Political Science Society

The Political Science Society's first year was marked by success in all activities undertaken. In addition to Messrs McHenry, Theiler, Davies, and McCombs, whose speeches were reported in last year's Spike, the Society sponsored Mr. Witten-Hannah—'The Position of the Maori People'; and Mr. R. M. Algie, M.P.—'The National Party'.

The average attendance at the 1947 meetings was 50. We feel that such interest proves the necessity of our existence, and we look to the future confident that the Society has already achieved a high place in College life.

Our thanks are due to Mr. T. Smith for facilitating the successful publication of the C.P.I. notes on France, and to Mrs. Castles for typing the stencils for these.

Last year we stated that we desired the establishment of Departmental Committees in the College; the encouragement of similar Departmental Societies; the publication of a journal; and an Honours stage in the Department.

Though we have not achieved the first of these, we are grateful to the Staff of the Department for their valuable co-operation in our activities. We wish every success to other Departmental Societies formed last year. If a few more 2000-5000 word articles come to hand in the near future, the journal will be published this year. We also hope that, with the appointment of Professor Parker, an Honours stage will soon be established.

In 1948 we hope to expand our activities on the basis formed last year. We feel that, in providing facilities for the scientific discussion of political problems, we are rendering a service to the community by educating the future citizen to exercise his political power in a wise manner.

Officers

Patrons: Mr. E. Theiler (Consul for Switzerland), Professor Parker, Mr. K. J. Scott. President: Mr. B. C. Lumsden. Vice-President: Mr. B. M. O'Connor. Secretary-Treasurer: Mr. M. J. O'Brien. Committee: Miss Aileen Casey, Mr. A. T. Howarth, Mr. T. Qualter.

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.

Socialist Club

As in the two previous years of its existence, the Socialist Club has started off 1948 with a burst of activity. In January a most successful week-end school was held at Lower Hutt, where four most profitable discussions were led by Messrs M. Mitchell, J. Winchester, D. Cohen and R. Nunes. Business was, however, combined with pleasure: and the social side of the week-end was enjoyed by all. It is planned to put on a similar function over King's Birthday week-end.

The Annual General Meeting brought Ron Smith's report on the Australasian Student Labour Federation Conference at which he led our delegation, in January. As a result a New Zealand Student Labour Federation has been instituted—including our own club, the Auckland University College Labour Club, the Canterbury University College Socialist Club, and the Otago University Radical Club. We are providing the Executive for the current year.

This has been probably the biggest step in our club's history. It will mean a greatly facilitated co-ordination in New Zealand socialist student action: and believe us, many more issues will arise like the East Indian War, which, like it, will demand action.

An active interest has been taken, too, in Trade Union affairs. Since the beginning of the year the Carpenters' Dispute, the Mangakino Strike, and the internal struggle within the Federation of Labour have occupied our interest We passed a resolution supporting the Carpenters, which, though sent to the Press, was 'iron-curtained' by all but one paper—and that a weekly.

The success of a pamphlet published by us last year has prompted us to repeat the effort: this time a joint work of past and present club members on the 'Readers' Digest' as a public enemy; this magnum opus is as yet but embryonic, but it is hoped that it will be out before the end of the second term.

Officers

President: Harry Evison. Secretary-Treasurer: Conrad Bollinger. Committee: Nell Casey. Harold Dowrick, ' Oscar' Melling.

Extras:

Patron: F. L. Combs. Vice-Presidents: A. H. Scotney, J. F. Platts-Mills, James Bertram, Tobias Hill.

Catholic Students Guild

The past year has seen the Guild attain considerable success. Plain (and therefore profitable) speaking came from the fortnightly discussions, which were better attended than before, while a high standard of debating was maintained. The dance and other social doings were well attended, and the support given the I.S.S. was a pleasing feature which should be upheld. Further afield, Guild members derived benefit from the University Catholic Federation of N.Z. and its activities, notably from the Summer Congress, held at Auckland; for 1948 Victoria was the national headquarters, so that we also contributed something to the growing good fortune of this body. As Victoria's Jubilee year approaches the Guild is mindful that it is indeed youthful, but hopes that its part in College life has, in this and other years, possessed some significance.

Officers

Patron: Rev. Fr. M. F. Bourke, S.M., B.A. Chaplain: Rev. Fr. F. Durning, S.M., M.A. President: H. E. Connor, B.Sc. Vice-President: Miss Annette d'Ath. Secretary-Treasurer: G. K. W. Johnston. Committee: Misses Aileen Casey, Patricia Burns and Pauline Hoskins; Messrs M. J. O'Brien, B. J. O'Meagher and K. F. O'Connor. Social Committee: Miss Margaret Twiss, Messrs A. J. Reeves and W. B. Healy, M. Sc.

Biological Society

The Society's activities during 1947 were so successful that we intend to model this year's programme along the same lines. Many of the society's activities have proved so popular that they will probably become recognized annual events.

The Annual Dissecting Competition for Stage I students was held in the third term. This test of practical skill is always very popular and two good prizes are awarded.

During 1947 we inaugurated a Herbarium Competition. This was intended to fill the same place for Stage I Botany students as the Dissecting Competition does for Stage I Zoology students. It was hoped that the competition would encourage field work; this naturally involves more work than the Dissecting Competition and for that reason was less popular. Nevertheless we hope it will become an annual feature of the Society's programme.

At the request of the Social Committee the Society organized one of the fortnightly dances. The attendance was good and we feel that a repetition of this less academic venture will be justified.

More serious but none the less successful was the first appearance of 'Tuatara' in its new form. This periodical promises to be of high scientific value if we can maintain the standard set by the first issue. The second issue will be published soon.

A trip to Kapiti Island was held after the 1947 Finals. Twelve students enjoyed a five-day break in this beautiful sanctuary and took advantage of the chance to observe native wild-life seldom seen on the mainland.

This year has seen two very successful addresses; Mr. Charles Fleming spoke on the Snares Islands, and a few weeks later Dr D. S. Milne of the Evolution Protest Movement spoke to a meeting of more than fifty members of the Society.

The Biological Society was represented in the 1948 Capping Procession by hitherto unknown forms of life—a segmented dragon. We are under the fond impression that our monster stole the show.

The programme for the winter term will commence with a Brains Trust. We also hope to run an ecological project on bottom fauna in the Wellington Harbour.

We wish to take this opportunity of thanking the 1947 Committee for so ably carrying on the Society's activities and only hope that we can do as well in 1948.

Student Christian Movement

V.U.C.S.M. has had a very encouraging year. The programme has covered the normal range of activities and in addition has given the members of the Movement an opportunity to make some impact on the outside community. Many members have played a full part in the exercise of their student citizenship in the College. The studies and addresses during the last eight months have centred round the Bible and Doctrine and have dealt with the important subject of the relevance of Christianity to our needs and problems. Apart from Study Circles and devotions, we have organized a monthly Church Service for students on traditional University Service lines and we have held three camps, one in May, one in July, and one at the end of the final exams.

Twenty students from V.U.C. and T.C. last November visited Wanganui on a goodwill mission to the city and churches. A report of the visit was been published giving a full account of the visit. The mission was indeed a stimulating and valuable experience for those students who were able to take part.

We have been fortunate this year in having a visit from Dr John Coleman. Dr Coleman is secretary of the University Commission set up by the World Student Christian Federation, being on the secretariat of W.S.C.F. He has visited fifty-two Universities in eleven different countries and brought us first hand knowledge of their conditions and problems. Dr Coleman has enlarged for us our conception of W.S.C.F. and showed by his example the relationship of Christianity to life.

An important feature of this year's work is a series of lectures on the Bible as Literature sponsored in conjunction with the Literary Society. The lectures are being given by members of the staff and others.

We art planning to visit Hastings at the end of this year, on the lines of our visit to Wanganui, though the team will be larger and the programme more ambitious. Forty members recently spent a whole day in the new housing area at Naenae working with two churches in that area and seeing

something of the problem of this new community.

We should like to express our thanks to the Rev. Martin Sullivan for his leadenship and help in our work and activities.

Chemical Society

The aim of the Chemical Society is to provide its members with a greater familiarity with the part played by chemists and chemical industry in the life of the community. That this aim was realized at least in part, is evidenced by the vigorous discussions that were a notable feature of meetings, especially those of a more general or controversial nature. On the whole, meetings were not well attended but students whose interest in scientific knowledge extends beyond their examination syllabus were present regularly. Meetings during the year were:

Film: 'The Life of Louis Pasteur'.

Talks: B. E. Swedlund, 'Scientific Methods'. Messrs Harris, Beck, Cryer, and Saxton, 'Aspects of Industrial Chemistry'. Dr Parton, 'Technical Barbarians'. Dr Dixon, 'Soil Chemistry'. Messrs Clare and McIntosh, 'Aspects of Agricultural Chemistry'.

Visits were made to the Dominion Laboratory and to the Soil Bureau where research workers explained their problems, the methods used to solve them, and the progress of their work. During the August vacation a party of six members went on a tour of other research stations in the North Island, at Palmerston North and Ruakura, Hamilton. This was a most interesting and profitable experience for the tourists, and it is hoped that similar visits can be arranged in future years.

Officers

President: Prof. P. W. Robertson. Chairman: Mr. A. R. Caverhill. Hon. Secretary-Treasurer: Mr. K. A. Handcock. Committee: Messrs J. B. Butchers, P. G. Harris, A. N. Wilson.

Hockey Club

As these notes are being written at the beginning of the season, an accurate assessment of the strength of the Hockey Club in the 1948 season can scarcely be given. However, the fact that in two Saturdays of play the club has lost only one out of ten games seems to be a favourable augury for the present season. With five teams instead of six entered in the competitions it should be possible to field reasonably constant combinations week by week, and there should be no necessity to 'scratch' a team because of a shortage of players.

Eight of last year's stalwarts—still smarting at the memory of the debacle of Winter Tournament 1947—will form the nucleus of the senior team. Newcomers who will undoubtedly strengthen the team include Ivor Ting, former Club Captain, Jim Beard of A.U.C. fame, and Reg Burney, Hec Lawry and Gil Johnston will again be on hand to mould the team into an effective combination. It is to be hoped that last year's tendency to substitute talks on hockey theory for practice in stick work and physical education will not occur this season.

The initial success of the club in most games should provide a fillip sufficient to ensure that every team, junior or senior, gives of its best in spite of the handicapping change in personnel, inadequate coaching, and the usual lack of goalkeepers. The progress made by junior teams last year was encouraging. The 3rd Grade A team fully deserved the award of the Dixon Trophy, and this season they have won both their games in convincing style. The other 3rd and 4th Grade teams are untried as yet and will find it difficult to combine well unless they make efforts to obtain coaching or—even better—arrange regular team talks. The 2nd Eleven has been relegated to the 2nd Division of their grade and fields a side that is stronger than that of previous years. The team will enjoy an advantage in that it is no longer necessary to use it as a stepping stone for the senior eleven, as the team selections have been finalized earlier than usual.

Law Faculty Club

The object of the Law Faculty Club is the promotion, within the academic and social fields, of the welfare of the members of the Law Faculty. For the academic welfare of the club during 1947 two moots were held in the small Courtroom of the Supreme Court but they failed to receive the support that was expected from the club. More moots were planned, but unfortunately did not take place due to the apathy of members of the club. From a social point of view the past year was a success in that it saw the revival of the Annual Ball—this was held at the Majestic Cabaret on the 5th December last and was well attended by the legal confraternity.

For the current year 1948 the club's executive is planning an active season. It is intended to hold the Annual Ball in the early part of June so that full-time students will have an opportunity of attending this function which was denied them last year on account of the lath fixtures. Shortly after finals there will be the traditional dinner which in the past has patronised the Grand and which can now be almost regarded as binding and no longer a persuasive choice. For the academic welfare of Law students it is hoped to arrange talks by leading practitioners which would prove of the utmost interest and it is hoped they will be well patronised to ensure their continuance throughout the academic year. It is hoped to introduce a new system with the conduct of the moots to be held during the course of the year, the first of which was, in fact, held on the 3rd of May and was most interesting and instructive and also well attended, which is both encouraging and heartening.

Rowing Club.

A limited group of members have been taking part in regattas consistently during the season, and among these, successes were achieved by Graham Honore, Don McLeod (at Picton, Wellington and Port Chalmers) and Stan Gillen (at Christchurch).

The training of novice oarsmen was undertaken with seriousness, and several were included in the team taking part in the Tournament. The position of the crews there was disappointing, due above all to the lack of capable oarsmen, and it is evident that to achieve better success in this event in future,

a large increase in our membership is required.

A new eight-oared skiff has been purchased and will be put into use next season.

Boxing Club

We have had a very successful season this year and the members, though very few in number, were very keen.

We are indeed proud of the fact that we were the only successful team participating in Easter Tournament from V.U.C. The team was as follows E. C. Adams (Light Heavyweight); C. A. MacLeod (Middleweight); J. F. Goldfinch (Welterweight); M. W. Wisheart (Lightweight); C. M. Wong (Bantamweight); A. M. Young (Featherweight).

The team had three wins out of four who reached the finals. M. W. Wisheart and C. M. Wong have been awarded N.Z.U. Blues. The other winner, E. C. Adams, was very unfortunate in not being recommended for a N.Z.U. Blue. T. Adams, our trainer, must be thanked for his untiring efforts to help us along. He even took time off work to accompany the team to Dunedin.

Tramping Club

Non-trampers have from time to time queried tramping as a sport, and it is understandable that climbing a mountain or crossing a pass might mean to them a dull and fatiguing toil, or merely an opportunity to exercise muscles and breathe invigorating air. Such academic sentiments obscuring the broad view find little or no place in the tramper's conception of the sport, which encompasses not only a wide variety of activities from both administrative and practical aspects, but social atmosphere of community life as exists in Extrav. and Tournament, and a congenial opportunity for leisured discussions as rarely happens in the uncouth haste of everyday life.

During the past nine months the number and enthusiasm of members has again increased giving birth in another of the ever-popular ski trips last August to Mount Egmont where we were fortunate in seeing many New Zealand title-holders in action at the N.Z. Ski Championships. Following the usual lull during the third term exam trips were once more organized, largely with a bias towards Christmas plans, and several picnic and rock-climbing instruction days at the ' Slab ', Titahi Bay.

The South Island again attracted our attention for the major Christmas expedition, and a party of nearly forty made a base at Spencer Ranges. While many successful climbs were made, others enjoyed the scenery from the grassy slopes of the Travers Valley. Finally about half the party moved off on a pass-hopping trip through the headwaters of the Sabine, Clarence, and Waiau, Ada, and Marauia rivers, eventually emerging on the Lewis Pass road. We had some anxious moments when a deluge on Boxing Day caused the Travers river to rise rapidly and threaten our store tents containing half a ton of food. Fortunately the flood waters subsided in time and from then on our miniature radio gave favourable weather reports, which all turned out to be true.

Meanwhile local activities have centred round the building of a hut—a new venture in the history of the Club. Members have heartily supported this plan and considerable energy has expended in clearing an excellent site in the Tauherenikau Valley, swagging in building material and erecting the framework. However there is still much to be done and we are looking forward to the day when we have a hut of our own and can repay the generous hospitality of other clubs.

Officers

President: Prof. E. J. Boyd-Wilson; Vice-Presidents: Mary B. Boyd, A. H. (Bonk) Scotny, Arthur Oliver. Chairman: C. A. (Ted) Bradstock. Vice-Chairman: Gordon McDonald. Secretary: J. B. (Barney) Butchers. Chief Guide: Harry Evison. Committee: Marshall Laird, Bruce Milburn, Mike Murray. Ski-Captain: Jack McDonald.

Cricket Club

Though a very keen eleven was entered in the Senior Championships consisting of experienced players and improved colts the eleven did not achieve the success of the previous two years.

It is to be said of the eleven that they were unbeaten in the knockout competition, and but for rain robbing them of an outright win they might have easily won it.

The team was under the capable leadership of Tom Larkin, a discerning and keen captain who played some useful knocks with his precise and neat shots.

The most improved batsman was Bob Vance whose keenness should be an inspiration to all cricketers. He kept wicket very well, as many batsmen found to their cost, and, with John Oakley, represented Wellington in the Colts' tour and against the Fijians.

John Oakley is another batsman of no mean ability who played some enterprising cricket, especially in the second half of the season. He represented Victoria at the Easter Tournament, and played for the N.Z.U. team.

Don Bryan, Mel Matheson and Roy Woolley were trundlers who kept the opposing batsmen quiet and took their toll of wickets.

With the eleven were the evergreen Peter Wilson and Gilbert Stringer, who can always be relied on for their fair share of the rungetting.

Slow right hand spinners from Hamish Henderson caused many a senior cricketer to lose his wicket, and in his first two innings Thompson took thirteen wickets for 108 runs. Left hand slow spinners from Peter Sim also had their marked effect. Opening batsman Lou Cornish continued to give the impression that he is developing into a really first class batsman.

Promoted to the eleven were Harold Lewis, a promising right hand bat, and Ray O'Connor, who bowls a useful ball but has also developed into a really useful bat, as shown by his knock of 68 against Old Boys in the knockout competition.

Capably led by Cathel MacLeod, our second eleven finished third in their competition, being only three points behind the winners. John Murray took over fifty wickets, ably supported by Paddy Mullins, who was selected for the second grade reps. on Anniversary Day. Our second grade batsmen included K.

Gajadhar, R. Wilde, J. Orbson, and R. Berry, with T. Mullinder keeping wickets early in the season, and later Vivian. Led by Guy Smith the third grade team had some meritorious victories.

The fourth grade team, led by Bill Treadwell, and later Don Moore, improved with the weeks and had some promising players. Treadwell was selected for the fourth grade reps. on Anniversary Day.

Under Pix Hurrell's leadership the fifth grade team finished on the right foot by winning their last game.

Victoria played in the final of the Easter Tournament cricket, having beaten A.U.C. in the first round, but were themselves beaten by Otago in the last round. Our Christmas tour was a great success, as we won every game we played.

Officers

Club Captain: J. Carrad. Secretary: W. J. Tread-well. Teams Officer: K. Gajardhar.

Soccer Club

During the 1947 season the Club entered three teams in the local competition—one in each of the senior B, second, and third grades. The standard of play in the senior and third grades was good, both teams finishing the season more than half way up their respective grades.

Last year also we acted as hosts at the third Winter Tournament, and with true hospitality shared the Soccer Shield with two of our guests—Auckland and Otago. This is the third occasion on which our Tournament team has tied for this trophy, which we firmly intend to bring back this year from Christchurch with the name V.U.C. engraved upon it.

The Club extends congratulations to K. R. Johnstone who was awarded an N.Z.U. Blue, and to E. J. Simmonds and J. Y. Walls who gained representative honours.

This season the club once again has entered teams in the same three grades. While the third grade standard has dropped somewhat the second grade and senior teams are much stronger than in previous years. The senior team in particular has developed a well-balanced combination based upon the strong half line comprising F. C. Richardson, K. R. Johnstone and M. J. Spiers, who have played in that position for the past three seasons. Most promising is the fact that from goal to forward line there are no weaknesses.

The club had much pleasure in welcoming back two of its originals, Keith McLeod and Dave Bateup.

A bright 1948 season portends if a meritorious win in the first round of the Chatham Cup is any indication.

Officers

Club Captain: G. Robinson. Club Vice-Captain: B. K. Reddy. Secretary: J. Y. Walls. Treasurer: F. C. Richardson.

Rugby Football Club

The early date of going to press for the 1948 Spike makes it difficult to offer any real comment on the Club's activities for the present year. So far all that can be said about this season's Rugby is that the first two playing days of the competitions have seen a very good start made by Club teams in every grade, and that for the first time for many years eight teams have been entered in the Union's contests. Shortage of coaches may be a handicap in the later part of the year.

The First XV group at present consists of: F. Buckley, J. D. Dillon, R. W. Berry, I. V. Dalgleish, R. G. Wilde, D. Dickson, M. F. Radich, H. Jaeger, R. Jacob, R. E. Barraclough, O. S. Meads, A. W. Grayburn, P. Grayburn, J. Corkill, R. T. Shannon, C. Shannon, B. Philpott, R. P. Hansen, R. Jermyn, J. R. Battersby.

Since these notes are written so early in the season, it may be as well to comment on one or two features of last year's work which did not appear in Spike 1947.

In late 1946 the Club bought from the War Assets Realization Board five floodlights, which were finally erected last year and used when the supply of electricity allowed it. They have been a great help towards adequate practice facilities, but a good Rugby gymnasium is still needed. Last season also the Club bought a set of jerseys for hire to the First XV, but the quality of this gear was most disappointing, and the togs are now useless for their original purpose.

The following were awarded College Blues for 1947: A. S. Macleod, R. W. Berry, J. D. Dillon, M. F. Radich, R. Jacob, R. T. Shannon, C. B. Burden, O. S. Meads, J. A. L. Bennett, R. B. Burke, S. S. Kurtovich.

Officers

Patron: Sir Thomas Hunter. President: Prof. H. B. Kirk. Club Captain: Mr. H. E. Moore. Deputy Club Captain: Mr. R. T. Shannon. Teams' Officer: Mr. W. J. Treadwell. Assistant Teams' Officer: Mr. V. H. Peters. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. R. G. Wilde. Hon. Secretary: Mr. J. B. Trapp. Committee: Rev M. Sullivan, Messrs R. Jacob, C. A. Macleod, M. F. Radich.

Tennis Club

With a membership of about 70 members, the Tennis Club has come to the end of another successful season. Although we did not repeat last year's achievement of winning the Tournament Tennis Shield, we did come runners-up equal with Canterbury with 11 points. Otago were the winners with 13 points. This result may have been somewhat different if our two top players, Lorna Ngata and Ben O'Connor, had been available for play. Lack of combination in the doubles was the main fault, and although good resolutions were made to choose the team early in the New Year and so give them the opportunity to practise together, these were not acted upon, and many members of the team were quite unfamiliar with each other's play. It was bad luck, also, that Joan Robbins was not able to play at the last moment.

Hugh Davidson and Jack Walls, however, lived up to all expectations by winning the Men's Doubles from Canterbury's top pair. Hugh and Avis Reed also reached the final of the Combined Doubles and were unlucky to lose to Jean MacGibbon and White of Canterbury in the third set. Jack Walls also

reached the final of the Men's Singles; our two Women's Doubles pairs, Elwyn Coull and Loris Webley, and Suzanne Ilott and Gillian Foden, and the second Combined pair, Loris Webley and Bill Pritchard, all reached the semi-finals. Bill and Jim McIvor were beaten in the first round of the Men's Doubles, and Roy McKenzie in the first round of Men's Singles, where he was unfortunate in meeting Green, of Otago, who eventually won the event.

Our Inter-club teams commenced and finished the season well but, as usual, the standard over the long vacation was low and most of the teams playing over this period were scratched together at the last minute and we had to default several times. Teams were entered for Men's and Women's Senior A. which now are separate, Second Grade and Third Grade, with four men and four women in each.

Throughout the season there have not been more than two wet weekends, and large attendances at the Club both on Saturdays and Sundays have been the rule.

Officers

Chairman: George Napier. Club Captain: Ben O'Connor. Secretary: Loris Webley. Treasurer: Brian Igglesden. Women's Committee: Jane Florance, Gillian Foden, Sylvia Frazer, Barbara Hall. Men's Committee: Ken Bliss, John Campbell, Alan Mathews, Jack Walls.

Athletic Club

The 1947-48 athletic season in Wellington saw a slight improvement in the standard of the sport, but at the same time that standard was well below those of other centres. Fortunately, Victoria has also made advances over the past year and is now one of the strongest clubs in Wellington. There is still a long way to go before the college will be able to challenge the other colleges for athletic supremacy at Easter Tournament.

Club meetings at Kelburn Park commenced on Monday, 17th November, and regularly attracted twenty to thirty athletes for competition for the Old Members' Cup in the latter part of the season. Once again the club was fortunate in that many of its members received valuable coaching from Dr L. R. Richardson, Messrs S. G. Eade, D. Tossman, J. Colvin and C. Dickie.

The Inter-Faculty Sports were held at Kelburn Park on Saturday, 13th March, before a good attendance. Large fields were the order of the day, and in six events the winner's performance which exceeded the standard set in 1946 were passed as records. It was noticeable that in many events students who competed for outside clubs during the season took a prominent role at this meeting. Let it be hoped that these students will link up with the college club next season!

As was expected, Victoria retained the athletic wooden spoon at Easter Tournament. Many fine performances were registered by our athletes but our only place-getters were Fred Marshall who was awarded a N.Z.U. Blue for his wins in the hammer throw and discus throw, Brian Pohlen who won the mile walk, Clem Hawke who was second in both the mile and three miles, and the womens' relay team which gained second place.

In competition with other Wellington clubs, Victoria was able to field strong teams and gained several places at the Provincial Championships and other meetings. Winners of provincial titles were Fred Duckworth (120 yards hurdles), Fred Marshall (discus, shot putt and hammer throw), and Neville Sherring (one mile junior). Club members also had successes when they made their annual visit to Hastings.

Officers

Club Captain: T. H. Benjamin. Secretary-Treasurer: G. I. Fox (from 26/1/48), T. Levy (resigned 26/1/48). Committee: A. J. Catt, A. Marshall, J. F. Goldfinch, J. C. Hawke, B. J. Pohlen, Barbara Fougere.

Philosophical Society

'My own infirmities . . . and the public news coming together have put my utmost philosophy to the trial.' Possibly the realization of the transparent applicability of this aged saying to the condition of man in the world today was a motivating factor in the formation of the Philosophical Society last year.

However that may be the Society has now emerged from its embryonic state and is cutting its teeth on a multitude of fundamental, and other, problems.

The Society operates by way of weekly discussion groups, and its chief work so far this year has centred round the title, 'Approach to Philosophy'. It is intended during the second term to have a competent speaker to lead a study group discussion on St Thomas Aquinas and another on 'The Philosophy of Marxism'.

By way of public addresses, the Rev J. M. Bates is to talk to the College on 'Philosophy and Religion' and it is hoped that a member of the Philosophy Department staff will speak on some topic of general interest.

The Society also has in mind the inauguration (possibly not this year) of a series of talks on the leading theological philosophers, K———, Maritain, Buber and others. In view of the influence this school of thought such a study would be of considerable significance.

It is too early to attempt any evaluation of the work of the Society this year. In any event whatever is achieved is somewhat intangible and can only reflect in the individuals who have benefited. It is sufficient justification for the Society's existence that interest is consistently maintained by its members.

Swords Club

In this, the fourth year of its existence, the V.U.C. swords Club is a vigorous and precocious child of the Students' Association, having won the Fencing Championships at the Winter Tournaments of 1946 and 1947, when only two and three years of age.

Last year one of the club members captained the N.Z.U. team which defeated the Wellington Swords Club by 15 bouts to 1; and for the first time a women's team fought at Tournament.

This year our coach—one of the best in the country—is achieving very encouraging results with the twenty to thirty enthusiasts who attend regularly on every club evening. Until Extrav. took over our

'Fencing Academy', i.e. the Gym., we held only one meeting a week, but now that Tournament looms ahead, the club meets twice weekly. Though most of the time is necessarily used in training in foil-play, the men do fight a number of bouts in sabre and epee. Actually, it is possible to commence by teaching epee or sabre, but a knowledge of foil leads logically and easily to a knowledge of the heavier blades, so that it is usually taught first. The beginner is at first utterly bewildered by the intricacies—and apparent absurdities—of fencing; but he soon learns that with a certain amount of practice and perseverance, he can become a competent foilist within a year.

This year the club will again enter two teams for Winter Tournament—a men's team of four members and a women's team of two. During the season bouts with local clubs will be arranged, partly to provide comparative interest and partly to give members experience in fighting opponents whose tactics they do not already know.

Most of the members of last year's Tournament team are not available this year, so prospective representatives will need a good deal of training and enthusiasm.

Officers

Coach: N. St C. Dickson. Captain: P. Hampton Vice-Captain: N. Runisey. Secretary: Nannette Broom. Committee: Alison Keys, Pauline Michael, W. Stevens, R. Curtis.

Defence Rifle Club

Although it did not retain the Haslam Shield, the Rifle Club has had a highly successful and enjoyable season. The team for Tournament consisted of D. V. Henderson (captain), A. T. Howarth, I. M. Henderson, J. V. T. Baker, J. K. Cullinane, G. L. Catley (Massey), R. Hardwicke-Smith.

Athol Howarth gained top score and Vance Henderson two points below, both receiving N.Z.U. Blues.

The club took part in other activities, the National Rifle Championship at Trentham where Vance Henderson came eighth in New Zealand in the musketry shoot. In the match between all Wellington champions and runners up Athol Howarth was third and Vance Henderson fourth equal. The club Sansum musketry trophy was won by Athol Howarth. Ian Henderson has put up some very good scores this season and Hardwicke-Smith and Kjestrup have shown the makings of very fine riflemen. The club has a membership of about twenty, the average attendance being less than half that number except just before Tournament. There is room for many more to take an active interest in this very fine sport.

Debating Society

The popularity of the Debating Society has continued this year. Audiences are large and the number of speakers has shown a marked increase. Three debates were held during the first term, the subjects being the Czechoslovakian situation, Marshall Aid to Europe, and Private Schools. Debates are held fortnightly during the first and second terms. The Plunket Medal Oratory Contest is to take place in July. The Bledisloe Medal Oratory Contest, which was won last year by Victoria College, and the Joynt Scroll Debating Contest will be held at C.U.C. at the same time as Winter Tournament.

Officers

President: K. O'Brien. Secretary: Jean Melling. Treasurer: Nell Casey.

Women's Hockey Club

The 1947 season finished well, with Varsity holding positions about half-way up the grades in the Inter-Club Competitions in all sections except Senior B, who maintained their position in the top group of the grade.

The A team played some good inter-college games—they defeated Massey College at Palmerston in their annual match, and at Tournament (held last year at Wellington) finished second equal.

Plans are already afoot for the Massey visit early in July. This, and tournament, are the Senior A's main fixtures, but the Senior B's also have their annual match (we hope) with Canterbury. This year it is Victoria's turn to visit Christchurch.

King's Birthday saw two teams fielded in the seven-a-side. The second team did not leave its mark on the world of sport (thank you, Mr Ingram), but the seniors came second in their grade.

The Ralph trophy for the 1947 season was won by Pat Young, who gained representative honours in her first year of hockey. Congratulations, Pat.

Our congratulations also to Jean Melling and Quona Christie who took time off from hockey to get married.

This year the Club fielded four teams, but in 1949 the Club hopes to be able to field five. So if you are inspired by the noble game of hockey the Club will welcome you with open sticks.

Thanks are due to our coaches, Miss Charles, Pat Ralph and Mr Jacobson. They have been a great help during the year.

Photographic Club

1948 promises to be an interesting year for the Photographic Club. With a much increased membership, it has a programme which should be of great interest and benefit to all its members. And by the end of the year the Club will be in possession of a darkroom of its own in the Weir House basement which will be well equipped for developing, printing and enlarging.

Indicative of the new enthusiasm in the Club were the large number of entries received for the Spike 1948 Photographic Competition, their wide variety, and their improved technical quality. Further competitions will be held during 1948, including the selection of photographs for the Jubilee issue of Spike which will appear towards the end of the year. The winning entries of all the competitions will be awarded prizes.

Other Club functions this year will include demonstrations on technique, visits to places of interest to all photographers, and lectures by local authorities on various aspects of the art.

The committee hopes that still more amateur

photographers among the students of the College will associate themselves with the Club, and avail themselves of its many benefits to make their hobby more fruitful and worthwhile.

Officials

President: Prof. Ian A. Gordon. Chairman: D. C. Ball. Secretary-Treasurer: P. C. Alve. Committee: Miss C. W. Harvie, W. E. H. Docherty, T. Grant-Taylor, D. R. McQueen.