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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 communication should be addressed to THE EDITOR, Victoria College, Wellington.
Subscriptions are now due and are payable to Mr. H. Oram, Financial Secretary, Victoria College.
"I built my soul a lordly pleasure house, Wherein at ease for aye to dwell."
—Tennyson.
Since the publication of our last issue there has been brought within measurable distance the erection, not yet, it is true, of a College Hall, but of a building which will be even more useful, though less costly. Realizing the splendid influence which Victoria College has already exercised, seeing in the future possibilities which perhaps few students can see for it, and sympathizing with the difficulties under which the social and athletic sides of its life are still carried on, a citizen of Wellington has come forward with a handsome donation of £250, to form the nucleus of a fund to be spent in the erection of a building intended to benefit the students from the social and physical standpoint. Nor is
Immediately upon receipt of this donation the Committee commenced to set on foot an active canvass for the further sum necessary for the provision of the building, and that canvass is still in progress. In support of the claim which which the students make upon the generosity of the public of the Middle District of the New Zealand University we would urge the following considerations.
Firstly, the provision to be made out of the fund is not one which we can, at any rate at present, call upon the Government to make for the students. True, it comprises a building which will serve some of the purposes of a hall, but it will not serve all those purposes, and we have in a previous article given the reasons why the Government should treat the completion of a College Hall as one of its most urgent educational works.
Secondly, there is a special reason why the public of the whole district from Hawkes Bay to Westland should lend their hearty support to the present movement. The life of the student who comes to Wellington to pursue his studies is in many respects but a pleasant one. He is compelled to live in lodgings, he is deprived of the society of his relations, and it is natural for him to look to his College to provide for his social as well as his intellectual needs. The existence of such a building as is now proposed will do much to transform into enjoyment the more or less wearisome lot of the student who comes from the provinces towards which this part of our appeal is directed.
Thirdly, there is a general reason why the students of Victoria College deserved encouragement in all that they undertake. A little over eight years ago there was no possibility of obtaining an education beyond secondary school standard in Wellington. Now there is a corporation comprising nearly four hundred students, and the influence for good. That this rapid progress has been possible is due in a large measure to the wisdom of the
We publish in another column a statement of the financial aspect of the scheme, from which it will be seen that a sum of £78 12s has been granted out of the moneys collected from students two years ago. That a further sum of £42 11s has since been provided by the students themselves, a sum of £10 by the Students' Association, and a sum of £10 by the Football Club.
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A suggestion was made in the speech delivered on behalf of the students on Capping Day that the Capping Ceremony mighty with advantage be held in the evening. This is a plan which has everything to commend it, and the only difficulty that we see is that of finding time in one evening to hold all the festivities attendant upon that brilliant function. The graduate who in one evening goes through the double ordeal of ascending to the rostrum to receive the hard-earned diploma and of listening to a Chancellor's speech, sings capping songs to the stage of hoarseness or takes part in the Carnival entertainment, partakes of a supper more attractive than nourishing, thereafter delivers an oration, and finally trips it gaily until daybreak, would not be quite as fresh as usual next mooring.
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We note with interest the remarks made by Sir Robert Stout at the Council meeting in August with regard to the subject of Astronomy, and we trust that the Committee set up to enquire into the matter of the Carter bequest may succeed in bringing to the College some of its benefits. There can be no doubt of the value of a telescope to the students of Astronomy, but we do not think Astronomy ought to be made a
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When in our last issue, we congratulated Professor Maclaurin upon his appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Law in succession to Professor Salmond, we hoped that his services in that capacity would long be available to Victoria College. But it is not to be. The Columbia University, New York, has offered to him its Professorship of Mathematical Physics, and as a consequence the Victoria College Council has, twice within a year, had before it an untimely resignation. Professor Maclaurin well deserves the honour of the appointment offered to him, but from the College point of view, the effect of constant changes in the staff of the staff of the Law School is so serious that on any future occasion of this kind the Council will do well to consider whether it should not impose a poll tax on the exportation of home-grown University Professors,
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We are pleased to welcome into our midst Mr. A. C. Gifford, who has undertaken to lecture to the pass degree students in Mathematics this term, pending the appointment of a successor to Professor Maclaurin.
65 B.C is best known as the birth year of Horace. In the same year, however, there was born a youth whose life, though different in almost every possible way, happened to cross the poet's at an interesting period in his career, and who, as the writer of the most ancient student's letter in existence, seems worthy of some slight memorial in a College Magazine like The Spike. The child was the only son of rather orator Cicero. Twenty years afterwards young Horace and young Cicero went to the University of Athens. Thither in the September of 44 B.C came M. Brutus, who had thought it advisable to leave Rome after the murder of Caesar, and who also began to study philosophy, which was apparently the proper thing to do a Athens. In his leisure moments, or, perhaps, during the course of the lectures when the Professor's eye was turned away, Brutus did some recruiting for the army of the republic, and both the son of the freedman and the son of the Roman Consul joined his standard. Both accompanied Brutus in his preliminary campaign in Asia Minor, and both were present at Philippi, Horace as a military tribune, young Cicero as the commander of a squadron of cavalry. At this decisive battle, as we know, Horace flung away his "poor little shield" and it is bit unlikely that young Cicero did the same, for "when velour was shattered and those who threatened high kissed mother Earth," what else could young students do ? After Philippi their paths diverge. Horace returned to Italy at once, and after "flying low for a while with clipped wings "soared at last to a secure perch on the upper slopes of Parnassus. Fortunately for himself, young Cicero remained abroad for a few years, for had he returned to Italy with Horace, there is little doubt he would have shared his father's fate and perished by the swords of Antony's assassins. He returned in 39, when a general amnesty was proclaimed, and received some favors from Augustus, hy way of amende doubtless for the latter's unpardonable treachery toward the earlier pertain of his scheming career. The remaining portion of young Cicero's life is not entirely devoid of merit, but he is a proof that there are exceptions to Horace's well-known axiom "Fortes creantur fortibus et bonis," for it saddens one to think that the only son of "Rome's least mortal mind "was best known to the next generation as a sot who was accustomed to drink nearly a gallon and a half of wine at a sitting.
The letter to which I have referred was addressed, not to Cicero himself, but to Tiro, his confidential freedman and mind of business. None of young Cicero's letters to his father have survived, and if they contained many such solecisms as "direxi duas litteras," with Marcus Cicero is credited by a commentator on Vergil, that is not surprising, as one can easily picture a keen literary critic like his father consigning them of the flames, lest posterity might come to know him as the begetter of such a barbarian. Cicero senior seems to have had good cause to complain of his son's progress, in which matter he was himself not entirely free from blame. Young Cicero, who was much more of a fighter than a student, did not want to go to Athens at all. He had different ideas about himself, and really desired to go to Spain with Caesar, but failing that he suggested to his father that he should be allowed to set up an independent establishment of his own at Rome and "bach, "as we say nowadays. However, his father considered that he would be safer at Athens in those troubled times, and with that childish and peacock vanity, which is not the least interesting feature in his character, resolved that his only son should have an income large enough to ruffle it with the best. In spite of the remonstrance of his cautious friend Atticus, who probably guessed that he would have to pay some portion of the money out of his own well-filled money bags, Cicero insisted that his son should have an allowance that would seem a fortune to a New Zealand professor, and at which an Oxford or Cambridge undergraduate could hardly afford to sneer. The total sum allowed him was £800, but as money went much further then than it does now, that amount represents a much larger sum.
With his purse thus well lined, it is not surprising that the foolish and good-natured Marcus proceeded to sow a large crop of wild oats. Professors, apparently, were different in those days. One of young Cicero's teachers was a certain Gorgias, a Graeculus esuriens, not without distinction as a writer but a veritable Dr.Pangloss, who introduced this Roman Dick Dowlas to a good deal of very undesirable company. We learn from the letter Tiro that young Marcus was instructed by his father to dismiss this tutor, which he says he will do "of course," but it is evident from his tone that he did not appreciate this interference with his pleasures. One of the other professors was Cratippus, a very distinguished philosopher and a great favorite with his students, and that with good reason, for Cicero informs Tiro that he not only attended his lectures with pleasure, but that the learned professor "would drop in of an evening after supper, so that they had pleasant
Why young Cicero wrote this particular letter to Tiro one cannot say, but perhaps the last sentence contains the clue. It is a careful composed good boy's letter, which Tiro was doubtless intended to show to his father in the hope that this glowing account to himself and his relations with his professors and the "best people in Athens," might induce his credulous parent to accede to the request with which the letter winds up, to the effect that Tiro should send him a private secretary, if possible, one who knew Greek, "who would be of great service to him and save him the trouble of copying out his lecture notes." It is not without reason that Professor Tyrrell remarks, in his charming notes on young Cicero's career, "This was indeed the Gloden Age of University Life."
The public press of Wellington has of late been considerably exercised by a solicitude for the well-being of University Students such as it has seldom before displayed. The particular phase of University life which has been the subject of discussion in the stage reached at the end of each College year, when the student who has been engaged in study six months is called upon to present to the examining tribunal the evidence of the advantage which he has derived from it.
To the average student the attitude of sympathy, nay, almost of pity, displayed by the press towards his hard lot in having thus to submit to a judgment upon his work seems rather out of place. If he has been conscientious, and if other rather duties have not trespassed upon his hours of study, he looks forward with a justifiable confidence towards the verdict; if he has been careless, or if his hours of study have been otherwise necessarily curtailed, he cannot indeed regard the prospect of failure with pleasant expectation, but he will accept the unfavorable verdict, if it does come, fully recognizing its justice, and feeling that any other would exceed his deserts. Examinations are by no means an insuperable barrier between work and its reward, nor is it proper that the reward should be given to efforts less arduous than such as would surmount it.
Probably a large part of the interest awakened in these matters is due to the visit of Professor Starr Jordan to New Zealand, and to the criticisms which that eminent authority has passed upon the New Zealand University system. The character of the suggestions which he has made is so radical that it may well be assumed that they would not have been much different even if his visit had been longer, and his opportunities of observation greater.
The first reform which Professor Starr Jordan would like to see made is the abolition of the matriculation examination, and the substitution of a system under which a student would be admitted as an undergraduate upon the recommendation of the Head-master of the school at which he was attending. To this we see little objection, providing that the duty of making the
Professor Starr Jordan then suggests that, in the next stage in the student's career after matriculation, each student should be placed under a Major Professor, and that he should not, except "consilio et consensu" of his Major Professor, be allowed to alter or extend his course of studies, we cannot see what there is to recommend this plan, for whilst we would not suggest that a student should go through the University without ever seeking a Professor's advice, we do-with all due deference to our American critic—like to see a student allowed the use of his own discretion as much as possible. The University life of a student ought to be in part a training in the exercise of his own judgment.
The next proposal made by our eminent visitor is the total abolition of degree examinations. He suggests that the efficiency of a student in each subject should be determined by his Professor in that subject, and that each Professor should present to his Board would in turn recommend to the Senate the conferring of degrees upon such student as has, in its opinion, attained to a sufficiently high standard of efficiency in the subjects required: and the Senate would be expected, as a matter of course, to grant degrees to students in accordance with the recommendation. Such a system seems to us as
From this somewhat too detailed consideration of that which might well have been dismissed with fewer words. We pass to other suggestions for the present system, and especially to some which have been advanced by Mr. T. A. Hunter, M. A. As that gentlemen has pointed out, the system of sending the answers of candidates to England for report involves the loss of what might be two useful months of the year's study. Even if the student desires to commence work early in the year, the uncertainty of the result of the previous year's examination makes that impossible except as a venture. To us this appears to be the principal objection to the system of Home examination.
On the other hand, that system possesses two advantages : the unquestionable impartiality to the examining tribunal, and the uniformity which arises from the fact that all four Colleges are judged by the same standard. But any other system which possesses those advantages, and lacks the disadvantages already referred to, is obviously preferable to it.
With regard to the alleged greater value of a degree granted after examination in England, we cannot allow any force to the suggestion. If the examiners were not, as they in fact are, in all things subject to the general direction of the Senate as to the standard to be required for a pass, their names in the diploma to show the standing of those upon whose recommendation it is awarded.
In substitution for the present system, we should like to see the examinations conducted by the Professor from the different Colleges in conjunction. The Professors in each subject would
Upon one question we agree most heartily with the comments of our late visitor. The taxation of University students by making a large fee payable on the diploma, after success in the examination, may have the authority of unbroken precedent, but it is just one of those obstacles in the way of higher education which it is in the best interests of the State to remove. Even the elevating influence of a University course cannot raise the student above those financial questions, which present themselves at the various stages of his career.
The question of University reform is fairly before the public, and whatever else the discussion may do, it has aroused public interest in the matter. It is now the part of the Senate to weigh carefully all the considerations, and while its endeavour should be to act in a progressive spirit, it should see that in all things the interests of higher education are carefully guarded. The suggestions which we make are not intended, as are some of those contained in letters which have appeared in the press, to make easier the obtaining of University honours : on the contrary, they are intended only for the purpose of maintaining and raising the standard of learning of which those honours are the badge. The advancement of learning in a democracy consists, not in bringing the standard nearer to the student, but in leading the student upwards towards the standard.
"Sirs, take your places and be vigilant; If any noise or student you perceive Near to the walls, by some apparent sign Let Landshear have full knowledge." — Henry VI.
The capping Ceremony, held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, was a highly successful function. The gallery was filled with students, whose witticisms were both appropriate and pointed. The Vice-Chancellor, Hon. C. C. Bowen, occupied the chair, and opened proceedings with an excellent speech, during which the students tuned themselves up to concert pitch, and emitted numerous discords in the process. Mr. Joynt introduces the graduates. The vocal afforts which accompanied their passage to the dais boded ill for the performance of capping songs to take place in the evening. Speeches followed by Lord Plunket — his most serious effort to date, despite counter attractions in the gallery; Mr. T. R. Fleming, Chairman of the Council; Professor Mackenzie, who was recommended to "get it over expedeetiously," and had numerous other pieces of gratuitous advice proffered to him; and Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, whose speech we saw in the next day's paper, but the exact purport of a great part of which we could not comprehend, owing to the speaker's apparent popularity with the students. E. J.Fitzgibbon made a feeling appeal on behalf of those impecunious law students who were unfortunate enough to gain diplomas for which they had to pay, and he also pointed out other ways in which the students could be given money or saved from the necessity of spending it. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.
"Then rose the the riot and the din, Above, beneath, without, within." — Scott.
The success of this year's Carnival was most marked, and the more gratifying in view of the fact that until within three weeks of the great day practically nothing had been decided on. Feeling, no doubt, that failure had then been sufficiently courted, the Committee aroused themselves, chorus practices
Miss Smith once more proved herself a true patriot, and practically devoted her waking moments to details in connection with dress and rehearsal. F. R. Lankshear grasped the conductor's baton in a most determined manner, and toiled like a hero to extract harmony from the festive spirits along the back seats. Miss Strack spent several long evenings at the piano, serene and patient. To these three is due a special word of thanks for their sacrifices made in the interests of a successful Carnival.
Part I of the programme consisted of the usual capping songs, with several additional concert items. The choruses throughout were excellently rendered by a large body of students. Solos were contributed by Miss Martin, Miss Lyon, and Miss Newman, with the evident appreciation of their audience. The Glee Club appeared twice, and a trio and quartette were also provide by its members. Dr. D. N. Isaacs recited "The Languid Man "in a most natural manner, and met with an enthusiastic recall. A. H. Bogle's band of braver gave a thrilling display of old-time Maori customs-hakas, single combats, and tangis being mere items in a comprehensive programme of slaughter and savagery.
Part II was occupied by the presentment of a Musical Extravaganza rejoicing in the name of "The Golden Calf," in which our famous trio of collaborators, S. Eichelbaum, S. S. Mackenzie, and F. A. de la Mare clearly exposed the present-day "prostration of idolatrous before heathen shrines." They are to be congratulated on their spirited attempt to combat the evils of the age, with which they seem remarkably familiar. The rise of the curtain disclosed an alter surmounted by the sacred symbol of a cow's head, round which a picturesque band of Egyptians made deep obeisance and much mournful noise. The chief Egyptian, Prof. Memento Xmori (A. H. Bogle) recounted the sad circumstances surrounding the passing of Mr. Brook's milk-supply, and became increasingly self-laudatory over the subsequent legal proceedings. In the second tableau the question of domestic employment received attention. Miss Newman, most stylishly attired as a mistress, detailed the countless conditions to be observed before one can hope to win the approval of up-to-date servants, while G. W. Reid, cleverly disguised as Bridget Dooley, presented the case from the standpoint of the kitchen.
In the third tableau, Miss D. Isaacs and D. N. Isaacs, "got up "as a milkmaid and a butcher respectively, fairly brought down the house with a duet full of interesting sidelights on the respective methods of Kirk and Gear in dealing with defunct animals. A band of slaughtermen, with brawny arms and chests generously daubed with vermilion, also appeared, and voiced the ideas an intentions of their craft in a particularly clever song-every line bristling with good points. In the concluding tableau Mr. A. W. Newton held up to general ridicule
with an attention to distressing detail which should effectually bar the development of any such own midst.
The same programme was repeated on Friday evening before a crowded audience, so large that if the Opera House be available next year, the question of engaging it and limiting the entertainment to one night might well be considered.
"The incomprehensible lies that this same fat rogue will tell us when we meet sat supper."
— Henry IV.
The usual supper in honour of the graduates of the year was held in a separate hall, and was very largely attended. The spread itself, which must have been a most successful undertaking for the caterer, was scrambled for in the usual energetic manner, and was succeeded by a lengthy toast list. Pleasing features of the proceedings were in his own inimitably witty style, and the number of the trophies presented to the echo, Tournament champions. The latter were cheered to the echo, but bore their blushing honours with most becoming modesty.
On conclusion of the speeches, dancing was vigorously pursued till the first streaks of dawn were within two hours of reappearance.
"Semel emissum volat inervocabile verbum." — Horace, Ep. I, 18. 71.
The success which attended the earlier meetings of the Debating Society this year has been continued throughout the session, and although during the vacation the attendances were naturally smaller than in term time, the interest of the student in the debates has been maintained throughout. There is in fact only one element in the College at all calculated to chill he enthusiasm of the members, namely, the draughty character to the "Hall "wherein the debates are held. Until the College is provided with the Social Hall which the students are so strenuously eudeavoring to obtain, it will be a wise policy on the part of the Committee to invite, as judges of its debates, gentlemen whose sympathy may be drawn forth by those bare and chilly walls, and whose influence is our favour with the citizens of the Middle District may be calculated to be considerable.
The Union Prize has been awarded to H. E. Evans, with a total of 18 points in 8 debates, and the Chairman's Prize to T. Boyce. The latter was second for the Union Prize by only a very narrow margin, he scoring 13 points in 5 debates, a result which proves that even a new speaker may with perseverance reach a high place.
The most successful debate yet held at the College took place on June 1st, when the evergreen subject of Home Rule was debated in the presence of an enthusiastic and overflowing audience numbering about 250. Mr. W. Gray M. A. kindly presided, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman being respectively the mover and seconder of the motion "That Home Rule should be granted to Ireland. "E. J. Fitzgibbon displayed to the full degree his usual enthusiasm and eloquence upon a subject which always arouses the feeling of Irishmen, and he showed a most commendable moderation in the statement of the wrongs sought
The voting upon the motion was taken after leaders had replied, and resulted in its being lost by 24 votes to 26, a verdict which was as unexpected to the opposition as to the movers.
Mr. P. P. Webbe placed the first five speakers as follows (Fitzgibbon having retired from the competition) : C. H. Taylor, F. P. Kelly, T. Boyce, D. S. Smith, and W. J. McEldowney.
On 15th June E. S. Grundy, seconded by S. Eichlbaum, moved, "That it is in the Best interests of New Zealand to exclude all coloured labour." The opposers were Messrs D. S. Smith and J. Mason. The debate was of as distinctly humorous character, and towards the close the audience had been raised to such a pitch of merriment that it was unable to restrain its mirth when V. B. Willis stated the solemn fact that 4 into 804 goes 201 times. All the speakers seemed to be expert in statistics, and to be able to deduce all sorts of conclusions from them. The feature of the debate, from the grammarian's points of view, was S. Eichelbaum's novel use of the negative in, "They were mostly-not Chinamen." The motion was carried by 17 votes to 13, and Mr. H. F. Von Haast placed the first five speakers as follows : J. Mason, D. S. Smith, C. H. Taylor, G. H. Gibb, and A. C. Bretherton.
At the meeting held on 6th July, it was announced that, as a consequence of the desire to have a cloak "with a good face"
On July 13th, J. M. Hogben, seconded by A. MacDougall, moved "That a process of gradual disarmament by the great Powers of Europe is at once impracticable and undesirable." The opposers were B. E. Murphy and R. Mason. Five other members spoke, and the motion was carried by 10 votes to 5. Mr. J. P. Firth placed the first five speakers as follows: "H. E. Evens, C. H. Taylor, A. MacDougall, J. M. Hogben, and A. C. Bretherton—B. E. Murphy having withdrawn from the competition. The three speakers who headed the list displayed a noticeable familiarity with the subject, probably due to the fact that "in another place "they had debated it on the previous evening.
A large audience was present on the 27th July to hear the address by the President, Mr. W. Gray, M.A., upon "Student Life in England Two Centuries ago." Mr. Gray gave a most excellent and interesting sketch of the growth of the European Universities, introducing into the narrative several quaint and amusing episodes tending to shew that students in those days were little, if at all, better than they are now. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the President at the close of the address.
On the 10th august H. E. Evans, seconded by C. H. Taylor, moved "That the House of Lords was justified in its attitude towards the Education Bill of
The final debate of the year was held on September 21st upon a motion "That the natural temperament of the Celtic races is such as to prevent them from obtaining a predominant position among the great races of world." The moves were A. M. MacDougall, and H. D. Skinner, and they were opposed by E. J. Fitzgibbon and J. M. Hogben. Many speakers approached the subject from the humorous standpoint, and those who came to be amused must have gone away fully satisfied. Mr. F. E. Baume, M. H. R., placed the first five speakers as follows :—H. E. Evans, H. D. Skinne, T. Boyce, M. H. Oram, and A. MacDougall.
The third Annual Competition for the Plunket. Medal was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday, 7th September, in the presence of His Excellency the Governor and a large and distinguished gathering of students, graduates, the general public, and aide-de-camps. The effect of the alteration made in the rules, which reduced the number of competitors from ten to eight, and increased the time allowance from ten to twelve minutes, has been wholly a good one. Not one speech was marred by lack of time for giving a full sketch of the hero's career.
On this occasion, too, each competitor realised the true purpose of his speech, namely, to reproduce to the audience a living picture of a noble character or a masterly genius, something the study of which will stir the student to emulsion,
If ever any competitors have thought that the system of learning a speech entirely, or almost entirely, by heart was not the intention of His Excellency when endowing the medal, that impression will been finally dismissed by His Excellency's remarked at the conclusion of the evening. The object of the competition is to present, in a manner befitting a true orator, a character sketch possessing high literary merit, and that object can best be effected by the means which, at one time or another, all the greatest orators have adopted. We feel sure that the student who leaves too much to his own power of clothing his ideas in extempore elevated language will most certainly regret that he left anything more to the evening itself than the actual delivery of matter long before prepared and polished.
We are especially pleased to note that every speaker received, as usual, a fair and attentive hearing from the students, and that the witticisms did not begin to come from the gallery until all the competitors had unburdened themselves. The example of the Victoria College students in this respect might well be borne in mind at the Easter Tournament Debate, where the competitors are speaking, not only for their own credit, but also (and chiefly) for the honour of their respective Colleges.
The first speech was delivered by W. Perry on Henry Grattan. He was in full sympathy with his hero, his enunciation was clear, and his matter excellent. The two features of his speech were the opening, which led up by successive steps of eloquence to the utterance of the name of the patriot, and the description of the speech delivered by the sick man upon the proposal for the Act of Union. The peroration was almost as good as the opening, but hardly as spirited in delivery.
G. H. Gibb, too, had chosen a character with whom he was in full sympathy : the stern, the rugged, and fearless Cromwell. He made a good opening, but his speech was delivered with a force which appeared to do more than represent his own enthusiasm. The speech which impresses most is always that in which the feeling is ever striving break the bounds of expression. His attitude while speaking was better than that of any other competitor.
D. S. Smith well deserved the place which the members awarded to him. His hero was General Gordon, a true soldier and a true gentleman. The speech was in excellent language, and delivered, as to a large part, in a tone of pathos which was very effective, and took away the disadvantage of the impression of youth which his natural voice conveys. His opening description of Gordon on the ramparts of Khartoum was the best literary effort of the evening.
T. Boyce shewed a very great improvement on all his previous efforts, and overcame as far as possible the difficulties of enunciation which have probably been induced by over-rapid speaking. He spoke, however, too loudly and too slowly, and the language of his speech was not as that of most of the others. He gave a very clear impression of the great esteem in which Edmund Burke was held by his contemporaries.
J. M. Hogben and chosen Garibaldi, a little known to Englishmen, but he performed well the task of leading the audience through the various stages of the career of the liberator of Italy. He shewed us. Garibaldi as a soldier able to frustrate the great armies of Central Europe, a man beloved by all his became consolidated under one government.
C. H. Taylor spoke on Sir William Wallace, but his speech this year was not as good as that delivered by him upon Burke in
A. MacDougall chose Willliam III. In point of matter his speech was one of the best of the evening, and it was not deficient in the power of calling forth sympathy towards a character little appreciated and often maligned. The fact that the speaker was nervous of course took much of the force from the speech, but an enunciation louder but not language, longer preparation, and an enunciation louder but not otherwise changed, he would be a most attractive speaker.
F. P. Kelly spoke on the Duke of Wellington. Hitherto misfortune has dogged his attempts to win the Medal, and this time also it followed him until at least halfway through his speech. For the first five minutes his voice was noticeably affected by a cold, but as he got into his speech this became less
The voting resulted in the Medal being awarded to F. P. Kelly, with D. S. Smith second, and W. Perry third.
Lord Plunket then presented the Medal, and gave a short speech, in which he recommended the Committee to add to the rules of the competition one to the effect that "No Irish need apply."
The Chancellor (Sir Robert Stout) also addressed the meeting, but broken faith with the audience by delivering himself of two distinct "points " after having said "one word more before I conclude."
The Mayor made an excellent attempt to point out the advantages to be derives from such "exhibitions "as had been made that evening.
In the first round of this Tournament Victoria College met the Vivian Street Baptist Debating Society upon a motion "That the Colonising ambitions of Germany are a menace to international peace and to the safety of the British Empire." The College was represented by J. Mason, C. H. Taylor, and D. S. Smith, who were opposed by Messrs. Donovan, Larkin and Budd. Notwithstanding the three elected by the Society to represent it, the honours of the evening fell to Victoria College by 213 votes to 208.
In the second round Victoria College was opposed to be Y. M. C. A. team (Messrs. Dart, Ilott and Holmes) upon a motion "That the action of the British Government in submitting to the Hague Conference proposals for the limitation of armaments is contrary to the best interests of the British Empire." The members elected by the College Society were again unable to take part, but C. H. Taylor, H. E. Evans, and A. MacDougall put up a good opposition, losing the event by 212 points to 225.
Messrs H. F. O'Leary and J. Mason have been appointed the representatives of the Debating Society for the N. Z. University Tournament of
"Four courts I made East, West and South, and North, In each a squared lawn." — Tennyson.
The preliminary excavation work for the fourth Tennis court has been proceeding for some weeks past. A faithful band, composed for the most part of non-tennis players, has spent its Saturday afternoons in delving and picking away the clay and rock. Much has been done, but more remains. Accordingly, the "navvies "would be glad to see a large accession of the male tennis players to their ranks. The same gentlemen, on those occasions at least when they are asked to help themselves, seem to be possessed of the virtue of modesty to an abnormal degree. We feel sure that a little more self-assertion would, in this case at least, do both them and their new tennis court an immense amount of good.
The thanks of the "navvies" are due to those ladies who, with smiling an cheerful grace, have dispense afternoon tea, and to Mr. Brook for his unfailing kindness in assisting in preparing the same.
The Students' Association has made a grant of one fourth of the Building Fund to the Tennis Club. This sum, for which the Club tenders its best thanks to the Association, will be of great assistance in the provision of a fourth court, though of course much is required.
The Annual Meeting will be held early in October, and the new Committee will have an ample field for active operations.
"Too late to tell what you might have done : The goal is kicked, and a stronger has won." — Seaforth Mackenzie.
Our third season in Senior Football has not been marked by any great success in fact the win against Canterbury College was the only break in the dull round of defeat. However, those who are in a position to know consider the team to be an improvement on former combinations, and the general standard of Wellington football is undoubtedly higher this year than last. All things considered, the evergreen enthusiasts who anxiously await the day when the green colours will be mast-high have no cause for commiseration; there is no royal road to success, and an extensive acquaintance with defeat will enhance the joy of success when, as it surely will.
The gymnasium, which is now to be only a part of a thoroughly-equipped Student's Social Hall, should make a difference when available for regular practices, but there seems no prospect of its completion in time for next season.
Nothing further has been done in connection with the proposed N. Z. University team for Sydney next year, but if financial arrangements can be satisfactorily made, it is practically certain that the trip will be undertaken. As we should like to see Victoria College represented in such a combination, we trust that our prominent footballers will not lose sight of the fact that training is an essential qualification for selection.
Otago University has again won the championship in Dunedin. Their success is a pleasing indication of the possibilities of College teams, and we extend our hearty congratulations.
Sydney University is also a leading team in its grade matches, some of their men representing the State in the team which recently defeated the "All-Blacks."
G. V. Bogle represented Wellignton in the match against Wairarapa, and was also selected for the "B" team against Horowhenua, but was unable to make the trip to Levin.
The annual match with Canterbury College was played in Christchurch on Monday, June 3rd. After the 29—0 licking by Athletic in the afternoon the faithful who farewelled the team on Saturday night were not over-sanguine, but their expectations remained unfulfilled, Wellington winning in the last few minutes.
A. D. Lynch set the ball rolling at 12 noon, and Canterbury attacked straightway. The greens worked back to neutral ground, where offside play gave Canterbury a change, which Sandel promptly improved with a fine kick. 3—0 in favour of the maroons. Even play followed until, from a scrum in midfield, Canterbury scored after an excellent passing rush, Ryder crossing near the corner flag. Sandel failed to convert. Canterbury 6—0. On the drop-out Canterbury came again, but Harley's pass was neatly intercepted by B. W. Millier, who ran to the full-back, where F. W. Goodbehere took the ball, and Ryder took him at the same moment. A. H. Bogle was handy, with a clear field, and lasted long enough to reach the posts, where his arrival was eagerly awaited by an excited barracker named de la Mare. Goodbehere missed the kick. 6—3 in favour of Canterbury, and so ended the spell.
On resuming play our men put in several passing runs without material results, and were eventually worked back to their own 25, where Harley scored again on the corner; no goal resulted. Canterbury 9—3. The green forwards rushed the ball well down after this reverse, and Goodbehere potted a beautiful goal from the side-line. Soon after Bishop essayed to mark, but was spoilt by Millier, leaving Goodbehere a clear run in. No one caught him. A. H. Bogle converted, leaving the score in our favour by 12—9. No side was called without further change.
The game was fast, and generally even, but the luck was certainly not against Victoria College.
V. C. v Poneke. Lost, 55—0 III advised action of newspaper prophet in predicting "an even game "evidently aroused the playing pride of our opponents. Wallace very weary at the finish, college ditto—from the start.
V. C. v Oriental. Lost, 35—10. Score 12—10 at half time. Capping celebrations compassed our downfall. Tries by G. V. Bogle (converted by himself) and E. J. Anderson (converted by Fathers).
V .C. v Wellington. Lost, 16—10. Good game—forwards playing finely against a heavy pack. A. H. Bogle scored from an excellent passing rush. G. V. Bogle crossed just on time after a smart dash, and converted both tries.
V. C. v Old Boys. Lost 6—3. In rain and heavy wind. Neither team up to form. Opponents scored from a penalty and a mark; for us O'Leary crossed after much patient waiting out of place.
V. C. v Melrose. Lost 19—0. Very wet. Melrose pack irresistible in the heavy going.
Since last issue of The Spike, the Juniors and Third teams have not quite fulfilled their early promise, but have given a good account of themselves nevertheless. As usual, many men have dropped out in the second term, and extensive drawing from the lower teams has neither need in the best interests of the juniors nor of themselves. Combination has been most mainly to inability to improve easy chances when they offered. The material is there, but it sadly needs knocking into shape. When the gymnasium is erected, then indeed—but let us not anticipate.
V.C. v Athletic. Lost, 11—0. Good hard game. Colquhoun and Amodeo conspicuous for good tackling.
V.C. v Poneke. Lost, 11—0. Repeatedly showed our ability to do everything but cross the chalk line.
V.C. v Southern. Drawn game—6 all. Justly proud of this match, played after capping festivities with 10 men until arrival of four B's at half time. First try of the season by G. W. Reid. J. M. Hogben also forgot himself. Amodeo very safe.
V.C. v Brooklyn. Lost, 3—0. Mud scramble on an unspeakable ground.
V.C. v Old Boys. Drawn, 3—3. Good game rather spoilt by subaqueous ground. Amodeo kicked a fine from an island.
V.C. v Kia Ora. Lost, 9—3. Heavy rain and unusual number of III. B recruits. Another good goal by Amodeo; evidently getting used to it.
V.C. v Oriental. Lost, 13—0. Tackling and kicking very bad. Chances in plenty, but no one improved them.
V.C.v Polhill. Won, 6—0. Try by Reid and a penalty goal by East. Clean enjoyable game. East very conspicuous at full back.
V.C. v Johnsonville. Lost, 13—6. Try by Skinner, penalty by Kemp. Gentle art of tripping not unknown to the suburban team. (Vide Lyon on "Men I have scragged.")
V.C. v Wellington. Lost, 5—3. Try by McDonald. Ground awful. Referee ditto, only more so.
V.C. v Poneke. Lost, 39—0. Poneke evidently regarded us much as their Seniors did our First XV.—as fair game. Two men short.
V.C. v Polhill. Lost, 14—0. Details unavailable. Official recorder absent or laid out.
V.C. v St. Patrick's College. Lost, 8—0. Still no recorder.
V.C. v Stars. Drawn game—6 all. Reid and Skinner scored, probably in their usual brilliant style. Recorder's injuries evidently serious.
V.C. v Karori. Lost, 13—6. High hopes of a win vanished with nonappearance o four men. Try by Finlayson and a goal from a mark by McAlister.
V.C. v Oriental. Lost, 33—0. Brave stand for ten minutes; then score got out of hand. Ground good in parts.
V.C. v Poneke. Lost, 33—0. Whole Poneke Club evidently keen on College scalps. "Played short in a hailstorm "(assumption being that opponents were more used to it.—Ed.)
V.C. v Star's. Lost, 3—0. Looks better at first sight. Term holidays, men away. (Original report very graphic here.) "Played for three minutes, then went to Juniors, and filled them up."
V.C. v Polhill. Lost, 45—0. Fine open game. Enemy slightly superior in weitht.
(Original again.) "Team now dispersed, and was swallowed up by Juniors and III. A. "The Juniors appear to be somewhat voracious.
"This restless, ever-changing, inexplicable chaos, this is our greatest wonder. Yesterday all things were as they should be; to-day those seeming highest become the least, whilst lesser things are worshiped as idols." — Mason.
It is The Spike's painful duty to take up its pen once more and record the things that might have been—but were not—in connection with the Hockey Club. It is not our intention to launch out into a lengthy lament over any relics of greatness still extant in the Seniors—chiefly became we cannot find any such relics—nor is it our intention to tender any reprof to those eleven members of the first team (we refrain from mentioning names) who have displayed their lack of the qualities necessary for success on the hockey field. Indeed, it matters little that they have failed so ignominiously to gain those laurels which—so they told us—were in their grasp at the commencement of the season; for did they not display the greatest generosity, the greatest chivalry, and the greatest benevolence in surrendering so unselfishly the highest prize, which they could so easily have gained? Let us be thankful for such mercies as these even; let us rejoice exceedingly, even when we think that tout est perdu fors l'honneur and two matches against the Vivians.
Four members of the Firsts—B. C. Smith, D. S. S, Smith, C. Skelley, and G. Castle played in representative teams; "accidents will happen —."
The Second eleven are unlike the Seniors in many respects; the chief difference is that they have disappointed us; we really did believe them when, at the commencement of the season, they confided in us their hopes of attaining to championship honours. Still, they have no reason to be discouraged by the result of the year's play; they have finished fourth in the competition, which is at least a decided improvement on last year's position. Their games have been characterised by vigorous play on the part of the forwards, and sound play by the backs. Constant, though unavoidably necessary, changes have wrought havoc with the personnel of the team, especially
This season's achievement of the III. A. team, the winning of the third-class hockey championship, marks the beginning of a new era in the history of our College. They are the first College team to win a local championship of any kind, and they are not going to be the last. They have not lost a single match on the actual play, their only loss being due to the misguided policy of including two "Rugby roughs "in the team. Their success is undoubtedly due for the most part to the strength of their backs. Their forwards fairly fast, but need more practice in shooting. The team as a whole work very well together; their play in the final game for the Cup wat of a remarkably high order. Rex Mason has the honour of being the captain of the first College champion team. Congratulations to III. A.
The III. B team rose to giddy heights on the mount of triumph, whence, intoxicated by their unwonted successes, they hurled themselves into the chasms of failure. They ascended like a brilliant meteor, and fell like the stick from a rocket. At the beginning of the season they were our proudest boast; now, if they ever mentioned, it is only in noiseless whispers, accompanied by significant shakings of the head. At first they played with full teams, them the ravages of the voracious Rex made themselves felt; and later the members of the team seemed to consider it inconsistent with their dignity that they should be expected to turn out and play for III. B merely because they were picked in the team. Owing to the equitable distribution of the inability displayed, we cannot single out the play member of the team for special praise.
The chief event in the career of the Seniors was their match against Otago University, which resulted in a draw, each side scoring one goal. A considerable number of spectators, chiefly of the fair sex, went across to Day's Bay to see the match. To any one who was not a close follower of hockey, the contest would have been very interesting. It was decidedly fast, exciting, and even. Each side worked strenuously for victory, but many of the finer points of the game were absent.
Very fair combination was shown by the visitors, and although it can hardly be said that had the better of the game, yet the order of their play was superior to that of the local Students. We were without the services of Beere, and were unfortunate enough to have D. S. Smith disabled early in the game. Ryburn and Gower, two of our last year's Seniors, were playing for the Otago University team. Medill and Rutherford were the most prominent of the visitors' forwards, and Goodman and white the most serviceable backs. White, goalkeeper saved quite a number of goals. Pope and Castle were the best of our forwards, and Skelley and Griffiths of the backs. Madill scored for Otago, and Paterson for us.
The following are the results of the various teams' play :—
Matches played, 11. Won 3 (1 by default), lost 7, drawn 1. Goals : For, 36; Against, 57.
V.C. v Karori. Lost, 11—5. Defence of both teams very weak. Our forwards were brilliant at times. The stopping of our backs and their hitting were not of a high order.
V.C. v Vivian. Won 8—2. The forwards were in great form. The backs had little to do, especially in the second spell, when we were attacking continuously.
V.C. v Karori. Lost, 9—2. A fast hard game. We were beaten by a superior team.
V.C. v Wellington. Lost, 4—3. Another fast game, in which we had the better of the play, but did not win, through the marked inability of the forwards to shoot. The backs played capitally.
V.C. v United. Lost, 7—0. Ground a quagmire. We were attacking as often as our opponents, but-the score speaks for itself.
V.C. v Vivan. Won, 8—3. Our team actually displayed combination.
V.C. v Vivan. Lost, 8—5. We reserved our energy till towards the end of the game, and then woke up—too late,
V.C. v Wellington. Won by default.
Matches played, 12. Won 5, lost 7. Goals : For, 42; Against, 45.
V.C. v St. Patrick's College Old Boys. Won, 4—2. Played at Miramar in the wind. Griffths played a sterling game, earning thereby promotion to the Seanior XI. Sergeant (2), Paterson, and Willis scored,
V.C. v Wesley. Lost, 5—3. A poor exhibition. Castle, Patersom, and Sargent scored the goals.
V.C. v United. Lost, 4—2. Team greatly strengthened by inclusion of the "Fratres Prcusii," A really good performance against redoubtable opponents. O. R. Prouse notched both goals.
V.C. v Vivan. Lose, 7—3. Another poor exhibition. Forwards patchy, and lacked shooting ability. Niven the bright star on the rapidly receding gorizon of the backs. Willis and the Prouse Brothers goaled.
V.C. v Thorndon. Won, 8—3. Bravo, forwards ! Bravo, backs ! This game, played as it was in a sea of mud, should be handed down a monument of the vigour of a self-recuperated team. O. R. Prouse (3), Paterson (2), Willis, G. S. Prouse, and Broad were the enhancing factors.
V.C. v Y.M.C.A. Lost, 7—4. The best game of the season, and with a little luck we might have beaten one of the best of this year's teams. O. R. Prouse (3) and Paterson obtained the goals.
V.C. v Wesley. Lost, 5—4. Another excellent game. Good work done by backs, notably Wilkie, Eichelbaum, and Fitt. Paterson and O. R. Prouse, as usual shared the goals.
V.C. v Y.M.C.A. Lost, 3—0. The first game in which team failed to score. Although the forwards played a strenuous game, and the backs made only three mistakes, we had to acknowledge defeat at hands of superior team.
V.C. v Vivan. Won, 5—3. A very solid and even game. Fitt at full. Was magnificent, and Jones, in goal, played the game of his life. Paterson (2) and the Bogle Brothers (3) enhanced.
V.C. v United. Lost, 4—2. "Strenua nos exercuit inertia." Adjourned after two short spells, just in time to see the Kiwis defeat V.C. ladies. Two young played, Hoghen (Julius) and O' Leary, showed good promise, and Strack played well. Paterson and Hogben (aforesaid) smote the goals.
Matches played, 13. Won 9, drawn 3, lost 1 (by protest). Goals: For, 73; Against, 13.
V.C. v Wellington. Won, 1—0. A most ridiculous game. We had our opponents defending almost without intermission, but could not score till, just on time, Fitt bustled the ball through.
V.C. v Vivan. Won, 15—0. The encouragement of the onlooking V. C. lady hockey enthusiasts urged our men to make a great effort. One or two of them did not score.
V.C. v United. Won, 9—1. The Capping Carnival of the night before did not seem to lesson our energy. Our forwards played with better combination than in any other match, and the inside forwards, Smith, Barnett, and Broad, shot very well. Monaghan played well at right half.
V.C. v Y.M.C.A. We scored 10 goals to our opponents' 2, but on a protest lost the match for playing unregistered players—Bogle Brothers, to wit.
V.C. v V.C. III. B. Won, 19—0. We had nine men against the B's eight.
V.C. v Thorndon A. Drawn, 3—3. A fast, even, and exciting game, in which numerous chances were lost on both sides.
V.C. v Thorndon B. Won, 4—2. The first spell was very even, but we had the better of the second. Macalister played well at bully, as did Hoult at full-back, and in the second spell Stuart and MacMorran were vigorous.
V.C. v Y.M.C.A. Won, 1—0. In the first minutes MacMorran scored the only goal of the match. Our backs played splendidly.
V.C. v Wesley. Won, 3—0. One sell only played, our opponents having only seven men.
V.C. v Thorndon A. Won, 2—0. A remarkably fast game. All our backs played excellently. Kibblewhite was perfection in stopping and hitting smartly and effectively. MacMorran and Monaghan were the best of the forwards; each scored a goal. A feature of the match was MacDougall's line-umpiring.
V.C. v Y.M.C.A. Lost, 6—0. We fought like Saxons, but adverso Marte.
V.C. v Thorndon B. Lost. We played with eight men and a Y. M. C. A. emergency.
V.C. v Wesley. Lost, 11—2. Monaghan scored and saved our honour.
V.C. v V.C III. A. Lost again. Score forgotten.
V.C. v Thorndon A. Another loss, 7—0.
V.C. v Wellington. Lost, 11—2. Evens scored one of the goals, and a Y. M. C. A. played the other.
V.C. v United. Lost, 7—2. Played at Karori. Our team consisted of two III. B men, a Junior, a footballer, a United barracker, and a Karori native. Hogben and the Karori native scored.
V.C. v Vivan. We lost this game also.
"It's a foine game for the gurrls," said Mr Hinissey. "So it is," says Mr Dooley, "for those that doesn't play it."
The continued success of this club in cup matches is a pleasant change from the conditions prevailing in most of our other teams. Not only do they win matches with astonishing consistency, but their opponents are rarely allowed the luxury of even one goal. Attack and defense are alike excellent, and even in the absence of one or two shining lights next year sufficient talent will probably remain to maintain their record, and unless the improvement in football, which is to date from the erection of the gymnasium, is truly phenomenal, the ladies will bring home our second cup championship. More power to their lusty arms if they do—the footballers at least will be pleased to see a cup from anywhere. If they could only be induced to take more interest in preserving some particulars of their doughty deeds for future generations, our satisfaction would be complete. Modesty is a rare virtue, but it can be over done. Slight dissatisfaction appears to have arisen in outside clubs over the action of the Match Committee in arranging byes for Victoria College during the term vacation. This course is usual in all other competitions, and it is quite in the best interests of the game that teams should be fully represented.
V.C. v St. John's Won 4—0. Day Capping festivities, which may account for tatal absence of details.
V.C. v Kiwis. Won 2—0. We assume that it was a fine open game with backs very safe and forwards well combined. Goals by Misses Tavendale and Antill.
V.C. v Petone. Won 2—0. Considerable falling off in form compared with previous Saturday's display. Miss Strack scored one goal. And Petone goalkeeper contributed another.
V.C. v Ngatiawa. Won 4—0. Miss Strack (4) scored with apparent ease from all points of the compass.
V.C. v St John's. Won 5. Forward combination affected by ravages of influenza. Misses K. McIntosh (2), Tavendale, Antill, and Cox divided the honours.
V.C. v Waihora. Lost 2—1. The winners were a touring team from Christchured. College pressed during most of the first spell without success, while Waihoras notched two goals in the last ten minutes. Towards the end of the second spell Miss Strack got away down the line, and scored brilliantluy. Miss K. McIntosj was also very prominent.
"Please give me a penny, sir." — O'Leary.
This match was decided at Day's Bay, and a casual observer might well have been pardoned for imagining that the "Duchess "had been chartered by the Students' Association for the occasion. Prospects a glorious victory over last year's champions, and triumphant return with the first cup won by Victoria College on local fields of battle, drew forth a tremendous array of youth and beauty to cheer the chosen warriors. The inevitable concert took place, and O'Leary improved the shining hour with a hat, ostensibly to assist College clubs.
"The Kiwi is almost a flightless bird; its wings are mere vestiges."
— Professor Kirk.
Sufficiently accurate for the naturalist, no doubt, but not quite in accordance with recent displays by the versatile bird. The backs who had to oppose Miss Wellwood's meteoric career probably have considerable respect for the maligned wings. The pace set up from the bully gave early evidence of a keen game, and expectations were fully realised. Kiwi's were forced to concede "corners "twice in the first ten minutes, but from the second they initiated a strong attack on the left wing. Miss MacKellar proved equal to the occasion, and gave the forwards line a fine chance, spoilt in the nick of time by Miss Gear. Kiwi forwards now commenced to open up the game, and made some excellent passing rushes, which seemed certain to result in a score, but a warm shot from the left wing (Miss Wellwood) was safely steered clear by Miss Young. From the resulting hit out Miss Strack came away in great style, but the wings were not up, and a fine chance went begging. Momentarily checked, College came on again, and Miss Burden shot hard fast, only to have "sticks "ruled against her. A fine Kiwi rush from the free hit was cleared by Miss Young, and followed by a counter-rush of the greens greens right to the circle, where offside play relieved the pressure, and saw Miss Wellwood clear away down the side line. Miss Reeve and Miss Scott accounted for her effort, and alternate fast rushes marked the end of the spell without score. On resuming, even play followed till Miss Antill obtained possession
The second eleven has a record with which, considering the difficulty of securing full teams, it can well be satisfied. Its members have at least always put in a good opposition. Some have played regularly, but even by drawing upon the resources of the third eleven, it has often been impossible to get more than eight or nine players.
The third eleven has, we believe, not once played a full team, but in spite of that fact it can claim one victory (by default). Concerning the rest of its achievements we preserve a merciful silence.
Surely the ladies who do play hockey derive from it pleasures which ought to appeal to those who don't. Let all the College ladies who are already players stick loyally to their College, and let those who are not yet players make a start as soon as possible. They will never regret it, and Victoria College may see three full teams in the fields, each competing as keenly as, and even more successfully than, the
V.C. v Kiwi II. Lost, 3—9. Played at Petone on a very wet ground. Miss Dale played well in goal, and Miss Hewetson was a great acquisition as full-back.
V.C. v St. John's II. Won 2—1. Four of the regular team were unable to play, but Miss Great cast aside mathematics and played brilliantly. Score might have been bigger if less attention had been paid to the Kiwi match.
V.C. v Girl's College B. Ground changed from Hutt to Miramar. V. C. went to Miramar, they to the Hutt. Our team short-handed and weary.
V.C. v Wellington II. Lost 6—1. Five of team. Miss MacKellar scored first goal. Score was 1 all at the end the first spell, but the odds were too great, and we stood and watched them score.
V.C. v Girls' College B. Lost 1—0. We were 9 against 10, and made a good fight. No score till just before the whistle blew. The ground was very slippery, though not quite at its worst. Our girls must learn to wear short skirts.
V.C. v Huia A. won 1—0. Miss Renner scored. A mid-week practice had greatly improved our form. F. Cooke played a good game.
V.C. v Girls' College A. Lost 5—1. Very hot. Our halves too tired to keep their places.
V.C. v Wellington. Won by default. Eight of us and seven of them played a practice match.
V.C. v Kiwi. Lost, 6—0. Played one short. Miss Renner and Miss Robson made some good but ineffectual rushes.
V.C. v St. John's. Lost, 6—2. Miss Hilderth and Miss Renner scored. "Von." Barracked and gave us hints. We sang capping songs, especially "Bridget."
The only details which we are authors to public are :—
"For what is freedom but the unfettered use Of all the powers which God for use has given ? But chiefly this : Him first, Him last, to view Through meaner powers and secondary things." — Coleridge, "The Destiny of Nations."
AT last, through the courtesy of the Students' Association, the Christian Union has secured the use of a piano the addition of which is a great advantage to the meetings.
The first meeting we have to chronicle was held on June 8th, towards the end of last term, when Mr James Moore, of the Mission to Seamen, gave an address upon "Quaint Epitaphs. "Mr Moore treated the subject in his own genial fashion, and an amusing evening was provided for those who attended.
The evening of June 22nd had been set apart for a united discussion of questions arising in the separate Bible circles, but for certain reasons the executive saw fit to alter that arrangement, and the Rev. J. Reid Glasson delivered an address upon "The New Testament in the Christian Church." Mr Glassson pointed out that the results of the research of the best scholars had been to confirm the Christian position. The most recent research had clearly proved that the New Testament was written between the years 60 and 120 A. D.
The annual social was held on August 3rd. and is described in another column. The thanks of the union are due to all the students who assisted in making the social so great a success.
Mr Lyall, travelling secretary of the Australasian Christian Unions, visited us during the following week. He attended the various Bible and Mission study classes, and addressed the general meeting on August 17th. Mr Lyall had come direct form the C. U. Conference at Tokio, and gave an exceedingly interesting account to that unique gathering, at which representative of all the countries in the world were present. The keynote of the Conference, he said was struck in one word— 'Advance. "There was no fear that Christianity was a dead thing; there was full assurance that one day it would win the whole world for Christ.
Mr Lyall will be in Wellington again in a month or so to arrange for the biennial summer Conference of the New Zealand Christian Unions, to be held at Trentham. We trust that the Victoria College Union will be represented by a large delegation.
On August 31st papers were read by members of the local committee of the Missionary Settlement for University Women. The speakers, Misses Hales, Nicholson, Ross, and Dallaston, dealt with the growth of the movement, the sphere of its labours, and he work carried on at the present time. Several letters from Miss A. W. Griffiths, who is engaged in work at the Bombay Settlement, and who is maintained there by the New Yealand members of the M. S. U. W., have been read at the Mission study class, a sale of flowers and Indian handkerchiefs was also held in aid of the movement. The V. C. branch is represented by the following committee :—President, Miss M. E. Hales; Vice-President, Miss L. N. Dallaston; Treasure, Miss N. Young; Secretary, Miss M. E. Gibbs; Assistant-Secretary, Miss B. Nicholson; Committee, Misses J. Gordon I. E. S. Watson, B. Reeve, and G. F. Cooke.
On September 14th the last ordinary meeting of the session was addressed by Bishop Wallis, who took for his subject the story of the withered fig-tree, giving his interpretation of this much-debated passage in a manner interesting and satisfactory to all. Dr. Wallis then went on to say that the fact that there is a stern as well as a happy side to religion must not be overlooked, especially having regard to the tendency in modern times to forget it. For a full realization of the meaning of our religion we must set our faces sternly against all the forms on which evil exists around us.
"Swans sing before they die : twere no bad thing Did certain persons die before they sing." — Coleridge.
Beyond sundry strains of melody which were wont to meander bout the passages of the Science building on Monday evenings, the Glee Club did not obtrude itself on the students during the first part of the term. On Friday, 13th September, however, the even tenor of its way was basely interrupted by an altogether delightful concert held on the "hop floor." The room was filled right to the back row, and the audience was appreciative. All the glees given were well rendered, but there was a preponderance of the ladies' voices over the tenors and basses.
The best rendered of the nine concerted numbers given were the German Volkslied "Farewell," and "Full Fathom Five;" the latter was especially well rendered, the expression being excellent, and the ladies managing to curb their enthusiasm sufficiently for the men to make their efforts audible. J. K. Edie was the conductor. A quartet sung by Misses C. T. Strack and K. Fruhauf, and A. H. Bogle and G. W. Reid resolved itself into a solo by the first-named with vocal accompaniment. Miss C. Taia Strack's solo was most enjoyable— despite the efforts of her accompanist, G. W. Reid, to drown her voice : her encore item was equally acceptably. The humour in a "Humourous Trio "sung by A. H. Bogle, G. W. Reid, and C. Gamble, was supplied by a remarkable effect of Landkshear's, whereby large placards, tendering varied advice to the three performers, were let down over their heads. The uproar caused by the appearance of these placards prevented the song
One excellent feature of the programme was the appropriateness of the numerous quotations scattered through it; but the ignorance displayed in assigning them to their sources was remarkable.
After the audience had, in accordance with the instructions given them, stood not upon the order of their going but gone at once, and the room had been cleared, dancing was indulged in until early morning.
The financial results of the concert were highly satisfactory—enabling the Treasurer to remove the £1 weighs of oppression hanging over the heads of the guarantors of the piano fund, and to face the future with a small credit balance.
The Club contributed to the Capping programme, and on the evening of Saturday, September 21st, entertained the inmates of the Mount View Mental Hospital. The floor of the concert hall looked most invitingly smooth and shiny, and on conclusion of the concert some irrepressible youth approached the matron with the result that the floor was cleared in quick time, and the indefatigable songsters trod a merry measure for an hour or so with the utmost enthusiasm. Supper concluded one of the jolliest evenings that the Club has yet enjoyed.
"The blithesome signs of wassail gay Decayed not with the dying day." — Scott.
The Ladies' Hockey Club's Annual Dance took place on Thursday, 31st May. The Professors considered the function sufficient excuse for dispensing with lectures, and the students, even under these adverse circumstances, seemed to be happy. The floor was—good in parts; the music was excellent, and the supper was just as a certain official of the students' Association described it : "out on its own. "the evening 's debutants were O'Leary, Hogben and Duncan." The first named was gracefully attired in a dark costume with white facings and a Cheshire smile; the second was noticeable for the brilliancy of his coiffure; and the appearance of the third seemed to have supplied inspiration for one verse of a certain capping song. All three performed well. The hostess wore—perhaps we had better not. We are already looking forward with pleasure to the next L. H. C. Dance.
On the 20th of July at 8 p. m. in the Common Room, a large number of students gathered together to honour the Otago University Hockey Team, and incidentally to partake of the fare
The men athletes held their annual flutter on the 24th of August, when about a hundred students passed away a few hours on "the hop floor." As was the case last year the piéce de resistance was the supper—the men seem to be connoisseurs as far as supper is concerned. Dancing commenced shortly before eight, and there had been only one accident—a broken wrist—when Rawdon Beere stood over the pianist and made him play the National Anthem at two minutes before midnight.
At the Christian Union Social on the 17th August, each guest was required to wear a label whereon was writ the name of one of a famous couple, and was then expected to look for his or her partner. R. Beere, as Hamlet, seemed to find Ophelias everywhere, but his charms faded as the moon at the rising of the sun when S. Eichelbaum appeared on the scene proclaiming to the world, per medium of his label, that he was Adonis. Songs and recitation filled on part of the evening, and they were followed by various Mock Parliaments, and a novel game entitled "Musical Chairs." After supper had been handed round, the Junket medal competition took place. There were six competitors, and the subject was the advisability of women taking the initiative in the matter of proposing. The delivered a eulogy of the rights of the members of the British race, another tried to convince the audience that he was good-looking, and it was not until the fifth competitor arrived that the actual subject under discussion was mentioned. The popular vote resulted in D. S. Smith being declared the winner to the medal, which was presented with all due ceremony by Lord Junket, who delivered an address in A. MacDougal's best style. The evening terminated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."
"Then here's to the sportsman's road beckons, The climb that baffles, the risk that nerves; And here's to the merry heart that reckons The rough with the smooth, and never swerves !" — Seaforth Mackenzie.
Those students who had the good fortune to attend any previous Tournament will need no reminding that the Tournament of
Our success of this year have not been forgotten but these successes are such that they connote be excelled. Even to attain to a like measure of success next year means enthusiasm in cartloads, and consistent hard training on the part of those who intend to strive for the honor of a place in the V. c. team. For this honour all students are eligible who are matriculated and have attended at least two-thirds of the lectures in one University subject in the year preceding the date o f the Tournament.
In tennis and debating, our representatives will have former victories to looks back upon, and will, we hope, be sufficiently encouraged by those victories to strive for greater honours next year. In athletics, however, we can so far boast of no brilliant successes. Our weaknesses this year were only too apparent, and our athletes will have to become more proficient if the Shield is to see the inside of our Common Room. In the running events we can compete on level terms with the other Colleges, but having said that we have said all. Our real need is for men to put the weight, throw the hammer, walk and high jump.
Let all students—those who know they are good at athletics, those who know they are not good, those who think they are good, and those who think they are not good-come out and train next year, and show what they can do, be it ever so little.
As for the social side of the Tournament, the worthiest pen could not exaggerate its pleasures. The Auckland students will join us here, and leave with us on the Thursday before Easter. We shall be joined at Christchurch by the Canterbury College team, and all will travel together to Dunedin, arriving there on the evening of Good Friday. If the entertainment provided by the Otago students in
"While some, in close recess apart, Courted the ladies of their heart, Nor courted them is vain." — Scott.
The following marriages have been arranged, and are intended shortly to be solemnised :
A. J. Benge, to MISS M. McCleanE.J. Fitzgibbon to MISS Eileen GallagherMiss L. Tavendale to MR. S. Neighbours
"Me lists not at this tide to tell The splendor of the spousal rite." — Scott.
"Vex not thou poet's mind, For thou canst not fathom it." — Tennyson.
"The word o the Poet by whom the depths of the world are stirred, The music that robes it in language beneath and beyond the word."
[Historical Note. — this interesting fragment was discovered by our literary expert when engaged I research work in the Science Lumber Room. He was of the opinion that it was a hitherto unknown piece from the works of Walter Savage Landor, but certain internal evidence goes to disprove that theory. It is evident from the notes attached to the MSS. That Rivulus was attached to the teachings of Heraclitus, while Stocer is the trusted attendant of one kuriakos, an Epicurean.]
Rivulus. How farest thou, Stocer ? and how doth thy master fare?
Stocer. I thank thee, Master Rivulus, the dainty frog is plentiful, nor is the succulent rabbit more difficult of the catching.
Rivulus. Ah, Stocer, 'tis a curious school in which thy master hath trained thee; twould seem that life composed of frogs and rabbits and sweet smelling flowers and curious herbs! Hast never cared fill thy time with an occupation requiring thought and deliberation?
Stocer. What care I for the morrow, Master Rivulus ? Wouldst suggest that I should devote my attention to spirit rapping ? Shall I, as a Hunter lost in the woods measures with this ear the heavy tones of a ponderous Bell in the far distance, seek consolation in the quest of a nebulous phantasm seeming to be in the distant future ?
Rivulus. Nay, Stocer, I would none of that. But thou has seen the Salmon climbing the rapidly descending waters : I saw one but yester eve; it mounted the stream, leaping from rock to rock till it reached the uttermost crag; then for a while it rested : its glittering Fin lay still with the light of day falling full upon it; who knows how long it remains there ? Who knows that it will not ere long leave its present post and reach higher ? Ah, Stocer, who knows ? Wouldst thou too not seek higher things ?
Stocer. In faith, Master Rivulus, I have not devoted overmuch reflection to such thoughts s these. But believe thou with me, Master Rivulus, that we should make life a joyful
Rivulus. Aye, Stocer, I was young once. But I remember, I too beheld a vision once : we were seated singing songs when there entered Father Time, a Lank being, carrying in his hand a silvern wand; wherewith, indeed, he brake the chords of life of two of our band. Ah, Stocer, then my eyes were opened; then did I first truly understand the music of the spheres; then did I first realise what a frail, and too, what a base animal man is—a creature here, it would seem, for the annoyance of his fellow beings. There is ever and always some cause of regret.
Stocer. Yea, Master Rivulus, so thou wouldst seem to think. But hast thou never heard the legend of the two barbarian friends, members both of some warlike Celtic tribe ? The twain were engaged in parley; one a youth of beaming rotund countenance, the other a youth fair to look upon; quoth the latte," Art humgry," "I am," quoth he of the rotuud face. Then said the pretty one, "Eat," drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we diet." And theu did eat, and they did drink an wax merry; but on the morrow they dieted not, for the morrow came not but remained ever the morrow. Do thou too, Master Rivulus, be merry; heed not the undesired leaps and hops of an unkind Fate, but ever smile again on deeds of mischance.
Rivulus (testily), What knowledge do I gain to argue with thee ? Thou who art but the slave of another ! thou who dost but take thy dainty tit-bits for thy master's use, and dost pick up only the paltry with one who is free and untrammelled by the authority of one over him. Let me debate with one who is free.
Stocer. Ah, Master Rivulus, thou hast me there. I would that all were free. That thought, the thought that all thins should be free, occurs to me ever and again. Yonder wilt thou see a partial expression of my desire; yonder where they fowls are scratching on thy asparagus bed.
Rivulus, What ! thou hast loosed the birds that feed the dwellers in yon halls, and hast driven them to destroy the work of my hand ! Begone, thou scurvy-faced knave ! I knew thee for a quarrelsome varlet. Begone !
[Here Rivulus makes as if to strike Stocer, who retires to the midst of some neighboring marshy ground and dances a weird dance—probably something worse than a modern haka.]
"Young Kelly, who won the Plunket Medal, has a fresh and attractive appearance. When he stepped on to the platform at Christchurch, on the occasion of the Challenge Scroll competition, the audience was startled by the involuntary outburst of a young lady in hall, who gasped out : Oh, what a pretty boy !'"Free Lance.
Following upon the statement published in our last issue, we are now enabled, by the courtesy of Mrs Wallis, to report the progress made by the committee in the carrying out of the scheme already outlined. Mrs Wallis writes as follow :—
On a former occasion my remarks were concerned with the nature of the hostel, an explaining its objects and methods. Now, I am glad to say I can report progress in a very satisfactory manner. The committee has been hard at work during the last few weeks, considering sites and plans, but at last those preliminaries are settled, and it is hoped to being the actual erection of the building in about three weeks. The site in Mackenzie terrace at first selected was found, on closer inspection, to be unsuitable, as it would need so much wall to hold up the surrounding banks as to make most of the rooms very dark. Another site has now been obtained which is better in every way. It is in Woolcombe-street, quite near to Mount-street, within a short distance of Victoria College. Owing to the general character and price of land in wellington, the house will have to be long and narrow in shape, but very convenient plan has been drawn by Mr. Young, the architect. The committee is arranging with him to have as many conveniences in the house as possible, and to make it comfortable and cheerful. There will be a large dining-room, a common room, and a visitors room on the ground floor, as well as some bed-rooms. The principal's sitting-room is also on this floor. The first floor will be entirely taken up with bed-room and bath room and one bed-room is being arranged for use as a "sick-room" should the necessity occur. There is also a verandah and balcony running round the front and part of the north side of the house, which we hope will be a "sun-trap" on fine winter days. The committee intends to make a "function "of the ceremony of driving the first pile, and they hope as many students as can spare the time will be present. The date will be announced later.
If any present students at the college wish to engage rooms at the Hostel for next year, it will take be advisable for them to apply soon to Mrs Salmond (the secretary), Kelburne, as those who apply first will get the pick of the rooms.
I should like to close this sketch by expressing the committee's sincere hope that senior students will take advantage of the Hostel, as it is to them that it will owe much of its success. A good wholesome esprit de corps, such as that which now pervades Victoria College, is essential to the well-being of a Hostel of this king, and this spirit can best be engendered by seniors, so that we members of the Hostel committee earnestly trust that we shall receive many applications from students of "light and leading" at the College.
Up to the present the efforts of the committee appointed to collect subscriptions towards the gymnasium fund have met with considerable success but it is hoped that much better results will the forthcoming in the immediate the sincere thanks of the students to the following contributors to the fund :—
The above list does not by any means represent the whole result of the efforts of the committee, for an active canvass in still in progress; nor, we are confident, does it represent even one-third of the generosity of the citizens of Wellington and of the Middle University Distrait yet to be extended towards the project.
Side by side with the movement to provide a Hostel for women students in connection with Victoria College, considerable progress has been made in the direction of the provision of a Hostel for men students as a memorial to the late Bishop Hadfield.
The site selected is in South Terrace, Kelburne, and cost a little over £900. About a fortnight ago a contract with Messrs Wakelin and Son was sighed for the building of the first wing, the plans of which have been prepared by Mr F. de J. Clere, to accommodate 18 or 20 students, and will be of brick, costing £2,416. That sum is already in hand, but there is at present very little money available for the provision of furniture. The committee trusts that, now that the carrying out of the scheme has proceeded so far, the necessary balance for that purpose will be forthcoming .
It is hoped that His Excellency the Governor will consent to lay the foundation stone at the end of this month or the beginning of next, and that as many students as possible will endeavour to attend the ceremony.
With regard to the general scope of the institution, we quote the following passage from a letter received from the Lord Bishop of Wellington :—
"We hope in the first place that the hostel will serve as a college for the training of such members of the University as desire to offer themselves for the Ministry of the Church of England in the Dominion. We hope to provide special courses of lectures for these students, for whom at present there is no provision in the North Island except at St. John's College. We badly need a supply of clergy, New Zealand born, to work among their fellow countrymen.
"But we hope that these students, gladly as we shall welcome them, will form a small minority of the inmates of the Hostel, partly for their own sakes, and partly also because it is our wish to make a home for as many undergraduates as possible, whatever career they have in view. Those of us who have had experience of the working of collegiate institutions at Home have learned the value and the delight of residential colleges, of the opportunities they give for constant social intercourse, and how they constitute the strengthing of an
esprit de corpsamong their members. We heartily hope, therefore, that many of the undergraduates who at present have no home in Wellington, and are at present scattered among boarding houses in the city, will become inmates of the Hostel."It is intended, of course, that the Hostel shall be self-supporting."
"A student came from land afar To learn the game we play, From him we find that what we are, They are in U. S. A." — E. J. Fitzgibbon.
Among the interested students in the gallery at the Capping Ceremony was James F. Lanagan, of Stanford Leland Junior University, California, U. S. A. Mr. Lanagan, in spite of Professor Sterr Jorhan's assertion that American students never make nay unseemly noise at pubic functions, seemed to enjoy himself; in fact he informed the President of the Students' Association that he had not felt so much at home since he left America. Unfortunately he was unable to be present at the Carnival and supper; he looked in at the dance for a short time, and expressed his admiration for the youth and beauty of Victoria College. Advantage was taken of his presence to exchange ideas, and on 3rd July Students' Association, after entertaining him at dinner, spent two or three hours discussing with him matters of interest to students, and gained a fair conception of American student life.
"There is no arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
— Lowell.
Professors and students have again been given an opportunity of displaying their fortitude in times of peril. During the term the lights have failed again on at least one occasion. We do not wish to discredit the abilities of the electricians in Wellington, but it is remarkable that Victoria College alone should so often be placed in darkness. On the occasion above
This Magazine has always maintained that the matriculation standard should be raised, and observations we have made this year in no way decrease our support of such a reform. The reasons generally given in support of the change are that freshly matriculated students cannot do first year work: but our observations tend to show that some of them do not even try. There is a class of students who seem to think that silly puerile tricks, of which any schoolboy should be ashamed, are indications of the greatest genius. Such tricks include scribbling on the College furniture inane remarks which are the only indication the College has of the brain power of the depredators. Then there is the habit of altering and adding to the wording of notices on the notice board, another habit which might be left behind in the infant school. There are others : none of them however display remarkable talent; most of them are done for the annoyance of somebody, especially of the College janitor. Some students seem to forget that they are presumed to have left their rattles behind when they enter a University.
It was somewhat unfortunate for a large number of students that Professor Leacock, of the above University—which we understand is situated somewhat in Canada—paid us a visit at a time when students were infected with a mania for study. Those students who stayed away certainly missed the most interesting address to which we have had the pleasure of listening within the College walls. The subject of his address was "American and Canadian University Life, "and he gave a brief sketch of the history of those institutions, of their ideals, and of their attempts to live up to those ideals. He told us that many of the States make it their business that the University shall be the greatest thing on the Continent.
He also spoke of the way in which the American University have for the most broken away from the ideas and associations of the University of the Old Country; how, in his opinion at least, they were carrying their desire for novelty too far; giving prominence to singularly useless studies, as an instance of which he mentioned the study of Education. When he found that his diatribe against this branch of learning and not exactly appreciated, he backed down very neatly and finished "on the fence. "Inter alia, he told us he was looking for a million dollars; he gave us the thanksgiving hymn of his Alma Mater— he did not sing the hymn—and he palmed off several much-appreciated jokes, which were new—to us. The Professor was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation, which must have had a detrimental effect on the plaster.
P. S.—Dr. Knight, LL.D., occupied the chair.
A recent number of the London "Spectator "contains an interesting review of New Zealand poetry, the chief interest of which to students of Victoria College consists in the fact that the only passage singled out for quotation is from the pen of S. S. Mackenzie. We are enabled to publish in another column the poem from which the selection was made.
It needed not the commendation of a reviewer to convince us of the excellence of the work of one whose talents have on so many occasions been at the service of the College, but a favorable criticism in a leading English review sets the seal upon our appreciation.
A movement was lately set on foot in Australia for the collection into one volume of the best students' songs written in Australasia. At the request of the editors of the publication the Students' Committee has sent copies of all the Victoria College Capping songs for perusal, and we are glad to learn that many have been selected for inclusion in the collection. Some songs containing topical allusions have been much appreciated, and a request has been made that they be adapted so as to be suitable for general use. But there was one surprising comment from the publishers. They have committee the unpardonable sacrilege of questioning the Latinity of our College song ! ! !
It is now some years since a student of retiring habits ventured to suggest a Victoria College Cricket Club. A Hockey Club, a Football Club, flourished already, not to speak of a Tennis Club, which supplemented the attractions of combined doubles with the allurements of tea and bread and butter. Why not a cricket club ? The "leaders of College life, "fearful perhaps of the stability of the Tennis Club and the security of their bread and butter, regarded the project coldly—the thing, they said, was premature; the financial difficulties alone rendered the idea ridiculous, and finally they trusted that this mental aberration on his part was only temporary. For that year the cricket club idea died out.
Still the seed was manifestly there, as testified by the various sporadic attempts subsequently made; but the financial obstacles seemed always insurmountable. Last year a club was definitely formed and affiliated to the local controlling body, and there the matter ended.
In the interim, however, the cricketers of Victoria College have been thoroughly galvanised into activity, and are making gallant efforts to launch the club upon its career of usefulness as a permanent institution. Notwithstanding the very real disadvantage of having no regular practice facilities, the promoters have met with unexpected encouragement., and on the present showing it seems highly probable that two teams-one junior and one third grade, will take the field for College. Of course, we shall not win the championship this year. If we establish the club permanently upon a sound footing we shall be satisfied, and our prospects of doing this are tolerably bright.
It would be ungracious in us were we to conclude this brief review without a public acknowledgment of our deep gratitude to those who, though unable for various reasons to associate themselves practically with our club, have yet favored us with advice and criticism, the ripe fruits of a long and distinguished experience in local cricket. To those gentlemen our thanks. Meanwhile the subscription lists are still open, and the membership roll has still a few vacancies left for young gentlemen attending the University. Terms, 25s.
"He who takes what is'nt his'n, When he's cotch'd, he's sent to pris'n." — Ancient Ballad.
The path of the librarian is not strewn with fragrant petals of blown roses, but the thoughtless acts—we put it as euphemistically as possible—of certain students conduce neither to the improvement of his temper nor to the lightening of his responsibilities. The friend who, while the lightening is at lectures, persists in engaging in continuous conversation, interesting to nobody but himself, has already been referred to, but is unfortunately still with us. But there are other habits which show much less thought for other students, and far greater personal selfishness, than even talking and moving about. We refer to the action of some students who—we presume at moments when no attention is directed to them—surreptitiously removes volume from the library shelves, and take them away for their own use. The librarian discovers that the books are gone, but of course has no trace of their-whereabouts till perhaps two or three weeks later he finds them lying on one of the library tables. If students wish to take books from the library there is a legitimate method of doing so; but we did think that this College possessed no students (we at least hope that they are only few in number) who are so mean—we will not say dishonest—as to do any such act as that just referred to.
The annual meeting of the Athletic Club was held last month, when the usual press-gangs had to be sent out before a quorum could be obtained. No question of overwhelming importance was discussed, but the report showed that if we are to win the University Athletic shield we must have been men good in events other than running events. We must train. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season :—Captain, G. V. Bogle; Committee, F. A. Wilson, A. H. Bogle; Treasurer, A. E. Dobbie; Secretary, J. M. Hogben.
"Here we are again."
— Old Play.
Ever since the last issue of The Spike we have been overwhelmed with suggestions and directions guaranteed to improve the magazine. We have been unable to carry into effect many of these suggestions—we have not attempted to remember some
We have again to congratulate the Otago University First Fifteen on having won the Senior Championship in Dunedin football. Several members of the gained places in the Otago representative team.
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The Sydney University football team succeeded on reaching second place in the Championship competition. The total number of points scored by them was, however, greater than that of any other in the competition.
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"Be this the citadel that we shall guard, Inviolate, by service for her fame." — Mackenzie.
The following paragraph, culled from "The Weekly Press," will be of interest to more than one of our colleges as showing that the troubles of the patriot exist outside the confines of the Dominion of New Zealand :—
A curious point in athletic law recently cropped up in England, and it is of special interest to holders of challenge trophies. It appears that a runner named T. S. Stafford entered for the 100 yards race at the Birmingham University sports, and as he had won the race twice previously Victoria would have secured for him the Sir Oliver Lodge Challenge Cup outright Stafford, however, had previously refused to play hockey (he is an international, hockey representative) for the Birmingham University Club, preferring another team. Whereupon he was requested to resign from the University Club, and a notice to this effect was handed to him after he had entered for the 100 yards race above-mentioned. It was urged by the club that Stafford was ineligible to compete, and on the matter being referred to the referee, he ruled that under the A. A. A. laws the Sports
Committee had the right to refuse any entry, and consequently Stafford, though stripped, was not allowed to compete. Subsequently the case created no little interest, and was taken up by the "Sportsman," which contends that the referee's ruling was wrong, and that if Stafford takes his appeal to the A. A. A. he will no doubt establish his claim.
It will be observed that the Birmingham University Club took advantage of a doubtful point in athletic law to protect itself from this intruder upon its holy of holies. They said in effect that the trophy hallowed of the name of Sir Oliver Lodge, was for the "true University man," who put college first and his own advantages afterwards; that the University—divided into many parts—is indeed one. We presume that in Birmingham, as in Wellington, students may reap all that knowledge from books may give, and go their ways, to join the ranks outside—with freedom and without bitterness. But it cannot be believe that the Birmingham University Club acted wisely in asserting the principle that rewards of service are not to be gathered in by those who refuse to bear the burden and heat of the day. The incident, however, goes to show that such a matte should not be left to be decided at the starting post, but that, in these days of reciprocity, there should be an understanding between all College clubs that, while ever ready to receive the prodigal son (or daughter), they will stand shoulder to shoulder in the common cause.
We beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following Magazines :— The Waitakian, Collegian, The Otago University Review, The Southland Boys' High School Magazine.
"True wit is nature to advantage dressed. What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed." — Pope.
Pr-f-ss-r M-ck-nze-e. We are pleased to hear of any interesting incident, trivial. A nation's records are best reserved in it folk-songs. Yours isn't much, but one verse "for auld acquaintance' sake :—
Mr A. C. G-ff-rd. Doubtful point. Personally we see no reason why needles, soap, coalscuttles, etc., should not be introduced to illustrate mathematical arguments, but how do you explain their disappearance at home ?
J. K. Ed-e. Re Glee Club. Lie low now; but, anywho, what was the meaning of your announcement that "the ladies will tell me before Friday whether it is possible for you each to have one."
F. R. L-nksh-r. There was a notice "No further vacancies for conductors "in the Town Hall on the Plunket Medal night. Pleased to publish your assurance that it referred to tram guards. Some students—but what matter ?
S. Eich-lb-m. We indeed sympathise with you that your sudden interest in marine engines should have been confounded by other thirsty students with the disappearance of the Second Eleven half-time oranges. Bring two bags next time.
Mr T. A. H-nt-r. Experimental Psychology. Your remarks on the attitude of some members of the Council unprintable. Get them one at a time on the football field, and give them some practical spirit-rapping. Professorial Board to supply the embrocating.
V. B. E-ll-s. Your "poem," entitled," How I won the Union Prize," just received. Almost as deficient in versification as in reliability. Forwarded with your masterpiece to Committee of Australasian Students' Song Book, who consider the tone of your accompanying letter somewhat bombastic and egotistical—especially bombastic—and have handed your "song" to the butcher to wrap meat in.