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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, June 1928

Haeremai Club

page 58

Haeremai Club

The Haeremai Club, which was revived last year in consequence of a resolution passed at a meeting of men students convened by Mr. G. A. Nicholls, has been rapidly gaining the ground lost during the previous two years' when it had ceased to function in College activities. That its revival has been justified, is beyond question—the popularity of its smoke concerts, socials, "God's parties," the growing College spirit amongst the men students and the rejuvenation of that portion of the time-honoured capping celebrations, which is an essential part of any real Capping Day, all bear witness to this fact.

The Club was founded some ten years ago with the object of fostering a true interest amongst the men students in the various college activities. As the system of evening lectures did not furnish much opportunity to the men students of the different faculties of meeting one another, it was thought necessary that social evenings be held at which they could foregather and become acquainted with one another; at which the legal outlook on Varsity life and its requirements could be exchanged for the scientific outlook, and the views of the students of art could be placed before the students of commerce; at which the college songs could be learned, and at which, in general any matter affecting the college or appearing to the students to require attention, could be discussed.

These socials were held for a number of years with great success until a year or two ago. when the interest taken in college affairs by the men students was so small that the club was allowed to become defunct. It has now, however, retaken its place amongst the college clubs, and it is hoped that all men students will attend the functions held from time to time throughout the year, and bring forward any suggestions they may have for improving college life. The club is the men's own club and they should make it their official organ for effecting any change desired in the college.

Since Spike last went to press, several socials have been held, the large attendances at which testify to their popularity. A most successful smoke concert held in the R.S.A. rooms, after the Degree Examinations ended in November, formed a fitting finale to the year's swot. The usual toasts were honoured, and various items contributed during the evening.

At the request of the Students' Association executive, the Club assisted that body in the arrangements for the Freshers' Welcome Dance at the beginning of the first term. This, fortunately, proved a most profitable undertaking, the Club sharing in the nett proceeds.

Members of the club contributed towards the cost of V.U.C's mascot for the Easter Tournament. Poor 'Teddy's" mangled remains were left on the Basin Reserve on Easter Monday, as a result of an attack by some ill-mannered members of the visiting varsities.

However, a disciplinary expedition retaliated by reducing "Canty's Egg" to fragments, and by a fine concerted action, Otago's Kewpie was captured while in the act of being conveyed on to the boat for its return journey.

page 59

The haka has been developed into something that can be heard in any gathering, and was greatly in evidence during the Tournament.

Theatrical companies have on more than one occasion, received assistance by the club's attendance in the "family circle," but the management did not always grant the appreciation the club considered to be its due.

The activities of the club were evident in the resurrection of the traditional Capping Day. while as part of the celebrations themselves, a smoke concert in honour of the new Graduates of the year, was held in the R.S.A. Rooms on Saturday the 9th of June. Professor B. E. Murphy made an admirable chairman at this function, which was attended by some hundred students.

The customary toasts were honoured during the evening; musical and other items being interspersed. Officially the evening concluded with the singing of "God Save The King" at 10.30 p.m., although it is on record that various students were to be seen playing football in Lambton Quay at 2 a.m. the following morning.