A Challenge.

Previous writers have bewailed and confessed our miserable state of apathy, but so far no one has offered a practical solution to the problem. I would like to submit a scheme that, I think, is well worth consideration.

These last two accusations seem to me to depend entirely on the first. The reason for, or rather the defence aganist, these charges is usually summed up by the fact that we have very few full-timers. Therefore most of our students have a limited time for swat, and, in consequence, most of our weeknight clubs are not a success. On Saturday night, howdver, nearly everyone does his little social something, and because of our general apathy, has to go abroad to do it. This is a disgrace! When 700 men and women co-students cannot entertain one another for one evening it is time something was done.

We all crave student life. We all realise that University education does not consist merely in study and examinations, but also in friendships formed, discussions contested, and life lived and shared with fellow students.

I suggest, therefore, that this Saturday evening of the students, should be utilised for the students, by the students. I propose that we should meet after games on Saturday—showers, etc., could surely be provided at Weir and Victoria. We should then have a communal dinner and a common-common-room evening. Here each must get to know the other. Let us sing our old college songs together, dance, play cards, talk, and mix together. Let us remember that we are all the children of the one "alma mater." Let this not be a club night but a college night—no starchy formality—a night of free informal discussions, games, songs, dances, cards—a night to weld us together.

This could be all arranged for the small sum of 1/6 per head (1/- for the dinner and sixpence for the evening—for tea and biscuits—perhaps a pianist, if necessary. Surely we would not grudge 1/6 a week when for every subject in the other phase of our college life we pay about £5 5s. 0d.

We are told that we have too many part-time students. We reply, "splendid"! When Varsity is closed and full-timers have gone home, then University life can live on, if we can keep together. This time should be Varsity's spring, Not its period of Hibernation.

I feel that we must refute these charges and that it is incumbent upon our chosen representatives to take some action—to initiate a movement from this slough of inaction

Surely there are not 700 apathetics at Victoria. Those students I have questioned are enthusiastic for a fuller Varsity life. "Executive," it is your move next!

Evolution.

In your issue of August 5, under the heading "Nutshell Knowledge," one reads in an article by "Spectator": "The dispute about evolution is not dead. Haven't you heard Professor Kirk apologising for having to lecture about it?" I say very emphatically that no one has ever heard Professor Kirk doing anything of the kind.

My position, which I try to explain to my students, is this:—There is no doubt whatever as to the complete establishment of evolution or as to its human and philosophical importance. Yet I know that there are many people that it a stumbling block, and I would as lief destroy a child's belief in the story of Cinderella or knock the crutch from under the arm of a cripple as I would upset a faith that, if it is firmly held, means much to many a man and woman. I endeavour. therefore, to make it clear to my students that it is my business to place before them the evidence for evolution, and, when it seems to me there is anything that can be said against it that also; but it is not my business to make evolutionists of them. I say I endeavour to make it clear to my students; but if "Spectator" has had the hard luck to be one them. it is evident I did not suceed in his case. It is possible wrongly to estimate the contents of a nutshell.—I am. etc.,

I have been one of them, and doubtless Professor Kirk succeeded, but the years have dimmed my memory and caused me to perpetrate an inaccuracy, which I unreservedly withdraw. It is I who apologise.

My implication was all the more unfortunate insofar as it may suggest that I was doubting the Professor's liberalism, which we all know so well. Who of those who remember the silly season of "twisted teaching" can forget Professor Kirk's letter to the "Post," in which he confessed that he had given a Russophile twist to his teaching by mentioning an Odessa research station? The Professor's final comment on the calumniators of student life was to quote the after-dinner speaker who had dropped his spectacles—"Lerrum lie."

It was not primarily engaged in attacking the anti-evolutionists. The Bible is true because it is the word of God, and the word of God is true because the Bble says so. Organised Christianity made enough fuss over the truth of Genesis. and Professor Kirk contemplates the possibility that there may still be some whose Christianity is dependent on the literal truth of Genesis. Yet that same organised Christianity is even to-day disowning the few who attempt to give some real meaning to the teachings of Christ on hatred and strife.—I am, etc.,

Refutation.

It was with deep regret that I learnt of the misinterpretation by several readers of the attempt at verse by me, entitled "Lights Out," which apeared in the last issue of "Smad," And because I feel that in condemning the aforesaid attempt at verse those concerned are condemning you and your staff, be it through misunderstanding of otherwise, certainly through no fault of yours, thanks to your high sense of morality, I would be pleased if you published this my letter of explanation, namely, that all I implied was that people nowa-days leave God out of their lives, both by day and night. At night, after putting out the lights, people hop straight into bed without saying prayers or remembering their Creator in an atmosphere of holy quiet.

While, however, not denying that the piece concerned did lay itself open to the vile charges of which I have been accused, I appeal to the moral taste and better judgment of readers, yes, to them I appeal, and to their judgment I now abandon myself.

Para servir a Dios y vds.

Christian Manuel Lima.

Appreciations.

On behalf of the IIIB football team, please allow me, through your columns, to convey our thanks to Mr. Lopdell for his kindly action on a recent Saturday.

Let it be known that Mr. Lopdell, having heard of our unsupported efforts, came along to give us a cheery word and oranges at halftime, and nobody better than the IIIB team knows how this support was appreciated.

Once again, Mr. Lopdell, thank you from the studs of our boots.

I wish to acknowledge my thanks to the members of the cast and the numerous other people who assisted in making "Pleasure Cruise" such a success. To the old students who helped us with this review I should like to tender my sincere thanks. I am glad to say that we were able to donate a considerable amount to the Building Fund.

"Spike."

The Summary of the University Year.

As ever, you will find a wealth of interesting matter in "Spike" this year. this issue contains a pungent letter on the Capping festivities from Mr. A. de la Mare, who is as qualified as any man to speak on the subject; thoughtful articles on such fundamental matters as literature, war, religion, and birth control, an account of Japanese customs as seen through the observant eyes of a member of the University Rugby team. "Spike" will shortly be on sale.