Free Discussions Club

The meetings of this Club have been very satisfactory from the point of view of attendance, but still there are a great many who have not even the courage of the opinions of others. Anyone at a discussion is entitled to air his or her views after the subject is introduced, and it seems a great pity that this opportunity is not made more use of than it is. After all, silence is not always a symbol of profound thought.

The subject of the discussion, "Militarism and Citizenship," dealing with the proposed new military regulations, was introduced by Professor Hunter on July 18th.

In opening, the Professor said that the point of view was mainly one of citizenship and education. Education is the great vital point in society, and history shows how various factions have striven to gain control of the educational system. The Church was the great dominant factor in the past, exercising great influence in the schools. The influence of the school on the child practically determines that child's citizenship in future years. In Prussia the schools have been under the influence of the military party, and our own danger in this direction at the present time is great. The function of the school is to train children to think for themselves on all great questions, not to give them set views on these questions. Each faction is sure it has the Gospel. The idea of education ought to be to free the mind from all factions and to give the individual the character to decide matters for himself, and to follow out the decisions he comes to. the speaker pointed out he was not a pacifist; he believed every nation has the right to defend itself. What he found fault with was the methods employed and proposed to be employed.

The type of training for one was certainly not always suitable to another. Let each keep to his own business. Let the educational section stick to education; the military section to defence.

The claim of the Defence Department was that its training was for citizenship first. No organisation yet had been ostensibly formed for attack, remarked the speaker. They have all been avowedly for defence.

The speaker then examined the new Syllabus in detail, and brought out many grave defects in it. He questioned the competence and fitness of persons who would be giving the instruction. In fact, it would be impossible for anyone to take such a wide range of subjects as were laid down for instructors to deal with. The trouble seemed to be that the Defence Department had wholly misjudged the psychology of youth. As far as the tests of physical fitness, etc., went, the money could be far better spent through educational channels, the results would be far more satisfactory, and the cost very considerably less. The speaker concluded by referring to the four months' training in camp, and the whole moral tone of militarism.

An interesting discussion followed, mainly hinging upon patriotism and citizenship and social distinctions in the Army and civil life.

A goodly assemblage went its way to the Gymnasium on August. 1st to hear Messrs. Leicester and Pope discourse upon the subject of "Morality in Life and Art." Doubtless Mr. Low's design in the hall had something to do with it. The discussion was opened by Mr. W. E. Leicester in his usual fluent and epigrammatic style. He traced the relationship of a national art and a national morality, and showed how the greatest geniuses had always been secure in their own judgment, and refused to conform to the opinions of the masses. The artist was individual and unique, and we could not expect him to bow to our edicts. Constituted as he was, gifted with the power of creation, our mere receptive intelligences had no right to lay down laws for his guidance. The highest art was always above morality. Morality was but a passing phase; art was eternal.

Mr. C. Quentin Pope, who followed, restricted his remarks to the general philosophical outlook, and the duties of the ethical philosopher. From Plato we had witnessed an ancient quarrel between Philosophy and Poetry, but it was questionable whether when philosophers opposed art they were on the right road. We had heard much of the "artistic temperament," which is a pleasant myth. Men of genius were not radically different from other men. There was little empirical evidence for this page 37 assumption. The duty of the moralist was a scientific one. He must no more desire to amend popular morals than a metaphysician to reform reality. General maxims and abstract principles must be distrusted. We should not seek a series of precepts but a ruling spirit.

The discussion which followed centred mainly round the art of different periods in relation to the morality of the period and our own. The various merits and claims of different arts were also discussed.

A small but select gathering assembled at the Gymnasium to hear Miss Iris Woodhouse, M. A., speak upon the subject, "Does the University Produce Citizens." Miss Woodhouse stressed the danger of the mob element in society, and showed the increasing tendency to mob rule. The herd element was never stronger than to-day, said Miss Woodhouse, and she gave many examples of the disasters which had attended it in the past. What was wanted was an increasing number of trained minds to stand out against the decision of the majority. Only by this being done, and done quickly, could we hope for a satisfactory solution of the present crises. These men must be looked for from the Universities where breadth of view and aspirations after truth were fostered. But unfortunately the laissez-faire attitude of many of these men was very marked. They were often uncertain regarding the truth or too much occupied in pursuit of a profession. The discussion did not appear to reveal the position as a hopeful one. Lack of time was a serious handicap. University men should be encouraged to enter public life; but were the people ready to follow men whose reasoning they did not appreciate? Generally the matter was on the knees of the gods.

The Club is indebted to Mr. McEldowney for giving a paper on "The Inter-relation of the Anglo-Saxon Peoples," and appreciates the time given by a graduate to one of the institutions of his College. Mr. McEldowney said that the multiplication of Anglo-Saxon communities might be described as an enlargement of the home of the Anglo-Saxon race. In the evolution of these communities we could see first of all a tendency to disperse. This was discussed particularly with reference to the United States. The next feature was a tendency to separate, seen clearly in the attempt to dismember the United States, and in the attitude of British radicals towards the colonies, as well as in inter-colonial frictions. But fortunately, under pressure of common interests., there was apparent the triumph of Federation in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa; and the growth of Imperial Conferences, and the increasing friendship between Great Britain and the United States. The danger of considering a mere permissive union based on good feeling as sufficient was shown; true union must be constitutional and on a federal plan. A system of federation which could include Canada, South Africa, Australasia, and the United Kingdom must be assimilable to the constitution of the United States. Cecil Rhodes held that the sacrifice of the monarchy would be a small price to pay for the re-union of our race, and to those who urged that such a union was undesirable owing to the foreign element in the United States, it was shown that such an argument would still more effectively preclude the inclusion of Canada and South Africa in an organised British Empire.

Christian Union

Students' Association

Since last issue of "The Spike," Students' Association activities have proceeded much as usual.

During the term several social teas have been held, including two in the short vacation. All have proved a success and have played their part in the social side of College life.

On the Monday of the Peace Celebrations a Peace Dance was held in the College Gymnasium, and proved a great success. Now that the Association has decorative material of its own, something really artistic in the way of decorations can be undertaken. It is to be hoped the dingy flags that once made an apology for decorations are now a thing of the past. An innovation has been introduced, in that a resume of the business of each Executive Meeting is posted up in the College Hall after the meeting. This ensures every student knowing exactly what activities are going on, and gives students an opportunity to air their views to members of the Executive. Thus it is hoped greater co-operation and closer contact will be brought about between the Executive and the students.

The Council has been approached on the matter of allowing the Association to hold working bees for planting ivy, or some other suitable creeper, for the purpose of beautifying the College building. It is probable that a start will soon be made in this direction.

A definite step has been taken with regard to a Residential College. The Association approached the Council, Professorial Board, and Graduates' Association, with the result that two representatives were appointed from each of these bodies. The idea is to have the land to the south of the College, and at present unused, levelled and laid out in playing fields, page 39 in addition to the building of residential quarters. We now await the report of an architect and a civil engineer on the possibility of the scheme.

The ways and means of obtaining a new piano have occupied the attention of the Executive for some time past, and arrangements have now been made for the production of three plays after the degree examinations. The producing is in the hands of Mr. Broad. Arrangements have also been made for holding a Flower Sale on September 3 for the same purpose. Also, the Students' Association is combining with the Glee Club in turning on a concert on the last night of the degree examinations.

A College Company has now been formed, which means that all students who are in the Territorials parade at the College. The advantages, of this arrangement are many, and the company is now in good working order and promises to be a success in every way.

As no nominations were forthcoming to the Professorial Board's request for applications for the Rhodes Scholarship, the Executive felt that it could not allow the College to be unrepresented. Thinking Mr. Wiren most eminently suitable in every way, it approached him and obtained his consent to allow himself to be nominated. All will wish Mr. Wiren success.

Up to date, one Special General Meeting of the Association has been held, viz., on 20th August. There were three motions dealt with:—

1.

Mr. Morice moved and Mr. Miller seconded: "That in view of the consummation of peace and the formation of a League of Nations, this meeting believes that the time has come for the diminution of international armaments, and the reduction of military training in all lands. We consider that the proposed extension of military training in New Zealand, involving a period of four months in a military training camp, will prove detrimental to the highest interests of the community. We consider that as far as possible the physical and military training of the youth of the country should be carried on under conditions which will make as little break as possible in home life. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Prime Minister."

After several amendments the motion was finally lost.

2.	Mr. Wiren moved, Mr. Mansfield seconded, a motion for the centralising of all the College Clubs.

It was resolved to refer the scheme to a committee consisting of one representative from each College Club, together with the mover and seconder, the scheme thus discussed and approved of to be submitted to a further General Meeting.

The Committee met and the scheme is now ready for presentation to the General Meeting. It is as follows:—

(1).

That the Professorial Board, in pursuance of its powers under Section 32 of the Victoria College Act, 1905, be requested to forward, with its own entire approval, the following recommendation to the College Council: "That there be established at Victoria University College a Consolidated Club Fund in lieu of the present system of club subscriptions."

And in the event of the above being carried, to move:

(2).	That this meeting recommends that the following be incorporated in the rules relating to any fund so established:

• Subscription—

  (a)	Subscription to be the sum of 10s. 6d.
  (b)	Such sum to be payable by all students attending lectures, and to be governed by the regulations affecting the payment of the College fees.
  (c)	The Registrar shall transmit such subscriptions to the Treasurer of the V.U.C.S.A.

Effect of subscription.—

(a)

Upon such payment students may on application and without payment of further subscription become members of each of the following clubs (hereinafter referred to as "Constituent Clubs"), provided they abide by the constitutions of such clubs: Students' Association. Athletic Club. Basketball Club. Boxing Club. Cricket Club. Football Club.page 40 Hockey Club (Men's or Women's). Tennis Club. Chess and Draughts Club. Christian Union. Debating Society. Free Discussions Club. Glee Club. Haeremai Club (or Women's Club).

(b)

No club shall levy any additional subscription, charge, or payment upon any student without the consent of the Executive.

It was finally resolved to drop the matter until matches had been played with other University Colleges.

During the term a Smoke Concert was tendered to Mr. Meldrum, last years' Rhodes Scholar, by members of the Association. Although the page 41 number present was not great, the proceedings were marked by much enthusiasm, and formed a fitting farewell to Mr. Meldrum, on his departure from amongst us to take up the Scholarship. Mr. Wiren presided, and spoke very highly of Mr. Meldrum's relations with the College. Mr. Meldrum was now about to leave our small College for one of the oldest and most famous Universities of the world, but he felt sure, whatever he might take up, or wherever he might be, Mr. Meldrum would always be a credit to Victoria.

Mr. Meldrum, in reply, thanked members for entertaining him, and asked us not to think little of Victoria because although we were only in a small way. It was the spirit of the students that made a University great, and that spirit Victoria undoubtedly possessed.

The concert terminated, after several toasts and musical items, with the repeated singing of "He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and much cheering.

Athletic Club

The 1918-19 season was by far the most successful that this club has experienced since the commencement of hostilities in August of 1914.

In the early part of the year the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club were communicated with for the purpose of endeavouring to revive amateur athletics in Wellington, and the result of the united efforts of the two clubs in this direction has indeed been very gratifying.

The season was opened on Wednesday, the 5th February, when an evening meeting was held, under the auspices of the Wellington Club. At this gathering a number of college runners participated, and it was clearly shown by the enthusiasm of the competitors and the large attendance of the public that the reappearance of the sport, which was one that had been dormant in this city for some three years, was welcomed in all quarters.

During the next week a meeting was conducted under the control of the College Club, and this also proved very successful.

The events were varied considerably, and like gatherings were conducted by the two Clubs alternately until near the middle of the following month.

The Wellington Club Officials invited the College Club to join with them in holding a big sports carnival on the Basin, consisting of nineteen events in all, six of which were to be Wellington Provincial Championships. The offer was gladly accepted, and March 15th was chosen as the day of the venture. Owing to unavoidable circumstances, the meeting had to be postponed for a week, but the following Saturday, the 22nd March, provided a most successful afternoon's sport. The attendance of the public was large, the fields exceptionally big, and all events were well contested.

At the evening meetings College men more than held their own with other competitors, and at the Carnieval of the 22nd March were successful in annexing three of the six Championship events.

We are indeed indebted to the officers of the Wellington Club, who, besides assisting us in the conduct of our evening meetings, bore the heat and burden of the day when the Championships were decided. The promptness with which everything was carried out went a long way towards the success of the afternoon.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the opportunities for track experience which were presented to and taken advantage of by the athletes of the college during the season accounted in no small measure for the noteworthy success achieved by the team at the Inter-University Easter Tournament.

Basket Ball Club

Much interest has been shown by the members of the Basket Ball Club during the term. The practices have been well attended and the teams have been extremely fortunate in having Miss Heath as coach. Three outside matches have been played, the one against Thorndon ended in a draw; the one against Girls' College, the Girls' College won, and Miss Baber's girls also won their match.

We hope to arrange to play basket ball matches against the other University Colleges at the time of the Easter Tournament.