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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1929

Haeremai Club

page 73

Haeremai Club.

The Haeremai Club, now greatly strengthened by its recent rejuvenation, has now become an active force in college affairs. On the social side of college activities it is now one of the few things that prevents V.U.C. from becoming a "glorified night school." The Club regrets that it is this year without the helpful aid and wise counsel of the previous chairman, Mr. G. A. Nicholls, and also that of its past secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. D. Goodwin. The thanks of the Club are due to these two members, who above all others reformed the Club in 1927 and carried it from the lean years towards those of prosperity and plenty.

The Club's activities are still limited to the form of socials and god's parties. It has. however, tried to teach the freshers some of the college songs, including several of the unofficial ones, and has tried to instill into the men students as a whole the: meaning of "college spirit." It has to the best of its ability attempted to control, if that is possible, the actions of the students as a body when outside the portals of the V.U.C. The Club, however, is handicapped by the fact that too few of the older students are prepared to do their bit by the Club and by those younger members of the student body. Up to the time of going to press the Club has either been responsible for or assisted in several functions.

The first of these was the usual saveloy evening for the purpose of teaching freshers and members of the tournament team the "haka" and Club songs. Owing, however, to the fact that we were only allowed one night in the gym. before Easter, the Club regrets that the results were not all that could be wished for. As far the social side of the evening was concerned, the saveloys all went, including the Committee's, and the unofficial opening of the hoary S.Y.C. was greatly appreciated.

The Club to a man turned out to farewell the Tournament Team on their tour to Christchurch, and, we understand, had some misunderstanding with the Harbour k Board officials even—shades of Jay Dee—to the extent of being the subject of letters to the paper. A visit to the "Country Girl" was enjoyed by some 70 Haeremaiites and the audience. For the first and perhaps the last time in history the usher did not speak to us harshly. Many thanks to the bald old gentleman in the dress circle who took our remarks so kindly.

The Club, with the exception of its members on the stage, patronised the "Extrav" on the last night. Such few remarks that were made would, we were told, have done the show a lot of good. Some 60 members after the show visited the Ritz, and there indulged in their usual practices, even forgetting to pay when they left—" Shame"— and think of the nasty letter John Rankine got about his hoodlums and the vulgar songs they sang.

The main items of the Club's activities are connected with Capping Week and are dealt with elsewhere. Suffice it to say that though we realise that the procession was not all it could have been, several factors were against it. We admire the nerve of two of our younger members in their "clock" episode.

As part of the celebrations on the Saturday of Capping Week, the Club tendered a congratulatory Smoke Concert to the graduates of the year. Professor B. E. Murphy presided over an attendance of about one hundred members. The customary toasts were honoured and many unofficial ones—not wisely but too well. Musical and other items were presented for the amusement of members. The show closed down at 10.30 p.m., but we are informed that some members were unfortunate enough not to get to bed until 2 a.m. through no fault of their own.

Up to the present the Club is fulfilling its parts in College life, and the members are looking forward to the socials and parties, mixed and otherwise, to come.