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The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1907

The Sixth Inter-University-College Tournament. — Held at Auckland, Easter, 1907

page 13

The Sixth Inter-University-College Tournament.

Held at Auckland, Easter, 1907.

"Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum."

—Horace.

Sketch of scholars in academic dress

FFor the second year Auckland has been the scene of the great event of the College year, and once more she has put in a strong claim to be regarded as the ideal centre for the meeting. The happy remembrances in the minds of those who visited Auckland in 1903 inspired high hopes in the breasts of this year's team, and if any expectations were not fully realized, they must have been high indeed. Apart from the good time enjoyed by all, Victoria College has every reason to feel proud of the success of her 1907 team—the Joynt Debating Scroll and the Tennis Cup returning to Kelburne, while the Athletic Shield only just escaped a like destination. The Relay Race trophy and the Ladies' cup, held by the winner of most points in the Athletic Championship, would, with the Scroll and the Tennis Cup, adorn her entrance hall, but for the fact that the Council regard the dignity of athletic trophies as deserving nothing less than elevation to the students' common page 14 room. Two Hockey matches also to swell the list of her triumphs. One of the most pleasing features of the gathering from our point of view, was the whole-hearted way in which our representatives in the various contests were supported by their comrades—as instance the number present at Devonport on the second morning. In the hour of success we must not forget the future, and the existence of this spirit in our ranks is very cheering. Long may it continue to flourish, for while such a spirit of enthusiasm and energy remains, its strength will alike enable Victoria College to achieve further successes an aid her in bearing without disappointment those failures which may be brought upon her by the merits of her rivals.

Victoria College Teams.

"From the four corners of the earth they come."

—Merchant of Venice.

For inclusion in most of the events competition this year was keener than ever before: trial challenges being run off until some three days before departure for Auckland. In one or two events very few seek the honour of representation, with the inevitable result that we do not present a strong all-round combination.

The Teams were as follows,—
Athletic Sports.
100 yards F. W. B. Goodbehere A. T. Duncan
220 yards F. W. B. Goodbehere A, T. Duncan
440 yards F. W. B. Goodbehere M. H. Oram
880 yards M. H. Oram W. Tudhope
120 hurdles T. N. Holmden G. V. Bogle
440 hurdles G. V. Bogle T. N. Holmden
Mile Flat H. T. Thompson J. W. A. Heenan
3 Mile Flat H. T. Thompson J. L. Short
Mile Walk J. M. Hogben
High Jump A. H. Bogle G. V. Bogle
Long Jump F. W. B. Goodbehere G. V. Bogle
Putting Shot A. J. Luke
Throwing Hammer A. J. Luke
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Tennis.
Ladies' Singles Misses J. Scott, Cox and McKellar
Ladies' Doubles Misses J. Scot and Cox
Misses F. Scott and McKellar
Misses McIntosh and Cooke
Men's Singles G. S. Prouse and G. V. Bogle
Men's Doubles G. S. Prouse and G. V. Bogle
D. S. Smith and A. H. Bogle
Combined Doubles G. S. Prouse and Miss J. Scott
G. V. Bogle and Miss Cox

Debating.

  • H. F. O'Leary and B. E. Murphy (elected by Debating Society)
  • G. F. Dixon was again appointed Manager of the Team.

The Journey To Auckland.

Otago and Canterbury representative were met at the wharf and driven to the Manawatu Station, where some thirty-seven of our own folk were already busy securing seats and arranging themselves in congenial groups for the long journey. The weather was bad and continued so all day, but the time passed merrily enough, the indefatigable Dixon's periodic distribution of good things being a very agreeable feature of the proceedings. New Plymouth reached, we were soon on board the Rotoiti. The sea trip was feelingly described by one student as a "slice of eternity." At Onehunga were several old Auckland friends, who soon dispatched the visitors to the homes of their respective hosts. No functions had been arranged for the afternoon—for which most of the amateur mariners were sincerely thankful.

"This tempest will not give me leave to ponder
On things would hurt me more."

—King Lear.

The Mayoral Reception.

"Did he receive you well "Most like a gentlemen."

—Hamlet

Saturday morning opened with a slight breeze and a clear sky, and by 9 o' clock the majority of the Southern delegates were present at the City Council Chambers, where His Worship the Mayor of Auckland officially welcomed the visitors. His worship's remarks showed a hearty appreciation of the true aim of the Tournament in fostering a vigorous University spirit page 16 among the students of the various College, and at the conclusion of a happy little speech he was Vigorously applauded.

Professor Segar also said a few words on behalf of the Auckland Professorial Board, and was succeeded by Dixon as representative of the three Southern Colleges. Their sentiments were voiced in his usual lucid manner, and feeling reference was also made to the sad death of Trevor Hull—who was to have represented Auckland.

When Ziman of Auckland had thanked the Mayor and extended a word of welcome from the Auckland students, some mutual cheering was indulged in and the gathering dispersed—to meet again at Devonport, where the tennis matches commenced at 10 a. m.

Tennis.

The five grass courts at our disposal were found to be rather heavy during the earlier games, but considerably improved during the day. It was early seen that Otago with Friedlander and Gower under her banner would keenly test our mettle, while Auckland was also strongly represented by Oliphant and Wyman. Of the ladies our most dangerous opponents seemed the Misses Ward and Newman of Otago while Miss Taylor of Auckland and Miss Grace of Canterbury seemed likely to prove formidable adversaries. The singles, Prouse v. Gower, Bogle v. Oliphant and Miss Scott v. Miss Taylor, were the keenest contests in the earlier part of Saturday, but everything preceding was a mere curtain-raiser compared with the last match of the afternoon, Prouse and Bogle v. Fridlander and Gower. All four men were playing right on the top of their game. And such an even exhibition of smashing, volleying, hard driving, and cunning placing is seldom seen in College matches, working the spectators up to a fine state of excitement. With one set each, and the score 2 all in the third it was apparent that a close finish was in store, and the V. C. supporters, unable to bear the strain alone, began to congregate at one end of the lawn. The games mounted evenly, and during several long rallies one could have heard a crowbar drop: until a relieved sigh all round marked a deciding point. There times we were within point of losing, and three times the Southerners failed to complete.

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At last Prouse finished the matter with a fine sideline shot, amidst the wild enthusiasm of the green and gold "barrackers."

The first final was played off on Tuesday by Bogle and Prouse against Oliphant and Wyman. The Auckland pair got even at 1 set all, but in the deciding set our men settle down to work and ran out fairly easy winners by 6—0. Prouse and miss Scott were too steady for Wyman and Miss Taylor, while Bogle and Miss Cox also won from Friedlander and Miss Newman, leaving the combined Championship in our hands. Bogle had to catch an early boat, and the final has since been decide in Wellington, victory falling to Prouse and Miss Scott. The final of the Ladies' Doubles was a contest between steady accurate play and erratic individual brilliancy. Misses Scott and Cox were too much for Misses Ward and Newman, O. U., and vigorous cheers proclaimed another championship for Wellington. Prouse's final with Friedlander was a much tamer affair than was expected after the Otago man's fine showing in the Doubles, Victoria College again annexing the bronze medal by 6—2, 6—3. The last match of the day was the final of the Ladies' Singles between Miss Scott and Miss Grace, of Canterbury. The latte lady was very steady, but lacked the winning shots and placing ability of Miss Scott, who added yet another leaf to our laurel crown by 9—4. The winner had come through a long bard day the contest. Such a result, 5 championships, had only seemed possible in the happy dreams of the ultra-enthusiastic, and due allowance was no doubt made by the other Colleges for the uniform expression of "We are the boys" depicted on every Wellington countenance.

The following table shows the results:—
Tennis Championship.
Ladies' Singles Miss J. Scott, V. C.
Ladies' Doubles Misses M. Cox and J. Scott, V. C.
Men's Singles G. S. Prouse, V. C.
Men's Doubles G. v. Bogle and G. S. Prouse, V. C.
Combined Doubles Miss J. Scott and G. S. Prouse, V. C.

"So, call the field to rest, and let's away,
To part the glories of this happy day."

—Julius Caesar.

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Harbour Picnic.

"Put on your boldest suit of mirth,
For we have friends that purpose merriment."

—Merchant of Venice.

On conclusion of Saturday's tennis matches all hands boarded the P. S. "Eagle" and were soon en route for Motutapu Island, which was reached without incident. Then the fun began. A huge bonfire on the bonfire on the beach lit the scene, and incidentally boiled the billies for tea. That business over, several couples showed a decided tendency to stray, but whether in search of scenery or solitude who shall say? When one of Salamanca's sons failed to appear in reponse to an insistent demand to come and lead a stave, there was to an insistent advanced on the matter. In justice to the delinquent we must admit that he did appear—in due course. Performers from each College in turn mounted an improvised stage in front of a local whare, and did their best with song and story, Victoria College supplementing their efforts with a fearsome considerably enlivened the return journey, though some on board are reported to have been unaware of it.

Visit to St. John's College.

On Sunday afternoon the Southerners were the guests of the principal of St. John's Theological College, beautifully situated in its own grounds at Tamaki. After a walk through the "Glen" afternoon tea was served in the main building. Divine service was afterwards held in the small chapel built in the time of Bishop Selwyn and connected with the memory of the pioneers of the English Church in New Zealand.

Athletics.

"Speed then, to take advantage of the field."

—King John.

Athletics championships were decided on Monday on the Domain Cricket ground under splendid weather conditions. Some fine performances were registered and one new record established. Victoria College showed to much greater advantage page 19 than on former occasions, but with 12 points were unable to beat Otago, last year's champions, who won again by a margin of 2 points. This should not be the case when we consider that one man alone brought us 7 points. In some events, such as the High Jump and Walk, our men were not sufficiently trained. As it several events go each year to the other Colleges practically uncontested by Victoria College. Gilray's jump of 21′ 11″ was a splendid effort and will probably stand for some times as the best performance. Holmden exceeded all expectations by cutting out the 120 yds. hurdle in 17 1-5 secs.: a very fine run. Dunlop, A. U. C., and Harrison, O. U., were the only men finally concerned in the long distance events. Dunlop won the Mile in fine style, but Harrison's sturdy physique enabled him to turn the tables in the 3 Mile. H. T. Thompson, upon whom we had relied for points in the long distance runs, was unfortunately too unwell to compete, and the misfortune fell upon the College as well as upon him. Goodbehere easily held all the other sprinters from gun-fire to tape, and won the Ladies' cup for the competitor scoring most points. The Trevor Hull Memorial shield, presented by Mr. Francis Hull, to be held every year by the winner of the High Jump, was won by Brookfield of Auckland with a leap of 5′ 4½″. It was rumoured that he intended making an attempt on Cook's record of 5′ 6¼″, but the fact that he was to run in the next race probably accounted for his failure to do so. De la Mare's extensive local knowledge, which invariably enables him to pick a winning partner in the Needle race on Wellington, availed him nought in Auckland, Beere and Miss Grace being the lucky pair. In the last lap of the Relay Race, Ryder, C. C. led till within 50 yards of the taps. When Goodbehere cut him down and landed the cup by 4 yards. Duncan made a fine run in run race, and gives promise of being a worthy representative of the College at future Tournaments.

The Official Results are given on page 25.

Ladies' Hockey Match.

"Fair maid, is't thou wilt do these wondrous feats?"

— Henry VI.

During the luncheon adjournment the ladies' hockey match between Auckland and Victoria College took place. Two of our page 20 crack backs were forbidden to enter the arena, on account of tennis finals on the morrow, but Otago ably supplied the deficiency. Much good work was applauded by a large and somewhat partisan crowd of spectators. A very even go resulted in a win for Victoria College by 3 goals to 2, scored by Misses Johnson, McIntosh and Scott, Miss W. F. Scott scoring twice for Auckland. Miss McKellar's defence was very sound, and the whole forward line keen and vigorous. The victory was undoubtedly due to better combined play in this division than was shown by Auckland—individually there was little to choose. Beere made an efficient referee and did not hinder the game more than was absolutely necessary. In fact, his equitable distribution of free hits and corners was a revelation in the art of successfully controlling a ladies' match—experience will tell.

Debating Contest.

"Speck sweetly, man, although thy looks be sour."

—Richard II

"Give every man thine ear but few thy voice."

—Hamlet.

For the second time the Joynt Debating Scroll has come to Victoria College, and she should be all the more proud of the honour because it has been won by two speakers different from those who represented her last year.

Professor Jarman opened the proceedings by firmly deprecating any pretensions to the facial beauty ascribed to him by an Otago wag, and briefly outlined the programme. The debate was upon the motion "That the growing activity of Eastern nations constitutes a serious menace to Western civilization." In the absence of the usual written notes of the Judges, we deem it proper to attempt for the information of our readers a criticism of the debate as it appeared to us.

Lomas opened for Otago in support of the motion, but did not appear to have taken full advantage of the fact his was an opening speech. His remarks did not form a connected chain of argument, but seemed to be each directed towards the motion from a different standpoint, thought each was well aimed page 21 and took due effect. His enunciation lacked that judicious placing of emphasis which makes the task of the listener an easy one.

O'Leary, who opened or Victoria College, was in his best form, and showed not only the oratorical power which obtained for him the Plunket Medal, but also an excellent reasoning faculty. He dealt with the matter from the standpoints of the military danger, the commercial competition, and the social menace. When he resumed his seat the prospects for Victoria College looked very hopeful.

Shaw, of Otago, made a favourable impression with his prepared matter, but shewed a tendency, as soon as he left the beaten track, to direct his arguments rather towards his opponents than towards the motion. His style was too heavy to be attractive to his audience.

Murphy then replied for Victoria College. He was as keen and incisive as ever, and gave an excellent display of the process of tearing his opponents' arguments to pieces. His speech was probably the most telling of the evening, and he did not materially damage his case by his candid admission he did not of Mr. Shaw's contention that "East is East, and West is West."

The same question was then debated by Canterbury and Auckland. Monro made a good speech, and we think gained a great by the moderation which he displayed, both in admitting the force of the opposite view, and in not overestimation that of his own. But unfortunately for himself he happened to make use of Kipling's already familiar aphorism, an old friend which, to Monro's apparent perplexity, was vigorously applauded.

Hampson, of Auckland, and unfortunately not well heard at the back of the hall. His speech was attractive and seemed to be methodically arranged, his division of the subject being similar to O'Leary's.

Shanahan, who seconded for Canterbury, was also not well heard. He was too slow and hesitant to attract the interest of his audience, and his difficulties with the word menace must have greatly embarrassed him.

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Moore, the last speaker, had the hardest task of all. He had a tired audience, which had heard most of the possible arguments on the subject, and though he made a speech of which sound argument and clear arrangement were the leading features, he was very little appreciated.

The judges retired to consider their verdict. On their judges retired to consider their verdict. On their return it was announced that they had placed Victoria College first and Auckland University College second, but they declined to yield to the importunities of a large majority of the audience, which vehemently demanded some comment on the debate.

Various impromptu items were rendered by the audience during the retirement of the judges.

Men's Hockey Match.

"Let's set our men in order, and issue forth
And bid them battle straight."

—Henry VI.

This gallant struggle was to have taken place at 2.30 p. m. in a field adjoining tennis courts. By that hour the "green" stalwards were ready and displaying their agility in every direction. Some even did their futile best to move ball about on the "field," but it had so obviously been set aside for hay, and showed such promise of a good yield withal, that those whose agricultural instincts were not totally merged in the excitement o the moment respected the owner's evident intentions, and the sanctity of his property, by refraining from trespass. About 3.30 p. m. some of the Auckland appeared, by 4 p. m. Beere and their skipper had arranged for the game to proceed on an adjacent cricket ground, and by 4.30 p. m. posts were erected and the ground marked out sufficiently to make a start—in fact quite an air of bustle pervaded the whole proceedings. Victoria College ranks included several "patriarchs" some of whom are rumoured to have stripped for the last time. If this be so, then it was fitting that after so many stricken fields their hockey careers should at least be ended with success.

The game itself was not a high-class exhibition, as was only to be expected in a first match of the season. During the first spell the green forwards maintained a vigorous bombardment of the Auckland goal, but only two of the many artillerists page 23 found the posts—de la Mare and Prouse. Auckland opened the second spell with a score, Webster being the recording angel, but thereafter a general tired feeling began to creep over the game, relieved towards whistle by Dixon, who "bashed" our third goal through the posts with great accuracy and manifest enthusiasm. Tinley and Speight were probably the best of our opponents, while of our own men the ubiquitous Frog was—just ubiquitous, and gave a fine all-round exhibition of center-half-full-back-forward play.

The University Ball.

"God match me with a good dancer."

Much Ado About Nothing.

This last, but let no man say least, of the many delightful functions arranged by our Auckland hosts took place on Tuesday evening in the Royal Albert Hall. No thought of finals on the morrow disturbed calm enjoyment of the passing hour; the troubles of Victoria and vanquished alike were forgotton when the band swung merrily into the first waltz. Music, floor, and decoration were alike prefect, but their magnificence paled as the waning moon at sunrise beside the brilliance of the dresses and the fair wearers thereof—particularly the latter. Numerous quiet nooks, very thoughtfully arranged by the Decorating Committee, were in great demand during the evening—in fact the aptitude shown by the Southern visitors in adapting themselves to strange surroundings was quiet remarkable. Gaily the happy moments sped with twinkling feet, and all too soon the last strains of the music died slowly away, as though reluctant to mark the close of so festive and brilliant an occasion.

The Return Journey.

"Away, away, once more, sweet lords, farewell."

—Henry VI.

3 p. m. Wednesday was the hour of departure from Onehunga—a sad occasion. Our hosts and hostesses were on the wharf in flattering numbers, and certainly there was noise and seeming merriment enough: but underlying the quips and laughter ran a very definite feeling of regret that the fun was over s far as Auckland was concerned. It is wonderful what strong friendships can be struck-up in five days, especially when page 24 one's heart is in the work. Otago covered themselves with satisfaction and soot by climbing the shrouds to deliver their farewell orations; Cheers, college songs, war-cries, and individual spasms of wit fairly rent he air as the Rotoiti slowly backed away, while the white cambric which fluttered from every coign of vantage would have sufficed to sail a ship. The trip to New Plymouth was excellent, an impromptu concert pleasantly passing the waking hours. Train journey down was considerably enlivened at Palmerston North by the firm determination of two Canterbury men not to be left behind. Sprinting gamely down the platform they threaded their way through the crowd in true "All-Black" style, and cleverly eluding the offensive embraces of two porters, who went "high" as usual, in the best V. C. tackling style, gained the train. A full muster enjoyed a short concert during the run from Porirua, "Auld Lang Syne" concluding as the lights of Wellington hove in sight. The Southerners were driven to the wharf and farewelled on hearty style—fine fellows and true sports every man, who will strenuously endeavour to recover in Dunedin some of the trophies lost in Auckland. If their efforts are crowned with success may we lose with as good grace as they have shown, but in the meantime, O men of Victoria College, see to it that your armour is kept bright, and your sword keen, against the fray.

"The Manager."

To our well-tried manager's able and energetic performance of his duties both representatives and "barrackers" of all the Southern centers owe much of the comfort and pleasure enjoyed on the trip.

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Table of results