The Gun Club

By "Always a Magpie"

We are asked to deny a persistent rumour among gun-men that sundry detonations heard in the city on the 22nd of last month were caused by Mr. L. G. W—ll—ms enjoying a little preliminary practice Interviewed, Mr. W—ll—ms said, "No, I wasn't shooting on that day. The rumour is not only false but slanderous. Surely everyone is aware that I shoot only at proper targets." We withdrew ashamed. (Join the Rifle Club and see the point.)

Bring the girl friend to "Rope."

We met C. D. B—nks in the gym. the other evening looking rather glum. Despite applications of emery-powder, stove polish, chewing gum, aqua vitae, aqua fortis and elbow grease he complains that his barrel still shows three blemishes. With the season so close at hand, we can but extend our sincerest sympathies to you, Mr. B—nks in your sad predicament. Have you tried sand-blasting.

A. A. B. M—u—t is most enthusiastic. He is looking forward to a highly successful season. After much research he has succeeded in discovering a number of rounds guaranteed pre-Crimean. Mr. M—u—t is emphatic in his opinion that the club should revert to muzzle-loaders, but admits that possibly some difficulty might be experienced in securing them.

His friend Ethie agrees with him on the ground that muzzle-loaders are old, therefore more romantic, and would have greater appeal to the women students who, he fondly hopes, are going to join the club.

On being acquainted with Mr. M—u—t's suggestion, Mr. P. H. M—k—n told us that personally he finds the modern rifle good enough and deprecates any such move. But Mr. M—k—n must of course remember that a N.Z. Blue is expected to be able to shoot with anything. We think that possibly, applications, in quadruplicate signed by the Governor-General's wife, to the Dominion Museum might secure to suitable applicants a choice of weapons in that establishment.

In this connection, however, we hasten to advise members not to make rash changes. We feel that, seriously, it would for the good of the club if as many as possible could get hold of aperture sights. They might not necessarily increase our enjoyment of shotting but would certainly enable us to enter more competitions. It is obvious that the ordinary matches (including the Imperial Universities' Match) are a little beyond open-sight shooting, however good it may be. I am informed that there are heaps of perfectly sound sights to be had from the more experienced shots in other clubs. Beg, borrow or steal them, or lure, lucre is our advice.

It is strongly rumoured that there will be at least one trophy for club competition next season. This will necessarily be confined to open sights. Reports to hand indicate considerable impatience and an extreme urge among members to take pot shots at the more prominent features of the city. Possess thy souls in patience and ye shalt be rewarded—perhaps.

Roll up new members!

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Basketball Club

Three 'Varsity teams are playing in the Basketball Association this year, but so far the Senior A team is the only one that has had any success. It has not lost any games yet, but has yet to play Wesley (last year's champions), East College Old Girls (last years' runners-up), and Training College. Most of the games have been rather uneven, our team scoring upwards of 20 goals. The last two matches we have played have been harder, our scores being 20—15, and 19—12, in our favour. Two of our number were chosen to represent Wellington in a challenge match against Auckland early this month. These were Misses D. Martyn Roberts (defence), and Mary Line (goal). Unfortunately the former was unable to go.

The Senior B team, although having either one or two practices per week, has so far succeeded in winning only one match, and drawing another. Their captain, Miss P. Dennehy, has been coaching the girls well.

The thirds have been hindered by not having a settled team. This is due partly to girls not deciding to play until well on in the season, and thereby upsetting our first selections.

Towards the beginning of the season a team went out to the Borstal Institute, where we played an enjoyable game against a team of girls trained by Miss Nancy Webber. Afterwards about 30 to 40 girls at the Institute gave a fine exhibition of drill under Miss Webber's leadership.

We are fortunate in having secured Mrs. Boyce, late of Napier, as a coach. She gives us good basketball practice, physical jerks, etc. The result of this training should show itself in matches. Weekly practices are held at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and all players should attend.

Blue awards for 1931: Misses Julia Dunn, Evelyn Hardy, P. Quinlan, Isobel Morice, Kitty Wood.

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Women's Hockey Club

The women's Hockey Club is having a more suc-cessful season than it has known for many years. This is due mainly to the good support rendered by the players on the occasions when we have been unable to field full teams, and their zeal in the face of many set-backs.

The Junior B team, which comprises mainly be-ginners, has won three, drawn one, and lost two games. This is a very creditable effort, since the team has frequently played short or with emergencies, and has also been particularly unfortunate in losing its captain through sickness. The Junior A team registered its first win last Saturday. This team also has had bad luck in losing two half-backs and one forward for part of the season. The seniors have won three, drawn one, and lost four matches. They should do better in the next round, as their combination is improving greatly.

A seven-a-side tournament is being held on Saturday, 25th July, when four teams, two senior and two junior, are being entered.

The main weakness throughout the teams is slowness in getting rid of the ball. Time and practice will, however, remedy this. Even if we are not winning championships, at least the enthusiasm shown, particularly in the Junior B team, promises well for the future of women's hockey at Victoria.?

"Rope"—August 14th and 15th in the Gym.

Tramping Club

Tauherenikau-Traraua [sic] Tramp—easter, 1931

The prospects were not very bright for the ten members on this tramp, when the party reached the Chateau Tauherenikau on Thursday night, after travelling two hours in the steady rain. That night the well-built hut was very welcome. Next morning in view of the heavy rain and the flooded Tauherenikau River, the original intention of proceeding to Mt. Holdsworth Mountain House was abandoned. The day was spent indoors gazing with awe as the flooded river gradually rose, and huge logs flashed past on their way to Palliser Bay. The biggest flood in the district for about 25 years is no mean sight. During the afternoon, after discussing religion for several hours, and then spending several more hours watching a stew cook, the time passed very quickly.

On Saturday the party climbed up the Golden Staircase, over Omega, through Hell's Gates, and came to rest in Alpha Hut. After an early tea, the party retired to bed, to be roused about 8.30 p.m. by Denz's bad dream. Then followed a long supper and an entertainment by Riske and others entitled "Communism." Other bed-time stories were ....

The two main themes next morning were "Shorts Lost" and "Shorts Regained." Finally the party left the Hut, climbed Mt. Alpha, and followed the Main Range round the Dress Circle. At this stage the rest of the party waited and shivered while the leader played hide and seek with the Renata Ridge in the mist. After tagging an uninviting place, he asked the rest to follow. Up to this stage the view had been limited to mist, but a break at the opportune time revealed a good view of Mts. Alpha and Quoin, and the Western Hutt River and numerous tributaries on the south. Renata to the west, and Kapakapanui to the north-west. On the north lay the Waiotauru River and branches, bounded by Mt. Hector and the main Tararua Range on the east.

The track then led over Mt. Elder and Mt. Renata and finally joined the Kapakapanui track, where camp was struck.

Next morning when the party had the choice of going to Upper Hutt via Akatarawa, or to Waikanae via Kapakapanui, a hoarse voice strongly advocated (for obvious reasons) the former route. The hoarse voice won.

One consolation of the trip was that as we homeward wound our weary way along the Akatarawa Road, we cheered the heart of many a soul (including Brookie)—and no wonder they laughed.

The trip is noteworthy in that it was the first time an official party had done the Tararua Crossing by that route, and also no woman tramper had been over that route before.

Literary Club

The secretary will be very pleased to receive suggestions for the activities of the club. In a new club it is very necessary to find out the ideas of all its members as to how the club should be conducted, and we would welcome suggestions from anyone interested.

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V.U.C. Social Service Club

1931 is proving about the busiest year yet for our club. The Christmas holidays brought, of course, a slight interruption in some of our activities. But they brought also our most welcome functions, the Xmas parties at the various Homes. And by the time 'Varsity was open for the new year our work was in full swing again.

Once a fortnight we visit the Mental Hospital at Porirua, where the patients welcome us so warmly and entertain us so well, that the afternoon passes far too quickly.

Our turn to entertain them comes when a concert party visits the Institution. This happens once a month, and is looked forward to by the inmates as a great treat.

Another fortnightly visit is that made to the Borstal by a party of girls. This sign of friendliness is much appreciated by the inmates, to whom it is a real help.

On the second Saturday in every month one or two of the men of our club take a party of boys from the Austin Street Home to the pictures or to a football match.

The Austin Street Home boys are usually included also in our monthly social evening at the Miramar Girls' Receiving Home.

It is at Miramar too that one of our most popular

In the Gym.—August 14th and 15th. Admission 1/-.

recent innovations has been made—a fortnightly dancing lesson by a special teacher.

We have always the fullest co-operation from students. But we are sure that still more must wish to help. We are always in need of transport and of concert performers, and everyone can help in our visits to Porirua and Miramar. You will find our work so enjoyable that you will never regret having joined us. Mr. R. L. Page, or any member will take your name.

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Tramping Club

Throughout the year, either week-end or Sunday tramps have been held regularly, and a brief report of these will appear in the next issue of "Spike." All interested in tramping are asked to note the following syllabus of tramps for the remainder of this term.

July 19th.—Bus to Petone. Climb ridge above Grace-field, and follow it to Eastbourne.

Leader: A. P. Thompson.

July 25th-26th.—Otaki Forks. Tramp to Field's Hut. On Sunday climb Mt. Hector, and return. This is an easy trip and provides an excellent opportunity for visiting the Tararuas under snow conditions, without undertaking a strenuous trip.

Leader: S. J. Lambourne.

August 2nd.—Bus to Nai Nai, then follow ridge to Petone.

Leader: F. J. Eggers.

August 8th-9th.—Boat to Eastbourne. Tramp to Orongorongo, climb Kotumu on Sunday morning and return in the afternoon.

Leader: G. A. Peddie.

August 15th-16th.—Tararua Crossing. Kaitoke-Alpha-Hector-Otaki. As this trip is rather strenuous, participants must be reasonably fit. To facilitate travelling arrangements, they should hand in their names several days before the tramp.

Leader: T. R. Smith.

Further details for each tramp will be put on the notice board each week.

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Debating Club

Since the publication of the last number of "Smad," the Debating Society has held several debates. The first of these was the Inter-faculty Debate on the subject "That Nationalism is a Hindrance to World Welfare." The award for this debate was made to the Arts and Science team, represented by Messrs. Mountjoy and Riske, and Miss Z. Henderson. Shortly after this the annual debate against the Training College on the subject "That the British Empire is in Grave Danger of Dissolution," was held, and the contest was won by Victoria College, represented by Messrs. Mountjoy and Bannister, and Miss Z. Henderson.

The one regular debate held recently was on a subject that attracted a large crowd to the gymnasium, "That the Only Man Who Entered Parliament With the Right Idea was Guy Fawkes." Everybody was humorously inclined, even the chairman, who delighted everybody with his rulings.

The visit of the three debaters from Oregon University has been the most interesting event in the activities of the society this year. Training College Hall was crowded with people to hear Messrs. Rollings, Crossley and Hurley disapprove of the rising generation and the three American debaters, Messrs. Pfaff, Miller and Wilson, approve of it.

This was followed on July 10th by a debate in the Town Hall on the subject, "That American Prohibition is a Failure." The movers of this motion were Mr. Miller (Oreg.), Miss Z. Henderson, and Mr. Bannister, and the opposers were Messrs. Pfaff (Oreg.), Wilson (Oreg.), and Mountjoy. The speaking was of a very high standard, and the interjections for the most part appropriate and amusing. We feel that Mr. Bannister's reference to the American Constitution tightening down from President to President should be perpetuated.

We would remind supporters of the society of the Plunket Medal contest, to be held on July 18th.

The Dark Angel

This year's production by the Dramatic Club provided those interested with very good fare. The play is not, by any means, a great play, but still it has a good plot, certain characters of interest and plenty of good lines. The story is the conventional one of the girl who sacrifices all for her soldier lover and is later faced with the problem of choosing between what she considers to be her duty towards him and her affection for a later claimant to her hand. The principal characters show a great deal of altruism and self-sacrifice above the ordinary, but some of us still believe that these virtues still exist. At times especially in the third act the nobleness of the heroine and her two heroes began to pall and we longed for one of the male contestants to snatch up the lady and cry, "She's mine," and consign the other to more torrid regions. But we cannot have everything and after all the moral lesson was good.

The merit of the acting was considerably enhanced by the effective casting of the parts. This factor, indeed, more than individual excellence, contributed towards the success of the performance. The principle character that of Kitty Fahnestock was admirably portrayed by Miss M. Cooley. Her part demanded that she should show many varied traits of character and Miss Cooley succeeded in making a very live person of the young girl, and later as the more mature woman torn betwen two emotions. The writer, however, is still of the opinion that these more or less "sweet" parts are far below Miss Cooley's capabilities. It would be a great day for Wellington if one of our societies were to put on "St. Joan," with "Our Mary" in the name part.

Mr. Ralph Hogg was hardly at his best in the prologue. For some reason he was inclined to be

Students! You will be sorry if you miss this production

subdued and failed to give the impression of the man who cried, "Oh, I hadn't any right to stampede you and carry you away." However, Mr. Hogg, made ample amends in the last act when he was called upon to do the most difficult acting of the piece—that of a blind man. Not for one moment did he lose his grip of the audience and I venture the opinion that nothing better has been seen at 'Varsity for many years.

Mr. C. Watson, as a clean living young Englishman, the humble admirer and suitor of Kitty's, looked and played the part well. He was inclined to shyness in his love making, but this is a weakness peculiar to the English so that it fitted in well with the part.

Mr. A. D. Priestley made a great deal out of a very neutral type, Sir Evelyn Fahnestock, Kitty's father. The acting here was finished and especially so in the way he dealt with the "male and female cats."

The most promising acting of the evening was that of Miss D. Tossman as a "bad girl" thrown into the midst of her social, and therefore, moral superiors. Again her scene with her awkward but honest lover, well played by Mr. F. Cormack, she showed that 'Varsity had acquired an actress who should do really good work in the future.

The two society "cats" were effectively dealt with by Miss M. Murray and Miss F. Eccles. They put good work into not very good parts.

Mr. B. Chadwick appeared on the stage as the English gentleman run to seed or rather to whisky. One cannot say any more than that this was superb acting.

Miss T. Lambourne was an adoring secretary and looked wistful enough but it was a poor part. I liked Miss K. McCaul as the old servant. Her work was not as easy as it might have seemed and I enjoyed her and her make up. Finally as the Butler with a knowledge of Mah Jongg. Mr. H. Middlebrook was a model of dignity and decorum.

Congratulations to the Dramatic Club. They have placed the club on a high plane, and I for one should be very loath to miss any performance of theirs on the same standard as "The Dark Angel."

Convert.