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The Spike or Victoria University College Review 1948

Literary Society

Literary Society

Seventeen years ago, when talking to the then newly formed Literary Society, Professor von Zedlitz in looking at the severe and joyless walls surrounding him, mentioned the value of snuff-boxes, armchairs and coal fires as an important element in any literary society. The snuff-boxes we may have outgrown, but the chilling effect of any lecture-room explains why, in our second year, we have had but one public meeting. Instead, members have met in informal study groups, discussing (in comfort) 'William Blake' and 'New Zealand Literature', and have been able to read widely amongst the bizarre collection of literary magazines we have assembled as a library.

With the production of 'First Placard of the Armadillan Absolutists' (a much more interesting looking volume than last year's rather scrappy broadsheets) the Society has emerged from its seclusion, and by stating an individual view in literature, and expressing its theory in an individual manner, has caused much speculation on 'the name and nature of poetry'. Although it seems unlikely that the magazine will be more frequent than hi-monthly, it is hoped to widen its first necessarily restricted contents, and if not provide a battleground for our numerous detractors, to open its pages to all contemporary writing, and whatever critical jousts may interest and enliven the Society.

Officers

Patron: Prof. I. A. Gordon. Vice-Patrons: Dr J. C. Beaglehole, Prof. P. S. Ardern, E. Badian. President: A. Murray-Oliver. Vice-President: E. Schwimmer. Secretary: J. M. Thomson. Treasurer: A. O. McLeod. Committee: D. Horsley, Elizabeth Millward, P. S. Wilson.