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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 5.

Letters to the Editor

page 7

Letters to the Editor

Sketch of woman at typewriter talking to man wearing suit

Aileen on the War Path.

Dear "Smad,"—

The Committee of the Women's' Club wish to voice a protest. After toil and unlimited trouble the hard-working Committee furnished the Common Room like new, and then after a stern fight wrested a cheque for half the expenses from the tight-fisted fathers of our University.

Now to our astonishment and dismay, we discover that a horde of vandals have invaded this redecorated room, the apple of our eye. We suspect the S.C.M. These violators of all decency and order have ignored the ash trays and the snowy dustbin; placed their feel on the radiators, and sullied the purity of the wall-paper—even "Elnora" is not safe from chocolate papers.

Though no stickers for tidiness, vet the Committee implore the women students as a whole—we refrain from unduly stigmatising the S.C.M. and the Science Society—not only to use the dustbin and ashtrays, but to refrain from placing their unhallowed hoofs on the wallpaper. We especially desire to protect the weak, viz., "Elnora."

I am, etc.. On behalf of the Committee,

Aileen M. Davidson

(Sec.-Treas.).

An Antique Syllabus (?)

Dear "Smad,"—

Allow me to raise again in your columns that old bone of contention—that educationist's nightmare— the English course. I approach this subject with due respect for the intellect of the V.U.C. student, who is not afraid of mental effort when it is necessary ; and for the superior wisdom of those who, in some distant age, framed the syllabus in English.

For all this, I cannot help asking; "Why the need for such large and unpalatable doses of Anglo-Saxon?" Why this browsing over Old English texts, when we should be spending our precious time on lines of study, which, though urgently required, are completely ousted by these intruders?

For instance, there is the study of the literary period, where one is forced to limit one's knowledge to a mere skeleton of names and dates. There is the study of contemporary writers, which is completely ignored. There is, most important of all, the study of the students' own use of their mother-tongue, both in speaking and writing; a study which, again, is non-existent. All these would yield a more valuable return than studying the primitive language of a barbaric people.

After all, this purports to be a course in English, and if the authorities wish to cram it with Anglo-Saxon, why not honestly label it Anglo-Saxon, instead of inducing in new students false hopes of the subject? Then, perhaps, this old-fashioned University of ours, in an attempt to bring itself abreast of the times, might provide an English course designed to improve the English of its students.

I am, etc.,

"Duped."

[We feel that "Duped" should show a little more reverence for the picturesque, beautiful and euphonius language on which his mother-tongue is based; oh, yeah!—Ed."]

That 'Varsity Girl.

Dear "Smad,"—

As an ex-student of Wikitoria and as a present student of that Faculty of a larger University where degrees are harder to come by—meaning I'm a humble wage-earner—I venture to offer these few comments on the only subject which never fails to intrigue the male student—The 'Varsity Girl.

Now, sir, while one is at 'Varsity, they probably seem all that could be desired and then some, and its not till one gets away from 'Varsity and gets a new slant on these creatures that the flaws in them become apparent. I am well aware that in the present day women are demanding "equality. So be it! But let her consider this equality. By low cunning and by playing on man's generosity women have gained a position of eminence where a man must for ever be the bread winner and the strap-hanger, must even plead on bended knees for the privilege of doing these things. And still they claim equality.

Either they think that with all this clamouring for equality they can still further blind suffering man to the state things have got into, or else they have not sufficient brains to realise that real equality would be tantamount to devotion. Tell us, you females, which is it?

The diseases to which the flesh is heir to are bad enough, but I say let 'em all come, but Lord preserve me from the 'Varsity woman.

I am, etc.,

Barnacle Bill, "The Bachelor."

Library Hours.

A Further Complaint.

Dear "Smad,"—

May I add a few lines in support of a letter written by "Senex" re the Library hours. Your editorial note states that the Librarian informed you that a notice was put on one of the boards, advising of the alteration of the hours to be kept during the first term vacation. Could you tell me exactly when this notice was put up? It was not on any board on the

Demonstration of rhythmic and gymnastic dances.

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Thursday before the vacation, and the College closed early on Friday, so under no stretch of imagination could the Librarian think that sufficient notice was given. The Powers That Be have complained of the poor attendance of students at the Library during the vacation, but surely the fault is not with the students but with the Rulers themselves. On future occasions, when an alteration is to be made in the Library hours, a notice displayed on the Library notice-board some days before would at least give the students a chance to avail themselves of the facility.

I am, etc.,

Disgusted Father of None.

August 1st.

[This letter was submitted to the Librarian, who stated that she had nothing further to say.—Ed."|

"No Go," Says Miss Webber.

Dear "Smad,"—

In the past the V.U.C. Dramatic Club has been more fortunate in its choice of plays than it has been in choosing "The Ship" for production at such a time as this. No matter how well acted, such a play could not be widely popular from the point of view of entertainment, and so would not draw as large an audience as would probably have been the case had the choice been happier.

Even if there is great difficulty in procuring stage property, there are many plays with no greater difficulty in staging, that afford more relaxation and create a happier atmosphere. Among many, other plays of St. John Ervine's might be suggested. "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," or "The First Mrs. Fraser." The Ship" is depressing. Why not help to alleviate the general "sorry-for-ourselves" atmosphere instead of augmenting it?

If a comedy or farce is produced it does not lose greatly by being acted by inexperienced or amateur actors—but a drama has its atmosphere of strain and suspense added to and exaggerated so that one loses the pleasure one expects from an evening's entertainment. In other words, depressing plays become more depressing very often when produced by amateurs.

"Hedda Gabler" is, I think, even more depressing than "The Ship," requiring also more masterful and efficient treatment, as it is difficult to interpret convincingly. Coming so soon after the last production, it seems an unwise choice—as the action and "themes" are not unlike. Suicide: drowning; tragedy, is too near the life of reality for us to wish to see it duplicated upon the stage. If it is not too late, I would like to suggest a choice of something more cheerful and light.

The Dramatic Club has a large and very enthusiastic following at 'Varsity. Students of all ages, types and capabilities are keen, so that I think the difficulty of casting is exaggerated. The difficulty lies in the fact, perhaps, that the choosing of the cast is in the hands of a few persons who seem to be very conservative in that they keep the "parts" within their own circle. Among the students interested, men especially, there may be found actors of greater talent and versatility than those we see so often on the Dramatic Club stage.

It is very likely that the excellent reputation that the Club has, owing to its past productions, will suffer a serious decline as a consequence of "putting on" plays that are not suitable for amateur production, or plays that are not suitable for production at such a period.

I am, etc.,

Nancy Webber.

Dear "Smad," —

Your correspondent has indulged in a criticism (?) of The Dramatic Club in general, which reminds one very much of those following on the production of "The Lucky One." Objections to the choice of play, no matter what play is produced, have been put forward by some ardent spirit every year since the Club first presented a town production. I feel that your correspondent is merely following in the well-worn tradition of the 'Varsity rather than expressing any actual criticism. The choice or plays has ranged from light comedy, "The Young Idea," to tragicomedy, "The Dark Angel" and the thriller, "Rope." Surely nobody could accuse the Club of not having given the public plenty of variety in the choice of plays. In regard to the point raised that another type of play would have afforded more relaxation and created a happier atmosphere. I would point out that many people revel in tragedy.

It has been explained by your correspondent for the benefit of the uninformed that light comedy and farce do not lose greatly by being acted by inexperienced or amateur actors. It is a recognised fact in the world of the theatre that they are far better left to professionals, and good ones at that.

I would remind your correspondent that, in regard to "Hedda Gabler," which, by the way, is a. very good play, the old maxim applies, "a play worth doing at all is worth doing badly." The Dramatic Club has been very tardy in recognising the fact that there are some classical dramatists, and this year the Club's Committee has attempted to give one of the greatest of them, Ibsen, long overdue recognition.

I learn that the Club has a large and enthusiastic following in the 'Varsity, and regret I did not have the opportunity of welcoming them at the presentation of "The Ship." Possibly the mere fact that the chosen play was a tragedy kept them away; they were afraid that the ardour of their optimism might be damped.

The objection to the casting of the play is not valid. For each production, many students are tried, and in almost every case no student who has taken part in the first three-act production, has a part in the second. I would also remind your readers that there are still four one-act plays which have to be cast, and the Club would welcome new talent. In the readings, too, large numbers of students have opportunities of showing their capabilities.

In conclusion, I would say that many people have criticised the Dramatic Club on generalities, but few have attempted to assist it in putting into force concrete suggestions. The Club thanks you for your interest, and is happy to welcome one more interested student: to its large end enthusiastic following.

I am, etc.,

H. Hannah.

Hon. Secy., Y.U.C.D.C..

Answers to Correspondents.

  • M.B.—Yes! Continue. We welcome "topical tripe."
  • X.Y.Z.—Not suitable. Try "N.Z. Free Lance."
  • I.D.C.—More suitable for "Spike."
  • R.C.L.—Too profound for this editorial staff. Suggest submit to "The Maoriland Worker."
  • M. R-SKE.—Your wit is too subtle. The F.O.S.U might appreciate it.
  • "Atterboy."—Yes, Atterboy.
  • "Little Eric."—Good. Unfortunately now too late for publication.

Snappy girls in snappy ballets.