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The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1905

Socials

page 47

Socials

Welcome to New Students.

ON the evening of Tuesday, 28th March, after an academical silence of five months, the main hall of our foster-home, once more resounded to the joyous sound of festivity, the occasion being the social to welcome new students, given this year by the Students' Association. It took the form of a concert followed by a number of interesting competitions. During the evening, opportunity was taken by G. Dixon, as President of the Students' Association, to ask Professors von Zedlitz and Maclaurin, and Mr. Hunter, on the occasion of their recent entry into the realms of matrimony, to accept small tokens of the esteem and affection in which they were held by the students. The three gentlemen replied with feeling. Professor von Zedlitz reprehending politely but firmly, the attempt on the part of Professor Maclaurin to assume the rôle of guide into these unknown regions. Mr. Hunter apologised for having lost himself in the wilds of New Zealand at such an early of the journey, but hoped that it would not occur again. Hearty cheers, accompanied by the usual musical honours, testified to the popularity of all three, and to the good wishes which those present had for them.

The programme arranged for the first part, was of a very high order, being contributed to by the Misses E. Ward and M. Seagar and Messrs F. P. Wilson and P. W. Robertson. The last named in the guise of a German professor, endeavoured to page 48 instil life into a curious looking creature, which might have been anything from a Cerberus to a rabbit, but which was voted, on the motion of Professor Kirk, to be an extremely rare specimen of the prehistoric caniculus auritus. The animal however, obstinately refused to show any signs of animation, and the professor retired with a look of despair, which he but partially succeeded in concealing within the depths of his improvised German beer-mug.

In the competitions, Miss Newman, whose historical and literary knowledge was astounding, proved successful in the "Celebrities." The baby competition however, seemed a matter of greater difficulty, for though a proud mother will without hesitation, recognize in her baby a perfection to which none other can lay claim, yet to an impartial and unsentimental observer, (and no one will say that a student is generally overburdened with an undue amount of sentiment) all babies, especially on photographs, seem to have much in common. However, after a great deal of critical acumen had been displayed on all sides, O. Prouse, who had long been singled out by the ladies, bore off the palm for beauty, with becoming modesty, though many thought that the picture of Professor Kirk, at the tender age of three, playing with his pet frog, was equally deserving. Miss M. E. Cox confirmed her last year's physiological prowess, by recognising all the babies displayed, while W. Gillanders showed some promise in the quadruped competition. The smile on the face of the cat drawn by F. A. de la Mare, spoke volumes for the tenderness and up-bringing of Professor Mackenzie's chicken. R. St. J. Beere proved successful in the Progressive Euchre, playing a great game in which he was presumably partner and opponent, while G. McL. Hogben, displayed great business instincts in the advertising line.

Mr. Hunter having presented the diplomas to the various winners, with becoming grace and dignity, the floors were cleared for dancing, and it was not till well on into the next morning that the last sounds of revelry died away, and Mr. Stormont was able, with a weary sigh, to turn down the last jet.

Tournament Dance.

The attempt to obtain the Town Hall for this important function, having proved futile owing to the enterprise of a bazaar committee for whose benefit, to judge by the priority of the engagement, the building seems chiefly to have been erected, the Sydney Street Schoolroom had once more to be secured. page 49 The hall was decorated with festoons of Lycopodium and other foliage, relieved at intervals by photos of the various College teams, while the supper room presented an equally pleasing appearance. At the beginning, the floor space seemed somewhat cramped, and many ladies who had been rash enough to come in all the glory of a lengthy train, rued their temerity as they saw it trodden under some ruthless heel. Towards eleven o'clock however, after the stern dictator had made the rounds, and driven before him a luckless band composed of those who had tennis to play off on the morrow, the hall was just comfortably filled. Several of the tennis players evaded capture by such skilful tactics as screen movements, and caused great surprise by their reappearance amongst the dancers. The supper was much appreciated, and altogether the dance was a great success, reflecting much credit on the management committee and its energetic secretary, R. St. J. Beere.