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Victoria Vincit

A prominent Canterbury student farewelling his friends with affectionate splashes from a soda siphon, and a self- styled Victoria representative of 1934, who frequently disturbed the weary with his alcoholic wanderings and his exhortations to derail the train—these two roisterers provided episodes which concluded an enjoyable and successful tournament. At least it was so from the point of view of this College. For some time, previous issues of this book have concluded the remarks in this section with expressions of hope and wild surmise. As time passed, the hope seemed more and more extravagant, and the surmise more and more wild.

This year the tournament team staggered to the station—there being a dearth of taxis, jostled like so many cattle in a pen, while awaiting the pleasure of N.Z. Railways (Unlimited) and, finally, when the gates were opened, clambered aboard with mere seconds to spare.

And their thoughts the while? When not apostrophising the luggage, crowds, railways in general, and the Auckland train in particular, the Wikitorians for the most part hoped that they would retain the trophies won in 1937 and show improvement in the other sports.

Before progressing further we had better make an important announcement for the benefit of those who have not been interested enough to find out for themselves, who have not bothered to look at the glass case in the vestibule, who live existences of monasterial quietness, unruffled by the more noisy events of college life, but who by some strange stroke of fortune may be reading this—Victoria University College won the Tournament Shield in this year of grace, 1938.

For information concerning Tournament Shields, consult the S.C.M. handbook. You are still unmoved? Well, the Tournament team and its supporters were quite the reverse and many still breathe deeply and wonder if it can be true.

What could it have been that enabled Victoria to break that melancholy line of defeats, with their accompanying wooden spoons, that has stretched from the heyday of 1928? The solid training and keenness evident in our representatives this year were attributes of previous teams.

Conspicuously unfortunate in that they have often in the past had a number of finalists without winning the Championship, the V.U.C. Tennis Team made certain our success by capping the splendid efforts made in other branches of sport with an overwhelming victory. Seldom have there been so many finalists from one college. After misfortunes last year the Tennis Club re-established its good name on the Stanley Street Courts.

Those who were clustered about the Tamaki Drive on Monday morning will not soon forget the prevailing excitement, the doubt and disappointment aroused by the radio commentator, who could apparently see even less than the spectators, and finally the relief and joy as the Victoria eight shot home to the accompaniment of shrill feminine shrieks and lusty masculine yells.

The Basketball Team deserves special credit for achieving a good win under very difficult conditions. The camp-followers, their throats well lubricated with ambrosia served by a buxom goddess in a nearby tavern, will no doubt claim credit for their rousing support.

Though gaining more points in this department than we have done for some years, V.U.C. still has the Wooden Spoon for athletics. Certain individual performances were of outstanding merit, but generally a much higher standard must be sought if success is to be attained in the future.

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Evident, not only at this year's Tournament but also at previous meetings, were the bond of fellowship which existed in the Victoria team, and which they were eager to extend to the other teams, and the leading part played by Wikitorians in the social affairs.

The harbour cruise was a grand idea, fully appreciated by everyone, and had the visitors been allowed to land at Waiheke Island, many southern professors might still be lecturing to empty benches. The Ball and its continuation at Glendowie were also thoroughly enjoyed and we like to feel that the vim and social spirit displayed by members of this College— they were of course celebrating their victory with a will—were to some extent responsible for the success of these functions.

No mention has yet been made of the contest for the Horn Trophy. Alas—this was one example of mismanagement on the part of V.U.C. With notable absentees—some detained at meetings, others through natural causes—a mere handful of stalwarts gathered at the pre-arranged place. Auckland's exceptionally strong team had little difficulty in lowering our colours. This was merely a repetition of what happened at Christchurch. Steps must be taken to remedy a lamentable ineptitude in one of the finer arts. It is with approval that we learn that a special committee has been selected to draw up a constitution to govern this important event.

As a measuring stick, providing comparison and contrast, the Tournament is of value to both students and colleges alike. It is apparent that such contacts applied to the international sphere would also have beneficial results. In this connection it is pleasing to note the interest shown by the executive of the N.Z.U.S.A. with regard to competition with Australian universities. It would be of advantage to both countries if teams were exchanged more frequently. The example of the Rugby Unions could well be followed by the managing bodies of other activities.

As far as the universities are concerned the N.Z.U.S.A. is showing an interest which must find expression in action— the sooner the better. Such tournaments need not be confined to the athletic pursuits of 'varsity life, as the visit of the LeMoyne debaters has shown. Our Easter gathering could be organised to include teams representing Australian universities, and in alternate years an N.Z.U. team could, after selection at Easter, travel to compete in Australia during the first term vacation. There are many drawbacks to such a scheme, and, presented in this vague way, it may sound idealistic, but consider the possibilities of arranging an Australian visit in 1940. It would be an added attraction to our Easter Tournament if we could advertise that overseas athletes were competing, and certainly the Centennial Committee would give greater consideration to the pleas of the University for an important place in their celebration. A visiting English University Rugby team is to tour this country in that year. Why not a visiting athletic team?

So much for the more distant future. Let Victoria look closer at hand. After being shieldless for so many years we must make every endeavour to maintain our newly regained manhood. Athletes, swimmers, boxers, fill up your ranks, conduct active recruiting and after November turn all thoughts to Dunedin and 1939. The rest of the college may assist considerably by showing a keen interest in the activities of the different teams—besides, the supporter tastes all the delights of the competitor, sometimes much more, and the Otago folk are notoriously fine hosts!

—R.J.C.