Thursday, March 21st.

"Going to Tournament?" has been the popular query for some weeks now. One last flurry of photographs, tickets endorsed with M. O. F., M. O. D. OR S.R., rejuvenated Hakas - and am now on the Rangatira fraternising with our northern opponents. An uneventful voyage on a blacked out ship. You have no idea how inconvenient it can be stumbling along a murky deck, flopping unawares into the laps of lovers, or peering in an uncertain fashion at recumbent forms. To some the bar closed at 11 P.M., to others it had never been open. At times one could see such personalities as John Carrad, Bomber Aimers, "Corks" and even the Official Chaperone. Then again the blackout.

Friday, March 22nd.

The boat arrived at Lyttelton (if this is permissable to censorial authorities) And was carried away by the N.Z.R. to Christchurch. A gentleman called Steeds together with a pretty band of fairies carrying, of all things, a magnetic mine, greeted us profusely. Investigated the mine and discovered to my relief that it contained a small cask to which the fairies frequently tripped. Off we were whisked by billeters, to appear again at 2.30 P.M. to digest words of welcome, and "sit" a photograph. The rest of the day was spent quite vulgarly in getting the "guts of the show".

Saturday, 23rd.

Cleaned teeth about 8.30 and loft in a hurry to catch bus and see the rowing. A most pleasant trip over tussock covered Cashmere Hills passed signs of Takaka and Kiwi to Governor's Bay. Sea calm marred only by tidal waves. A prompt start saw V. U. C. away, hakas echoed in the hills. Then C.U.C. drew ahead followed by O. U. and these positions remained unchanged to the end of the race. Home via Lyttelton and Sumner. To rush up to the boxing end learn that V.U. C. had five finalists. And in the evening won five finals. And was Trainer Coveney bucked! Collage Hall, an ancient Gothic edifice, lofty and airy, was the stamping ground for rendezvous.

Sunday, March 24th.

Was particularly notable for the trip to Canterbury Agricultural College. This venerable institution, 1876 and all that, greeted us with draught horses and drays, in which the majority were conveyed in state. A short address of welcome and then to the piggeries. There was one brown sow there - but that's another story. Met Official Chaperone. Apparently night before he had mistaken living quarters and awoke to find two elderly spinsters gazing at him with great suspicion. But on explanation they actually apologised for awakening him. At Lincoln - some bathed, some swam, some played cricket, some inspected turnips, all had afternoon tea.

Monday March 25th.

Strict instructions had been issued by Fuhrer Corkhill for all Victorians with voices to present themselves at the Basketball Courts at 9 A. M. V.U.C. was playing A. U.C. Sundry bodies ambled up at the appointed time and gave voice. And was it a hectic match! page break And was Coach Riske agitated. Jotting notes in a black book. And did those girls play! I'll say they did. And when the finale came our congrats went not only to A.U.C. for winning but to V.U.C. for their splendid fight. Then sundry gentlemen adjourned piecemeal to the nearest hostelry to revive flagging spirits. The heat was becoming terrific.

After lunch bicycled cautiously to Athletics and witnessed amongst other things an all V.U.C. tandem race, and the destruction by fire of the Magnetic Mine minus the contents.

The swimming in the evening was particularly noteworthy for acrobatic feats of the Official Chaperone, who succeeded in traversing the baths per medium of the struts in the roof. And then to another rendezvous.

Tuesday. March 26th.

Remember three things. Mens doubles final, Drinking Horn, and Ball. Horn was won by half a handle by C.U.C. from V.U.C. In a return challenge V.U.C. defeated the winners and illustrated their staying power. Of the ball I will say this - a new regulation prohibits the leaving of a dance hall once entered. Then there were the Australian Athletes who gave their corroboree of Philpott, the flying fox, etc. It was sneered and then they gave our N.Z. haka, There was tremendous applause. Am looking forward to an annual tournament between the Aussies and Pig Islanders. As ambassadors Leo Philpott and team were great and we hope to see them again.

From Ball to Rowing Club sheds. Picture of host Steeds cracking jokes, a cold concrete floor, a brazier, ducks and the Avon. Many was the duck that eluded a vicious oar. No kills reported.

Wednesday. March 27.

Spent day recovering from Ball, and then at 7.10 said farewell to Christchurch, City of Parks.

Across the water went a farewell "Goodbye Johnny Steeds. And thanks for a most enjoyable tournament".

Hock.