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Our first task, a pleasing one, is to welcome the host of freshers who have now had a fortnight's experience of their new life. The entrance into a University is very casual, and a certain detached feeling is inevitable. You have idled in strange corridors; you have been badgered by officials of strange societies ; you are probably feeling a little lost. It is rather galling at first, but you will soon settle down and begin to make yourselves felt.
It is here more particularly that our benevolent "Smad" would offer you advice. It is a tendency among freshers to devote themselves solely to one subject—usually work. Do not attempt to specialise at first. A wise love of culture will carry you far ; a blind following of knowledge will see you damned as a dull dog. Get to know your fellows anywhere ; the best place is the playing field. But all play and no work brings an equal curse. The solving of the difficult problem of how much time to devote to work, to club activities and to athletics, lies with each undergraduate ; we suggest that in your first year you keep an open mind and take an intelligent interest in as many University activities as possible.
Turn we now to Student Thought and Ourselves. Last year, Student journals in New Zealand as well as other activitits at V.U.C. had a somewhat chequered carreer. The College Authorities found it necessary to institute an inquiry into College affairs, both within and without the lecture rooms. Such inquiry disproved the allegations made by correspondents in the daily Press. Only last week at a meeting of the Court of Convocation, splendid support was given to present students in their efforts to preserve their right to Academic Freedom.
When we defend our rights to this precious privilege, as old as the University system itself, we must bear in mind the responsibility such a privilege bears in its train—we must no nil in our power to deserve what we defend. Well has it been said that absolute Freedom of Speech is an impossibility unless we grant also absolute Freedom of Action. When we criticise, let us define our terms and understand first at what we gird. Reasoned and constructive criticism moulds a nation; irrational and destructive railings destroy it. "Smad" then, as the articulate voice of this College, should give an opinion of peculiar interest upon affairs in general. The Editorial policy, therefore depends on undergraduates as a whole proving intelligent, thoughtful and critical in the best sense of the words—words which have been sadly misused of late.
Perhaps this is an ideal to be aimed at rather than achieved, but we do not think so. We believe that "A man's reach should exceed his grasp." We have enough faith in University Education to believe that there are a sufficient number of undergraduates who take writing seriously enough, and who use their brains, for us to reach within measurable distance of our ideal, and even attain it.
We emphasize that we can do this only with the whole hearted support of our contributors. We hope that the bright features of the past will continue—we leave well alone. But we do want writers of articles to be more interesting—be provocative if you can. There is one article in this issue which is deliberately provocative ; if it gets people's backs up sufficiently to cause serious consideration and a reply, it will have achieved its object. Club secretaries may well send in brighter reports instead of the Sunday School efforts of the past such as "Mr. Mudlark gave us an interesting and stimulating address," "The Draughts Club has had several successful tournaments." We want as much as possible of "Smad" to be enjoyed by the average undergraduate.
Every issue of "Smad" which fails in that purpose cannot be construed otherwise than as a reproach not only to the Editorial Staff, but also to every undergraduate of Victoria. We cannot escape that Challenge—let us answer it and answer it nobly.
Helpful comments by leading women are said to mould a nation. We therefore do not apologise for reviving Smad's series of interviews. Forthcoming issues may contain interviews with Mae West, Greta Garbo and other leaders in thought. Meanwhile we present :
"You want to interview me ? said Erice Goble brightly, as she negligently swung her racquet fresh from her triumphs on the tennis courts.
"Why should I give sin interview to Smad ? You won't get anything out of me. After all I've promised to sell annual subscriptions for the beastly rag and I didn't buy a single copy last year or read one right through for that matter—except the scandal of course. Everyone should read the University rags, I suppose. Of course I won't tell freshers that. Shall I tell you my impressions of the Exec. Room ? Most untidy. Oh ! Perhaps I shouldn't have referred to the Exec. Room. It isn't always used for business, I've heard. I prefer a short interview because it can't be used as evidence against you later. Anyway this interview will make me too well known and I did want to get in free to the Fresher's welcome again." Smad's representative deprecatingly remarked there would be no difficulty on that score.
"Oh, are you seeing to that ? Are you collecting things at the door ? said Miss Goble.
When Smad's representative replied that various males would be only too eager to attend to the matter of payment, a doubting noise was heard to issue from Miss Goble's modest lips. "I would like to go to the Tournament but I think I'll wait for the Otago one, but I am sure I won't be able to go to that. Still, I might turn round and go to Christ-church. No begin again and repeat it, I've got muddled. Oh, and I did take part, in the Xtrav. I was a fresher then and didn't know any better."
"And what are your ideas on the subject of Weir House and its contents?" A silvery laugh greeted this question. "No I'm not giving any ; but they are a tough lot. Not a ladylike expression but Weir doesn't warrant ladylike expressions. I didn't say that—Bob did." Here Bob Bradshaw said "No fear."
"You'd better get hold of this. Bob, and tear it up. I suppose that will go in too."
"And what are your impressions of V.U.C. after your first year here ?"
"My mind is a complete blank at the moment. I'm tactful you know. One compensation, you can usually find a good many people to agree with you as to who are the dull spots here. "Dull spots" is a bit mild. Don't put that in. you could probably think of a more violent term. By the way I think hot water at a penny the cup is a swindle. You can't economise now. One always says something disparaging about the caf., but I'll abstain. Of course I believe in social afternoon teas there, the same as the social ten minutes in the Hull at 5 and 6. You know, you've often joined them yourself. Of course, Brooky isn't always as tactful as he might be sometimes."
"What do you think are the biggest things in life?"
"I don't know, I haven't met them yet, but I do know if I don't go now I'll miss dinner which would be a bad thing."
Red materials cannot be bought in town, as Aileen Davidson has taken them all to bulls—pardon—Bulls.
Tony Chorlton. owing to pressure of work, will be unable to make any puns this year. He is going to make pounds instead.
Nancy Webber has become streamlined for swimming and other sports. Look at her hair, boys!
Dick Wild is going to make up his mind Once this year all by his little self. Of course he will still have to be bullied into doing things every other time.
Bob Bradshaw's and John Jerram's wives have gone West—no—South. So you have two more lads to beguile this year, girls. Kom ahp und see me sum tahme.
Weir House inmates are going to try to take an intelligent interest in debates this year. It is the duty of all students to help them in their laudable endeavour.
Charlie Plank and Another are, going to devote their Saturday afternoons to erecting the new Students' Union building on the site of the present tennis courts.
The Haeremai Club is joining up with the Evangelical Union in a last effort to keep alive. The new club will be known as the Haereangels Club.
The Christmas holidays again found the Varsity Cricket XI. on lour, and, although no game was won, the team only sustained one defeat, "a sensational victory." as the Wanganui public acclaimed a local win,—" d . . . . able umpiring." as our team legitimately complained. Wanganui papers please copy.
Our second mode of conveyance, an old Auburn Beauty Six, belied her appearance of comfort and failed signally in various parts of her mechanism. "Big end" troubles caused many an anxious moment and as big ends seem scarce in Wanganui, an accident nearby nearly caused a marathon walking exhibition from there to Palmerston.
Combined with the technical defects of the bus.
The team Improved vastly without the services of the skipper and rattled on 326 for seven wickets against South Taranaki. Gin Blandford had not yet recovered from his ride in the back seat the night before and forgot himself so far as to score 184, a fine attacking innings. We obtained a substantial lead, South Taranaki scoring 187, so that our tripe merchants could be experimented with in Taranaki's second innings. Some remarkable deliveries were sent down. The writer predicts that in a decade or so and with very much practice, Jack Ryan will become a regular second grade bowler, and that says a lot.
The journey to New Plymouth was uneventful and the game against North Taranaki started on December 29th. Our opponents scored 284 thanks to execrable fielding, and we replied with 299, Wilson compiling 124 and Paetz 65. After Snowy Williams had rattled 6 batsmen out for 3 runs, North Taranaki declared with 7 wickets down for 117, leaving us 50 minutes to obtain 102 runs. We failed by 3 runs to get the runs in time, although we had four wickets in hand.
The team was well treated in Taranaki. In Hawera we were guests (unofficial and unfinancial) of the Tennis Committee and in New Plymouth on New Year's Eve several enjoyed a merry party somewhere in or around the town.
Sunday was spent in a tiring journey to Palmerston and it was during this trip that our "big end" broke, a most unfortunate happening as explained before, and meaning that five members did not arrive in Palmerston until two the next morning.
We rattled on 325 against Manawatu, Paetz scoring 105 and O'Leary 70, and after dismissing our opponents for 207 and 306 for 6 wickets were set the task of obtaining 188 runs in 50 minutes, a feat well nigh impossible and certainly improbable. Living up to the Varsity tradition we gave the spectators a little excitement by staging a collapse, 7 wickets falling for 49 runs.
Few of us thought that the return trip to Wellington would take us eight and a half hours but everything posible went wrong with the Auburn and retarded her passage so much that it was 6 a.m. on January 3rd. when the Tour was officially concluded.
In conclusion mention must be made of a performance as yet unrivalled on a "Varsity tour, and one worthy of mention in Wisden's. Dennis Carey scored eight runs on the whole tour and when interviewed intimated that it occasioned him no worry in the slightest.
Tennis Club Secretary: "No, Mr. Treasurer, your Executive Grant is too much by 10. Perhaps the Cricket Club could do with it."
Cricket Club Secretary: "We could not accept the money. Who needs batting gloves, anyway?"
Max Riske: "I regret to say, gentlemen, that this company can pay a dividend of only 20 per cent."
Redmond Phillips: "The play we are reading this night week is worthy to be ranked with my best work."
B. A. Fortune: "Dearly beloved brethren."
Max Willis: "If I hear another word about. Cafoosalem, my lad, you start work immediately."
A. T. S. McGhie: "That may be so, your Honour."— Two hours later: "Therefore I submit that I have proved my contention that black is, and always was, white."
John Carrad: "I still maintain that Larwood was the greatest bowler of all time."
C. G. Watson: "Certainly those irresponsibles at Victoria College should be put in their place."
C. U. C. (NZSNS) J. G. D. Ward, President of the C. U. C. Students' Association and the N. U. S. and well known throughout New Zealand for his interest and great work in student affairs, was recently admitted to the Bar, and announces his intention of severing his official connections with University life.
C. U. C. (NZSNS) A Canterbury College student who undertook to smoke a hundred different brands of tobacco within a given period successfully completed his wager.
C. U. C. (NZSNS) A committee to arouse greater interest among students in the forthcoming Association elections has been appointed at Canterbury College.
We take pleasure in introducing the above Service, conducted under the auspices of the National Union of Students, to our readers. The Service should provide a valuable channel for the exchange of news between the University centres. Owing to the short time at the disposal of the Editor of the Service in Christchurch, we have received news from only one College in time for this issue. A fuller budget may be confidently expected in our next number.
We appeal to all students to support this Service in order that Victoria may give full value in return for news received from other centres. News items should be sent every Friday to the Editor of "Smad" for transmission to Headquarters at Christchurch. Club Secretaries please Note !
Per N. U.S. (Cheh.) (NZSNS)—High enthusiasm marks the many preparations going ahead at Canterbury College for Easter Tournament this year. Billets as usual are presenting some difficulty and little accommodation is yet offering for the 180 visitors expected. Preliminary arrangements for a "hooley" party are well in hand.
Victoria's proposal to hold a water polo match in the swimming events has unfortunately met with little support. A friendly match may however be played. Swimming will be held in the Tepid baths on Easter Monday. Neither D. P. Lindsay nor N. Herrick will represent C.U.C., but several new water men and women are highly spoken of.
Canterbury's prospects are particularly bright in Athletics and Tennis.
The Athletic Team by winning the Inter-Club Championship and the Watson No. 10 Cup at the Canterbury Championships rounded off a successful season. Arnold and Denis Anderson are outstanding amongst a host of very good track and field men.
The Tennis Team is assured of victory in the Canterbury Lawn Tenis Association's Senior Competition, and contains such well-known players as Marjorie Sherris, H. A. Barnett and B. A. Barrer.
The staging of Inter-University friendly fencing bouts between boxing events Is prpoosed by Boxing Comptroller D. J. M. Glover. Boxing will be held in the Choral Hall on Easter Saturday.
Per N.U.S. Cheh. (NZSNS)— Massey Agricultural College is making a vigorous endeavour to obtain participation in Tournament this year. Its proposal was first launched on
V.U.C. (NZSNS) Massey College have advised that they will not be sending any delegates to the Christ-church Tournament.
Per N.U.S. Cheh. (NZSNS)—Auckland rowers are showing initiative and keenness by making negotiations for the purchase of their own eight from a Sydney boat builder.
A difficulty will face other Colleges owing to the New Zealand Rowing Championships being held in Wellington on the same day, in consequence of which the other Universities will have to use No. 2 eights. Auckland's proposed purchase will thus give them a distinct advantage.
The Auckland crew is making contributions and giving guarantees towards the cost.
A proposal to hold a regatta in connection with the 'Varsity race has emanated from local rowing clubs, conditional on at least three crews competing.
C. U. C. (N.Z.S.N.S.) The introduction of modern library science in the Canterbury College library will be made by C. W. Collins, M.A. recently returned from a two year study course in the University of Michigan.
Mr. Collins, formerly a well-known student administrator, was greatly impressed by the courses provided in American Universities, and, by the freedom of speech and general contrast to the University of New Zealand.
The College newspaper, he said, was the city's leading daily.
Since its inauguration two years ago, this Club has proved to be one of the most popular and successful clubs. The object is to promote and encourage an interest in physical culture among women students, especially in the matter of improvement of posture.
Classes are held regularly throughout the year, at. least twice a week, and all those interested are cordially invited to attend. Last year the Club held a very successful dance, during which items were given by the members. All intending members are asked to watch the notice-board for further announcements.
The V.U.C. Hockey Club will hold its Annual General Meeting in the course of the next week or two. New players are urged to come along and get to know other members of the Club. Every year 20 or more students join the Club who have never played hockey before, and, in fact, many of the best players in the Club did not take up the game till they came to V.U.C.
Dear "Smad,"
Sweetly reasonable as always, the College Council. ever anxious to guide the wayward steps, of youth, has curbed our tongues; for what the tongue cannot say, the mind cannot see!
Our debaters have been denied all subjects pertaining to sex and religion—those trivial pastimes which make their lives so sweet. Thus one avenue of immoral suggestion has been firmly closed.
The S.C.M. is the next danger spot to the pure and saintly. What could be more insidious than the tree distribution of that nauseous organ, "Open Windows"? Two articles taken at random from one number are entitled "The Mastery of Sex" and "From Rabelais to D, H. Lawrence." not to mention articles on religion (of which there are some). Such a mischievous influence must be extirpated from our college life.
The library is the third festering sore, but the Council is confident that the soporific effect of the library will so cloud the intellect of the innocent-minded student that the amount of immoral suggestion that will penetrate his deadened perception will be negligible. The distracting stillness of that morgue renders one incapable of understanding topics such as are represented by the Eugenics Magazine, or of penetrating the full subtlety of an unexpurgated copy of the "Decameron" or of the "Arabian Nights." De Maupassant reads like a nursery rhyme.
But horribile dictu, perhaps the anaesthetic is not all powerful, perhaps some yet unsullied fresher, crystal clear in Ins mind will, as in the vigour of first resistance to hypnosis, withstand the numbing effect for one short moment. In one tardy, damning moment the foul heresies of sex and religion may do their work—a young life blighted! (Tears).
Three ways now lie open to the College Council:
Thus will the risk of sex and religion entering the student mind be finally removed.
Further than this, it is a civic duty for the College Council, in all its piety, to implore the City and Parliamentary Librarians to choose this, in place of the everlasting bonfire.
"Eureka!" yelled Archimedes as he rushed madly down the streets of his home town, arrayed only in his triumphant smile, and his dripping limbs proclaiming the great principle which had just slopped over the edge of his bath. Something similar must be the agreeable sensations experienced by the freshers who yearly storm our portals, having just been slopped over the austere edge of the great public school boiling vat and precipitated into the convivial atmosphere radiated by the carefree lads and lasses of the University. From the lofty heights of my eminence as a partly-completed graduate I have tried to analyse the feelings of these poor little bugs who come amongst us each year. Though I find them on the whole outwardly timid and unassuring, yet beneath these sober exteriors I have detected a dangerous bedevilment which makes my old bones rattle with apprehension. However, I suppose I may dismiss it. After all, what can they do? Hordes of them will no doubt be embarking on a course of economics, where their number will be as the seed of Abraham, mere dust by the roadside, and, anyhow, as members of the tradesmen's profession, accountants, bankers, currency advisers, and the like, of what significance are they? A few will go into the Church, but as the it in that profession is now as low as the threepenny-bit, we may take that as the standard of their importance. Others will go into law, in spite of the fact that almost the only law now practiced is that of gravity on Relief Works. Well, well, as an old grandfather who is by now wise in the ways of the world, I will content myself with giving them no advice, and merely wishing them the very best.
The following are extracts from letters that have been filed away in the society's cupboards—
Campbell Begg: "My two ambitions are to be Chairman of your Society and Dictator of Nazealand.
B. Shaw: "I am reluctantly obliged to tender my resignation from your Society, as its views are too advanced."
C. H. Douglas: "Your Society is a Social Credit to the College."
A. F. T. Chorlton: ". . . . . . . ameliorative debating. . . . . . . humunisation...........
A. P. Harper: "The overwhelming logic of my letters to the Daily Press is entirely due to the liberal ideas inculcated in me by your Society."
Z. Mountjoy: "That's where I met Jenny."
W. J. Henderson : "That's where I met Zoe."
Mr. Justice Crossley: "I attribute my supercilious expression on the Bench to my early training as Chairman of your Society."
Cricket has been in full swing during the Summer vacation and a successful and enjoyable season is now drawing to a close. Great enthusiasm has been shown throughout all grades, and although no team has filled a first place some good performances have been registered. This season Weir House has contributed a valuable and varied selection of talent to the Club, and has representatives in every team. The First XI is fourth equal in the Competition and may yet be higher by the end of the season. The batting has not been brilliant, but the bowling has proved most successful and the strongest sides in the Competition have been dismissed for small scores. Trick lebank, Dean, Stevens, Vietmeyer, and Williams have done very well. "Trick" is becoming a veritable Larwood, having over fifty wickets to his credit already. The second and third elevens have not covered themselves with glory, but both should hold moderate places on their respective ladders. The junior C team will probably complete the season with a clean sheet as far as points are concerned— consistently beaten they hold an unbeaten record. Some of their matches have been interferred with however by the calls of duty when members have had to leave and join the Army. Ted Backer's social team has had a very busy season with official and unofficial games during which they visited places all over the Island. This team also played and defeated Weir House. Lloyd Pacey's departure is a great loss to the Club as he has rendered invaluable service in the positions he has held. At the conclusion of his final match as captain of cricket members of the last XI presented him with a case of pipes, and an informal supper was held in his honour after the last Committee meeting. We wish him the best of luck and every success. In conclusion we regret to announce that the Easter match v. Auckland for the Speight Trophy will not be played this year as Auckland is unable to send a team.
The Rowing Club has since its inception been labouring under the disability of having no clubhouse or plant of its own. Efforts are being made this year to raise sufficient funds to purchase a shed and plant, and the Committee hopes that in the near future the Club will be able to venture forth on its own as an affiliated Club. This year it has been impossible to obtain an Eight for the Boat Race and so for the second successive year V. U. C. will not be represented at Tournament. The Committee is hopeful that next year a boat will be available and that V.U.C. will again enter the lists.
Rowing offers a fine healthy sport and all interested should take advantage of the facilities it gives of making yourself fit. Anyone desiring information should leave a note in the rack for the Secretary.
If you are in the least undecided, then make no mistake and join the Tramping Club. There is certainly no better way to spend the week-ends and see our beautiful country. Don't be satisfied with the highways, try the byways with the Tramping Club.
The two Christmas trips were well patronised. Though meeting with bad weather, the party in the Rainbow River region had a good time and enjoyed the trip through to Hanmer Springs. The Sounds party had a marvellous spell in Tennyson Inlet, and certainly did the Sounds in their stay there. Credit is unquestionably due to the leaders, Messrs F. Thompson and F. Eggers for the hard work which went to make two excellent trips.
What are you doing at Easter ? Well, that's a problem to settle by coming with the Club to Kapiti Island. Great scenery and a visit to the bird sanctuary. Cost about £1 approximately, including food.
Watch the notice-board for particulars, and if you want any further information, kindly leave a note in the rack for the Secretary, C. J. Read.
During the long vacation the Tennis Club has carried on with its usual summer activity. The teams entered for the Inter-Club Championship Matches have met with varying success. The men's senior team in the first division has won all matches save one, but the B team, in the same grade, has not been so successful. The men's team in the second division has had two wins, whilst the women's team, third division, has, up to the present, suffered no losses. Of those teams in the mixed grades, the fourth and the sixth A teams have had only two losses.
The Club Championships are being played in a satisfactory maner, two rounds being completed in all events. Players have been notified that the third round must be finished by March 14th, while it is hoped that the championships will be practically decided by the end of March. The women's Doubles Championship has already been finalised at the time of publication, and was won by Misses M Briggs and S. Phillipps.
The team has been chosen for the Easter Tournament. and will consist of W. B. Gosnell, P. A. McCarthy, E. F. Page, and W. D. Sykes; Misses M. Bell, E. Cook, P. Edwards, and S. Phillipps. Of these players, only Gosnell, McCarthy and Miss Phillipps have taken part in former University Tournaments. Amongst these we have no real doubles player, apart from McCarthy, whose brother Jock will be missed this year, as will also Misses Line and Longmore, who have been so successful in the past. But we are sure that, despite their inexperience, the new members of the team will acquit themselves well in the struggle with the other Colleges.
It is with regret that we record the death of Professor D. M. Y. Soummerville, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E., F.R.A.S., F.N.Z. Inst., who for the past eighteen years held the Chair of .Mathematics at this College.
Towards the end of last session. Professor Sommerville sought medical advice on acount of heart trouble, and he obtained leave for the remainder of the session. He anticipated resuming his duties as usual in
Professor Sommerville was born in India, and later went to Scotland where he entered the University of St. Andrews. There he rapidly showed his ability as a mathematician, and was given an appointment as a lecturer. Shortly afterwards he was awarded the degree of D. Sc. for his work in the field of geometry. He was appointed to the Chair of Mathematics in this College in
The ability of Professor Sommerville as a mathematician was widely recognised, and although his time was fully occupied with his ordinary teaching duties, he continued to do a considerable amount of original work, contributing papers to many societies, and writing no fewer than four books on the subject of geometry, in which he was keenly interested.
In his teaching work, Professor Sommerville was very thorough, but his treatment of all subjects was nevertheless very elegant—he never omitted any essential step in the argument, and never included any unnecessary step. Only those students who have attended his lectures, or read his published books, can fully appreciate his artistry in this respect. In addition to his outstanding mathematical ability, he was fully conversant with the difficulties of the young student. His kindly interest and helpful advice were much appreciated by all.
Professor Sommerville did much valuable work for the College library, being Chairman of the library Committee for a number of years. He also took an active interest in College affairs, and the Mathamatical and Physical Society in particular owes much to his interest and support.
He was held in the highest esteem by all students of the College, and the attendance of many of his old students at the funeral service was a testimony of his lovable personality. By his death the staff and students of the College have lost an able teacher and a valued friend.
Tournanment this year, as most students know, or should know, is to be held at Christchurch at Easter. The V.U.C. team, joining up with a large party from Auckland, will just about till the steerage accommodation on the "Wahine" n the Thursday night, the 29th March, and "ye olde Sign of ye Lane's Emulsion" at Lyttelton will look down on a really large contingent on Good Friday morning.
At present the team itself is expected to be about fifty-five strong, and in addition about forty supporters will be travelling with the team.
Arrangements at Canterbury College are well in hand, and some news from C.U.C. on another page gives some idea of the welcome awaiting us. The men in charge are J. G. D. Ward (Chairman) and E. H. Carew (Hon. Secretary-Treasurer), and they can be expected to make things go without a hitch from start to finish.
All the grounds, etc., with the exception of those for Basketball and Rowing, have been fixed for some time. The Boxing will be held In the Choral Hall, Swimming at the Municipal Tepid Baths, Athletics at Lancaster Park, and Tennis on the centre grass courts at Wilding Park. In conjunction with the Boxing, C.U.C. are attempting to arrange a short Fencing display bout similar to that staged at the Tournament in Wellington in
Last year, at Auckland, V.U.C. did not carry off their fair share of the trophies. The Basketball Shield, Relay Cup, and Ladies' Cup are the only Tournament trophies reposing in the glass case in the Hall, and these will be taken down by the team and defended at Christchurch. The Ladies' Cup is held by the representative who scores the most points in the Athletics Tournament, and is at present held by our star sprinter, F. H. Stephenson, who won the 100 yards and 220 yards, and who will be defending his titles again this year.
V.U.C. Tournament representatives usually array themselves in College Ties, but unfortunately the supply has run out, and as it is necesasry to have them manuafctured, it is doubtful at the moment whether the new ties will arrive in time. However, there are still a number of the old ones in use, and these, plus a liberal supply of olive green and old gold ribbon, will ensure that V.U.C. is seen as well as heard.
With Tournament in the very near future, everyone should make a point of learning the College Haka, and with this end in view practices will be held regularly in the Gym. Everyone in the College is automatically a member of this Club, and your co-operation is needed to make Tournament activities and the numerous social functions of the first term go with a swing.
The Fancy Dress Dance is held later in the year, and has always proved an outstanding success. Last year a Smoke Concert was held in conjunction with the Football Club. This was a most successful entertainment, and no doubt it will become an annual fixture.?
The Editor, "Smad." V.U.C.
Dear Sir,
Acting on instructions from my Executive, I am forwarding herewith copies of correspondence arising out of the resolutions carried at the Special General Meeting of the Students' Association held on the 12th October last.
Dear Sir,
I am instructed to advise you that the following motions were carried at a Special General Meeting of the V.U.C. Students' Association, held on the 12th instant.
1. — "That this Special General Meeting of the V.U.C. Students" Association strongly opposes the action of those in authority in suppressing the article 'Untwisted Teaching' in 'Spike,' and asks for the immediate withdrawal of this prohibition."
2. — "That this Special General Meeting of the V.U.C. Students' Association views with concern the encroachment on student opinion, and points out that their past conduct has not justified this."
It was the opinion of the meeting that the
A copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Chairman of the College Council.
Dear Sir.
Your letter of 16th. October, addressed to the Chairman of the Professorial Board, in which you conveyed two resolutions passed at the Special General Meeting of the Association on the 12th. instant with regard to the suppression of the article "Untwisted Teaching" in the "Spike," was considered by the Professorial Board at its meeting yesterday.
I am directed to advise you that the board passed the following resolution and directed me to convey it to your Association:—
"That the Board directs the attention of the Students' Association to the fact that the article on "Untwisted Teaching" in the last "Spike" was not suppresesd by the Board; t tie "Spikt" was banned because it was held to contain matter deemed seditious.
The writer of the article "Untwisted Teaching" informed the Board that he regretted that the article appeared in a form that was interpreted as an attack on the members of the Law Staff, and this expression of regret was accepted by the Board."
Dear Sir,
Your letter of 16th October, conveying resolutions of a Special General Meeting of your Association held on 12th. instant, was considered at the meeting of the Victoria University College Council on Thursday evening.
I am directed to reply that with regard to the first resolution the Council endorses the answer already sent you by the Professorial Board.
I am further directed to say that both the tone and substance of the letter are. in the opinion of the Council, such as to show that supervision and control of the student activities are required.
(The Editor, "Smad.")
Dear Sir,
Up till now. we at Victoria have preserve some semblance of University training, for the legal
Now, obviously, these types must be fed by very different institutions, for the one we have the vocational training school, where courses will be fixed with rigidity and confined within their respective spheres of utility. For the other there Is the University, where there will be greater freedom of research, and where the main aim will be to educate a student for his own sake, and not for the direct social utility of definite services, such as professions.
Victoria College is indeed far below the ideal University, but we have preserved some semblance of a University, and New Zealand has reaped manifold benefits from that measure of University training we have maintained. We must foster this— the moving spirit of all progress—and not pander to the insipidities and dull formalities that mark the highest ambition of many professionals. We are a danger to the country if we lure students here under the pretence of being a University and then destroy their interest, crush their original thought and frustrate their intellectual pursuits by surrounding them with an environment indirectly opposed to originality and hostile to all the features of education. We have many institutions for vocational crammers who cannot or will not follow the higher line of advance; but the University should be preserved for students. The accountancy course has no redeeming features of non-utilitarian subjects. The extra crowds will burst already overtaxed utilities; the greater proportion of vocation crammers will mean the total disregard of real students in such matters as the drawing up of syllabuses and the buying of books for the library. To introduce such lectures is indeed a triumph for the business point of view, the industrialisation of education.
Surely some protest must be made against the utter degradation of one of the few ennobling and enlightening influences in our present mode of life. Once such brazenly utilitarian subjects as bookkeeping are admitted there is no logical reason why University facilities should not be extended to any activity of an economic nature, to sweeping, typing, digging. Special diplomas could be founded and exams, instituted. The ludicrous nature of such an undertaking is obvious. But lectures in accountancy subjects are just as ridiculous.
Dear Sir,
I thank you forgiving me the opportunity of deriding "Studentissimus." Victoria is no place for that superlative individual. Our student of of students should be cloistered in a university where he may imbibe deep draughts of the true university spirit. Victoria is no such place.
I fear that there are very few universities if his definition be the criterion. There are, of course, many institutions of higher learning where professional, vocational, courses, such as engineering, medicine, architecture, law and even accountancy, are available, but where are the universities? Apparently they are in those places where knowledge is pursued for her own sake, where that sublime pastime is not degraded by the contact of Philistines who aspire to sell their knowledge for pence. Your arts student or your science student has no place there if he ever hopes to set himself to toil and claim a salary on the strength of his qualification.
This disposes of quite a number of people, including some Professors. There are very few people left. They—and they alone—are students of a university.
Sir, I would suggest that "Studentissimus" is a romantic dreamer. The glamorous tales of old world universities have set him to construct an ideal place where students, becomingly begowned, move with solemn dignity in a cathedral-like edifice discussing the more abstruse metaphysic—aloof from everything mundane.
Now, my university isn't so. It is an institution in Society. It is built in the world of fact, not in dreamland, and its function is to serve the community by leading it. In its economic life society sorely needs trained, intelligent leadess—men with breadth of view and depth of vision, and that impartial judgment which the university life can give.
This is why the New Zealand Society of Accountants is anxious that its members should not be content with passing the Accountancy Professional Examination only, but should proceed with the B.Com. degree course, and, indeed, go further than that, by taking their whole course at the university college.
It is a fetish with some people to exclude vocational courses and part-time students from the uni-
I'll leave it at that.
Dear "Smad,"
The following Executive activities are reported for the information of your readers:—
(1) Acting on a recommendation from the Annual General Meeting of the Association last year, the Students' Building Committee has been reappointed and has resumed its work. The members of the Committee are Professor G. H. Gould (representing the Professorial Board), Messrs S. Eichelbaum (College Council), W. P. Rollings, G. F. Dixon, and W. Perry (representing past students), R. J. Nankervis (Students' Association), C. S. Plank, and S. H. Perry (present students).
(2) Mr. R. J. Larkin has been appointed Editor of "Smad."
(3) The Students' Association has been granted permission to continue their management of the Cafeteria during the coming session. The Cafeteria Committer has made some slight alterations in the Cafeteria, and has further improvements in view.
(4) Three original Capping Revues have been received and a fourth is expected shortly. A committee is being appointed to select Revues for production, and rehearsals will commence immediately after the Easter vacation.
(5) A new supply of College Ties has been ordered. These are being specially manufactured in England, and delivery is expected sometime this month. It is hoped that they will arrive in time for Tournament.
(6) A fairly large sum of money has been spent recently on repairs to the Gymnasium building. The work done has included replacement of broken windows, covering windows with heavy wire netting, improvements in the kitchen and repairs to roof, etc.
(7) A further grant of £20 has been allotted to the Cricket Club to cover certain unavoidable expenditure not allowed for in their original estimates.
(8) Miss Julia M. Dunn and Messrs R. J. Larkin and R. M. Barrer have been appointed delegates to the Annual Meeting of the N.U.S. at Christchurch at Easter.
(9) A grant of 12/6 is being made to the expenses of Tournament representatives travelling to Christchurch at Easter.
(10) Mr. C.N. Watson has been appointed Capping Book Editor for
The commencement of a new session will bring back many old faces to the Common Room, and some new ones. The old students will be renewing friendships, and need no official welcome—to the freshmen the Committee extend a warm welcome, and express the hope that they will make full use of the Common Room.
It is perhaps apropros at this time to mention briefly the function of a Men's Common Room. Most obviously it is a place for relaxation between the monotony of lectures. A few regard it as a place for working off superfluous energy by indulging in horse-play. Such action is at best thoughtless, in that it displays lack of consideration for others' convenience and for the students' common property—which, rightly or wrongly, is not made of reinforced concrete or steel. There are also those who regard the Common Room as a lumber room. With such a conception we have nothing in common.
We regard it as being meant for something better than any of these. It is par excellence the place for making new acquaintanceships—some of which will ripen into friendships which will endure long after exams, and the wisdom of our learned and venerable professoriate have passed into the limbo of forgotten things. It is the place for the exchange of ideas and opinions on things that matter—and, of course, if you like, for things that do not matter. And whatever it else may be or should be, it will, we anticipate, be the place for bridge. Some day when we have a new Student Union Building there will be a separate card room. Until then the Common Room must fill the gap.
Lack of finance has proved a bar in obtaining much from the powers that be to add to the comfort of the Common Room. Some small improvements have been made, but so far the Committee's requests for other larger Improvements have met with no success.
Towards the end of last session a small Bridge Tournament on the knock-out principle was held as an experiment. Messrs Duncan and Coyle proved the winners after an interesting series of matches. Considering the nearness of examinations, it was very successful, and acordingly it is proposed to hold a further Tournament this term.
This season is the best have had for three or four years. We have twenty to thirty members in training, and we were runners-up for the Dewar Shield, the Kitto shield, and third in the Provincial Championships Training is done on Kelburn Park nearly every night, and so far we have held two of our own meetings there, and two more will be held alter term starts, the dates of which will be on the notice-boards. Old members of the Club have kindly presented a cup for these meetings, the points being 5, 3, 2, and I for turning out.
The Interfaculty Sports will be held on Kelburn Park on Saturday afternoon, March 17th, and we want all past, present and would-be runners and field events men, especially the latter, present in force. Notices will be posted well beforehand.
Tournament this Easter is at Christchurch, and we are sending a strong team down, and have hopes of bringing back the Athletic Shield. We should gain points in all the running and walking events, and in some of the field events. Unfortunately we are weak in hurdling this year.
Anyone interested in the above Club please sign their names to our notice on the notice-board.
Although the usual third term production was not staged last year, several interesting evenings were held, which, unfortunately, owing to the proximity of the examinations, attracted small audiences. An excellent revival was Sean O'Casey's painfully real drama, "Juno and the Paycheck," in which Miss Geraldine Gallagher, as Juno, gave one of the finest leadings of the year.
Squire and Balderstone's "Berkeley Square," with its strange blend of romanticism and modernity, was a welcome change from the stereotyped comedy of manners so much in the vogue at present, and was well received. Throughout the year the Club pursued the policy of trying out beginners on every possible occasion, and ii by this means some old established favourites were sacrificed, the discovery of such genuine talent justified the action.
A big programme has been drawn up by the Committee for the ensuing year, and It is expected that the College production of Anthony Kimmin's high-spirited farce, "While Parents Sleep," about the middle of March, will achieve considerable success.
Of the plays to be read in the forthcoming year, the following are well worthy of mention: "Richard of Bordeaux." "The Late Christopher Bean," "Alien Corn," and Somerset Maughan's most brilliant piece, "For Services Rendered."
New students who wish to take part in the Club readings requested to communicate with the Secretary. On receipt of such applications, parts will be found for them at the first available opportunity
The chief event of the Club year is the Easter Tournament, but boxing classes are organised and held throughout the winter. The Club training night will be fixed later in the year, but at present clases in preparation for the Tournament selections are being held in the gymnasium at 5 o'clock. All students are invited to come along and try themselves out.
Prior to last year we experienced some difficulty in finding Tournament representatives for the heavier weights, but this year we have a galaxy of potential Carneras and Corbetts. A pleasing feature of our training activities is the enthusiasm and sporting spirit in which everyone regards the game. It is no exaggeration to say that this year we shall "ring one of the strongest teams that has ever represented the 'Varsity. Trainer Roy Brien is working very hard, and his opinion is that the coveted Boxing Shield will rest in the Victoria College Hall after Easter. May he be right!
Among the old hands who are eligible this year are Kent, who is now Wellington Provincial Welterweight Champion, Claris, Mart, and Joseph. The new blood includes Armour (Heavy-weight), Ongley, Calder, Chesterton (Light-weights), Kane (Welterweight). Meek and Page ((Light-weights). Murray (Featherweight).
The Student Christian Movement will be organising a Ramble on the afternoon of Saturday, 17th March, and in the evening a Campfire will be held. Details as to time, etc., will be posted on the Notice Boards. Freshers will be most welcome, and it is hoped many will come.
On the 24th-25th March we will be holding a week-end camp. It will probably be held at Chilton House, island Bay. (See Notice Board). These camps are one of the most Important of our functions. At camp students can enter into the fellowship that is a characteristic of the S.C.M There will be study circles, addresses, times of devotion, and a campfire. We hope that the first camp will be a great success.
Study circles will be commenced after Easter times to be arranged to suit students. The theme of the first studies is "The Dominant Design" a brief Introduction to the modern use of the Bible. If any student who wishes to join a study circle has not yet notified the S.C.M. Executive, will he or she please leave a note in the rack for the Secretary.
Prayer groups are held weekly on Monday evenings from 8.10 to 8.30 p.m., and it is hoped that students will join together in this time of intercession.
Don't forget the week-end camp March 21th-25th.
The annual meeting of the football Club will be held about the time of this publication of "Smad," and you will see the time and place of the meeting advertised on the Notice Board. The Committee is anxious that there should be a full attendance of members and intending members.
For the benefit of freshers it should be said that the Football Club is the foremost men's club of the College. We enter seven teams in the local competitions, from Senior down to Fourth Grade, so that you need not fear that you are too good or not good enough. It is the special policy of the Club to look after the lower teams, and our Fourth Grade sides in particular have played very good football in recent years.
We would make a special appeal for all 'Varsity men to play for their own club. Surely it is your duly to support your own institution, and if all Varsity students are loyal we shall have tip-top teams.
Our hopes are high for the coming season. .Most of the Senior A team will be out again, and there seems every chance that the team will be in the first division. Roy Diederich is getting fit already, and with Tubby Edwards and Jock Wells we should have a tine pack, while most of last year's back line will be back again. There will, however, be spare places for men who have shown their worth in Junior grades.
Training will begin very soon after the annual meeting, and selections will be made on the enthusiasm shown and the form displayed. Our own practice ground on the hill behind the College has been put into good condition by the City Council, and there is every opportunity for members to get into form and make this a good season.
After a most successful season the Harrier Club concluded its regular activities for
On December 7th the Club conducted a bridge evening in the Gym, for trophy funds.
With most of the old members back, prospects appear bright for the coming season. While the nature of our sport prevents us from staging any event at Easter Tournament, V.U.C. hopes to inaugurate an inter-College Harrier Tourney at Wellington later in the year, and this fact should make competition in club events all the keener. We would remind both old and intending members that the Club's annual meeting will be held early in the first term, runs commencing soon after Easter.
Dear "Smad,"
Since the finish of the exams, there has been a brightening in the gloom at Weir House. The First Friday of Freedom was one of revelry, and in the years to come one will recall with pleasure and pride the fact that one was privileged to witness Tony Chorlton in his glorious escapade, "One of Everything." Mind you, he wasn't the only one!
Then came the Final Dance, and what a night! The boys bowled in at all hours, and rumour hath it that certain well-respected gentlemen in the House failed to make contact with the hay, and devoted their leisure hours before work in swimming
It is with sorrow that we record the departure from the House of "No-confidence" Arty, scourge of the House Committee. He was given a great send-off, and we hope that in his new sphere he will be an inspiration to his fellows to the same extent as he was at Weir House. Arty's last effort before leaving was an auction sale of the accumulation of several years' hoarding, which netted him a few bob. Well. I mean to say, good luck. Arty!
All went quietly until about two weeks ago, when a mighty subterranean trembling smote the metropolis. Most of the residents turned over and resumed their sleep, muttering imprecations against the Deity, but the Warden, at once assuming the role of dry nurse, assured those timid souls who had gathered in the marble halls that the building was "earthquake-proof." After he had tucked them in in his famous bedside manner, the house was quiet, except for the telephone calls from anxious parents enquiring after dear Cuthbert.
These notes would be incomplete without mention of Brian O'Shea's beard. The few who saw it were amazed at the wonderful crop, but admiration changed to pity when a curl appeared! That ruined the whole effect. And. by the way, should anyone passing Weir House hear moans, don't, please, don't, blame the food. It's only Bob Hall—he's always underhandicapped.
And, finally, a word to the new boys. There's nothing to be afraid of in the House except perhaps the Matron's bloodhound and Geo. Sainsbury's S.C.M. We wish you a happy stay here, and may you soon learn to criticise the House Committee as well as some of our departed friends.
Printed at the Printing Works of Messrs White and Sons, Printers and Bookbinders, Aitken Street, for V.U.C.S.A.