Social Life

We sometimes wonder whether or not many of those who attend Congress (especially the girls from whom little or nothing is heard from during discussions) do no because of the much publicised social life. Those of us who have studied the notices advertising Congress note with amusement the list of activities included on it, as follows: Addresses, Moonlight Cruises, Varsity Olympics (Discussions), Fish Fries, Swimming, Dancing, Picnics, Rowing, Walks. Above and below this list there appears two photos, one showing students clambering irreverently over the Cook Memorial in Ships Cove and the other, a view of the Beautiful. Entrancing, Sunbaked Bay of Curious Cove. (With apologies to James Fitzpatrick and Mr. Manning.) Is it the thought of this which draws students to Congress, and if so is it right that it should be so? However be that as it may, social life at Congress was the usual mad whirl. There were many occasions for students from the four New Zealand colleges represented to meet Australian students over here on student exchange and also three Malayan students who are studying at AUC usually between the hours of 2 and 5 in the morning. The trip to Ships Cove (although missed by several students who were engaged in carrying down from the hills behind the Cove a Malayan student who had broken his ankle while on a tramping trip), was from all accounts very successful.

The Congress Olympics were held on the final Saturday. Rowing and swimming relays, archery, volleyball, table tennis and indoor bowls were all competed for. Victoria once more carrying all before (even if it was at the expense of having Kath Slocombe tossed off the end of the wharf).

The final "academic" function of the Congress was the conferring of degrees and awards of prizes by the "University of Curious Cove." whose officers, "chancellor" (Ian Free) and the two "deans." preceded by a mace-bearer and a pre-chancellor entered the hall with an accompaniment of solemn music.