impossible. Many of our students have now a personal interest in the affairs of our sister Colleges, and we are glad to be able to publish some details of their work.
Canterbury College welcomed its victorious representatives home by means of a Social and Dance, held in College Hall. As soon as this excitement was over the College set about making Mr. Mott's visit a success, and, says our correspondent, he was a "refreshing change from the somewhat emotional type of religious leader that America often produces." Diploma Day is to be celebrated by a concert and dance.
The Canterbury College Football Club has again entered Senior ranks, and has altogether three teams. We hope that she will revive the glory of the days when Cresswell, Marshall. Craddock and Bean were names to conjure with. E. Rice is captain of the senior team. Though the backs are uneven the forwards are heavy and improving—and the team, which has already given a good account of itself, should be an excellent one by the end of the season.
Otago University is rejoicing in the prospect of enjoying the generosity of the Presbyterian Church in the form of a Residential College. It is hoped to provide rooms for 25 to 30 students as a beginning, and it is expected that 100 will ultimately be provided for. Not only students of theology, but men of Arts and Science, Medicine, and Mines, will be able to avail themselves of the privileges of this refuge.
The proceedings at the annual meeting of the Students' Association seem to have been more exciting than business-like. Light gave way on several occasions, and the speeches were enriched by passing comment. We congratulate Mr. P. Buck on his election to the Presidency.
The Otago University Football Club appears to be in a flourishing condition. It has three teams, a strong first, and a substantial credit balance. This is joy indeed.
We regret to hear that Parkinson, who showed much promise at the Easter games, and won his place in the first fifteen, has received an injury to his knee which has ended his football for the season.
Auckland University College has quite recovered from its noble exertions of Easter-time. The Ladies' Hockey Club which has been for three seasons a great success under the direction of Professor Tubbs, has a large increase in membership, and a very successful season is expected. (Where are the Victoria College ladies?) A. mens' hockey club has been formed, but football is still extinct, owing to the slavish and, as it seams to us, idiotic way in which the Auckland Rugby Union adheres to the District system.
The Capping Day festivities are to take a form similar to those of last year. Degrees are conferred in the Choral Hall, after which the students are entertained by the ladies in the Ladies' Common Room, where tea is provided in honour of the lady graduates. Then there usually follows a practice of Capping songs and an impromptu dance. On the next night there is a Graduation Supper which has previously been preceded by a Students' Costume Torchlight Procession, a function which has been abandoned this year in consequence of the delicate attentions of the Auckland street arabs. On the following Saturday there is to be a Capping Social, open to students and their friends, which is to take the form of a kind of conversazione, enlivened by Capping songs and a parody operetta written by two students.
"Let us be grateful to writers for what is left in the inkstand; When to leave off is an art only attained by the few." — Longfellow.
"Rusticus." As we have a considerable quantity of verse in this number, we hold your rhymes over—lest, perchance, we have more space next issue. There is much "point" in your contribution, but couldn't you borrow an axe and prune it up a bit, especially at the end where the rhyming shows signs of suicidal haste.
S. W. G—th. Your "Apologia" to hand. We see your difficulty precisely, and would like to find you a way out—but can't. Your exertions of a previous year only make matters worse. You see, you did accept a position on a Committee "to foster the interests of football in the College," and you did do your best to wreck the Football Club. We do not accept the worst construction—that you sat on the Committee in order to destroy its object—but there seems only one alternative. Many a promising youth has been wrecked by weakness.
H.M. the Tourist. We are sorry we cannot publish your adventures, which betray a sense of humour. Have a shot at some topic of College interest.
Captain, Second Fifteen. It requires more pluck to stick to a team which gets licked by 52—0 than to join a club which seldom gets beaten. You can look the College in the face better than some we wot of.
H.H.O. We agree with you that debates should be regarded more seriously. The shocking impropriety and shamelessness of your friend who seconded a motion and afterwards confessed he thought he had agreed to support the opposing side, betrays the fact that the "politian" element has invaded our halls.
E.L. Your ode to A.G.Q. received. It is readable, but smacks some-what of the work of a contemporary. Perhaps the opening lines will be sufficient to effect your purpose. We regret we have not space for the remainder.
"When you've finished with your drawing and your book is scrawled all thro', When you've criticised the students all around, Will you kindly sum the knowledge that you've got within this College, For it's varied if it isn't all quite sound?"
W. Bl——r. Your tract on the elevating influence of "penny dreadfuls" shows a wide knowledge of a certain class of literature, but it is not a class we wish to advertise. We think you would be more successful in drama.
A.B.—Yes, work in pairs. We do not accept the gospel of give and take as laid down by you and Kipling. There's too much give on one side (we won't say which), too much take on the other. Your calculations are fairly comparable, though we think no good purpose would be served by publishing the results.
F. Sm——th. Yes, on the principle that half a loaf is better than no bread, one golosh may be considered better than no goloshes. It would, however, be advisable to wear it on alternate feet at every third telegraph post. Your song, " Where I Go my Golosh Goes," is rather defective in metre.
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