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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 2.

Our Problem

Our Problem.

There is a serious problem that every few years shows its ugly head above the current of our College life. It has occasioned much trouble to past Executives, but fortunately has never reached the extent of a public scandal, as it has in other universities. It is the problem of intoxicating liquor, and the Executive regrets to have to make public, complaints that have been made to the members of the College Staff.

It is well known to students that there is a rule prohibiting liquor within the Gymnasium Building, and that action has been taken from time to time by the present Executive to enforce this rule. Unfortunately. a practice has commenced and grown, of resorting to cars in the grounds, or to a secluded corner for the purpose of drinking, and this is much more difficult to deal with. During the Easter Tournament an epidemic of drinking seemed to seize some students, and one of the complaints referred to above relates to this period. All complaints, by the way, are from persons unconnected with the College except as parents. The Chairman of the Professorial Board has authorised publication of this statement, as the Board intend to set up a Committee of investigation and enquiry.

A special meeting of the Executive considers! the position on Thursday, 14th April, and the following resolution was passed unanimously:—

"That, on the occasion of the Capping Ball, as at other Students' Association functions, no intoxicating liquors may be brought to or consumed within the hall or its precincts, and no person whose conduct indicates that he has consumed liquor will be admitted. Any person who, in the opinion of the Executive, attempts to violate this rule shall be required to forthwith leave the hall."

We take this occasion of warning students that the strictest compliance with this rule will be an essential condition of attendance at the Capping Ball, which it is intended to hold in the Masonic Hall, on The Terrace, on Friday, 6th May, and stern measures will be taken to deal with any breach of the rule. Any student who cannot enjoy a dance divorced from liquor may as well stay at home.

In addition, it was decided at the same meeting" of the Executive, to recommend to the Professorial Board that cars should not be allowed within the College grounds during any dance. This is felt to be the only method of checking a practice that may possibly lead to scandal if it is allowed to continue, and it is fully justified by the gravity of the circumstances.

Students, we appeal to those of you who support the Executive in its action to say so in the common rooms and the corridors, where this matter is discussed. We appeal to those of you who oppose us, and we challenge you, to oppose us in the open and state your reasons publicly. We have never met the student who will stand up in a meeting and defend his right to become intoxicated, although he may have a lot to say about "wowsers" and "the Purity League" when we are not listening. We are straight and open about this matter, and are giving a fair warning to all concerned. We have a right to expect our critics to be equally candid; all ordinary Executive meetings are open to all students. It is our considered opinion that unless the liquor menace can be cut out of College functions, then we should cut out the functions themselves.

For the Executive,

W. P. Rollings.

President.