Cricket

The season this year has been marred by rain which culminated in washing out the Massey game. This has made it impossible for us to name the last three places in the Tournament until a later date. However it is clear that with eight members of Senior Eleven available and with the Second Grade team winning their grade (at the time of writing), our team should be a very strong one. If our batsmen, of whom on paper, at least, we have a long list, suddenly learn the meaning of application, we are certain to do well. The sight of talented University batsmen trudging dolefully pavilion wards is a far too familiar sight.

Lance and Crutts are two notable exceptions, and together with Gibson and the quickish bowling of Zohrab, Haskell and Campbell, they should form a nucleus well suited to the hard Christchurch wickets.

Jim Thompson, a Tournament veteran, is our best bat, but his slow left-handers are also suited to fast wickets and if we don't get these our bowling may prove inadequate.

One thing is certain, however; if the team holds more catches than has been done by the Senior side this year, we should prove a highly competent team.

The selected team is: J. C. Thompson, J. H. Zohrab, J. A. Gibson, M. W. Lance, B. M. Kerr, D. Ward, W. J. Haskell, D. Bayer, D. Poulton, P. Courts, C. Campbell.

Tennis

The tennis club is confident that our Tournament team will acquit itself very well at the Easter Tournament this year. Although not quite up to the winning standard of the 1956 team, nevertheless our men are all capable of playing the "big game" with success. Headed by Fred Scarlett, who won the Waipawa men's singles this year, the men's team also includes Nick Greenwood, a former ranking English Junior player and now a member of our top Senior Men's A grade team, Bruce Smaill, who is unbeaten in the Senior A inter club competition this season, and Robert Greenwood, one of the leading Juniors in the country.

The women's team is headed by Jenny Kent, who was a former member of the Howe Shield team for many years, and has represented Wellington in the Nunnelly Casket. She has been a great asset to our A interclub team this year. Dawn Prance and Pam Carson have also represented University in Senior A interclub and last year reached the semi-final at Easter Tournament. Janet Thomsatt, a Howe Shield representative, completes the team.

Rowing

This year the V.U.C. Rowing Club team has been somewhat depleted by the inability of some members to get down to Tournament. However, the crews are strong and most have Tournament experience behind them.

Once again our eight appears to have every chance of success: the new Towns skiff arrived late last year and, with our new Ayling oars, bring our equipment up to a very high standard. The crew to row at Tournament should be: Perry Preston-Thomas (stroke), Mick Winter (7), Frank Crotty (6), Wally Loader (5), Warwick Dent (4), Jack Just (3), Steve Wilson (2), and Duncan Cameron (bow). All members of this eight have had considerable rowing experience, a number in senior crews. However, (as last year's Tournament showed only too clearly) this is not the important factor. The crew of the eight has been training regularly every morning under the expert coaching of Mr. L. Brooker, a former Champion Oarsmen, with some assistance from Mr. T. E. Wilson, who coached the Vic Eight last year.

Provided that this eight can work to gether as a crew, they could be expected to be a very good crew, but after last year when we had a good crew and promised the moon, this year we won't promise a damn thing.

The four will, this year contain two members of the eight, making it P. Mansen (stroke), John Kinder (3), Preston-Thomas or Crotty (2), and Winter (bow). As a result of the date of selection of the eight and the shortage of available members this crew will have had very little training in the four together. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to hit it off for the all-important five minutes.

The double sculls is again picked from the eight, though in this case this is the customary practice. Jack Just will stroke with Wally Loader in the bow. Both have had considerable sculling experience—Just, in particular, after successes throughout the 1956-57 season, was in the C.U.C. double last year.

Finally, Vic. will only be able to enter one women's four in the Tamaki Cup race, though this is due to uncertainty over their Tournament status, not to the lack of members or keenness. This four will be Anna Duncan (stroke), Mary Freeman (3), Diana Spurdle (2) and either Francis Roff or Dorothy Carpenter (bow). Anna, a foundation member of the V.U.C Women's rowing and champion of the cause, has stroked the four in the last two Tournaments and, with Diana Spurdle, has met with considerable success in the last season. Mary Freeman has rowed 3 in the A.U.C. crew last year and is a valuable acquisition for the Vic. crew, having had not only experience but also the benefit of coaching by Eric Craies, coach of the proposed N.Z. Cardiff team, etc. Both Francis and Dorothy are new members and show promise of being useful members of the crew. The four has been training regularly for some weeks now, under the patient and expert coaching of S. R. Wilson. Results are not to be foretold but their main opposition will be A.U.C.

Basketball

Victoria is unforunate this year in losing a number of its experienced players and only three have represented the University before; these are Sue Thompson, Janice Fraser and Robina McGecham. However, we have a number of promising freshers; Joy Mitchell represented Poverty Bay in 1956 and several others were Wellington Rep. trialists. The remainder of the team comprises Kay Gibson, Diana Parsons, Helen Aitken, Marian Peterson, Katharine Karr, Bridget Kerr, Moira McKenzie and Barbara Nash.

Yachting

In a trial series of races under widely differing conditions sailed at Paremata on Sunday, 23rd, a crew of three was selected to represent Vic. in the sailing section at Easter tournament. Practice has been hampered by the lack of our own yachts. However by next season we hope to become affiliated to the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and have a University fleet in the water. Meanwhile our thanks to the Paremata Boating Club for use of their equipment and facilities.

Our crew and delegate form a strong combination and are all out to better last year's performance, Tom Haskell (Napier Sailing Club) an experienced yachtsman of University, was chosen as the skipper. An able representative last year, he is in better form this season. Nick Cass (Plimmerton Boating Club) has worked in a variety of classes and is among Wellington's best for'd hands in a very popular class; a real boon to the crew. Peter Sullivan (club mate of skipper) will certainy enjoy heavy going. A capable trapeze rider, and main sheethand for many of many seasons. John Black man (Royal Akarana Yacht Club), a sea lawyer of long standing. Will stick up for Vic. as delegate on the Sailing Committee.

Tournament Responsibilities

Attempting to reproduce the tones of a headmaster is difficult. It is more difficult when you realise that it is addressed to a supposedly adult audience, but with the disgrace at Dunedin last year still vivid in my memory, it is with sincerity—that I implore you to behave yourself, The connatations of the words "good behaviour" may be with secondary school discipline but the concept is not. Strange though it may seem, we, the emancipated, are still expected to be capable of producing good behaviour; and though the Dunedin seems to contradict my optimism it is not only possible, but clearly evidenced elsewhere at University gatherings. For the irresponsible element (revolting phrase but useful and very descriptive) I can only offer the advice, Stay At Home! For the remaining majority, please remember that the tolerance of civilians cannot be relied upon to any great extent, so treat your billetors (of which the majority will be non-Varsity), City Officials, and Organizers, always, with consideration.

Incidentally, don't forget to give your vociferous support to other sports; your presence will be a great incentive to them.

Sports Editor.

Drama Disaster

With ten days till Easter Tournament the producer of the Tournament play, "Electra", by Sophocles, has been informed that Virginia Todd is not available for Tournament through illness. Virginia, well known in Wellington Drama, was to have played the exacting role of Electra in this Greek play. Courageously, Heather Scott (producer), considered playing the part herself. She has had considerable experience with Tournament drama, having played the lead in Maurios "The Art of Being Happily Married" and in 1956 in the "Cat on the Hot Tin Roof", as well as appearing often with the V.U.W.D.C. But it can be well understood that to attempt taking over the lead in a difficult play such as this would be more than could be expected of anyone, leave alone the producer, who has full committments as a French Honours student.

Incidentally A.U.C. has withdrawn from Tournament due to the fact that their players-are engaged in the production of their major play for 1958. Because of Vic's major production otherwise eligible players are not available for the part of Electra. So drama at Easter Tournament is being tried for the first time with only two of the four Universities competing. Gone will be the tradition of attending Tournament drama by all Tournament participants.

Whether, as a result of this fiasco, drama will be returned to Winter Tournament, where it belongs, or be relegated to the proposed Arts Festival and be deleted from the list of tournament activities, remains to be seen. If the reversion to Winter Tournament is unacceptable, then I think, the retention of drama at Easter is desirable, if only because it gives an opportunity to younger promising members to perform under the eyes of as critical an audience as will be encountered at University. However, the disadvantages of producing a play in the very limited time before Easter with a relatively inexperienced cast are as obvious as they are difficult to overcome.

page 5

Shooting

This year's team contains elements of both experience and new blood. Among the stalwarts of past tournament shoots are Ian Newton, who gained his second N.Z.U. Blue last Easter, Jim Mansell and Ian Chat-win, of M.A.G., both of whom were promenent in last year's event at Dunedin. Newcomers to Tournament shooting, from whom great things are expected, are B. L. Frankpitt I. Todd, D. Welch, and B. Edwards.

It is hoped that Canterbury will produce better conditions than those at Dunedin, which forced the cancellation of the final deliberate practice shoot last year, and enable our team to do themselves justice. With the hard practice the team have put in, this team should have every prospect of achieving results more tangible than "the sheer joy of sportsmanship in participating, which was their sole reward in 1957.

Athletic Team

Victoria—dominant club in Wellington athletics for the last three years, cannot, unfortunately send a team to Tournament that compares with its provincial championship squad. We will nevertheless be well represented in all men's track events from 100 yards to three miles and have a number of potential place-getters.

In the sprints Bob Irwin is running with the life that made him triple N.Z.U. champion three years ago, and will be well supported by Tom Crossen, last year one of the outstanding quarter-milers at C.U.C. Irwin has broken 50 seconds for the quarter several times this year, and won the Wellington senior title in 49.4 secs. His 22.1 secs, for the 220 yds. is the second best locally this year.

Massey provide our first string half and one-miler in Con McGuire. Peter Joyce will be second string in the mile and our sole entrant in the three. This will be the first 'occasion we have had two sub 4.20 milers, but alas, the title may be won in 4.12 secs. We will be well up and could provide a placed runner. Peter Joyce has not recaptured the form that made him N.Z.U. champion over three miles in 1955, but he is an experienced athlete who will certainly be in the picture.

In other events our competitors may find the standard too high. Only well trained athletes with a season of first-class competition behind them, can hope to succeed. Several of our runners are competing for the first time since last Tournament. Barry Cooper and Frank Duncan, two well-performed athletes, are likely to pay the price of being all-rounders. Specialists in their events will will all N.Z.U. titles, and even such a talented performer as John Hawkes, now of O.U., has had to concentrate on one event. Still the all-rounder has his place in athletics. He certainly derives the most enjoyment.

The girls are an unknown force. Only Jeanette Buckland has had regular competition this year. She is yards faster than any other Vic. girl available. The standard of N.Z.U. women's athletics has never been very high, especially in the field events, and we may obtain placings.

In the team listed below (M) denotes a Massey competitor. No selection has been made in the men's high jump or hammer throw, or in the women's 80 metre hurdles, or javelin throw.

A Message from the President

May I, on behalf of the Executive and members of the Association, wish all of our competitors a happy and worthwhile tournament.

I hope that our representatives will be worthy members of their respective teams and that they will be both agreeable and responsible guests of the University of Canterbury and the people of Christchurch.

The Tournament Team Captain (Mr. Zohrab) and the Junior Delegate (Mr. John Webb) have worked hard and well for the Association in the organisation of our part of the Tournament and I trust that they will receive the loyal support that they undoubtedly deserve.

If the business of NZUSA Council is concluded in good time I expect to see something of your performances before returning to Wellington.

John Marchant, President.

Men

100 yards: R. Irwin, T. Crossen or R. Hooper.

220 yards: T. Crossen, R. Peddie.

440 yards: R. Irwin, T. Crossen.

880 yards: C. McQuire (M), F. Walkey.

One mile: C. McGuire (M). P. Joyce, Capt.

Three miles: P. Joyce.

120 yards hurdles: M. Ulyatt (M), R. Clifton.

220 yards hurdles: B. Cooper, B. Dawkins.

440 yards hurdles: B. Cooper.

Hop, step and jump: A. Rolleston, C. Rowe.

Long jump: D. Usher, M. Bingham.

Pole Vault: B. Fernandez.

Shot: C. Rowe.

Discus: F. Duncan.

Javelin: J. Sauqaqa (M), F. Duncan.

4 × 110 yards relay: Irwin, Crossen, Hooper, Brooker.

4 × 440 yards relay: Irwin, Crossen, Brooker, McGuire.

Women

75 yards: Jeanette Buckland, Noeline Queree.

100 yards: Jeanette Buckland, Jennifer Coucman.

220 yards: Jeanette Buckland, Jennifer Couchman.

High jump: Jill Arnold.

Long jump: Jill Arnold.

Shot: Cherry Pointon.

Discus: Jo Kale, Cherry Pointon.

4 × 110 yards relay: Buckland, Queree, Kale, Couchman.

Swimming

The V.U.W. Swimming Club has this year got its strongest team for many seasons. The water polo team has Theo Verhoeven in goal. Theo, a Wellington rep. and selector, was captain of the N.Z.U. polo team in Australia last year. The backs are Conor McBride, the Club Captain, and Buddy Scoringe, a Wellington rep. In the centre we have Terry Richmond, another Wellington rep., and Peter Hatch, one of our best swimmers. Up front are Don Paviour-Smith, a Hawkes Bay rep., and Spencer Hemi, a keen surfer, and the "Club's" star player this summer. As reserves the team has Lloyd Allen, who played for us last Easter, and Stan Paris, another of last year's N.Z.U. team in Australia. As usual the Vic. Women, though better than past teams, have not all the swimming ability we require. Of course, Jackie Twigg, the team vice-captain, is once again to the fore. Jackie has two Auckland Blues and two Vic. Blues, and we hope to see her get an N.Z.U. Blue for the freestyle events. In the breaststroke, Marilyn Isdale, (a fresher), shows much promise and should do well, though Otago are strong in this event. Diana Page is a good diver who should have no difficulty taking a place in her event. Jenifer Harding, Pauline Gallagher and Elizabeth Beck are three girls who should have no difficulty qualifying for finals and, we hope, in taking places in their events.

In the men's events we have a team that should ensure that Vic. brings home the Swimming Shield". Bill McCarroll, last year's N.Z.U. diving champion, was fourth at this year's National Championships, and should once again carry off the N.Z.U. title. In Peter Hatch the N.Z. Medley record holder, we have hopes of two if not three titles. Don Paviour-Smith, a Hawkes Bay rep., is once again with us and should do well in the backstroke and medley. Stan Paris, a member of the N.Z.U. team in Australia last year, and an ex-Otago man, is swimming for us in the distance breast stroke and freestyle events. Stan looks set for points if not titles in these events. Lloyd Alien, our last year's freestyle representative is once again turning in good times, and we hope he can improve on his third place of last year. Buddy Scoringe, Terry Richmond, Conor McBride and Spencer Hemi, though all primarily polo players, should pick up points in their events, and thereby help build up a total far better than last year's mediocre effort. Much of our success this Easter will be due to the efforts of Mike Hall, who, though unable to travel to Christ church, has been up early each morning coaching some of the freshers. This Easter we can say: At least our swimmers will not disappoint.

—C.P.