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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1935. Volume 6. Number 17.

Joynt Scroll

Joynt Scroll.

Can Otago Do the Hat Trick?

The Inter-University contest for the Joynt Scroll, to-morrow night, will undoubtedly provide the best debating we've had in the Gym, for years. The motion selected by the judges, G. G. Watson, Esq., the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C. and the Rev. H. W. Newell is "That the British Commonwealth of Nations should withdraw from the League of Nations." An uncomfortably topical subject since Mussolini ousted Hitler from the headlines.

V.U.C., represented by Miss Shortall and Max Brown, will affirm. They will meet formidable opposition in W. J. Meade and J. S. D. Moore, of O.U., who have a great record, including a win in the 1934 contest at Dunedin. A.U.C. represented by Miss E. M. Johnston and E. K. Braybrooke, will affirm against C.U.C. Miss Johnston is a team in herself; member of A.U.C.'s Joynt Scroll team 1933-4, leader of A.U.C.'s team against Robt. K. Burns, etc., etc. With Mr. Braybrooke she led A.U.C. to victory in the contest for the Athenean Cup, and Braybrooke also represented A.U.C. in the Bledisloe Medal contest.

C.U.C. is represented by Willie Wah and Miss C. Hunter. Willie Wah is an exceptionally cultured and charming speaker who spoke impressively in last year's Joynt Scroll contest. He won C.U.C.'s Debating Scroll in 1934, and Miss Hunter is leading in this year's contest.

The first Joynt Scroll debate to be held in Wellington since 1930 must therefore result in even competition of a high order, as all the speakers have notable records, and the subject itself should evoke controversy aplenty. Competitors and audience alike will fraternise in supper and dancing afterwards, and all for the cost of one shilling.

Collect Your Coppers.

Dear "Smad."-

It is to be hoped that the Students' Union Building Fund will be substantially augmented by the receipts from such functions as the Law Ball and the Dramatic Club's revue. Any effort such as those mentioned should be enthusiastically supported by V.U.C., not only for the excellence of the functions, but also because of their laudable object. But there has as yet been no evidence of any direct donations to the fund by the students as individuals. The present students are the people who should be the most enthusiastic supporters of the fund, and some contribution, however small, should be made by them.

If they can show practical enthusiasm for the project, assistance from past students, etc., can be hoped for with greater confidence. I therefore suggest that "Smad" opens a list for contributions, and I forward herewith a donation to commence it. I am no longer a student, but this donation is a small token of appreciation of what V.U.C. has meant and still means to me.

In this connection many students within the next few months, will have completed their exams. (God and the examiners willing) and will pass from the student stage. To these it is suggested that a small thank offering would be fitting.

In conclusion, it is suggested that "Smad" should publish in each issue a statement of the amount then at credit of the Building Fund, in order that students may see what progress is being made.

—Senex.

Building Fund.

"Smad" Subscription List.
Senex £1 1 0

Berhampore Again.

Dear "Smad"—

"Berhampore as seen by a Wikitorian" is by far the most amusing piece of burlesque that has appeared in "Smad" for some time. I cannot help feeling, however, that it implies a reproach to the Wikitorian who at my request, sent me news of his progress at an overseas University and, in doing so, could not have anticipated that I would yield to the request of one of your staff to be allowed to publish, as of College interest, some extracts from his letter Those who know George Joseph will remember him as an unassuming fellow of some distinction who was not at all given to affectation or self-advertisement. His successes at Oxford are instructive as showing the opportunities that await a Wikitorian fortunate enough to be able to venture abroad; and the statement of his impressions parallels those of other New Zealanders who escape for a time from their Antipodean rockpile. The plight of this little country is aptly indicated in the remark by Morrell, in a recent book that "London is the Intellectual capital of New Zealand."

I daresay your contributor had a purely burlesque intent; and the choice of the pseudonym "Cato" appears to confirm this view. His prototype is undoubtedly Marcus Porcius Cato, the Censor, who, according to information to hand, was notorious for his dislike of overseas culture (in those days, Greek). This narrow-minded old parochialist so disliked another overseas place (Carthage) that he continually demanded its destruction. Curiously (or appropriately) enough, in his old age he wrote a book for farmers. His grandson of the same name appears to have been a more likeable person and, in justice to the latter, I would suggest to your contributor that his strictures as to the re-actions of a good Wikitorian to overseas influences might have been more truly Berhaporovianistically subscribed with the nom-de-plume "Little Eric."

—P.J.S.

"Latin Literature-and a Law Student."

"Smad" was recently informed by that tall and affable member of the Law Faculty, Mr. Sivyer, that he intends shortly to burst upon the realms of the classics with a new and compendious treatise on Latin Literature. Having embarked on Stage I Latin year ago, Mr. Sivyer informs us that he met with such unprecendented success in those realms and became so steeped in admiration for the ancient language, that he has since been unable to tear himself from the study of the said subject at the said stage. "Curiously enough," adds Mr. Sivyer, "the set books I am studying for Stage I this year are the only classical works I have not touched on in the course of my very extensive reading in Latin literature since entering the College. My literary venture," he goes on, "is nearing completion, but I propose to postpone its publication till I have dipped deeply into the said books, with a view to avoiding any possible omissions." Mr. Sivyer informs me that the study of Latin literature is a somewhat unusual and novel idea for a Law student, but nevertheless he is fully confident of setting an unparalleled precedent by soaring beyond the law realms into the sphere of pure academics, and producing a work that will outshine such shorter productions as "Mackail's" and "Wight-Duff's" Latin literatures. Mr. Sivyer adds as a parting reminder, however, that he considers such a course of reading in Latin literature is just a little too extreme, perhaps, for students of lesser ability also endeavouring to pass Stage I Well done, Harold!

Magna Cum Spe Expectamus.

* * *

Director: "Have you ever had any stage experience?"

She: "Well, I had a leg in a cast once."