Easter Conference

The value to the University community in New Zealand or the N.Z.U.S.A. cannot be over-emphasised. Its unobtrusive existence must not be regarded as a sign of an effete or ineffective organisation. On the contrary, us was witnessed at the Faster Tournament, when it held its Annual General Meeting, the Association revealed itself as a live and active body with the affairs of the student intimately at heart.

Its membership is confined to three representatives each from Auckland. Victoria. Canterbury, and Otago University Colleges, and also one member each from Canterbury. Lincoln and Massey Agricultural Colleges. The former have two votes to each College and the latter one-half vole. At each College there is a corresponding member, whose duty it is to maintain contact with a central executive with headquarters at Wellington. Thus it may be seen that there is a comprehensive representation of the student population. It can be realised that it is here that lies the basic importance of the Association. Importance not only from the point of view of co-ordination of student activities, but also from the vast field of investigation into university matters that is open to it. In this direction it should prove invaluable, as is evident by the following account of its Easter meeting.

Student Health

It is a peculiar and pathetic fact that the N.Z. Universities are shockingly for scientific physical training. It has been stated that "the University does not exist to ensure adequate physical training or health; it exists primarily for the purpose—call it mediaeval if you like—of training the intellect in the pathway of truth: everything else is subordinate." That this view is incompatible with modern educational research is obvious. In the words of Professor Ernest Barker, quoted in a report by the British National Union of Students on Student Health, steps should be taken to help each student to make his body a fit and trained tool of a fit and trained mind and character." It was on this basis that a paper was road by Mr. Moller (O.U.), a more detailed report of which will appear at a later date.

Debating and Oratory.

After last year's Bledisloe Medal Contest the A.U.C. delegates recommended that the choice of subjects be limited so as not to permit the orator selecting subjects dealing with anything that has occurred in the ten-year period immediately preceding the date of the contest. The reason for this recommendation was that last year a speaker took as his subject "the advent of the Labour Government in New Zealand." and during the course of his oration was cut off the radio. The recommendation was unanimously retooled, and some very strong opinions were expressed on the question of the right of freedom of speech.

Considerable difficulty is being experienced in obtaining suitable subjects for radio debates. This has arisen through the rather iniquitous, censorial control exercised over broadcasting. Truly the much-lauded democratic "freedom of the press" is not that of the air!

Australian University Athletic Tour.

Amendments to the N.Z.U, Blues regulations—that graduates of a certain number of years be eligible for blues—that blues be awarded once only, were considered. The [unclear: former] was supported by V.U.C. and A.U.C., and both were lost by a narrow margin. A recommendation by V.U.C. to remove the present distinction between matriculated and non-matriculated students, so Mat the latter now only require the three-hour weekly attendance at lectures, was carried.

Other miscellaneous topics, such as the standardization of degree fees, the insurance scheme (see notice boards), and refresher courses for graduates were debated on and various subcommittees set up to investigate these matters. The election of officers for 1939-40 resulted as follows:—President. Mr. J. B. Aimers: Secretary. R. H. Wade; Treasurer, D. M. Hatherly: Auditor. J. B. Black: English Representative. Mr. A. T. S. McGhie.

—M.L.B.