Football

In spite of all Brookie's forebodings we are going to have a good season this year. The first Club practice showed plenty of talent, and in the second, where a scratch Senior XV trounced a Marist side at Athletic Park, the writing was clearly on the score-board—a 23—5 win.

The opposition forwards were tough and weighty, but, ably led by O. S. Meads, our pack bustled them all the way, and Innes gave his backs plenty of the ball, and they certainly appreciated the service.

Skelly, ex-Otago Rep. five-eighths, was the best back on the field. Sound on defence and brilliant on attack, he directed the back play with great skill and linked up well with his forwards on occasions. When R. G. Pilling was moved into second five-eighths, the two combined admirably, Pilling's speed enabling him to finish off the openings made by Skelly. His defence was very solid too.

Neither of the halves tried were up to standard, although G. A. Cooney's speed and his undoubted flair for finding the gaps, together with his versatility in being able to fill capably any position in the backline, make his prospectus seem somewhat better than Wally Boyd's. Following a long tradition with 'Varsity half-backs, Boyd has all the courage in the world, and his defence is first-rate. When his passing improves he will be something more than just a useful half Practice that passing, Wally!

Much was expected of Martin, a big fast three quarter from O.U., and his early injury was a great disappointment, but Mummery played with great dash, and his tackling is strong. Much is expected of him this year.

Kempthorne and F. Cooney are two youngsters who will improve with further experience. Both showed distinct promise.

In the pack Meads and Shannon were outstanding. They will form a solid nucleus for a fine scrum.

That good forward, Roly Webb, proved beyond all doubt that he has been wasted far too long in the Seconds. His place should be certain this year.

Cuming was the best of the youngsters. Big and tough, he is right up to senior standard. McLennan and Sinclair showed plenty of dash, the latter's covering up on defence being particularly good.

With the addition of Squib Donnelly, ex-Canterbury rep, full-back, and Williams, the All Black forward, the team will be strengthened considerably.

Masters, W. G. Smith, Corkill and Rowell must also receive serious consideration, and with Hal Grevig in at full-back, the side will be a good one.

Harriers

"Know all ye that acting by and with the consent of the executive committee of the Harrier Club I hereby declare the season open," declared Mr. G. F. Dixon on Saturday.

The opening meeting was held at Weir House at the invitation of the Warden, Mr. Barker. A count showed that twenty-four runners and, as Mr. Rowberry remarked, a few absent faces had turned out. They were sorted into two packs, the speed boys and the others.

The packs duly departed under the official chaperonage of Mr. Barker. The slow pack were under the care and supervision of Frank O'Flynn and the fast of Ross Scrymgeour. We were pleased to see Dorman, of the Tramping Club lead the fast pack.

Next Saturday the combined Harrier Clubs will meet at Island Bay. The 'Varsity Club will be there for the official opening of the season, but will run separately.

1940-41 "Rostrum"

The report of the Press Bureau presented to the Easter conference showed a fairlv satisfactory state of affairs. Despite difficulties the second issue of "Rostrum," the annual magazine to which students from all six colleges are asked to contribute, came out in July last, and showed a profit of just over £1. As "Rostrum" 1939 showed a loss of £22, this was an excellent improvement. It was decided by the conference, and ratified by N.Z.U.S.A., that a third issue of "Rostrum" appear this year.

The conference discussed the various N.Z.U. Student publications over the past year, approving the principle of carrying them on so far as was possible under war conditions; a scheme for the publication of these which has been submitted to the N.Z.U. Senate; possible work on a scheme for the psychological examination of all New Zealand soldiers returning from the war; and general matters.

Tennis

Tournament this year has shown that Drinking and Tennis are Victoria's forte. We were able to field quite a strong team, which was practically the same as last year's.

At the end of the first day's play in a high wind at Miramar, Victoria was leading with 9 games in its favour, and Otago next with 7 games. For the next few days the weather was a dream of delight—very wet.

Owing to bad weather in Town, the finals had to be played at Paekakariki on hard courts. By the afternoon Victoria had four finalists out of five. Playing brilliant tennis in the Men's Singles, John Cope defeated Brian Kelly, of Otago, in straight sets.

In the Men's Doubles, Cope and Baird, of Victoria, decisively beat Childs and Caughey, of Otago. Roy Larsen and Ngaire Marshall, of Victoria, combined badly, and were no match for the experienced Tom Childs and Rae Brown, of Otago, in the Combined Doubles. Ngaire Marshall and Glen Macmorran played uninspiring tennis, and provided little opposition to Joan Howie and Beryl Warren, of Auckland, in the Ladies Doubles.

The Ladies' Singles final will be played at Auckland at a later date between Joan Howie and Beryl Warren, those two great players from A.U.C.

Well done, Victoria; that Tennis Cup will look well in Big Hall.

B. D.