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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1921

Seventeenth Annual Inter-'Varsity Tournament, held at Christchurch, Easter, 1921

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Seventeenth Annual Inter-'Varsity Tournament, held at Christchurch, Easter, 1921.

"If all the year were playing holidays,
To sport would be as tedious as to work."

—Shakespeare.

The 17th Tournament, held at Christchurch, was favoured with glorious weather, and many of the events provided keen contests—chiefly the competition for the Athletic Shield, wherein Victoria got home by the narrowest margin possible. The honours were well divided, C.U.C. getting the Joynt Scroll, O.U. the Boxing Shield, A.U.C. the Tennis, and V.U.C. the Athletic Shield.

En Route.

Between 50 and 60 "Wikitorians"—representatives and barrackers—left by the s.s. Maori on Thursday night, for Christchurch. The lovely moonlight night kindly provided by Mr. Bates was duly appreciated, and the trip down was largely without incident.

The Auckland representatives were unfortunate in being unable to get down until the following night. On arrival at Lyttelton we were enthusiastically welcomed by Bob Comrie.

The Christchurch station provided no scenes of uproarious merriment. All parties seemed to be reserving their energies for the serious business ahead, even that grand old haka?? "Wikitoria" was given a morning off duty. However, we were quickly and expeditiously "sorted out" and despatched to the care of our respective hosts and hostesses, whose kind hospitality cannot be sufficiently praised.

An innovation that was much appreciated was the club at the "Starland." As stated in the programme, this club provided a lounge, reading-room, dancing, gramophones, piano, and "information on any subject at all;"—brainy youths in this City of the Plain.

Reception.

On Saturday morning, at the tennis courts, Hagley Park, Professor Shand, "in the absence of a far greater," welcomed the visiting students.

The Debate.

The annual debating contest for the Joynt Scroll was held in the Choral Hall, on Saturday, March 26th.

The authorities had provided a formidable board of judges—Rev. J. Paterson, and Messrs. E. J. Howard, M.P., and M. L. Reading—who had chosen an equally formidable subject for debate in the question. "Will the Principle of Nationalism Continue to Mould World Politics?" Canterbury College had filled the chair with their latest professorial acquisition, Professor J. Shelley. The four colleges had sent forward their picked men, well versed in the intricacies of world politics; and altogether, on paper, there appeared all the requirements of a keen contest.

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But another element had to be reckoned with—the noisy element,—and at 7.45 they arrived in force. Unfortunately, the general public had not gathered in great numbers, and the student public, both local and visiting, had also declined to overcrowd the hall. Counter-attractions at Starland Club and at the boxing championships were no doubt responsible for the small student attendance, but it is to be regretted that a greater number of students did not by their presence indicate that they still regard the debate as an essential part of the tournament. In a half-filled hall, the disturbing element were able to make their presence felt far more effectively than they could have done in a crowded audience. The result was that the contest was very seriously interfered with on several occasions, and throughout was marred by a succession of noises too varied to enumerate. We are inclined to think "The Press" over-charitable towards the interrupters when it states that "Their banter was wholly good-natured, at times witty, and never 'over the odds.'" We prefer the candour of "The Sun," which holds that "As a college free-and-easy, the contest was a success; but as a serious debating function it was decidedly not so. Crowds of undergraduates, with their usual exuberance of spirit, rent the night with weird instrumental music and snatches of weirder song. The speakers gallantly plodded on, and during the rare lulls one could catch an occasional high-sounding phrase or so, which, torn from its context, merely served as a fresh butt for the undergraduates' raillery."

A visitor thus describes his impression: "......I thought that as this was a contest to determine the best team, the speakers would get a moderately fair hearing. But this only goes to show how crude and undeveloped my idea of sport is. Some minutes passed, and then I 'cottoned' on to the "big idea.' The audience were there to hinder the speakers. The thing developed into a verbal catch-as-catch-can, and it was refreshing to see an occasional new joke lever its way through the clamouring legions of the veterans."

The contest was opened by a debate, in which Canterbury took the affirmative against Otago. K. G. Archer opened for Canterbury. His speech was greatly broken by interruptions, including the parade of a jazz band; but he traced clearly the development of nationalism, and showed its present influence as a factor in world politics. W. P. Morrell, who led for Otago, showed considerable improvement on previous years. His matter was good. He grappled with the argument of the mover and proceeded to refer to the growth of international feeling and its embodiment in institutions of an international character. A. K. North, who followed, made what was undoubtedly the finest speech of the evening. His reply to Morrell was effective, and his elaborations of the portion of their case left to him by Archer was equally telling; while in general delivery and in the power to hold his audience, he outdistanced all the other speakers. W. M. Ryburn, in reply, made a good debating speech. He managed, without great effort, to hold the attention of the audience, and spoke fluently and with conviction. He traced the growth of other factors in world politics which had tended to lessen the influence of nationalism.

The second debate—between Auckland and Victoria-was opened by A. G. Davis, A.U.C., who sailed confidently ahead in page 14 spite of interruptions. He outlined the history of nationalism and indicated the forces which were operating to prevent the consummation of internationalism. G. O. Cooper, in opening the case for the negative, made a good fighting speech, which won for him the special mention of the judges. If he made any mistake it was in attempting to he on too good terms with his audience. He maintained that internationalism was ousting nationalism from its former position of dominance in world politics. O. E. Burton, in seconding Davis, made a strong case for the view that nationalism is not a dying principle, and ended with an examination of the strength of national feeling among our own people. His speech, however, was marred by interruptions. Though he might have been at home among appropriate interjections, or even in face of hostility, he was obviously quite unprepared for the kind of obstruction he was in reality called upon to face. S. A. Wiren had the unenviable task of making the final speech of the evening. The audience was still on the attack, but Wiren made one very effective reply, and was thus the only speaker to score one off the obstructionists. His reply to Burton was good, and he dealt effectively with the portion of the subject which had been left in his charge. His speech, however, lacked the vigour which was required to make an effective ending to a debate which had been somewhat lacking in that essential.

The verdict of the judges was C.U.C. first, O.U. second, V.U.C. third, and A.U.C. fourth—a judgment which met with very general approval.

Athletics.

V.U.C. Representatives.

100 yards: L. A. Tracy, H. Whitehead.

220 yards: L. A. Tracy, H. Whitehead.

440 yards: L. A. Tracy, R. C. Christie.

880 yards: G. H. Seddon, C. B. Thomas.

One mile: G. H. Seddon, K. M. Griffin.

Three miles: K. M. Griffin, H. McCormick.

One mile walk: L. Grant.

120 yards hurdles: A. Jackson, N. M. Thompson.

440 yards hurdles: A. Jackson, G. G. Aitken.

Long jump: A. Jackson, W. T. Longhurst.

High jump: B. Dickson, W. T. Longhurst.

Putting the 16 lb shot: D. R. Wood, W. T. Longhurst.

Throwing 16 lb hammer: R. Gapes, M. L. Smith.

Relay team: B. C. B. Dickson, C. B. Thomas, G. H. Seddon, and R. C. Christie.

The athletic meeting was held at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. The track was in excellent condition, being very fast; but, unfortunately, the ground is so laid out as to render it impossible to have a long "straight," all the running being done on the curve. Consequently, times that were excellent might have been bettered. The weather was ideal for running, and notwithstanding the counter-attraction of "the races," there was a large attendance of the public.

The standard shown in all events was very high, as may be gathered from the fact that no fewer than three records were broken. L. A. Tracy, our sprinter, put up a brilliant performance, page 15 which has never been bettered, and probably never equalled, in the history of the tournament. Commencing by winning the 220 yards championship and breaking by 3-5ths of a second the New Zealand University record, held jointly by himself and that great sprinter R. Opie, he followed up by winning the 100 yards in the excellent time of 10 1-5 sec. Later in the day he surprised even his most ardent supporters by doing the "hat trick," and completing his display of sprinting by annexing the 440 yards championship in the further good time of 52 sec. This day's performance conclusively proves that Tracy has now come into the very forefront of amateur athletics in the Dominion, and could he have competed in the New Zealand championships at Auckland would have come very close to annexing one or more of the championship events. This man is not at the top of his form yet, and it is anticipated that he will do even better next season.

A further competitor to put up a noteworthy performance was another V.U.C. representative, A. Jackson. In the long jump he was beaten for first place by the very narrow margin of 1 inch. In the early part of the afternoon he won the 120 yards hurdles in what seemed to be very fast time. It is most regrettable that, owing to some mistake on the part of the timekeepers, no time was taken. In the last race of the day, Jackson and Aitken, as in the last two tournaments, were again faced with the difficult task of obtaining both first and second place between them, to place V.U.C. one point in the lead. Unfortunately, Aitken became entangled in a falling hurdle early in the race, and had to retire; but Jackson, running strongly, won in the excellent time of 60 1-5 sec., which time is the best Australasian time so far put up over the newly-adopted three-foot hurdles.

As in the last two years, V.U.C. ran neck and neck with Otago for the shield, but in this instance Auckland, running up very close, were only one point behind V.U.C. and Otago, who at the end of the day finished up with 13 points each. As we were the holders of the shield, it was ruled that we did not share the honours with Otago for the year, but that, as in other shield competitions, the holders must be beaten before losing their claim to the coveted honour. Consequently, for the third year in succession, V.U.C. has its name engraved on the silver plate, and is to be congratulated on doing the "hat trick"—a feat which has been equalled only once before, in 1902-3-4, when C.U.C. were victorious on the three occasions.

In the distance events, R. M. Webber (Auckland) won the one mile and three miles in masterly style. K. Griffin (V.C.) and H. McCormick (V.C.) were second to Webber in these races, respectively. Griffin, in the mile, put in one of his sensational sprints, but could not beat Webber, who is one of the most promising long-distance runners in New Zealand.

In the half-mile, Grierson (Auckland), after a great race in which Olphert and Lockwood challenged him every inch of the way, struggled past the post a winner by three yards in the record time of 2 min. 3 sec.

The Otago representatives, as usual, annexed the hammer-throw and shot-put. Bennett's "put" of 35 ft. 6 in. was a very fine effort. Whyte, who won the mile walk for Otago, is an excellent type of walker with an unquestionable style. His performance on the day was not up to the standard of which he is capable. With a "day page 16 on" he will do very much better time, and should be heard more of in the future.

Of our representatives one is worthy of mention, although he did not obtain any points for us, and should be a very able runner next tournament. That man is Whitehead. Whitehead was only beaten by a few inches in the 220 yards by Perry, of Auckland, and must have been running very near record time himself.

To Canterbury College came the honour of "the wooden spoon" once more. At the same time they also have the honour of winning the shield for us. In the last race of the day, in which Jackson put up his fine performance, had an Otago representative gained even a second place the shield would have gone to Dunedin. An Otago man led for second place right up to the "run home," but Malfroy, of C.U.O., hurdling in great style, passed the Otago man and came in second, thus winning for the maroons their only point of the day.

The "Wikitorias,' as may be imagined, cheered themselves hoarse "barracking" for Malfroy.

Thus another memorable contest ended. The day concluded with the relay race and tug-o'-war, and last, but not least, a "free fight," in which everyone but the Dunedinites were overjoyed it the destruction of a "kewpie," which was torn limb from limb.

Next tournament will be held in Auckland, and unless V.U.C. obtains some "new blood," the chances are that the shield will go north.

The burden of winning 11 points out of 13 should not be left to Tracy and Jackson. There are athletes in the College, and we must have them on the track. Do not think, because you cannot beat Tracy or Jackson now, that you never will. It has taken three years' hard training for both to reach their present standard. The moral is: train hard and consistently, and gain all the track experience possible by competing in all the local sports meetings.

The Tennis Tournament.

The Tennis Championships, which were played on the Canterbury College courts, provided an interesting series of contests. On the whole the standard of tennis was not so high as in past years, but one can derive a certain amount of comfort from the realisation that we cannot always have the play up to provincial championship standard. Victorians went south without feeling unduly hopeful, and were not surprised by the performances of their team.

On the men's side, Otago secured the championship singles in the person of A. W. Sims, a young player with a style of his own. who has already represented the Dominion against the New South Wales team. His performances in Auckland left no doubts as to his ability to gain the title, and he disposed of Byrne in the first round without even exerting himself. Our other representative, M. C. Gibb, managed to lose to Lusk, of Otago, after having the match apparently all his own way; and Sims fought out the final with Johns, of Auckland—a player of greater steadiness and an occasional hard-hitter, but lacking the brains of the Otago man, who gained the decision in two sets (7—5; 10—8).

In the men's doubles we had little better luck, Broad and Byrne going down before the first Otago pair in the first round, and Gibb

page break
Barlett, Photo

Barlett, Photo

Tournament Representatives

For Names see page 19

page 17

and Stainton, after winning an apparently lost match in a highly-creditable style from the second Otago team (Lusk and Slater), going out to Grant and Johns, of Auckland, 6—2; 6—2.

That there was little disgrace in this was seen when the victors over our teams fought out the final, which was won by Auckland. 6—3, 6—4—a surprise victory which resulted from Nash, of Otago, crumpling up under the nervous strain. Sims played a magnificent game, but could not pull the match from the fire.

The less said about the combineds the better. Worker and Willcox, of Canterbury, found little difficulty in putting out Gibb and Miss Waldie, and in beating Haigh and Miss Martin, Johns and Miss Knight, the championship winners, found less. The Auckland pair beat Canterbury in the final, in a most disappointing game. 6—3, 6—4.

With the ladies things were more hopeful. Misses Sievwright and Waldie won their matches in the first round, though Miss Fenton lost to Miss Valentine, who beat Miss Sievwright in the second round. Miss Waldie's staying power carried her to the semi-final, where Miss Knight defeated her after a game fight, 9—4. The Auckland girl had little trouble in disposing of Miss Archenhold in the final, emerging as champion by the margin of 9—2.

In the ladies' doubles, we may claim fairly to have had bad luck, Misses Martin and Myers losing to D. Archenhold and G. Willcox. this and last year's champions, after having a substantial lead, and Misses Waldie and Sievwright, in the third round, dropping an apparently certain victory to Misses Valentine and Smith when seemingly all was over bar shouting.

These two pairs, both of Canterbury, fought out an uninteresting finish, the laurels going to Misses Archenhold and Willcox.

This meant that Auckland holds the Championship Cup for another year, and that if Victoria is to see the Cup in the distance (which has not been for the past fourteen years), the tennis club must get some new blood and prove that it is alive and kicking.

The Boxing Tournament.

The boxing contests for the Easter Tournament were held in King Edward Barracks on the morning and evening of Easter Saturday. Our team did not meet with the success that was expected. It included two of last year's champions, and at least one other member who was considered "a moral;" but only one, J. D. Hutchinson, boxed up to expectations. However, the boxing was good, and of a higher standard than that of the previous tournament. Otago cleaned the board with the exception of the middle-weight, which was won by the College representative. Mr. T. W. Robson acted as referee.

Feather-Weights.

Jeune (C.U.C.), 8 st. 12 lb v. Meltzer (V.U.C.), 8 st. 6 lb.

The first bout of the feather-weight class was between Jeune and Meltzer. In the first round Meltzer showed an inclination to smother up and then wade into his man. Jeune boxed more cautiously than Meltzer, but both missed chances. At the close of the third round Meltzer tired considerably, and Jeune obtained the decision.

Kennedy (O.U.), 8 st. 10 lb, drew a bye, but to even matters up fought three rounds with a local man.

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Kennedy (O.U.), 8 st. 10 lb, v. Jeune (C.U.C.), 8 st. 12 lb.

In the final Jeune fought better than he did against Meltzer, and kept Kennedy moving the whole time. Jeune did most of the offensive work, but did not seem to have condition to enable him to follow up his advantage. Kennedy won.

Light-Weights.

Farquharson (C.U.C.), 9 st. 5 lb, v. Forsyth (A.U.C.).

Farquharson beat Forsyth in the-first bout of the light-weights. Farquharson is a good man, his defence being particularly clever. Towards the close of the last round Forsyth was groggy, and had little fight in him.

Smith (O.U.), 9 st. 10 lb, v. Lewis (V.U.C.), 9 st. 10 lb.

Lewis fought well against Smith, who is an older and more experienced hand at the game. In the first two rounds there were some good sallies started by Lewis, but Smith used both hands freely when at close quarters and punished Lewis pretty severely. The third round saw Lewis as game as ever. He opened up with a brisk rally, using his right effectively on Smith's body, but Smith replied with lefts to the jaw and right jolts to the ribs. It was a good fight, Smith being declared the winner.

Smith (O.U.), 9 st. 10 lb, v. Farquharson (C.U.C.), 9 st. 5 lb.

Farquharson put up a good fight, but Smith has at present too much skill for him. The footwork of both boxers was good, but of the pair the Canterbury man seemed the quicker. The win went to Smith.

Welter-Weights.

Conningham (V.U.C.), 10 st. 5 lb, v. Cooke (A.U.C.), 10 st. 5 lb.

This bout was fought in the morning. It was unfortunate for Cooke that he had to fight after coming off the boat, but it was unavoidable. Conningham fought disappointingly. Cooke had plenty of dash, but the Wellington man had no difficulty in getting out of his way and getting good, telling blows in. Towards the close of the last, round Cooke was very tired, but Conningham livened up considerably. Conningham was declared the winner.

Church (O.U.), 10 st. 5 lb, v. Conningham (V.U.C.), 10 st. 5 lb.

This fight proved a good, open "go."both contestants giving a good exhibition of boxing. Church has more experience than Conningham, and showed up very well in the in-fighting. Conning-ham's footwork was good. During the second round Conningham landed a beautiful backhand to Church's face, which caused Church to "do a big think;" but Conningham didn't follow up his advantage, and before the close of the round Church had covered up matters. Church was given the decision.

Middle-Weights.

Hutchinson (V.U.C.), 10 st. 12 lb, v. Lawther (C.U.C.), 10 st. 9 lb.

The first round opened quietly, but Hutchinson took the offensive and right-hooked Lawther's jaw. In the second round, Lawther took the offensive, and there was some good slamming. Both fighters realised the value of body punches, and used both hands to some purpose. Hutchinson seemed to be resting a hit in this round. The third round proved interesting. Both fought well and there was plenty of excitement. Hutchinson forged ahead, gaining points for right hooks to the jaw; but the judge ordered another round. The fourth round proved too much for Lawther, and the decision went to Hutchinson.

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Hutchinson (V.U.C.), 10 st. 12 lb, v. Tanner (O.U.), 10 st. 10 lb.

This proved the most interesting fight in the tournament. In the first round Hutchinson made the pace. Hutchinson has a habit, of feinting with his left, and slamming his right to the jaw, which invariably reaches its objective. Tanner seemed to be unable to keep out of the way of Hutchinson, whose timing and judgment of distance were excellent. The second round saw Tanner adopting the offensive, and he showed up to greater advantage. Two snappy hooks to the jaw—a right and a left—sent Hutchinson to the boards. At nine Hutchinson sprang to his feet and watched Tanner closely, who tried hard to break through Hutchinson's guard and deliver a knock-out. The third round was most exciting. Hutchinson stepped out of his corner as fresh as when he first entered the ring. Tanner adopted dodging tactics, but Hutchinson proved too quick, and blows to the face and body with both hands told on Tanner. In a clinch Hutchinson drove a terrific left to Tanner's stomach, which nearly finished the fight. From now out the Otago man was visibly weakening, and stood up gamely to the onslaughts of the Wellingtonian. Hutchinson piled up points freely, and was given the verdict.

Heavy-Weights.

McKegg (O.U.), 11 st. 6 lb, v. McRae (V.U.C.). 11 st. 10 lb.

This fight proved interesting enough, though both boxers showed an inclination to punch for the face and neglect the body altogether. McKegg left his body open on many occasions, but McRae was slow to see his advantage. McRae opened the fighting with a straight left to McKegg's face. Clinches followed, which, as the fight went on, became more akin to wrestling than boxing. A fourth round was ordered. McRae livened up considerably, but, apparently, the judge considered his tactics wild, and gave the decision to McKegg.

The Ball.

"Away with melancholy, as the boy said when the school missus died."

—Dickens.

Enchanting music—it was "quite the best orchestra in N.Z.' (we were told so), a good floor, the lovely grounds of the Metropolitan Tea Kiosk, and the freedom from restraint felt by all except a few poor tennis reps., combined to make the ball an unqualified success. During the ball the various shields and cups were presented by Mrs. Blunt.

"Good-night! Good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow."—Shakespeare.

A lovely passage home on Tuesday night in the Waliine concluded a most successful tournament.

Our photo, includes the following representatives:—

Back row: A. D. McRae, X. A. Byrne, M. L. Smith, F. H. Haigh, H. G. Whitehead Miss E. Waldie. C. B. Thomas, G. G. Aitken, M. C. Gibb, L. Grant, H. McCormick, N. Thompson. Second row: R. C. Christie, R. Gapes, Miss I. Sievwright, E. Evans, G. H. Lusk, Miss E. Fenton. S. A. Wiren, A. Jackson, B. C. B. Dickson. Third row: K. M. Griffin, J Meltzer, N. G. Lewis, L. A. Tracy, G. O. Cooper, D. R. Wood, W. H. Stainton.

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Official Results-Easter Tournamemt.

ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS. Event. First (2 points). Second (1 point). Time or Distance. Record. Putting 16 lb. weight W. J. Bennett. O.U. G. R. Kingston, O.U. 35 ft. 6 ins. 37 ft. 34 ins. One Mile R. M. Webber, A.U.C. K. M. Griffin, V.U.C. 4 min. 40scc 4 min: 32 sec. 220 Yards L.A. Traev, V.U.C. W. J. Perry. A.U.C. 22 4—5 sec. 23 2—5 sec. Long Jump W.J. Perry, A.U.C. A. Jackson. V.U.C. 20 ft. 6 ins 22 ft. 8½ ins. 880 Yards M. Grierson, A.U.C. J. W. Olphert, A.U.C. 2 min. 3 sec. 2 min. 3 1—5 sec. Hammer Throwing J. Gray, O.U. W. J. Bennett, O.U. 98 ft. 5½ ins 131 ft. 8 ins. 100 Yards L. A. Tracy, V.U.C. W. J. Perry, A.U.C. 10 1—5 sec 10 sees. One Mile Walk. C. Whyte. O.U. A. R. McKegg, O.U. 7 min. 26 sec 7 min. 6 sec. High Jump G. G. Harkness. O.U. R. F. Allen, O.U. 5 ft. 4½ ins. 5 ft. 6¾ ins. 440 Yards L. A. Tracy, V.U.C. M. R. Grierson, A.U.C. 52 secs. 51 2—5 sec. 120 Yards Hurdles". A. Jackson, V.U.C. P. Treahy, O.U. No time taken 16 secs. Three Miles R. M. Webber, A.U.C. H.McCormick, V.U.C. 15 min. 59 sec 15 min. 24 sec 440 Yards Hurdles A. Jackson, V.U.C. J. Malfroy, C.U.C. 60 1—5 sec. 62 secs. Tug—of—war.—C.U.C. Tennis Championships. Boxing Championships. Relay Race.—C.U.C. Men's Singles.—A. W. Sims, O.U. Heavyweight. —A. R. McKegg, O.U. Middleweight,—J. D. Hutchison, V.U.C. Points scored: V.U.C., 13; O.U., 13; A.U.C., 12; C.U.C., 1. Men's Doubles. V. Johns and Grant. V.U.C. Welterweight.—J. Church, O.U. De la Mare Challenge Cup (one mile flat). R. M. Webber. Ladies' Singles. Miss B. Knight. A.U.C. Lightweight. O. H. B. Smith, O.U. Trevor Hull Memorial Shield (high jump).—G. G. Harkness. Ladies' Doubles.—Misses G. Willcox and D. Archenhold, C.U.C. Featherweight.—Kennedy, O.U. Athol Hudson Memorial Cup (three miles flat). —R. M. Webber. Debating Contest. Ladies' Cup (most points).—L. A. Tracy. Combined Doubles.—Miss B. Knight and V. Johns, A.U.C. Joynt Challenge Scroll.—K. G. Archer and A. North, C.U.C.