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The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1905

College Notes

page 57

College Notes.

Our Library.

NOW that we are within measurable distance of having a home of our own, we should like to suggest that this is an opportune time for the Students' Association to consider whether something cannot be done towards improving the Library, Whilst we were in the unhappy position of being strangers and sojourners, it would not, perhaps, have been wise to have purchased many books, for which, indeed in our present quarters, there would hardly have been room. In addition to this, the fact that the library has only been available to students within very limited hours, has in a large manner prevented them from using it to the extent they would otherwise have pone.

Yet in spite of this drawback, and the fact that the number of books is very small, most students have been at some time or other, greatly indebted to the library, for small though the number of books may be, they have been chosen with such skill and care that the object aimed at—that of giving assistance to the greatest number possible with the limited means at hand, has been attained.

We do not think, however, that anyone will say that the Library as yet, is worthy of a University College, or that were funds available, its usefulness could not be greatly increased. The question of funds, however, is here, as in a great many other matters, a stumbling block, for it is recognised that the Council is unable, however willing it may be, to place us in this page 58 respect on an equality with the older Colleges.

We think, therefore, that we must help ourselves, and that the Association would be justified in, at least, giving the question careful consideration. We have no doubt that a Students' Library Fund would be viewed with as much favour, and be as well supported as was the Building Fund, or, should it not be considered wise to make another call on the students so soon after the last, an entertainment on the lines of the Capping Day Celebrations might be organised. In the past it has always been noticeable that the students, perhaps from the very fact of seeing the work carried on under great disadvantages, have been united in working for the ultimate good of the College. We do not think that the present generation of Students will be found to be wanting in this respect; and even on the ground that any scheme, which tends to bring students to see that they have a common aim and to promote that feeling of loyalty to our College, ought to be welcomed, something may be said for the proposal. We leave the matter for further discussion among students.

Interest in College Affairs

We wish to make the Spike a faithful record of our college life, and a more influential means of promoting the welfare of college institutions. To do so we must rely to a very great extent on the united efforts of the students. We feel that there are many things of importance to which attention might well be drawn by the keen observers of our ways. To them the Spike offers every advantage. By a more active and more general in-crest in college affairs, and by a correspondingly less inclination to permit the control of its institutions to be left to a willing few, we may do much to broaden the spirit and promote the general welfare of our college existence.

- - - -

We regret that we are unable to give the total number of students in attendance at the College this year, the lists not yet being made up. There are eighty more students taking lectures in various subjects, but how many of these are new students it is hard to say.

page 59

The number of candidates for the examinations held in April, June, November, December and January, 1904-5 shows clearly the increasing importance of the Middle District in University Education.

The substantial increase, and the large number who now enter for the various University examinations speak well for the future of the College.

1903 1904
Auckland College District 251 261
Victoria College District 632 657
Canterbury College District 328 323
University of Otago District 438 457

The Bible Study Class that is held every Sunday evening at 8.30, is making fair progress in its endeavour to obtain a proper grasp of the Bible. Mr. Sprott, has in the course of these lessons, so drawn on his knowledge of ancient history as to make the study very pleasurable as well as profitable.

Early this year the Class entertained Mr. Sprott at a dinner at the Hotel Cecil. A very enjoyable evening was spent, several of the members contributing songs, W. N. Furby accompanying them on the piano. A display of hypnotic feats by A. Quick was hardly so successful, the subjects being perhaps, too strongminded, and the class seemed rather to doubt the demonstrator's explanations and ability.

- - - -

Since the 'Spike' last appeared, the College has suffered a loss by the departure of Miss A. W. Griffiths and A. H. Johnstone. Miss Griffiths has taken up her abode at Wanganui, where it is expected she will enlighten the natives as to the advantages to be obtained from unlimited hockey. Johnstone has taken a legal position at Eltham, and to his regret—we hope—was thus unable to represent the College at the Tournament. He was, however, unable to resist the temptation of attending to cheer Victoria College on to victory, and to condole with it in defeat. He also laid aside that judicial air sufficiently to enable him to add vigour to the demonstrations of delight which proceeded from the "unruly section" at the rear of the Hall on the night of the Debating Contest.

page 60

The late Editor of the 'Spike' refused this year to be charmed by the Association into continuing the good work which he has carried on since first that Magazine diffused sweetness and light within Victoria College. Members used all their eloquence to urge upon him the seriousness of the step he was taking, and to show him the impossibility of filling his place, but he pleaded advancing years and the ruthlessness of examiners, and they sorrowfully bowed to the inevitable. The rest of the staff felt they could not bear the sadness of continuing after the retirement of their chief, and so the 'Spike' has started this year with the handicap of a new—and inexperienced—staff.

The editorial committee would therefore plead for leniency of judgement. Though we have been greatly assisted by the "old hands," yet we are fully conscious that this number will suffer by comparison with former ones. However, as it is our first offence, we desire to throw ourselves upon the mercy of the Court, and ask pardon not for the deed itself, but for the manner of its execution.

Note. Any persons feeling aggrieved, are hereby warned that the subs, have been seen studying the latest work on "Self Defence."

- - - -

At last the Victoria College graduates have a representative on the College Council. Till this year, all graduates residing in the Middle District had the right of voting. As our graduates now number over thirty, the number required by the Act, the power is confined to them. Practically this means that all students are represented, since a majority of those voting are still attending College, and cannot but be influenced by the general feeling of students.

They have at any rate, chosen as their representative, one who has the confidence of all classes of students. Mr. H. P. Richmond, as an ex-Victoria College student, and a Life Member of the Association, may be trusted to work, as a member of the Council, as steadily for the interests of the College, as he has always done in the past.

- - - -

The meeting of the Students' Association of this year presented a scene of peace and harmony rather in contrast to the heated arguments of the last annual meeting. Most of the older page 61 members seemed filled with a modest disinclination to take upon themselves the honours of office; and pressed upon others the necessity of self sacrifice with an unselfishness truly touching. G. F. Dixon, looking upon the Tournament just concluded as his "Magnum opus," laid down the burden of Presidency with the air of one who has done his duty and earned a respite. The meeting would have been pleased to see him fill the position for another year, but he would not be persuaded. The last hours of his term were saddened by those who questioned his ability—as Chairman—to decide on the construction to be put on certain clauses of the constitution.

T. Neuve argued with much ability that the only way to find out what they really meant, was by stating a case for the Appeal Court—this suggestion was received with hardly as much seriousness as it deserved. The Chairman made a firm stand against all suggestions of this sort, as being subversive of his authority, and the peace, which had been threatened, was restored.

Thanks.

"Could you want better profs than these,
O, Nay! Nay! Nay!"

College Song.

The interest which our professors take in all branches of College life, was again shown at Easter. Those who could do so, lent their assistance in billeting the visitors, one professor taking no less than three. Two of these were ladies, so the charge was not a light one. All attended at the various stages of the tournament, and by assisting in every possible way, helped to make it a success.

Orchestral Society.

"Music do I hear?
Ha! Ha! keep time. How sour sweet music is
When time is broke and no proportion kept."

Shakespere.

During the terms examinations of last year, an attractive notice, executed by our well known poster artist, appeared in the Technical School, inviting all instrumentally musically inclined students, to unite and form themselves into an orchestra, under the impressive title of "The Victoria College Orchestral Society." To this invitation, there responded the magnificent number of six. It is true that nine pianists offered their services, but as the funds of the embryo society would not allow of the purchase of a corresponding number of pianos, (even on page 62 the instalment plan,) their kind offers had to be politely but firmly declined. Nothing daunted, the musical six gathered together in Professor Kirk's laboratory in Pipitea Street, much to the disgust of the frogs and other specimens of animal life, which the Professor always keeps there for experimental purposes. There for an hour on Wednesday evenings they discoursed sweet harmony. The proceedings were occasionally varied by some small boys, who, attracted thither by the strains, knocked at the door, during a complicated trill or delicate cadenza, and enquired of the opener, whether he thought it was going to rain. Such is the power of music. These orchestral practices, or rather concerts, continued for two months, and then like all things lacking support, ceased. A remnant consisting of two violins and two flutes, did indeed under the alias of "The Royal Victoria College Quartet Party," make an appearance some time afterwards, at a Mission to Seamen entertainment, when it seemed to please the mariners greatly. It is to be hoped that during the next recess, the orchestral movement will meet with the success it deserves. We have a Glee Club, why should we not have an orchestra worthy of the name!

Wellington College.

We have again to thank Mr. J. P. Firth, Headmaster of Wellington College, for the use of the College Ground for training purposes. This year as last, Victoria College received every kindness and consideration from boys and masters.

MacMillan-Brown Memorial Prize.

The MacMillan-Brown Memorial Prize of 1904, was award ed to G. H. Scholefield, who last year won the Bowen Essay Prize, He is at present on the literary staff of the New Zealand Times Company.

Jacob Joseph Scholarship.

These scholarships which are awarded on the results of the Honours Examination, were won this year by Miss M. M. Rigg, and P. W. Robertson.