page 3

Correspondence

Frahsra and V.U.C.

(Tho Editor, "Smad.")

At the beginning of each year there is a succession of rather frenzied letters from various members of the polyglot society of which our V.U.C. is composed be seeching freshers in tones the austerity of which is Inimitable and unbelievable to live up to the "traditions of Victoria College" and to "quit yourselves like men." Such effusions would be more intelligible and less hollow if we found more third and four year students taking an active part in college, themselves. It is up to everybody to do what they can; we have to bear the reproach of being the least like a true University of any college in New Zealand, and though this may be undeserved, at the same time there can be no doubt at all that seventy-five per rent the students take no more active part in the true University life than they can help.

This, as 1 have said, is indisputable; and it must be remedied. But why delude the freshers into believing that we have traditions when we do not carry them on, and why put the burden on them?

Every one has some interest out-side of the lecture-room, and everyone can help to get the clubs on a better footing than they have so far been. But is it no use trying to convince the freshers that we have a high standard here, when they will soon find that we have a high standard here, when they will soon find that we have not-yet.