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The Editorial Committee invites contributions, either in prose or verse, on any subject of general interest, from students or officials connected with the College. All literary communications should he addressed to The Editor Victoria College, Wellington.
Subscriptions are now due and are payable to Mr H. Oram, Financial Secretary, Victoria College.
"Beside the entrance door Of a sort of temple—perhaps a college-Like nothing I ever saw before At home in England, to my knowledge."
The most noteworthy event which has happened since the Spike last appeared, perhaps the most noteworthy since the establishment of the College has been the opening of the new building. For the last seven years this has been looked forward to both by students and professors, and the congratulatory speeches made on the opening day but marked the appreciation by all of the fact that with the acquisition of a building, the difficulties under which the work was being carried on whilst we were at the Girls' High School would, in a large measure, disappear. Most of the speakers dealt with the progress of university education in this district and the difficulties contended with, but appeared to think that now we had a building very little more could be desired, at any rate, for the present.
There is one point to which we should like to draw attention. That point is the desirability, we might almost say necessity, for the establishment of a residential department. Of course we shall be told that the Council has no funds, and could not think of considering such a scheme; but a consideration of the need for it may induce members to look into the question. Of this need there can be no doubt. We have nearly four hundred students attending lectures this year, and of this number probably two-thirds are living in lodgings. In most cases a boardinghouse is not an ideal place for study. Students are not welcomed, hours of lectures, of study, etc., interfere with the routine, and the student in quest of "digs" has a hard, and often but indifferently rewarded task. In fact, the difficulty of getting a suitable place can be appreciated only by those who have tried it.
Probably a residential college in the usual sense of the term would be too big a project for the Council to undertake at present; but a system such as that at Christchurch might be adopted. There a start has already been made. The Students' Association passed a resolution urging the necessity for the establishment of a residential department, which the Professorial Board cordially endorsed. The Board of Governors have acted on the recommendation, and a students' house, under the charge of an experienced lady will be opened at the end of the short vacation. Till the establishment prove a financial success the manageress will receive a bonus. We hope the Council may see its way to attempt something of the same kind here, where the necessity is even greater than in Christchurch.
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We note with pleasure that some members of the Council have a proper appreciation of the need of an up-to-date library in the College. Mr. C. Wilson at the last meeting remarked that a college without a library was like a cart without wheels. He put down the cost of even a modest one at something like £1000; but probably the Council will not be able to afford this amount-at least at present. We hope that Mr. Wilson's attention will not be devoted exclusively to furthering the interests of the Science and Arts departments as regards the books to be obtained, and that a few crumbs may be allowed to fall in the way of the Law School. The books in the law section must have cost the Council very little, and though we have the nucleus of a law library more books are absolutely essential. Students are quite unable to purchase reports, the price being far beyond
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On behalf of the students of Victoria College we have much pleasure in welcoming to our midst the new member of the staff, Professor Salmond. With the appointment of two professors the College may be really said to have entered on that specialization in law which is supposed to be one of its features. Professor Salmond has a high reputation as a writer on legal subjects, and there is no doubt that the scientific study of law will benefit immensely by his appointment. We give elsewhere a short sketch of his academic career, which we are sure will be read with interest.
We would also take the present opportunity of welcoming Mr. W. Gray, the Lecturer on Education. His appointment is all the more gratifying, seeing that he is a graduate of the New Zealand University.
Patron: Professor von Zedlitz.
President: F. A. de la Mare, B.A.
Vice-Presidents: Miss E. Tooman, B.A. and W. H. Wilson, B A.
Hon. Auditor: C. B. Collins, LL.B.
Hon. Treasurers: Miss G. F. Cooke and T. N. Holmden.
Hon. Secretary: W. Perry.
Committee: Misses M. E. Gibbs, C. M. Taylor, B.A., L. M. MacKellar, and Messrs. G. F. Dixon, G. V. Boglf, S. Eichelbaum, A. Paterson and other officers of the Association (ex officio).
President: Mr. T. A. Hunter, M.A., B.Sc.
Vice-Presidents: E. J. Fitzgibbon (Chairman), C. B. Collins (Vice-chairman)
Hon. Secretary: C. H. Taylor.
Hon. Treasurer: R. Mason, B.A.
Committee: Misses F. Smith, E. Tooman, B.A., and Messrs F. P. Kelly, H. Banks and other officers of the Society (ex officio).
President: Mrs. Rankine Brown.
Vice-Presidents: Mesdames Easterfield, Kirk, Maclaurin, Mackenzie, von Zedlitz, Salmond, Richmond, Hunter and Gray.
Club Captain: Miss F. G. Roberts.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: Miss L. M. Mackellar.
Committee: Misses Tooman. Rigg, Scott and other officers of the Club (ex-officio).
Hon. Auditor: Miss G. F. Cooke.
Patron : Professor von Zedlitz.
President: Mr. T. A. Hunter.
Vice-Presidents: Professors Brown, Easterfield, Maclaurin, Mackenzie, Kirk, Salmond, Richmond and Messrs W. Gray and R. Mccallum.
Club Captain: T. A. Hunter.
Vice-Captain : W. Gillanders.
Secretary: K. Mckenzie. Treasurer : J. M. Hogben.
Committee: G. V. Bogle, F. A. Dela Mare, A. Tudhope and other officers of the Club (ex officio).
Delegates to W.R.F.U.: T. A. Hunter. J. M. Hogben and K. McKenzie.
Field Captains: 1St XV., G. V. Bogle; 2nd XV., B. W. Millier; 3rd XV., J.B. Reid; 4th XV., A. Fair.
President: J. A. Ryburn. Vice-President: Miss I Watson.
Corresponding Secretary: J. Ross.
Recording Secretary: H. W. Monaghan.
Treasurers: Miss E. Evans, K. Mckenzie.
Patron: His Excellency The Governor.
President: Sir Robert Stout.
Vice-Presidents: Professors Brown, Mackenzie, Maclaurin, von Zedlitz, Kirk. Salmond, Richmond; Messrs. T. A. Hunter and W. Gray.
Club Captain: R. St. J. Beere.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: M. H. Oram.
Committee: Messrs. Skelley, Grundy, Furby and other officers of the Club (ex officio)
Delegates to W.H.A.: C. Skelley and W. H. Oram.
Hon. Auditor: D. Smith.
President and Conductor: F. P. Wilson, M.A.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: A. Paterson.
Committee: Messrs. Davey Grant, Barnett and Miss J FrÜHauf.
Editorial Committee—Editor: W. H. Wilson.
Sub-Editors: S. Eichelbaum and A. MacDougall.
Financial Secretary: H. Oram. Assistant Secretary: J. C. Pope.
"Not sure, though hoping of this good success."
It was at Christchurch, at Easter,
The number of competitors this year was reduced by the rule which limited the number of entries for each event to two from each College in all events except the Ladies' Singles and Doubles at Tennis. The competition, however, was just as keen, and the change made little difference, except in clearing the field in the athletic events, in reducing the strain of the tennis matches, and in lightening the burden of travelling expenses. Most of the champions of former years were still in the ranks, but among the challengers were a number of new men of great promise. The most notable absentee was W. H. Moyes, of Canterbury College, whose performances, especially in the Quarter Mile Race, had become a feature of the Tournament.
Beside the real objects of the meeting, the incidence of success is of course a matter of detail. Providence, in its own good time, has a way of equalising our gains and losses. Still, as we all feel proud when our efforts to assist Providence to tip the scale our way have been crowned with success, it need hardly be said that Victoria College is rejoicing at her measure of success. For the first time she annexed the Joynt Debating Scroll, for the second time she won the Tennis Cup, and for the fifth time she lost the Athletic Shield. To have won two of the three coveted trophies was a good performance, and it fell to fighters little accustomed to the joys of victory. The most pleasing feature of the success is perhaps this, that Victoria College, after many sturdy infant struggles, and in the first year of her building, has won her way into the forefront of the fighting line. She had, so to speak, kept her flag flying while her ship was cut in pieces, and was able to bear its tattered remains triumphantly into port.
"Here's goodly stuff, toward!"
One of the results of reducing the number of entries for each event was to increase the competition for the honour of representation. The selectors this year had, generally speaking, rather an anxious time, for there was room in many cases for some difference of opinion.
The Teams were as follows:—
E. J. Fitzgibbon and F. P. Kelly (elected by the Debating Society.)
G. F. Dixon was appointed Manager of the Team.
"As happy prologues to the swelling act."
The Tournament was opened on Saturday morning, at the Alexandra Hall, with a Reception given by His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch. The Mayor, Mr. C. M. Gray, welcomed the Teams on behalf of the citizens, and, in a short speech, expressed his appreciation of the objects of the Tournament, and his hope that it would be in every way successful. The Hon. C. C. Bowen, who was received with loud applause, welcomed the Students on behalf of the Senate. He spoke of
the part the Tournament was playing in building up a University life, and he expressed the hope that soon a new stimulus would be provided by the establishment of Residential Houses connected with the Colleges. Professor Blunt spoke on behalf of the Professorial Board of Canterbury College, and Dr. P. Marshall, of Otago University, replied on behalf of the visiting Colleges. Mr. D. Ferguson, the Canterbury College Secretary, in modest phrase thanked the Mayor on behalf of the Students.
As soon as the reception was over the Meeting repaired to the Cranmer Tennis Courts, and the opening Matches were begun.
"A little measure of success, a flood of flannelled joy."
The Victoria College Tennis Club is to be heartily congratulated on its success of this year. Of the five Championship events it carried off four, and in the fifth its representatives were left to contest the final round. It may be said with some assurance that the win was deserved, for, recognising the fact that the last day must be very exhausting, most of the Victoria College players who had still to play on Tuesday, forsook the pleasures of the Dance on Monday night and reaped the harvest next day. Miss Roberts is to be particularly congratulated on the win against Miss C. Hull, of Auckland, which gave her the Ladies' Championship. Miss Roberts was apparently beaten with the score at 2—8, but game by game she drew upon her opponent until the score was 8 all. Miss Hull, who plays a fine game, had expended all her effort on the earlier part of the match, and Miss Roberts by sheer endurance won the next two games. It was a very plucky fight, and the most sensational win of these contests. The Combined Championships were well contested, and, though Miss Roberts and de la Mare won the event, they had to fight all the way, each match requiring the full three sets. In the first round against Mrs. Longton and Anderson (C.C.) the games were 6—4, 4—6, 6—2, and the second against Miss Hull and Oliphant (A.U.C.) resulted 6—1, 2—6, 6—4. In this match Miss Roberts was very successful in
At the finish there was the same tale of exhaustion which it was hoped would be avoided by decreasing the number of entries. One player had twelve sets on Tuesday, and the last one was over barely half-an-hour before the last train left to catch the "Mararoa."
The following table shows the results:—
"Madam, I go with all convenient speed."
Easter Monday was a perfect day for the Sports, and the track at Lancaster Park was in excellent condition. Only one record was broken during the day, C. F. D. Cook (C.C.) clearing 5 ft. 61/4 inches in the high jump. All the contests were good,
The Official Results are given on Page 19.
"There's two things I don't want at me fun'ral. Wan is an oration, th' other is wax flowers. I class thim alike."
Judges—J. W. Joynt, Esq., M.A., T. E. Taylor, Esq. and W. H. Triggs, Esq.
On another page are published the remarks of the Judges on the Debate, with some account of the arguments used. E. J.
"Ah. fill the Cup; what boots it to repeat How Time is slipping underneath our Feet! Unborn To-morrow and dead Yesterday, Why fret about them if To-day be sweet !"
Though so much business was crowded into five short days, there was time as usual for the less strenuous and more social side of the Tournament. A casual observer indeed might have been excused for overlooking the business and thinking it altogether pleasure. The weather was so beautiful, and
The special football reporter of THE SPIKE, who was sent to accompany the New Zealand team on its English tour, seems to have gone with the team to Paris, and witnessed the match against "All France" on New Year's Day. But it appears that the fascinations of the gay capital prevented him from writing the account he was supposed to contribute to THE SPIKE. Instead he sends us an illustrated account taken from a French sporting paper, "La Vie an Grand Air." The account is too long for us to reproduce
"It was a singularly happy idea to choose January 1 for the date of the match between France and New Zealand, because it will always be easy to remember this historic date, the most important in the annals of French Rugby. It was rendered still more memorable by the enthusiasm of the spectators, which was great; and by the defence of our team, which was heroic. Besides, 11,000 francs gate money was taken, twice as much as the most sanguine anticipated; the organisers of the meeting se sentirent I'âme en joie: leur contentement fut tel que l'un d'eux, un de nos plus graves confrères, en perdit I'équilibre—to the great joy of the spectators."
(Did he dance for joy and tumble down ? or was it a case of celebrating the event?)
"The thousands of spectators clearly proved two things: Frenchmen no longer dread catching cold: Frenchmen no longer feel obliged to pay calls on New Year's Day. To have banished Mrs. Grundy; to have banished the fear of colds; are these not sufficient triumphs ? . . . . . The New Zealanders had chosen their team the day before. But for the absence of Roberts, it was their best team. The French team, the best that could be picked, fully came up to our expectations."
Here follow the names of the French players, the scribe adding "their names now form part of the history of their
Then comes a diagram, which we reproduce, entitled "le schéma théorique." Before the game begins "l'équipe zélandaise rangée en demi-cercle entonne un chant longuement modulé." Now for the game:
"From the start it was obvious that though we had eight forwards to their seven, we could not get the ball en mêlee: while their swifter and more numerous backs outflanked us continually. The French captain was in terrible anguish; was he to weaken his weak forwards in order to reinforce his equally weak back division? He decided not to do so. He kept to the classical formation which the English had only once maintained against these adversaries; and on that occasion it cost them 60 points. Were we more skilful . . . . . or only luckier?
"Two tries scored in a quarter of an hour did not, as might have been supposed, discourage the French team. With extreme ingenuity they took advantage of the marshy state of the ground pour risquer quelques dribblings. Then the fire and fury of our Southerners came to the rescue, we reached the foreigners' goal, Cessieux of Lyons scored a try! The uproar was deafening, it was a delirious manifestation of patriotic joy. Après tout c'était légitime.
"The collapse of the New Zealanders was only momentary. Indeed, what can one do against men who always have the ball in the scrum, and who make long series of passes without a mistake? At half-time the score stood 18 to 3.
"When play began again another try was scored, which Baulat converted, amidst indescribable enthusiasm. In fact victory seemed possible. But luckily for our national modesty the game went back to its expected course. With surprising regularity the New Zealanders gagnaient du terrain à chaque mêlée, ne dribblant jamais d'ailleurs; leur procédé est élégant; leurs arrières profitent de la moindre trouée et s'y précipitent, évitant les adversaires avec une subtilité inouie. The game ended with 38 points (10 tries 4 goals) to 8 (2 tries 1 goal) (sic).
"Ah! But it was an honourable defeat! Gallaher said so. Perhaps he thought that on a dry ground the French would not
"One thing is forever good, That one thing is success."
The following students of Victoria College passed their several examinations last November:—
Honours in Arts.—Ethel E. M. Martin, second class in Languages and Literature; Zoe E. Poynter, third class in Mental Science; M. W. E. Sprott, first class in Languages and Literature.
Master of Arts.—J. Henderson, Annie H. Tasker.
Bachelor of Music.—Florence B. Williams.
First Section, B.A. —C. A. Arthur (or first LL.B.); G. R. Barnett (or first LL.B.); N. G. Armstrong (or first LL.B.); D. S. Bedingfield; G. V. Bogle;. H. R. Bowater, or first LL.B.); Isabella D. Bruce; H. Buddle (or first LL,B.); A. F. I. Chorlton; J. Christie (or first LL.B.); Louisa A. Dallaston; I. Davey; S. Eichelbaum (or first LL.B.); H. E. Evans (or first LL.B.); Mary F. A. Falla; E. C. Feltham; F. W. Furby (or first LL.B.), A. M. Gould (or first LL.B.); Frances J. Grant; I. J. Griffin: W. C. Harley (or first LL.B.); J. W. A. Heenan (or first LL,B.); Kathleen M. Hewetson; W. H. Hoult; Catherine Jameson; D. Jenness; F. R. Lankshear; A. J. Luke (or first LL.B.); A. MacDougall; Lena M. MacKellar; S. S. Mackenzie (or first LL.B.); Florence Neilson; Beatrix M. Nicholson; H. J. Nightingale; L. F. Pegler; G. S. Prouse (or first LL.B.); Constance I. Strack; C. H. Taylor (or first LL.B.); F. K. Turnbull (or first LL.B.)
Final B. A.—Jessie O. Abernethy; W. J. Andrew; E. W. Beaglehole; J. G. Bee; L. F. de Berry; Elsie M. Bollinger; R. P. Clarkson; Ada Eastwood; J. H. Goulding; A. W. Griffiths; J. Henderson; H. G. R. Mason; Florence G. Roberts; Flo. Scott; Anastasia I. Slowey; Clara M. Taylor; Isabel E. S. Watson.
Final B.Sc.—P. W. Robertson.
Second LL.B.—A. Fair; P. G. Haddow; J. W. Hannan; H. F. O'Leary; W. V. Rout; G. Samuel; P. J. Scantlebury; W. H. Wilson.
First Section Third LL.B.—H. F. Ayson; E. J. FitzGibbon; W. Perry; G. Samuel; E. Tudhope; W. H. Wilson.
Final LL.B.—C. B. Collins; F. M. Martin; T. Neave; G. Toogood; J. G. Haddow.
We beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following magazines:— Otago University Review, The Nelsonian, The Wellingtonian, The Scindian, Canterbury College Review. Kiwi (A.U.C.)
The management wishes to acknowledge the following subscriptions:—Dr. H. S. Robertson
"You'd scarce expect one of my age, To speak in public on the stage; And if I chance to fall below Demosthenes or Cicero, Don't view me with a critic's eye, But pass my imperfections by."
The
The annual meeting held on the steps of the College was perhaps the most remarkable recorded in the history of the Society. It was certainly fitting that we should thus come and sit at the feet of our Alma Mater, but it was equally certain that those metaphorical feet were very cold seats. Some people did not bless the janitor.
The attendance at the first meeting constituted a record for an ordinary meeting of the Society. A triangular debate took place on the motion "That English music and verse appeals more to the national feeling than either Scotch or Irish." F. A. de la Mare, who opened the debate, admitted that he knew nothing about the subject; this probably accounted for the fact that he had not half finished what he wanted to say when the bell rang. Miss Smith made an eloquent speech in support of the music and song of "dear old Ireland." As showing the strong appeal made by Irish verse, Miss Millar mentioned the fact that Tom Moore received £6 for every line he wrote. V. B. Willis, in his usual concise, and rather
Mr. Joynt, who acted as judge for the Union Prize, in delivering his judgment made some remarks on the behaviour of some of the students, which it is to be hoped will take effect. A clever interjection is always appreciated by an audience, and a speaker should learn to be able to reply to such. It is, however, annoying, both to the speaker and the audience for the speech to be interrupted at the end of every sentence by a volley of pointless remarks. Mr. Joynt placed the first five speakers in the following order:—Miss. F. Smith, H. O'Leary, D. Smith, R. Mason, A. Mac Dougall.
At the second debate B. E. Murphy moved "That commercial enterprise tends to the conservation of peace between nations." R. Hill opposed the motion. A. C. Bretherton, by a little example taken from the game of marbles, proved that competition among nations caused strife. Murphy was at his best in his reply, He answered in a very effective manner the arguments of his opponents. It was thought by some that there was just a suspicion of sarcasm in his remarks. The meeting decided in favour of the motion. The judge, Mr. Black, placed the first five speakers in the following order :—B. E. Murphy, J. Mason, G. Gibb and R. Hill (equal), H. O'Leary.
The subject of the third debate was "That the advent of a distinct Labour Party into Home politics will be beneficial to the English people." W. Gillanders made a very effective speech in support of the motion. He was in earnest about the matter, and this added considerably to the weight which his words carried. The motion was opposed by A. C. Bretherton. H. E. Evans, who addressed the audience in what the judge described as an "indolent manner," made the best speech on the side of the opposition. Dr. Mackenzie, who supported the motion, supplemented his arguments by a frequent and effective use of gesticulation. The democratic section won the day, the motion being carried by a majority of twenty. The judge of the debate, Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, M.H.R., placed the speakers in the following order:—W. Gillanders, F. A. de la Mare, H. E. Evans. H. O'Leary, E. J. Fitzgibbon.
"Again we rush across the slush, A pack of breathless faces, And charge and fall, and see the ball Go whizzing through the bases." — Song.
Despite certain lugubrious forebodings and pessimistic prognostications, issuing from a variety of sources, the Hockey Club has every reason to look forward to an exceptionally interesting and sucessful career this season. When we first counted our forces, when we considered the many promising accessions our hopes were very high, we confess; we dreamed radiant dreams of success, and after a few practices the conviction was steadily borne in upon us that the realisation of our hopes was at last within measurable distance. This was at the beginning of the season. The first round is now over, and doubtless to the casual observer the result would hardly justify our roseate expectations—to be absolutely candid, we have not won a match. But, no matter, we put up some really good fights, and we still "look anxiously," in the words of a staunch hockeyite, "for the glitter of a silver shield coyly advancing towards us out of the uncertain obscurity of the rear end of the season." Let us hope that we shall not look in vain. Those College walls of ours are
The Spike, as a general rule, deprecates excuses, but this time we have a clear case against the Fates. We have been unfortunate in more ways than one. In the first place (we quote again): "The gods, with a somewhat embarrassing fondness, have seen fit, to chasten us by removing several of our players, notably amongst the seniors, as is of course only natural, thus causing a "move-up" all along the line of junior material, and consequently a more or less serious dislocation of play in the early stages of the season." Secondly, Pope, a newcomer, who promised great things, has been placed hors de combat by a crack on the knee. It is uncertain when he will be able to resume his place on the field, but we hope it won't be long. Moreover, another prominent member of the seniors is away on business. Small wonder indeed that we have not done so well as we first expected.
Let us now examine the team more closely. To begin with, we have the fastest set of forwards in the Senior Competition— made up of Oram, Sargent (a new man), Beere, Smith (a dashing importation from III A), and the aforesaid Pope. Such a forward line should be almost irresistible with a little combined practice, and adequate support from the halves. The latter are three reliable and experienced hands—Smith, Skelley, and Watson (who has been playing splendidly). But who is this we see, hovering watchfully on the outskirts ? It's "Eichie," disguised in a form of headgear vaguely reminiscent of those roving German bands that periodically invade this peaceful land to harass and disturb. "Eichie" is said to have played some really good games, but he is a trifle—just a trifle—slow. Then there is Furby—a good man; and behind these two we have Ryburn, a back in a class by himself (vide "Evening Post" for corroboration). There is no reason why we should not, with this team, win most of our future matches this season. It behoves us to gird up our loins and go for all we are worth.
The Juniors are a bit raw yet. Again we quote: "So far as we have been able to observe, an insuperable repugnance to fielding with their hands militates seriously against their prospects of success." Take note Juniors! Still there is fine material in the team, and it ought to come out with a decent record at the end of the season.
"The III A's are displaying their wonted undying determination to get there." Speculation, however, is rife, and the foregoing remark about fielding also applies. Be it remembered, however, that III A has scored the first win of the season. "Freddy," the LL.B., we understand, led his men to victory like the hero and sage he is.
"The III B's have hardly yet evolved a homogeneous entity," so our valued contributor, who goes on to hope that the B's will not be discouraged or dismayed by such a pronouncement, and "extends his best wishes in a necessarily uphill fight." The phrase in question simply means, "III B's never have a full team, and they are doing splendidly under the circumstances," nothing more. They will not win many matches—but what of that?
We rejoice to welcome so many new players to our ample bosom; but still we hunger for more. We regret to record the departure from the field of so many of "the old familiar faces" —Matheson, Prouse Bros., Gower, and Paterson (to mention only the celebrities). Perhaps we shall see some of them out again next season.
Following are the results of championship matches so far:—
V.C. v. Wellington. Lost, 2—0. Wellington had the best of the first spell, but we livened up considerably towards the end. All the backs played well, but the forwards were disappointing.
V.C. v. United. Lost, 2—0. United played splendidly, though our failure to seize our opportunities also assisted them. Ryburn, in goal, played a great game. Watson and Skelley also were in good form.
V.C. v. Karori. Lost, 2—1. The forwards at last seemed to wake up, and a close game resulted. Mackenzie shot a goal.
V.C. v. United. Lost, 5—2. United scored four goals in the first spell. The forwards played better in the second spell. Smith (1) and Sargent (1) scored for us.
V.C. v. Karori. Lost, 6—3. Ground very muddy; did not suit us at all. Game was pretty even, however. Karori scored two goals in last few minutes. Beere (2) and Smith (1) scored.
Misfortune upon misfortune! We have just heard that C. Skelley, captain of our 1st Eleven is going to leave us—promoted and moved to Napier. This is a serious loss. Skelley has proved himself a very capable player and a good captain, and we are very loth to part with him. The club entertained him on the 5th at a luncheon party, and many complimentary things were said. Good luck to him!
V.C. v. United. Lost, 6—0. College one short, Rest out of form.
V.C. v. Thorndon. Lost, 5—2. Improving. Forwards attacked well in second spell. Clouston and Mackenzie scored.
V.C. v. Vivian. Lost, 8—4. Willis (2), Clouston, and Mackenzie scored.
V.C. v. Wellington. Lost, 4—2. Clouston and Bee played aggressively. Wilkie's defence excellent. Latham got the goals.
V.C. v. Wesley. Lost, 4—1. Very heavy going.
V.C. v. United. Won, 4—3. We had a strong team, which gave a good account of itself. Wilkie, Macalister, Tait, and Johnson scored.
V.C. v. Wesley. Lost, 4—2. Team one short. Score even in first spell, but towards the end our defence failed. Macalister and Wilkie scored.
V.C. v. Wellington. Lost, 3—0. Some of our best men taken by Juniors Our defence was good. Monaghan played a fine game at bully.
V.C. v. Thorndon. Lost, 2—0. Backs again played well, but forwards were all at sea.
V.C. v. Vivian. Lost, 10—1. We had six men. Monaghan scored.
V.C. v. Y.M.C.A. Lost, 9—2. Nine men. Monaghan and Duncan scored.
V.C. v. Thorndon. Lost, 5—1. Eight men. De la Mare scored.
V.C. v. United. Lost, 4—2. Eight men. Monaghan (2) scored.
"Her grace of motion and of look, the smooth And swimming majesty of step and tread Set the soul afloat."
Again the opening of the new season finds the Ladies' Hockey Club in a flourishing condition. In spite of the loss of a number of our old supporters the membership has been increased by half, among the new members being many promising players.
We must congratulate the Ladies' Hockey Clubs of Wellington upon the formation of a Ladies' Hockey Association. The need of such an association has been long felt, and this Club has given the movement its most hearty support.
Another matter on which the Club has to congratulate itself is that at last our hopes of putting three teams in the field have been realised, and we hope that each team will give a good account of itself in the coming club contests.
We would point out to the secretary of the Men's Hockey Club that a combined team might be more successful than IIIB. in its present state.
Wanted.—A good-looking (this is indispensable), good-tempered gentleman to undertake to coach the members of the Victoria College Ladies' Hockey Club in the art of hockey. No one over forty need apply.
At the beginning of the year we said farewell to one who was formerly a most enthusiastic member of the Club. We hope Miss Griffiths will be as successful in her new sphere as she was on the hockey field.
On November 30th last year the Hockey Club carried out most successfully a scheme which has long been talked of—that of holding a College picnic. About eighty students drove to Tawa Flat. The original arrangement was to drive to Lowry Bay, but an unfortunate slip on the line caused an alteration in our plans, and most unkindly deprived us of the company of Professor von Zedlitz, who was to have joined us at the Hutt. However, aided by the most beautiful weather, and the chaperonage of Professor Easterfield and Mr. Joynt, we succeeded in passing a very pleasant day. It is to be hoped that the picnic will be an annual one.
The annual General Meeting was characterised by its extreme quietness (of course by comparison with some we know of), there being little business except the election of officers. The meeting broke up early.
A most successful dance was held on the top floor of the Building on May 24th, which we hope will only be the first of a number of equally enjoyable functions. Contrary to the usual rule the chaperones were sitting in complete darkness, while the dancers had plenty of light. The thanks of the Club are due to Messrs. Benge, MacDougall, Sargeant and Smith for the assistance they rendered on the morning of the dance.
If members continue to get sprained ankles, &c., at the rate they have begun, the Club will have to appoint an honorary medical adviser. Four different members have been seen limping round the College during the last three weeks.
Following is the result of matches played so far:—
First Eleven v. Girl's College. Won, 2—1 More good luck than good hockey. Played at Day's Bay in the mud. Team only partially recovered from Easter.
First Eleven v. Kiwi (a practice match). Lost, 5—0. Forwards want to learn to shoot straight.
Second Eleven v. St. John's I. (at Miramar). Won, 4—0. Victoria College knew little about hockey, St. John's less. C. Murray scored (4).
Second Eleven v. Kiwi. Lost, 4—1. A good game. College wants to practise clean, hard hitting. C. Murray scored for College.
"What idle progeny succeed To chase the rolling circle's speed Or urge the flying ball?"
Much as we all hate to part with old friends, very few we fancy, will regret that we have finished our last season on the old Parliamentary courts. Many things we will miss: the old tree where committee meetings were held, the sun streaming in our faces during a challenge match, the well-known crash into the back fence when returning a long drive.
The new courts on the hill should be ready for the incoming season, and though perhaps a little rough at first, excuses will not be lacking when we remember that they are the result of our own labour. All through the summer, gangs of amateur navvies have carried on the work of excavation. Sometimes many were present, sometimes few; for the workers were often called away by tennis matches or bad weather. We have discovered that members of the professorial board can wield a merry pick. Enough of the hill has now been cut away to form three courts, and the newly-made ground should be sufficiently hardened by the winter's rains—where it is not washed away—for the new courts to be laid down.
The work has been under the charge of a sub-committee, whose secretary, R. St. J. Beere, has put in some good solid work. There are two others, who do not belong to the Tennis Club, whose names should be writ large in the records of the "Stone Age." It is rumoured that Gillanders and Dixon will be made honorary life members at the annual meeting of the Tennis Club.
On application from the Club the College Council granted £25 towards this work, and at their annual meeting £50 for the formation of tennis courts was voted by the Students' Association.
By far the most important event of the year is the Easter Tournament. This year our Club was particularly fortunate, winning four out of live events, the only one lost being the Ladies' Doubles. G. Prouse had to play off with R. Beere in the final for the Men's Singles, and Beere and de la Mare beat the Prouse brothers in the final for the Doubles. Miss Roberts and de la Mare came safely through the combined, and Miss Roberts, by a very plucky, uphill game when her opponent was leading, won the Ladies' Singles. The Canterbury ladies won the Ladies' Doubles, one of their champions being Mrs. Longton, who won the Singles for Victoria College at Christchurch in the first tournament.
For the first time the Club has been represented by three teams in matches played under the Wellington Provincial Lawn Tennis Association. It is due to the kindness of Dr. Knight who allowed one team to use his court when necessary, that we were enabled to enter the three teams. The Shield team was successful in only two out of its eight matches, but the combination gained in these games was conducive, in no small degree, to our success in the Easter Tournament. The Cup team was fairly successful, and the matches played by the Pennant team provided good practice, although they did not, as a rule, result in wins.
A very pleasant trip under command of Beere was made to Otaki to play the local club. Fine weather and the hospitality of the Otaki club combined to make a splendid day's outing. Victoria College was successful, winning the match by fifteen sets to eight.
The Club matches were started late in the season, and consequently had to be finished after Easter. The Ladies' Championship has not yet been completed, the matches arranged having been postponed from time to time. The Men's Championship resulted in a struggle between G. Prouse and R. St. J. Beere. The former was beaten by de la Mare in the first round, but played right through without a second loss, and beat Beere in the final.
In the Handicap Doubles, those players who were playing together in club matches, entered, as far as possible, together.
A Handicap Singles contest was held for men not eligible to enter for the Championship. This was won by A. Fair, who played off in the final with D. Smith.
The following are the results of matches:—
Wellington Provincial Shield Championship.
Cup Championship Matches
"You are beaten to earth, well, well, what's that? Get up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat, But to lie there, that's the disgrace. The harder you fall, why, the higher you'll bounce; Be proud of your blackened eye. It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts, But how did you fight and why."
Have expectations been fulfilled? The most sanguine members of the club were looking forward to the incoming season with hopes. Hard work would probably give us three fairly creditable teams, but no one quite expected that we would double our membership and be able to play four teams.
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Since the beginning, the history of the club has been one of striving and aspiring. In
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The greatest difficulty we have to face, as in former years, is the lack of time and facilities for training. It was thought that a gymnasium would be fitted up in the top storey and our difficulties would be overcome, but a small matter of falling ceiling plaster annoying the classes below intervened. Since then a scheme for building a gymnasium has been brought forward. This is, of course, supported by the football club, because a gymnasium at the college itself would be of very great service indeed. Some of the other clubs do not seem to want it, or agree that it would be very nice if it cost nothing; the tennis club would be pleased to use the shower bath. Still there must be many students outside of the club to whom an opportunity of physical improvement to combine with their mental culture would not come amiss. At any rate, even if there were very few, the club numbers nearly a sixth of the total number of students and is thus entitled to a fair amount of consideration, for hardly any improvement that could be effected would affect so large a number.
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Matches were played last year against Canterbury College and Otago University and efforts are being made to make these fixtures, if not annual, yet periodic. It is suggested that each year a triangular contest be held in Christchurch. If this is arranged for this year it will probably be during the vacation, but as there are rumours of a visit from Sydney University it is impossible to say what will finally be decided upon.
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"The matches of the 1st XV. have shown its main weakness—want of combination, and it can hardly be expected that there will be improvement in this direction until members have an opportunity to practise together, that is until Kelburne Park is improved. But there are some other points that deserve the consideration of individual members of the team.
The material of the XV. is good; the spirit of the game is there; and with attention to the points mentioned and the opportunity for practice the present team should give some good exhibitions."
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The Juniors, owing to lack of training, have not been so successful as was expected, but on the whole have proved worthy of their grade. The forwards are inclined to keep the game too close. If the backs were given more to do there would be a decided improvement in the game.
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IIIA have played 4 games and won 3. The fourth was lost mainly through the selfishness of some of the backs. The offenders might be tried on the wing, for with this fault remedied the team has a fair chance for the Cup.
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IIIB consists of 13 forwards and 2 backs—when there is a full team. They suffer in being constantly drawn on by the teams above. There is some good material in the team, but a coach is badly wanted here as all through the club.
V.C. v. Oriental. Lost, 35—0. Hard game. Team held their own during first spell. Bogle (who was knocked out) and McCarthy played well.
V.C. v. Petone. Lost, 34—3. Lynch kicked a penalty goal in first few minutes. Petone gave an object lesson in goal kicking for our line was only crossed four times.
V.C. v. Southern. Won, 27—0. Score should have been larger as many chances were thrown away. Weariness apparent towards end of game. A. Bogle scored twice, once by fast following up a try at goal. G. Bogle, Acheson, and Goulding also scored, and McCarthy kicked a penalty goal.
V.C. v. Athletics. Lost, 16—3. G. Bogle kicked a penalty goal. Chiefly forward game. Our forwards beaten on the line and in the loose.
V.C. v. Poneke. Lost, 16—3. Played on wet ground. Backs did not appear at home. College played perhaps the best defensive game this season. Goulding had to retire at half-time with a sprained ankle. Lynch, de la Mare, and Short in forwards and McCarthy and G. Bogle in backs were prominent.
V.C. v. Wellington. Drawn, 6—6. A most disappointing game. Remarkable for the amount of whistle. Team not up to form against Poneke.
V.C. v. Poneke. Lost, 10—0. Display was poor. "That tired feeling" very apparent.
V.C. v. Old Boys. Lost, 11—0. Score made in last ten minutes. Team played up splendidly. Amodeo shone among the backs. Forwards all worked so well it is difficult to single out any.
V.C. v. St. James. Lost, 13—0. Another good game, but team could not last out the match.
V.C. v. Kia Ora. Lost, 20—0. Opponents too heavy. More use ought to have been made of the backs in the first spell.
IIIA v. IIIB. Won, 22—0. IIIB were a disorganised mob.
V.C. v. Poneke. Won, 5—3. J. B. Reid scored a try which East converted. T. E. Moore, G. K. Bogle, and Thomas prominent among forwards.
V.C. v. St. James. Lost, 6—3. East scored. Game lost owing to selfishness of backs. Forwards got the ball nearly every time.
V.C. v. Civil Service. Won, 35—0. A runaway match. Jordan (6), G. W. Reid (2), East, Arnold, and Thomas scored. J. Reid converted one try. Apparently no one in the team can kick goals, even from in front.
V.C. v. St. Patrick's College. Lost, 47—0. The score speaks. We had only thirteen men.
V.C. A v. V.C. Lost, 22—0. Colquhoun and Brockett played well.
V.C. v. Selwyn. Lost. 25—0. Macalister showed up among a lot of hardworking forwards. The team has to suffer for the deflections from duty of members of teams above.
V.C. v. Poneke. Lost by default. Team drawn on to the extent of seven men by teams above.
In this number we give pictures of Professor J. W. Salmond, who occupies the chair of law in Victoria College, the new building, the Delegates and Secretary to the Easter Tournament, a view of the Cranmer Tennis Courts, and our Representatives.
Professor J. W. Salmond is the eldest son of Professor W. Salmond of the University of Otago. Born in England, he came out to New Zealand as a boy, and was educated at the Otago Boys' High School and the University of Otago. He took his M.A. degree in the University of New Zealand in
"That one face, far from vanish, rather grows, Or decomposes but to recompose, Become my universe, that feels and knows."
The biennial conference of the New Zealand Christian Unions was held at Oamaru from January 21st to 28th, at which our union was represented. Though the number of delegates was below the average of previous conferences, nevertheless good work was accomplished. Papers bearing on the various phases of our work were read, and these were generally followed by useful discussions. Some well-known speakers also addressed us on subjects of general interest.
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The Universal Day of Prayer for students was observed on Sunday, 11th February. A meeting was held in St. John's class-room. W. Gillanders (ex-president) presided, and gave a short outline of the progress of the World's Student Federation during the past decade. Addresses were delivered by Bishop Wallis on the Missionary Movement, and by the Rev. Gibson Smith on Intercessory Prayer.
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The handbook was as usual issued by the union at. the opening of the session.
Bible study circles, live for women, and three for men, have been formed and meet weekly.
A Mission Study Class has also been formed, and has commenced the study of "Missions in China."
On Thursday, 5th April, a meeting was held to bid farewell to Miss A. W. Griffiths, who was leaving for India, having been appointed first New Zealand settler in connection with the Missionary Settlement for University Women. Miss Griffiths gave us a very interesting address, illustrated by magic lantern views, of Mission Work in India. We sincerely wish her success in her future sphere of labour.
The first ordinary fortnightly meeting this term was held on 28th April. Professor Kirk gave an address, taking as his subject "Two Parables from Nature." He first showed that as chlorophyl is essential for the nourishment and life of plants, so faith is essential for the happiness and peace of the soul. As his second parable, the Professor took the example of fibro-vascular tissue, by means of which a plant expands and develops, and showed that every Christian has within himself a means whereby to develop, to expand, and to allow his religion to permeate his whole life.
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On the 12th May the Rev. T. H. Sprott, M.A., delivered an exceedingly able address on "The Atonement" to a large meeting. He pointed out that the theory of the Atonement is not final, but quite true so far as it goes. That the Atonement signifies salvation from evil, or that which tends to hinder fullness of being, self-realisation, and happiness.
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On 26th May, W. Gillanders read a paper on "Paul's Missionary Methods in relation to Modern Missions." He dealt chiefly with the fact that although Paul did not establish permanent missionaries, as is the method of to-day, he never left a place without being confident that he could keep his hold on it. An interesting discussion followed. Mr. D. A. Budge, of Montreal, who was present, gave an address on the Y.M.C.A. of that city.
The discussion of a subject such as this is obviously no ight task, and the reader's indulgence is craved if he wonders at being made the recipient of a collection of notes and wayward impressions of one, who with an open and unbiassed, though expectant mind, was suddenly transplanted into the midst of a luxuriant growth of prejudice and tradition. It is true that Oxford is associated with the glamour of culture and refinement, especially when viewed from afar, but like precious metal this does not lie exposed on the surface, and must be sought after with all the vigour of an intelligent mind.
The typical Oxford man, fresh from a big public school, probably with a glorious record and tradition of its own, comes up with several of his friends to the University, where the conditions are somewhat similar to those under which he has lived, except that now he has practically unlimited freedom. He has as much exercise as is good for him, he can talk as much school shop as he likes, he is bored at regular intervals, and he smokes a large pipe full of mild tobacco. Under such conditions what could life be other than enjoyable! Amongst the senior men at college he finds friends from his old school, and this is really quite an important consideration. He is thus in a position to choose what other friends he pleases. Such being the state of affairs, it is only natural that the members of a college should fall into a number of cliques or sets according to length of purse or the school from which they came.
Part of the public school polish consists of destroying originality and levelling the individual down to a uniform type, all of whose actions are regulated by "form." In consequence of this, it is not extraordinary to find that the people of especially brilliant intellect are in many cases the products of the private schools.
Such then is the Oxford freshman—an individual perfectly trained to fall into the groove of Varsity life—to look, talk, act, and dress like all his fellows.
We are now in a position to discuss the Oxford slang and to describe the Oxford dress, and to see that it is really a natural consequence of what has been described above.
With regard to the vernacular it may be said at the outset that the method itself is extraordinarily simple, though its application sometimes leads to weird results. Nouns are made to end in er, and preferably in ger, though there are a few survivals in gins. Words such as "brecker," "bedder," "sitter," "lecker," "ecker," etc., are natural enough, though "Ugger" (Union), "Jaggers" (Jesus), and "Wuggins" (Worcester) may be somewhat more surprising. But it is not a little astonishing to hear for the first time a man say quite seriously that he has just had a bad attack of "indejaggers."
In connection with the subject of costume, it is commonly supposed that the Oxford undergrad, walks about demurely, clad in cap and gown. As a matter of fact, on his way to lectures he wears what is left of his gown round his neck or else flying in ribands from his shoulders, whilst a cap is rarely seen. With light blue trousers, well turned up at the bottom to expose his green or decorated socks, which are encased in elegant dancing pumps, and with a waistcoat that puts the setting sun to shame, the Oxford "blood" strolls up and down the "High." The jackets usually worn are light in colour (at present it is fashionable to have a shade of green, though brown will probably be in fashion next term), and may be described as a degenerate style of Norfolk jacket with huge disfiguring buttons. Coloured flannel collars are just going out of vogue, but this is to be regretted, as a sky-blue collar with a purple tie on a background of a pink shirt is truly an elegant combination. With such a costume a headgear appears unnecessary, except sometimes in the afternoon, when a particularly ugly cap with an enormous peak is worn.
Such is the external appearance of the Oxford man; but you must not judge harshly, as he has a reputation all over the world, and "Oxford life" is a mystic phrase which covers a multitude of sins.
It has been thought that the fresh ideas of the Rhodes scholars would, if not immediately, at least eventually, exert some influence on Oxford. But this will not be so, just as the composition of an ocean does not change however fresh or huge be the rivers that empty their waters into it. That this is actually the case is evident for a variety of reasons. First of all, Oxford is typically conservative and has an obstinate tendency to resist any change whatsoever. Then again, as many of the Rhodes scholars appear to have been chosen entirely for their athletic qualifications, and as many others, especially in
All things must have a beginning. The start is not always easy. To set a standard is often more difficult than to live up to one already established. It was, therefore, not without some hesitation and many misgivings as to the issue that the committee of the Athletic Club decided at the beginning of this year that it would lend additional interest to "training" for the Tournament if the Club held a sports meeting of its own a week or two before Easter. Many questions had to be answered. Would there be sufficient entries to justify the holding of a meeting? Mow could it be financed? Where was it to be held ? Should a charge be made for admission, or would it be better to make it free to the public and so obtain the use of the grounds for nothing? And so on.
Finally it was resolved that a meeting should be held on the Basin Reserve on March 31st; that admission should be free; that only one small prize should be given in each event; and that a few programmes should be typewritten for the use of officials only. It was further unanimously agreed that the Club could NOT afford
"All's well that ends well." The sports were held, and the several hundred spectators present agreed that the Club was to be congratulated on the success of its initial meeting.
True, many members of the Club had never previously competed in public, and the performances were, consequently, not up to championship form. But what did that matter when competition was keen, finishes close, and every man did his best? One thing is certain, the Club can confidently hold another meeting next season, when many of those who competed as "novices" this year may be expected to fulfil the promise of greater things then exhibited.
The following are the results of events open to students only :—
First Heat—M. Burnett, 1 yds., 1; T. Seddon, scr., 2. Time, 11secs. Also started—Skinner 4 yds., E. S. Grundy 5 yds., W. Wilson 5½ yds., H. Thompson 6 yds., B. J. Jacobs 7 yds.
Second Heat—H. W. King, 2 yds., 1; G. V. Bogle, 5 yds., 2. Time, 10 3-5 secs. Also started—T. Holmden 4 yds., Hiroti 5 yds., W. Perry 7 yds., J. Mason 9 yds., S. Eichelbaum 12 yds.
Final—Burnett, 1; King, 2; Skinner, 3. Time, 10 2-5 secs.
A good race run with the wind. Almost a dead heat for second place Seddon was close up fourth.
H. W. King (15 ft.) 84 ft. 3 in., 1 : G. F. Dixon (15 ft.) 79 ft. 6 in., 2; A. Tudhope (15 feet) 74 ft. 3 in., 3. A. J. Luke (scr.) also competed.
Competitors in this event had had little opportunity for practice.
H. T. Thompson, 40 yds., 1; M. H. Oram, 20 yds., 2; F. A. de la Mare, scr., 3. Time, 2 min. 6 1-5 secs. Also started—G. F. Dixon scr., W. Perry 25 yds., W. Wilson 25 yds., J. Mason 45 yds., W. C. Hewitt 60 yds., and S. Eichelbaum 60 yds.
Hewitt led for a lap and a half. Thompson, who is a promising runner, won easily.
F. A. de la Mare, scr., 5 ft. 2 in., 1; Hiroti, scr., 5 ft., 2. No other competitors.
A. Tudhope, scr., 1; W. Crcxton, 80 yds., 2; J. M. Hogben, 45 yds., 3. Time, 8 min. 4 secs. Also started—R. Latham 50 yds., and E. Beaglehole 80 yds.
This was the best race of the day, being in the opinion of the judge (Mr. D. Leslie) the finest walk seen on the Basin Reserve for many years. Latham was quickly disqualified for lifting. Croxton at once proved himself a most promising walker. Halfway round the third lap Hogben challenged Croxton for the lead, immediately followed by Tudhope, Beaglehole close up. About 200 yards from home Croxton, who was then last, spurted strongly and appeared to be leaving the others standing when he accidentally tripped. Thinking he was disqualified he stopped till told by the judge to continue. He again spurted and passing Beaglehole and Hogben raced down the straight neck and neck with Tudhope who just managed to win on the tape. Both Hogben and Beaglehole were within a few yards.
Skinner, 10 yds., 1; H. W. King, 2; Burnett close up, 3. A fine finish. Time 24 4-5 secs.
T. E. Seddon, scr., came through about 50 yards from home but died away at the end. Several others started.
Hiroti (scr.) 30 ft. 7 in., 1; H. W. King (1 ft. 3 in.) 30 ft. 1 in., 2; G. F. Dixon (1 ft. 6 in.), 3. Also competed— A. Tudhope (scr.), W. Gillanders (scr.), F. A. de la Mare (6 in.), M. Burnett (1 ft.), E. Beaglehole (1 ft. 6 in.) Hiroti, who competed without training, subsequently did over 32 feet.
First Heat—F. A. de la Mare, scr., 1; M. Burnett, scr., 2. Also started—T. Holmden, scr. Time, 19 secs.
Second Heat—G. V. Bogle, scr., 1; Hiroti, scr., 2. Also started—H. Thompson. Bogle won easily. Time, 20 4-5 secs.
Final Heat—M. Burnet and G. V. Bogle dead heat. Time, 19 3-5 secs.
G. V. Bogle (scr.), 19 ft. 1½ in., 1; Hiroti (scr.), 17 ft. 11 in., 2. Also competed—H. W. King (scr.), W. Perry (1 ft. 6 in.), W. Gillanders (2 ft.)
F. A. de la Mare and Miss Newman, 1:A. Tudhope and Miss R. Ziman, 2.
J. W. Heenan, 45 yds., 1; F. A. de la Mare, scr., 2; M. Burnett, scr., 3. Also started—W. Wilson 60 yds., E. S. Grundy 80 yds., J. Mason 80 yds., W. C. Hewitt 100 yds., and W. Gillanders 100 yds.
Hewitt led for two and a half laps. Entering the last lap Heenan was well in front, Burnett and de la Mare about 20 yards away. De la Mare spurted finely about 200 yards from home, finishing a good race about five yards behind Heenan. Time, 4 min. 54 4-5 secs.
H. W. King. scr., 1; G. F. Dixon, 13 yds., 2; W. Perry, 14 yds., 3. Also started—M. H. Oram 8 yds., T. Holmden 10 yds., S. Eichelbaum 25 yds. Won by two or three yards, a few inches between second and third.
W. C. Hewitt (V.C. navvy), 1; F. A. de la Mare ("Hamlet"), 2. Also started—T. E. Seddon, T. N. Holmden, and J. Mason. Mrs. (Professor) Brown awarded the prize for the best costume to "Hamlet."
Football Club's teams 1st and 2nd, Hockey Club's team 3rd. The winning team consisted of T. N. Holmden, Hiroti, Skinner, and A. McCarthy. A good race.
The professors doubtless know that they are appreciated by the students; but to show this appreciation in a more concrete form, a social was tendered them at the Girls' College (then only High School) after the degree examinations of last year. A sense of deep relief was everywhere noticeable. Those who thought they had "not done too bad" in the exams, were easily distinguishable by the smug smile of condescension decorating their features. Even the "certain failures" threw dull care to the winds, and rejoiced with the rest. The musical talent was well represented by Miss Isaacs, Messrs. Wilson, Jacobs, and Willis. "Clumps," as expounded by W. Gillanders, is a new game possessing many latent merits. One student, whose hearing is somewhat affected, understood the name of the game to be "Chumps," and at once proposed the versatile William for the position of Chump-in-Chief.
Professor and student mingled together in pleasant conversation, and the stiffness of the lecture room was thrown aside.
After supper dancing was proceeded with, and lasted till midnight.
It was not without a pang of regret that we heard the old doors bang-to behind us for the last time.
"At Home"
(at. last!).
This was the legend greeting us from the cover of the programme issued in connection with the bazaar held on the 31st of March.
The Students' Association was in need of funds. How to raise them was the question of the day. With great enterprise the committee decided that a bazaar was the best way of obtaining a lot for a little. The Lady Mayoress was approached, and, with her usual kindness consented to enlist the services of a committee of ladies. It is to her, and to the many ladies who worked heart and soul to make the bazaar the success it was, that Victoria College owes its warmest thanks. The Students' Association funds benefited to the extent of £180 odd, as a result of their efforts.
The bazaar was opened by the Lady Mayoress in the afternoon. It was rather unfortunate that our Athletic Sports Meeting took place on the same day, but this was unavoidable. There were three stalls, presided over by Mesdames Hislop, Easterfield, and McVilly, and a roaring trade was done.
It was in the evening, however, that the money-making was at its height. The stalls were supplemented by various side shows, and by a tea-room, presided over by Mrs. (Dr.) Fell. In the concert hall a free concert was held, and in the various laboratories demonstrations were given by Professors Easterfield and Kirk, and their students. Mr. G. W. Barltrop was kind enough to give a limelight exhibition, which was witnessed by the proverbial "small but enthusiastic" audience.
To return to the concert, the first part and a portion of the second consisted of songs by Mrs. B. M. Wilson, Misses Irvine, Van Staveren Tingey, and Strack, Messrs. Wardrop, Hockley, Wedde, and Wilson, and dancing exhibitions by pupils of Miss E. Beere, who was kind enough to assist us. The "star" item of the evening was, however, the musical recitation, "Robert of Sicily," illustrated by tableaux. Miss Jennie Arndt recited splendidly, and the musical accompaniment was artistically arranged and played by Miss E. Arndt. The life-like tableaux were executed by the students of the Technical School, under the direction of Miss Sybil Johnson and Mr. Fraser. All concerned went to no end of trouble to make the performance a
The side-shows, too, were a great success, and again we thank all who took part in any branch of the bazaar, whether professors, students, or those who, though they are not of the College, have its interests at heart, for their kind and ready assistance.
Disgusted because the usual "Welcome to New Students" had not taken place this year, and not wishing to lose the chance of displaying their graces, the Ladies' Hockey Club gave a "house-warming" dance at the new building on the 24th of May. This proved one of the most enjoyable and successful functions that the College has yet had, and never before have so many new students been seen at a College social. The floor was, under the circumstances, excellent, and all were thankful that the Club counted amongst its members some who were weighty enough for sack-pulling purposes. The supper, and the music, too, met with universal approval. For the non-dancers, bagatelle (champion
The formal opening ceremony took place on March 30th, in the presence of a large number of representative citizens, students, and University dignitaries. The two southern halls on the third floor were suitably decorated with flags and bunting, and we believe there was also some greenery; still, in spite of these praiseworthy efforts at concealment, the utter nakedness of those walls was in evidence.
Sir Robert Stout, in his capacity of Chancellor of the University, was the first speaker. His remarks, of course, partook of the nature of a review. He began by giving a concise and fairly interesting outline of the University movement in New Zealand from its earliest beginnings amongst those far-seeing Scottish settlers of Otago down to the present time. He then briefly traced the series of events leading up to the establishment of Victoria College, dwelling more par particularly upon that splendid enthusiasm and loyalty of the students, which had triumphed over the initial difficulties and trials of college life (tumultuous applause). Sir Robert now rose upon a wind of prophecy, and declared his unshakable belief in the ultimate supremacy of Victoria College. It had a noble message for the race (and for Wellington in particular). "Wisdom is of more worth than town sections." Then followed some much appreciated quotations from Plato in support of what he had said. He concluded by calling upon His Excellency to declare the College open.
His Excellency returned thanks. This done, he pointed out that Victoria College possessed the most important University district in the colony (Sir Robert winced), and that it had a great future before it. Thanks to municipal encouragement a site had been obtained, thanks to the wise liberality of the Government a building adequate for immediate needs had been erected, and thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of the professors and students the College was in a very flourishing condition. His Excellency impressed upon students that the aim of a University was not alone to send out brilliant men, but men imbued with exalted ideals of honour, truth, and purity. It devolved entirely upon students to create that subtle, indefinable atmosphere (the science students brightened up) which clings to the Old World colleges, He then declared the College open.
The Chairman of the Professorial Board (Professor Von Zedlitz) returned thanks just as the Governor had previously. This done, he eulogised Sir Robert Stout. The College owed a debt of gratitude to him and to all those who had helped to promote the interests of the College. There was reason for profound thankfulness: (1) that the professors had not quarreled —probably because their paths had been wide apart; (2) that Victoria College was now clothed in a brand new suit, trousers, coat, and vest complete, in place of the dilapidated habiliments of the past; (3) that Mr. Seddon had given us his unstinted support.
The Hon. Mr. MacGowan quoted educational statistics.
"The swan, like the soul of the poet, By the dull world, is ill understood."
It seemed to us that all the men had carefully read no the subject and thought it out for themselves, the result being a distinctly high-class debate. Regarding the question, the correct conclusion probably is that the crucial point in the war against Napoleon was the establishment of England's supremacy at sea by Nelson; without this Wellington could have done nothing. To Wellington belongs the credit of dealing the finishing blows which finally effected Napoleon's downfall. Opinions will differ as to which is the more important work, but we think that to Nelson fell the more difficult as well as the more momentous undertaking. If England had lost the supremacy of the sea at Trafalgar it is not easy to see how it could have been regained. It is not so certain that if Wellington had been defeated all would have been lost.
As to the competition, we had no hesitation in placing Victoria College first, with little to choose between Dunedin and Canterbury for second place, Taking the speakers individually, we thought Mr. B. Murphy (Dunedin) excelled in the clear logical presentment of his case. He spent perhaps a little too much time over his introduction which left him hurried at the finish, and his manner was cold and unimpressive. Mr. Cook (Canterbury) showed a good grasp of the subject and readiness in taking up the points made by his opponents. His was perhaps the best debating speech of the evening. He showed a judicial tone in giving full weight to his opponents' arguments before replying to them.
Mr. Burnard (Otago) showed the fluency and confidence associated with much practice, but trusted a little too much to ad captandum appeals. He weakened his speech by the opening personality, which seemed to have been prepared beforehand. Personalities in debate are only effective in cut and thrust combats, when one blow produces another.
Mr. McIlwraith's speech was full of good matter, but suffered from want of compression and logical arrangement. His delivery was somewhat preachy and monotonous, and this too no doubt helped to spoil his speech.
The two Victoria College representatives, by dividing the work, were enabled to cover a wider field than the other competitors, and this probably gave them some advantage. Both Mr. Kelly and Mr. Fitzgibbon showed a clear apprehension of the question at issue, and are to be congratulated on the way in which they presented their case. Mr, Fitzgibbon s speech to our mind was the best of the evening from an oratorical point of view, although it fell somewhat below Mr. Cook's in debating power.
The Auckland delegates, Messrs. Hampson and Stanton, did very well as regards the matter of their speeches, but seemed to lack force and readiness of reply. Mr. Hampson appeared to us to make a mistake in trying to compress too much detail into his speech with the result that his delivery was too hurried and he failed to make his points tell. This is one of those cases in which we fancy the half is better than the whole.
One point to which we think attention should be drawn is the faulty pronounciation of some of the competitors. Many of the foreign names introduced, such as Grouchy, Leipsic, Ligny, Torres Vedras, and so on, proved stumbling blocks to more than one of the speakers. We also noticed traces of "twang,"— a tendency to say "vitalitee" for vitality, "veree" for very, and other solecisms, which ws regret to notice creeping into Colonial speech. We ought to be able to look to University students to keep up our English standard of pronunciation and to stop the tendency to degeneration which is becoming apparent even in New Zealand, where we used to pride ourselves with reason on speaking the best English in the Australasian Colonies. Several of the candidates would derive great benefit from lessons in voice production, and it might be considered whether the time has not arrived when elocution might with advantage be taught in our colleges, as it is in Ormond College, Melbourne, and elsewhere. As regards the general style of delivery we think Messrs. Fitzgibbon, Kelly, and Cook are especially deserving of favourable notice.
In conclusion we would like to caution the College Debating Societies against the growing tendency to long introductory or preliminary matter, which always appears to be merely dragged in for effect and gives an artificial air to the speech.
Though you he an absolute stranger to every other student in the College, we want You, if only for that very reason, to make a special point of attending the
Victoria College
Students' Association Annual Capping Carnival and Graduates' Supper to be given in the Sydney Street Schoolroom, on the 29th instant, in honour of the Graduates of the year. Each one of the 378 students now attending lectures at out College doubtless
Expects
to improve himself by attending College, but some are apt to forget, in their feverish anxiety to secure the addition of certain magic letters after their names,
That
they owe a duty to their fellow-students as well as to themselves. A University course is intended to INSTRUCT as well as Educate.
Every Student
should realise his responsibilities in this connection. If he claims to be a "superior" person, then let him be unselfish and help others to become polished like himself by associating with them; if he feels himself inferior to his fellows he
Will
obviously profit by rubbing shoulders with those around him. The Students' Association exists for the purpose of promoting the welfare of students. Students, therefore, will
Do
well to take advantage of such opportunities for the promotion of social intercourse and good fellowship, as will be afforded them on the 29th and 30th June by the RE-UNION of past and present graduates and undergraduates in honour of those whose hard-earned Diplomas will be presented to them on Capping Day. The Chancellor will doubtless have
His
little (?) say on the Friday afternoon, but the evening will be ours. Let it be clearly understood that in addition to the usual entertainment, carnival, concert—call it what you will—there is a Free Supper for students only which it is the
Duty
of all to attend. If You have not been to a previous one, come this time. If you Have been before—well, we shall expect you again!
Ask About It! Think About It! Talk About It! But Don't Forget About it!
The number of students attending lectures this year is 378, as against 254 last year.
L. "I have slept, my lord, already." B. "It was well done; and thou shalt sleep again."
A faint quivering of the eyelids is at length observable in our College Kip van Winkle, the Council. We doubt, however, if a full state of wakefulness has yet been reached, or, at any rate, had been reached, when the chairman was elected for this year. Perhaps the appointment may be looked upon as a prize for good attendance, for Dr. Findlay was, we believe, especially strong on this point; or perhaps it may be that the Council has given it as a reward for good work in the future.
In several respects, however, we cannot complain, for most of the requests of the Students' Association have been satisfactorily complied with. 150 chairs have been granted us, and these will supply a much-felt want. £30 has been passed for plastering the room above the library, and turning it into a common room. A path is to be laid across the sea of mud, soon to become a tenuis court. The cinders for this track have been arranged in neat mounds for quite a time already, and, after the next Councillor has had a mud bath, we may expect further developments as to their arrangement. Then too, the City Council is to be asked to place lights on the rise approaching the path. The spacious apartment on the left of the main entrance has been granted for the use of committees, and is really quite snug. "Standing room only" is a sign which has frequently to be displayed. Lastly, it is suggested that hot tea be supplied gratis to the unfortunate students whose lectures prevent them from having anything more substantial for several hours on end.
Thus it will be seen, we have something to thank our Council for. Still, when we see the liberal donations which are pouring into the Y.M.C.A. building fund from all sides, a qualm sometimes seizes us as to whether a really earnest effort was ever made on the part of the Council on behalf of our building fund. The lining and sleeves of our new coat, will come, we trust, in due course.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Students' Association, the question of the election of Honorary Life Members again came up, and, the same weary round of discussion, as to whether a four-fifths majority could be obtained on a straight-out ballot, or whether a qualifying ballot must first be taken, ensued. Some members seemed impressed with the argument that no Life Members might be elected, but the majority appeared to think that if the members proposed did not stand out so clearly as to obtain the requisite majority, they ought not to be elected—the fewer elected the greater the honour. One or two speakers wandered very far from the idea of the framers of the constitution, suggesting that students, who, by reason of academic distinction, brought honour to the College, should be eligible, or rather, should without question be elected. This seems to us quite to ignore the reasons for which the constitution lays down Life Members should be elected. A student might possibly win the highest distinction, and yet be, during his whole college life, far less sacrificing, and of far less service to his fellow students than the last undergrad. who plays emergency for IIIB.
When P. W. Robertson left us to go to Oxford, all knew that success lay before, as well as behind him, but even the most optimistic had no idea that his conquests would begin so soon after his arrival. He is already, after nine months residence there, a "Scholar of Trinity," having obtained a Science Scholarship, of the value of £80 a year, for three years. Since, however, he has already the Rhodes Scholarship, the authorities decided to let him have the honour only of this newly-won distinction, and a year of research abroad at the close of his Oxford course. The privileges of a "Scholar of Trinity" include, amongst other things, the right of wearing longer gowns than the ordinary ones, of reading lessons in chapel, and of devouring two extra courses at dinner. This last-named distinction is presumably included to prove that, after all, scholars are only mortal.
Robertson was also made a member of the "Alembic," a club which consists of 3rd year science men, and discusses questions of scientific interest.
Socially he is having a thoroughly enjoyable time, and is upholding the honour of Victoria College in that direction too.
"But if beneath yon Southern sky A kingly stranger roam."
We regret to have to record the loss to the College of H. W. King, who has taken up a position in the South. During the time he has been with us, he has served the College faithfully; on the football field as a member of the first fifteen, and in the University tournaments. He has been in the representative team almost from the first, and his performance in the quarter mile at the meeting at Christchurch will long remain in the memories of those who witnessed it. As he is attending Canterbury College this year, we may look forward to seeing him striving as hard for the success of his new College as he has done for the old.
"Philosophers find joy in books, The outer world, not heeding; But even they are mortal, for They all require feeding." — Anon.
The Committee of the Students' Association this year hit upon the idea of bringing the candidates for the Rhodes' Scholarship together on the day before the choice was made, when they were all assembled in Wellington. Thus it was that W. Gillanders, President of the Association, presided at a luncheon given in their honour at the Keiburne Kiosk. On either side of the Chairman sat the four candidates, Messrs. Pickmere of Auckland, Currie of Canterbury, Farquharson of Otago and Sprott of Wellington. Speeches were made, and conjecture was rife as to who was to be the fortunate one, everybody expecting a keen contest.
It is to be hoped that this function will be continued annually, as it proved a great success.
Owing to the energy and business capacity of our Financial Secretaries the Spike last year came out with a credit balance of £3. In order to encourage any literary or artistic talent which may happen to lie undeveloped in our readers, it was decided to offer prizes for the two best literary contributions, and one for the best sketch suitable for reproduction. We regret to say that the response was not encouraging, but we hope that for the next competition, for which the same prizes are offered, more may be sent in, the notice given on this occasion being rather short.
We have again to thank Mr. J. P. Firth, Headmaster of Wellington College, for the use of the College ground for training purposes. As always, both masters and boys did everything in their power to assist Victoria College in her preparations for carrying off the coveted shield.
The Bowen Essay Prize was this year won by Herbert Edgar Evans, of our College, the subject being "European Alliances from the time of the Congress of Vienna to the present time, and their effects on the British Empire." We regret that lack of space prevents us from printing the prize essay, which runs to some thirty pages of type-written quarto. The winner has our heartiest congratulations on his well-merited success.
Miss E. M. Martin, with 2nd Class Honours in English and Latin, and M. Sprott, with 1st Class Honours in Latin and Greek, were this year awarded the two Scholarships bequeathed under the will of the late Mr. Jacob Joseph. Sprott is shortly leaving for Cambridge in order to pursue his studies.
A rather curious point seems to have arisen in the course of the elections. It is that an od eundem graduate may vote in an election for the Senate, but, not being a member of the Court of Convocation, he cannot vote for the College Council. Nominally, he may become a member by being admitted by Convocation, but, as there appears no means of calling it together, he is
The College Council is not the only body which is beginning to bestir itself. The University Senate is also awakening from its conservative and "dogmatic slumbers." The Senate is a body which we hold in considerable estimation, consisting, as it does, of sober and respectable men, who endeavour, according to their abilities, to do the right, but at the same time, there is no denying that it has been almost impossible, up to the present, to lead it out of the ruts of immemorial tradition. However, the thing has at last been done. The Senate has amended the Senior Scholarship Regulations, and thereby removed a long-standing rock of offence. A Scholarship is now awarded in each of the B.A. degree subjects, Hebrew and Education excepted. In former years only one Scholarship was given for two out of the three languages, English, French and German, whereas in Latin and Greek one each was given. Now this was most unfair. Unquestionably there is quite as much work required to be done to reach Scholarship standard in English or German, as there is in Latin or Greek, and it is strange that the Senate should have so long ignored this obvious fact. However, we must congratulate the Senate upon its amendment, tardy though it is.
The graduates of Victoria College have formed an Association, the objects of which are, shortly, to provide a means of stating their collective opinion on any matter which may concern
In former years ex-students have not been able to attend the supper given in honour of the graduates of the year, and an opportunity of allowing those who have been connected with the College to meet together has thus been lost. This is now altered, as the Committee of the Students' Association has decided to allow those who have attended College in former years to join with present students at this function, on payment of an extra shilling. The idea appears to be a good one, as at present there are few occasions on which past students may show their interest in College affairs.
As we go to press we regret to hear that our President, F. A. de la Mare, has suffered a bereavement in the loss of his father. On behalf of the students we tender him our heartfelt sympathy.
"Distance sometimes endears friendship, and Absence sweeteneth it."
The Otago University team bids fair to have as successful a season this year as last. Up to the present the First Fifteen has played six matches, won five, and drawn one. Of last year's team six represented their province, and two (Gilray and McPherson) played for New Zealand against New South Wales. Our footballers may have to do some hard training before they can equal this record, but they think the possibility is quite conceivable—if they had a gymnasium.
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If one may judge from the report in the Argus, Melbourne University students appear to be quite as far below the high standard attained by Leland Stanford as even the undergraduates of the noisiest of our own colleges.
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We have much pleasure in congratulating R. A. Farquharson on his election as Rhodes Scholar for
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At the November Examinations Otago obtained the bulk of the Honours and Scholarships—five First Class Honours and four Senior Scholarships. However, as the number of candidates for Scholarships and Honours from our College is almost equal to that from any other two, we are in hopes that our present position near the foot of the ladder will be improved next year.
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Aberdeen University students have sent fraternal greetings to students of the University of New Zealand, inviting them to send two representatives to the quatercentenary celebrations to be held in September. The executive of the Students' Association have decided to support the recommendation of Otago, that the two Rhodes Scholars who are now in residence at Oxford should be asked to represent the students of New Zealand.
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It is pleasing to find that with each successive gathering, interest in the Easter Tournament is increasing in all the four centres. This year V. C. invaded Christchurch with a contingent almost fifty strong : 22 representatives and 22 'barrackers' went from Wellington; one student journeyed overland from Greymouth and another from Dunedin. To these might be added three or four other ex-students now resident in Christchurch whom we were glad to meet again. One of the latter, Mrs. Longton (who won the Ladies Singles, and with Miss E. van Staveren the Ladies Doubles, for V. C. in
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At this year's Capping Ceremony Auckland College upheld its reputation for good behaviour, and listened to the speakers with laudable patience. The Hon. C. C. Bowen, vice-chancellor (in the absence of Sir Robert Stout), officiated as bestower of degrees, and this fact rather nullified the points of the introductory Capping Song, prepared with loving care for the said Sir Robert. Mr. E. de C. Clarke, in speaking
In the evening high carnival was held, and a musical comedy written by one of the students, performed. So complete were the arrangements made, that the proceedings did not terminate till half-past eleven.
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This year, for the first time in the history of the New Zealand University, a degree was conferred on a blind student, Mr. E. Chitty, of Auckland. All the speakers on Capping Day made mention of this fact, and we join them in wishing Mr. Chitty, B.A., every future success.
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In welcoming to Christchurch the visiting students attending the Tournament, the Mayor, Mr. C. M. Gray, M.H.R., stated that he had it on the very best authority that fine weather could be expected during the tournament. Students of ancient history, he said, would be pleased to hear that stowed away among the archives of Canterbury College there had recently been found documents which showed that an eruption of Mount Vesuvius was invariably followed by fine weather in Canterbury.
W-m. G-l-d-rs. Your new version of the reductio ad absurdum received, but we still fail to see how it explains your statement at the annual meeting of the S. A. "When I say this year I mean last year." We agree, however, that next year this year will be last year.
G-r-ge R-id. Yes, climbing up Wright-street every Tuesday and Thursday evening must necessarily 'tia' one.
W-R-nt-e. We cannot join in your lament over the waste of paper in working mathematical examples. On enquiry, we find that it comes in very handy for the janitor when kindling the furnace fire.
H. B-ks. Your poem "Misunderstood" declined with thanks. It was a pity that the pressure of business and your promotion to III. A came at the same time.
F. W. F-rby. Your clipping to hand re system proposed in other colleges of typing and distributing lectures after delivery by the professors; but why bother them with the delivery?
InMr. Seddon, the Victoria College has lost a true and kindly friend. We have to thank him for his liberality towards us as head of the Government, and for the discriminating advice he gave in connection with the plans of our building, and for many other marks of his interest in the College, and solicitude for its welfare. But we cannot here discuss in all its bearings what may be the duties of Government in providing the means of higher education. It must suffice to recall that Mr. Seddon, as Premier, repeatedly encouraged the College Council to incur all necessary expenditure in the equipment and stalling of the College, and that he invariably redeemed his promises of additional pecuniary help. Considering the many demands of education in all parts of the Colony on the public purse, he provided for the Victoria College with liberality, and would certainly have made further provision for the complete efficiency of the College, had he been permitted to do so.
But at this moment of deep and universal mourning, what we would especially recall is the friendly interest so often shown by Mr. Seddon personally in us and our doings, his presence at our Capping Ceremonies and Athletic Sports, and the warm cordiality and hearty friendliness of the words with which he addressed us on such occasions. We have indeed lost a friend, and it is with most genuine sorrow that we join with all New Zealand in tendering the deep sympathy of the Students of Victoria College to Mrs. Seddon, to T. E. Y. Seddon, as one of ourselves, and to all Mr. Seddon's family.