Dry Horrors

I'm standing in the great hall of the Student Union Building at Dunedin and what a magnificent sight is before me. What a colourful cavalcade of costumes and neck scarves of a multitude of hues.

And, right in front of me, standing below the sacrificial benches on the stage, is a vast congregation, waiting with excited, yet patient, anticipation for the ceremony to begin.

The initiates are looking towards a white-coated figure whose vestments are in stark contrast with the almost universal, hooded habits of the congregation.

Now, one can see light filtering down from the fluorescent tubing and shining on the young uplifted faces. A most moving spectacle.

... And while we are waiting for the ceremony proper to begin, individuals are leaving the great hall at intervals to seek spiritual relief in the private ante chambers.

Yes ... I think ... yes! And now they're ready!

The principal white-gowned figure has raised his hand for silence. He is moving between the sacrificial benches, above which are hung simple containers of many coloured liquid. His voice is blurred. Blurred. I suspect, with a sense of pageanty—and spirit.

"... and on by left, with 5 years of drinking, two blues and three convictions ... "

As he finishes speaking the most important part of the traditional libatory ceremony is about to begin.

I can see all the initiates moving their heads quite near to their chalices which have been filled with the customary amber fluid. This is a sight that very few of us here today will be able to forget. The gathering is hushed. Silence ...

"Hands on the bar! Blow your froth ... Drink!"

There is a sudden flurry of activity. The initiates are lifting the chalices to their mouths and attempting to impipe the amber draught as quickly as possible now the congregation are chanting traditional responses—

"Spillage! Spillage! Re-Drink! Re-Drink!"

The initiates are completing the ritual, gaining it appears, as much by skin absorption and beard osmosis, as by direct libation ... I can't quite see (funny) ... but, they appear to have finished. Yes! I think they have.

Apparently the team on the left performed the rite quickest, and is therefore the winner.

Oh! And while the winning initiates are being congratulated, one member of the opposing team is being assisted to a private ante-chamber ... pardon? Oh ... I've just been informed that in the excitement during his part of the ritual, he neglected to open his mouth.

There is trendous activity around the benches and the sounds of merriment and festivity echo around the hall.... Five hours later: "Would you mind moving along Sir? You cannot sleep in the gutter."