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"Salient" has great pleasure in publishing the following carefully expurgated account of Tournament, by a reporter who visited Dunedin at great personal risk, impelled only by a sense of duty. Wrapped in blankets, his forehead in ice, his feet in a mustard bath, and showing unmistakably signs of the strain imposed on his mental and physical health, he dictated blotto voce to our beautiful stenographer, sipping, Worcester sauce at intervals. A doctor, three nurses, a detective and several policemen were present throughout the interview. At times the patient's mind wandered, during which periods he rolled his eyes and sweated neat spirit. He has been formally arrested, but cannot be removed from hospital for some time.
First of all (he said) I wish to protest very strongly against the action of the wharf authorities in not allowing our friends on to the wharf to farewell us. The poignant memory of a parting on the shore is not only the time-honoured right of every traveller, but it has the practical value of encouraging his virtue while abroad. Any lapses from our team's customary good behaviour is directly ascribable to this action by the wharf authorities.
However, some of our friends did succeed in passing the barriers of officialdom by force, charm or gulle, in particular I would mention two girls who fearlessly ran the gauntlet of police and wharf officials and reached the ship's side, accompanied by the cheers of those whose way was barred. Their determination and their contempt for red tape are to be commended. I can testify to the sobriety and purity of their friends during the trip.
Because so many were in training, the Journey south was uneventful. A few were sea-sick, but quite tidily. On arrival at Dunedin, we were met by a haka party dressed in kilts with beer mugs for sporrans. We were efficiently drafted into pens, according to the ribbons we wore, and then driven to our billets. At 7.45 p.m. there was a haka recital from 4ZB.
Next day there was a delegates' meeting, an official welcome, after which the Tournament photographs were taken and O.U. gave us afternoon tea. The annual conferences of N.Z.U.S.A. and the Press Bureau began.
On Saturday morning we saw the tennis and swimming preliminaries and the rowing; "Salient," encountering no opposition, boarded a convenient launch and watched the eights on their gruelling three miles from MacAndrew Bay to Victoria Wharf. The gloating manner in which O.U. received its victory was disgusting. Their cries of "Who won the boat race?—O—ta—go!" proved so disturbing that several members of the other teams betrayed symptoms of a nervous breakdown. John Bullock's condition, for example, caused us some anxiety for the rest of the Tournament; and A. B. Crane (V.U.C. cox) Is reported to have plunged next day into the turbulent waters of the Leith. He was rescued and resuscitated by members of the swimming team, taken home and put to bed. Later he seemed to have no recollection of his ordeal.
The swimming was chiefly
The Rendezvous at Allen Hod provided us with opportunities to find partners to take to church on Sunday.
On Sunday evening Knox College entertained us in the grand manner, with a film, items, and supper, all enjoyable and respectable. The respectability was somewhat strained by the museum and by "Shorty" Martin's rendering of "Public Sweetheart Number One."
On Monday we saw V.U.C. wade through blood and tears to victory in the basketball. Excitement ran high at the athletic finals, not the least enthusiastic spectator being Professor
Murphy, We saw a good deal of the professor during Tournament, and much appreciated his presence.
Big moments in the athletic finals were:
The two classic battles between Robinson (C.U.C.) and Nixon (O.U.) in the mile and between Bell (A.U.C.) and Ramsay (O.U.) in the quarter hurdle.
Eastwood, walking away with the 100 yards.
Irving's brilliant finish in the high hurdles.
Jack Adams' surprise win in the javelin.
Eastwood's 440 and Cliffe Adams' 220.
R. Scrymgeour's magnificent 3 miles.
In the boxing finals, Victoria's heroes were Ryan and McLaren, who provided two of the best bouts of the evening.
The Rendezvous on Monday night was a frantic rush for partners for the Pukekiki Cow-byre Ball. Buses left at 11.45 p.m.. The drivers were instructed to stop at a certain hotel, in case anyone wanted cordials for the rural junketing. Our bus stopped, but no one got out-no doubt a tribute to our temperance, though uncharitable people say forethought.
The hall was lit by kerosene lamps. Soon after arriving, some of the women students complained of the heat. It was raining outside, but fortunately there were plenty of cars where one might smoke a quiet cigarette and cool off. It is said that two members of the E.U.. with a deep conviction of sin, entered a near-by church for their devotions. The hall was left to a party of jitterbugs, who apparently had more time on their hands. The journey home was very quiet....
There were not many present at 9.30 next morning for the tennis finals. "Salient" made an appearance in time to celebrate Victoria's victory in the shooting; then, after the recount, had to start all over again. At the Drinking Horn contest we were sorry to see Jack Hott with his elbow in a sling.
The Ball was like the Evening Before Waterloo, even to the presence of the Big Guns, in tails. Drinking, we heard later, was not allowed. Next morning we looked more like the morning after Waterloo, when we all left for home, except two or three who remained to follow up the ball.
As the train left the station, a vainglorious few waved tartan bonnets, while the Otago haka team, from whom they had been
After inspecting our sleeplng-quartors on the Wahine, we donned lifebelts and went on deck singing hymns for those in peril on the sea. By our coolness, panic was averted. However, the captain courteously assured us there was no danger; that the boat was seaworthy, if we weren't; and that we could safely put the lifebelts back where we got them, please.
[At this point our reporter collapsed. The torment of Tournament, libations and expiations, lunches and counter-lunches, had been too much.]
During Tournament the N.Z.U. Press Bureau held several meetings, when matters of interest to all students were discussed. One of the principal objects for which the Bureau was formed two years ago was the production of a N.Z. University periodical. The conference decided to make a start this year with a magazine to be published near the end of the middle term. A suggestion by A.U.C., that the periodical should contain interesting material from degree theses, will be acted upon if any interesting theses can be found. Every year, hundreds of theses, each representing at least 12 months' research, are printed and forgotten. It is just possible that among these a few paragraphs of more than academic interest may be found. The main objects of the paper, however, will be to provide news and literary work of interest to students in all the Colleges. It will not be decided until the first number is published whether it is to be an annual or a quarterly.
C.U.C. suggested that a World Student Press Conference should be held in N.Z. in the Centennial year. Such a conference would be part of a congress representing all important student organisations. The possibilities of holding such a congress here will be investigated; and when one considers the success of the New Educational Fellowship Conference held in N.Z., there seems to be no reason why a student congress could not be equally successful.
A motion condemning the censorship of University papers was carried unanimously. "Salient" is its own censor, but "Critic," "Canta," and "Craceum" are not so fortunate.
Just before the Press Bureau Conference concluded. V.U.C. moved "that this conference of the P.B. views with horror and disgust the erotic photographs displayed on the 'Critic' walls." The motion was passed, O.U. refraining from voting. A recommendation to the N.Z.U.S.A. that an inspector should be appointed by that body to examine and report on the decorations in the rooms of all College papers, was also passed.
At the annual general meeting of the N.Z.U.S.A. during Tournament it was decided to establish funds to bring German refugee students to N.Z. to study. All the Colleges were prepared to organise such funds, the V.U.C. Students' Association being prepared to guarantee the money necessary to support a German student. O.U.. C.U.C. and A.U.C. will begin separate funds with the object of obtaining enough to support a student each, but if enough money is not forthcoming the funds will be pooled for the purpose.
The Secretary, Mr. J. B. Aimers, explained that the most suitable courses for such students would be agriculture, medicine and dentistry, because employment could be almost guaranteed at the conclusion of the courses.
Other matters dealt with by the N.Z.U.S.A. will be published later.
Off and on from nine till two on Monday the four basketball teams fought strenuously for the only all-women's trophy of the tournament. Each College had three games of forty minutes to play in this time-Victoria playing the first and second game with only a ten minutes' break. Even the twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off scheme did not alleviate the strain; Victoria's Glucose-D, lemons and talc powder footbaths helped, and we privately think that these modern and scientific methods turned the tables our way. Certainly the green tunics stood up to a terrific morning's work and lasted better than Otago in the last game. Although far from Auckland's monotonous run of wins in the early days of the contest. Victoria College has now won the Basketball Shield for the third successive year. No Victoria University College sport has done as well in recent years.
The results were:—
Little needs to be said of the games against Canterbury. The Reds were disorganized by the loss of a defender through a wrenched ankle and seemed quite incapable of scoring when presented with opportunities.
Otago are a much improved combination. Several new and young players appeared and promise to make Otago University a force in coming years. The six-goal margin in Auckland's flavour was Mattering to the northern team. Had Otago defended the last pass in goal really strenuously and had they not lapsed in their own shooting in the second spell, a victory (for the first time) might have resulted for Otago University. The loss of a centre through injury seemed to do little to upset a well-trained combination.
The second spell against Victoria was epic. After a 3-0 lead in the first few-minutes. Victoria University College found themselves hotly attacked by a determined Otago University team who drew level. At this point, Joy Osborn, who had scored most of Victoria's goals, tripped and fell so heavily that a substitute. Glen MacMorran, had to come on. Otago wore 5-3 at half-time. Within five minutes of resumption Victoria University College led 6-5. Thence they were never headed. Scoring eight goals to two in the spell, the. Green forwards put 100 per cent, of their shots through the ring. All day the shooting had been inaccurate for Victoria but the fighting spirit (or something) triumphed when the need arose. The whole team
Against Auckland there was less tension, although this is always the second best team these days and they had won against Otago University in the first round. Victoria University College wore never headed in the score and would have done much better but for poor shooting partly because of the unchecked over-defense of Auckland University College. It was her play in this game that earned Ruth Bell her Blue. Her defense (and at times over-defence) of the third forward saved many goals and completely rattled the Auckland forwards. The gameness of Joy Osborn, who resumed after nearly fainting with the heat and then scored two goals in as many minutes, will not soon be forgotten by the team and the spectators.
Ruth Bell. Rosamund Drummond, and Erice Overton were singled out by the selection committee for New Zealand University Blues. Rosamund has gained a New Zealand Blue in all her three tournaments. Of the rest of the team "Salient" is bold enough to single out Plxie Higgins as a worthy candidate for a Blue. Her pivotal work in the centre and unfailing energy and technical skill reached their highest point to date and many were amazed at her omission from the Blues' list. All other
The athletic championships were held at Logan Park on Saturday and. Monday afternoons. Weather conditions on both days were perfect. There was practically no wind and no sun, although the temperature was pleasantly warm. The slow track, due to the ground being reclaimed, was, however, perfectly dry, but the sandy surface gave runners no assistance whatever. The ground itself is well situated among plantations of trees.
The first day was reasonably satisfactory for Victoria College. In the first final (220 yards flat) C. V. Adams won beautifully from Steele, of Otago. As they straightened up coming into the straight Steele held a slight advantage hut Adams nut all he knew into it and won by a yard and a half. The one mile was a very poor race. It seemed that the competitors were divided as to how they wanted the race to he run. Some tried to speed it up and others to slow it down, the result being that the order was changing every 100 yards. The first half-mile was run in 2mins. 12secs. With a lap to go Robinson (C.), went to the lead with Nixon (O.), and Scrymgeour (V.) after him. Amid great excitement Nixon caught Robinson and won by a yard with Scrymgeour 20 yards back third. The time was 4min. 29 1-5sec.
Eastwood ran an easy second in his 440 yards heat, as also did Irving in the 120 yards hurdles. The finals of both these events were beautiful to watch. Irving got home by inches from two Otago men in 16 1-5secs., and Eastwood showed a clean pair of heels to the field to win easily by 15 yards in 50 2-5Secs.—an excellent time on the slow track.
Irving qualified also in the 220 yards hurdles, but couldn't do better than third in the final on Monday—a race which was won by Ramsay (O.) in 26secs.—a New Zealand University record.
Saturday ended with the scores for the Athletic Shield as under:—Otago 11. Auckland 3. Canterbury 3. Victoria 2.
We were not downhearted, however, as we had numerous finalists to perform on the Monday.
The first race on Monday was the 100 yards, and a classic it was. East-wood and Adams got away from the gun with the former slightly in front. Running beautifully he increased his lend and won by two or three yards in 10 1-5secs. Adams had another couple of yards on Fountain (C.). Then cause the final of the 120 yards hurdles, mentioned above, and won by Irving. Things were definitely looking better for Victoria, although Otago had a huge lead. We could see ourselves losing that Wooden Spoon. In the Hop. Step and Jump O'Regan could not get the board and finished out of a place. The 880 yards was a triumph for the young A.U.C. runner. Nugent, who heat Nixon (O.), the title holder,
J. S. Adams again raised Victoria's colours with a first in the javelin throw and a second in the high jump.
Dalzell and Terry in the shot put and not get a place hut preformed consistently. It was unfortunate that they were up against competitors of the class of J. L. Adams (Otago).
Most notable performance by a V.U.C. competitor was D. R.
The end of the day saw the points for the Athletic Shield as follows:—Otago 23 ½, Victoria 12 ½. Auckland 9, Canterbury 5., V.U.C. thus ridding herself of the Wooden Spoon held so tenaciously since
Double congratulations to Jack Aimers on being elected President of the N.Z.U.S.A. and also a member of the debuting team to tour Australia.
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During the journey home from Dunedin the boys with the beer-bottle full of fresh water caught fifteen men and one woman.
Has Otago yet noticed the improvement in the Varsity clock? No doubt they were tired of the old Big Ben chimes, and will appreciate the new tune, known as "Swingin' Westminster." The swing experts who undertook the new arrangement state that the do something to harriers.
Technique.-Our Haka Loader, Bob Anderson, performing the difficult feat of drinking a bottle of boor siphoned through a tap removed from the Octagon fountain on to the Basketball Shield while on a train in motion.
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"Hott don't
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"Mutual forgiveness of each vice Such are the gates of paradise."
To obtain the maximum of education at a University it seems essential that one should take part in club life and student activities. The great value of a judicious admixture of both academic and social education appears to be incontestable. There has been considerable controversy at Universities about the students' disinclination to participate in social life. There are some who would discount the academic to the benefit of the social—and vice versa. But to the writer there can be no such inequality. The one is as important as the other. In fact, they act as stimulants to each other. The first is the analysis of how people have, lived—are living—have thought; the second is the actual participation in the living and the thinking. The inter-relation between the two is indissoluble but not often realised. It is perhaps the non-realisation of this fact that has given predominance to the academic and hence a means of escape from reality, when we should, now and at all times, be coveting the latter. Tournament provides the acme of University social activity.
At Tournament we meet our fellows, engage them in sport, in conversation, and in play. At sport we discuss the basketball team and its meritorious victories, the shootists and their unfortunate two-point loss, the tennis and the fighting spirit of our women's doubles finalists, the fine performances of Scrymgeour, Eastwood, and Adams at athletics, our luck at rowing, the disqualification in the swimming, and the tenacity and courage of our boxers. Even supporters become participants by engaging, in hakas and making other invigorating noises.
Or we may repair to the cloistered calm of the N.Z.U.S.A. annual meeting and watch delegates argue the pros and cons of Student Refugees. Student Health and Recreation, the Position of Graduates in the Civil Service. All in a friendly-antagonistic manner with opinions and counter-opinions, which, although they may be tedious to the casual onlooker, are the essential ingredients of a democratic institution (providing some definite conclusion is arrived at). The informal but active meetings of the N.Z.U. Press Bureau provide another ground on which student may meet student, intimately, to delve into such matters as censorship, student opinion, and other relevancies. Both the N.Z.U.S.A. and the Press Bureau have played and will play in the future a vital part, not only in student activities, but also in the life of the whole community. I would like to see them meeting more often than once a year.
Add to these meetings, sport, and sport-discussion, the Rendezvous. Drinking Horn, and the Ball, and lastly, but most important, the bounteous hospitality of the Dunedin people—the sum of k all was a most enjoyable and enlightening Tournament with many a lingering and refreshing memory for the future.
It the success of an organisation is judged by the number taking part in its activities, the Haeremai Club must be in a very flourishing condition indeed. Before Easter the club held a "smoko" which should prove to be a landmark in its history.
There were well over sixty present, and the speeches interspersed with seasonable stories and songs provided amusement and hilarity for everyone. Although proceedings were becoming a little unruly at the start, the timely farewell speech of Roy Scott (R.N.Z.A.F.) directed affairs into a better channel. Speaking chiefly to freshers he said that functions such as these were not occasions for unrestrained horseplay, but were to get the University men together, so that the icy far-away wardens of the College halls would melt into sociable and friendly companionships.
Bruce Orchiston orated in a serious tone and gave an entertaining account of the exploits of the Auckland Hongi Club.
Two "Aussies" came in and in their own typical way gave us some of the works.
President Andy said a number of things but unfortunately the air (or was it I?) was getting rather thick and his remarks seemed lost in the wilderness. However, it was a most enjoyable evening.
"Salient" has unearthed one of the most stupendous pieces of news in years—news that will revolutionise future tournaments.
It is understood that the Professorial Boards of the constituent Colleges will choose a team from among their number to compete with the students for the Horn Trophy at tournament!
We must, of course, impress upon our readers the fact that this flews is entirely unofficial and, until we receive confirmation, we cannot present it as The Truth.
But, If this is not the case, why should a well-known University Professor and economist, sitting in the grandstand watching the tournament athletic preliminaries, accept from Mr. Anderson a bottle of beer, and drink a large quantity from the bottle?
A murmur ran round the grandstand as the beer disappeared. Mr. Anderson was observed to grow pale, and give a sigh of relief when the Professor returned the bottle.
"Salient," hot on the scent, interviewed the Professor, and endeavoured to ascertain if he was training for future Drinking Horn Contests.
"No doubt you will recollect," said the Professor, "that beer is a tabula in naufragiis, if you got me, and you can go now.
It cannot be pretended that this reply was entirely satisfactory; but "Salient" leaves its readers to draw their own conclusions.
It is understood that with the entrance of the Professorial Board into the Horn Trophy Contest, the question of handicap will have to be considered.
It is rumoured that Professors all over. New Zealand are getting into training.
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Did Messrs. Edgley and Bullock lower the dignity of their office at Tournament athletics?
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Despite the Easter Tournament and the ensuing good time, which we are assured was had by all, the cast of " The Dinkum Oil" has put aside all alcoholic memories and has now settled down to try and excel all previous efforts. As the present trend on stage stage and screen is for plays with "the sweet and simple" theme, "The
Any way, the cast, the ballet mistress and the producer can promise that
No attempt is being made to correct any of the regrettable moral indecencies which we have observed in everyday life in this fair Dominion. We are not going to give you a sermon on Saturday morning
All you will get next Saturday night is "The Dinkum Oil" and as the Varsity
But when it is added that Paul Taylor is singing the lead, Bruce Drummond is once again our heroine, whilst the Hayseed is in Musician Dick Hutchens's hands and old interlude favorites, Arthur Harpur, Alan Gibson and Doug Dean are on deck with the famous "Rushin Ballet" to lend a hand or
"Salient" has asked me to give my ideas of the prospects of this year's Extrav. Item " The Vikings." This is rather like asking a trainer who has entered a horse for the Melbourne Cup what its chances are. Now "Salient" is always truthful, so it will not expect or print the blurb which is the usual advance publicity given as a
The heroes of the show so far have been the musicians. Dick Hutchens and Phil Marsack, who have written outstanding original tunes or skillfully adapted old ones. Some excellent work has been done by the costume and property department, and the ballet mistress has devised some clever numbers. The cast, apart from the Easter break, has worked consistently and with enthusiasm. If their efforts are in keeping with those of the others I have mentioned, then the show should prove acceptable to the public and. I hope, worthy of Victoria College.
" Adam in Wonderland" is proceeding in the usual Seven Pillar manner which has now become traditional. The authors, like all craftsmen of the highest order, never consider their work is done, so each rehearsal brings forth new jewels of wit and stinging shafts of trenchant satire.
Following upon the Extrav, which swayed the General Election, the Seven Pillars show what might have been If "Adam Baba" had not been conceived.
The cast is throwing its weight into rehearsals and as the gross weight must run into tons, the producer is sincerely thankful that rehearsals are on the ground floor of the gym. This brings us to the point that the show will undoubtedly bring the house down.
Like Sir Harry Lauder, the Seven Pillars are bound to retire again this year. So don't miss the third farewell performance of these brilliant young satirists.
The cast will gladly forward a Free autographed photograph on receipt of £1/15/- to cover postage and incidental expenses.
Recently there was formed in Wellington a Co-operative Book Society. The Society has been registered under the industrial and Provident Societies Act, l908. Here is the policy that was adopted by the Society at the first general meeting:—
All those interested, having read the following article delivered at the annual meeting by Mr. W. J. Scott, should call at the "Salient" Room, where Membership forms and further information are available.
"The policy of the Wellington Co-operative Book Society shall be to provide readers with books, pamphlets, and periodicals that try with honesty, skill and thoroughness to make the life of men and society intelligible to them. Recognizing the difficulty of training and preserving a sound judgment of literature and art in a world in which so much of it has been debased for profit, the members of the Society look to their bookshop to help them, and the public generally, to this end; they regard it as a means of developing the critical intelligence that the understanding and treatment of human conditions to-day so urgently need."
The move to form Co-operative Bookshops is an indication of the deep dissatisfaction felt by many or us with the inadequate supply of good books in the bookshops, the private lending libraries, or book clubs, and the easily accessible Public Libraries. If we rely on them, we are deprived, firstly, of reliable information about books—this is to be found only in periodicals with high standards of criticism and bookshops as a rule stock scarcely any of these—and second, of very many of the best books of imaginative literature, art, and criticism, politics, social sciences, etc. And, for a variety of reasons, the position is getting worse, not better, it is only by such co-operation, among those who want to read well, as the establishment and support of this bookshop that the rot can be stopped.
It is important to realise that what has happened with the ordinary commercial bookshop has happened also with every agency that sells entertainment, the means of occupying leisure time to the people. It started when the relatively stable social and cultural traditions of Western Europe began to disintegrate before the new conditions created by mass production in the search for profits and power began to exploit the leisure lives of people on a vast scale. This is the new and alarming difference between to-day and a not very distant yesterday—that to-day we have for the first time in history great industries, with a capital running into hundreds of millions of pounds, existing solely to sell the art to the largest possible number of people, and in so doing, to make the largest possible profits. The result is that the true educational and cultural influences in our Society now are not the schools, where the standards of Shakespeare and Swift are still, though rather shakily, upheld, or the theatre, or the church but those means of popular entertainment that modern inventions and industrial organisation have made it possible to provide for the multitudes our State education has taught to read—the romantic novel, the romantic fiction magazine, the film which is in essentials the romantic novel transferred to the screen, the daily and weekly newspapers with a circulation of millions.
To see how bad the position is in Wellington in the literary field, we have only to look around us. In the city and suburbs there are at least 150 shops, possibly 200, selling popular magazines (the minimum figure is vouched for from a reliable source the writer cannot divulge, but it probably does not include all shops). One such shop (of the popular news stand type) for which subscription figures were obtained, sold in one month two copies of a group of four-teen serious and responsible periodicals like "The New Statesman." and "The Spectator," 150 of a group of ten magazines of the more "entertaining type" like "Punch," "John o' London's," "Man." "Strand." etc., and at least 700 of the True Story Western Story group. There were probably many more of the quality of this last group sold, because the screen magazines were unfortunately omitted from the list submitted to the proprietors.
Now, it is doubtful If (In the wholes of Wellington) more than half-a-dozen shops out of the total of 150-200 have a sale worth mentioning of periodicals with any purpose besides that of making profit for their owners. To arrive, therefore, at a fairly accurate idea of the extent to which the public buy and read these quite irresponsible magazines we must multiply the sales of the shop for which I have given figures by something like 20. In a sensational article published about a year ago. "Truth" declared that 3,000,000 of those "filthy" magazines were imported annually into this country. How these figures were arrived at, I don't know, but, if they are accurate, the position is rather deplorable.
The characteristic brand of phantasy in these magazines may be described as masturbatory.
In addition to the 150-200 shops selling popular magazines there must be upwards of 50 profit-seeking lending libraries, counting branches. Perhaps there are more. Some reader may be interested enough to count them to find out more definitely. These libraries stock mainly contemporary fiction. It is not the best fiction nor is it the, worst. It is mediocre fiction, based on one or both of two staple elements, sex and violence, romance and detection. To get profits the policy of the libraries is to buy cheaply, to limit the range to books that change hands quickly, and to keep such information about good books as is given in the better periodicals away from their subscribers. The effect is to decrease the sales of the good books, lower the level at which the majority of people read, and make them less fit to read and understand more serious books dealing realistically or imaginatively with the lives of men.
Another unfortunate aspect of the literary situation is the low standard of criticism. We are all, of course, affected by the general conditions that exist, and we read less carefully, thoroughly, and intelligently than we should. What we need to keep us up to the mark are good periodicals with a consistently high standard of criticism. These are, unfortunately, few. The serious critical journals have had a thin time during the last quarter century. Some like "Sound and Horn," the "Calendar," "Symposium," have appeared and vanished after brief but honorable careers: others have been forced to combine in self-defense. "The New Statesman and Nation" was once four papers (if that is a fair way to put it), the "New Statesman," the "Nation," the "Athenaeum," the "Week End Review." At present it has the largest circulation among the serious general periodicals, about 27,000. The "London Mercury" and the "Bookman" were combined a few years ago; the circulation is now something under 10,000. The "Spectator" keeps its circulation round the 20,000 mark by devices such as a special half-price rate for schools. Middleton Murry's "Adelphi" is now practically out of action us a literary critic, having become a pacifist organ with a small circulation. "Purpose," a quarterly of uneven quality but sometimes good, is on its last legs.
But "The Times" literary supplement is the journal whose recent history tells us most about the present position of culture. According to Michael Roberts its circulation is at present under 10,000 "in spite of its desperate efforts to gain new admirers by indulging in the indecorous gaiety of mutton dressed as lamb.'" It now publishes reviews of thrillers and defends them editorially; and the general tone of its criticism is flabby and uncertain. It still remains the only paper in which reasonably full information about a wide range of books being published can be obtained, but it's tragic surrender to the middlebrows has robbed it of much of its authority as a critical journal. One good service our Bookshop can do is to introduce the good periodical to more people and so help it to keep going.
We look then to the Bookshop to provide us and the public generally first, with those books, pamphlets, and periodicals that give us the information about what is going on in the world, now inadequately given or kept from us by the Press; secondly, with the best fiction, poetry, and drama; thirdly, with the important scientific, philosophic, and religious literature of the day; and, finally, with the books of criticism and critical journals maintaining standards that deserve respect. We realise that we are faced with a political and cultural problem, at bottom the same problem, and desperately urgent.
After climbing up a series of stairs tastefully covered in red rubber with a black swastika design, "Salient" edged into a very small and crowded hall in the Beehive Chambers recently to listen to a discussion on armed intervention; This had been arranged by "Woman Today," the valiant paper that stands as a protest against the usual astrology and love story type of feminine reading, and was the first of a regular series of discussions.
Mrs. Lipson, representing the United States, gave a brief resume of the attitude adopted by intelligent Americans towards the international situation, and discussed the problems facing the President and Congress in the formulation of a foreign policy. In a country divided into three great parts—the East with its European interests, the middle, Strongly in favour of isolation, and the west, which anxiously watches events in the Pacific—the clash of interest is strong. From it, however, the isolationist movement rises predominant, and while once the United States would have interfered in international affairs, notably during the Manchurian crisis, and while she is worried and uneasy at continued German aggression, still she would fight only in self-protection, or if an attack upon Canada or Mexico threatened her sensitive frontiers. The European situation to-day is not regarded as hopeful, and people believe that as long as there is a group predominantly Fascist in control of the foreign policy of England, there will be entanglement on entanglement.
The second speaker, Mrs. C. A. Birchfield, representing the Now Zealand viewpoint, brought forth familiar arguments in support of collective security, emphasizing the need for unity among the workers of the world, and the realization of peace through a united and powerful working class.
"Be careful of catchwords and labels. Pacifists to-day are those people who want war, while those we term militarists want peace," said one of the speakers in the lively and at times amusing discussion which followed the addresses. Among the speakers from the floor was Mrs. Stewart, M.P., who continued for some time in a Parliamentarian strain, and really said nothing. And one of the three gentlemen present rose in favour of capitalism, to be promptly squashed by his wife, who stood up immediately afterwards to explain "What my husband really has at the back of his mind. . . ."
Various intriguing discussions which continued right down over the swastikas again to the door and beyond testified to the interest which had been aroused; and students, particularly women students, can be genuinely recommended to watch the newspapers for announcements of a further meeting. If the same standard is preserved, it will be well worth attending.
Well, we can guarantee that "Cappicade
Talk about the show to all your friends and relations—talk about it in buses and trams—make all Wellington 'Cappicade" conscious."Buy yourself, and sell to others, the "Cappicade" magazine.Sell tickets for the show.Volunteer as ushers, theatre assistants, make-up artists, etc.
The authors have produced great shows this year; the producers, dressers, and stage managers are working hard; It's up to you to see that their efforts are not in vain.
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Ours was an honorable second, the points being accumulated thus:
Probably the most gratifying feature of Tournament from our point of view was the improvement in athletics. We retained the tennis shield/ and again had the best basketball combination. In boxing we won the middleweight and heavyweight titles, but in rowing our experienced crew was beaten into third place. The swimmers once again emerged pointless. We had a close contest with Otago in shooting, the Dunedin men just prevailing.—L.B.S.
The Shooting team merits praise for a good performance under trying conditions, and commiseration for the disappointment of being told that a recount showed that they had lost the Haslam Shield by two points after they had celebrated a victory. Conditions were certainly trying. When the team arrived at the range the targets were entirely obscured by mint. The suggestion that a bell should be run in front of each target was not upheld, as apparently the rules did not include provision for blind shooting, although subsequent results might have suggested it. Even when the natural obstacle in the form of the mist had cleared away, a further difficulty was found in the very trying light which cast shadows on the targets. The Otago University Rifle Club is fortunate, however, in having, a range so handy and sheltered.
In the actual match the Victoria riflemen shot well, though all of them failed at one or other of the ranges. Johnson and Corkill put on good scores in the application at three hundred yards, while the latter's effort at 600 yards was excellent, especially considering the nerve-racking conditions. That the top score, also a record by the way. Was, made, by Boaden, of Auckland University Club, emphasises the fact that a good team score will usually beat individual brilliance. It was disappointing that the team failed after bring is points in the lead before the 600 yards match, but such misfortunes are just the turns of the game. It would have been very satisfying to have kept the Haslam Shield in the old glass case, but still there is next year with all its possibilities ahead.
The Victoria College crew has no excuses to offer for having been defeated in the
The Otago coach and crew are deserving of the highest congratulations individually all the other crews were superior in oarsman ship. If not in fitness. Otago had the advantage, of course, of hiring on their own course and were rowing in a new boat which was suitable to the conditions.
This cannot detract, however, from the performance of eight inexperienced men who had been together for a few weeks only.
Victoria scored no points in the tournament swimming contest, but the actual results are misleading. The general standard of swimming was very much higher than last year, and there are excellent prospects for three titles next year. Indeed it was only due to a very strict interpretation of the rules as to breaststroke that prevented Victoria University College from gaining a title and three points this year.
All members of the team qualified for the finals of their respective events, except Mishart (Massey) in the 100 yards. Taylor was not placed in either the 100 or the 440 race, being faced with very stiff opposition in swimmers like Neville and Buchanan, but was not far behind the leaders. Misses Malcolm and Spiers, who each came third in their respective heats in the women's 100, swam well in the final. Miss Spiers just failing to gain third place.
Wishart was a good third in the 220, in which O'Flynn also swam, but not as well as usual, being several yards behind Wishart. Bob Hall was third in the 100 backstroke event, doing about 76 seconds, and probably equalling the former New Zealand University record, which was this year broken by C. Foot (Otago University).
Sylvia Hefford finished a touch ahead of the present 100 yards women's breaststroke champion. Miss Eastgate, after swimming a fine race, and doing the distance in about 95 seconds. Ron Meek finished second in the 220 breaststroke event, which was won by J. C. W. Davies (Otago University), who equaled the New Zealand record. Unfortunately, both our swimmers were disqualified by the judge for not swimming the correct breaststroke, as was every other competitor, except Davies (Otago University) and Miss Eastgate (Otago University) in each race! Meek, it is true, was disqualified at Auckland last year, though the particular fault for which he was then disqualified was not in evidence this year: but Sylvia's breaststroke has been always held up in Wellington as a model of correctness, and it is very unfortunate that, after just falling to beat Miss Eastgate in the last two tournaments, she should be disqualified upon doing so. There were three breaststroke races on the programme, and, out of a total of ten competitors, all except Davies and Miss Eastgate were disqualified. The disqualifications included the New Zealand intermediate women's breaststroke champion. A protest was lodged against this excessively rigid interpretation of the rules, but was unsuccessful.
The water polo match, in which all the men in the team took part, was of a high standard, and resulted in a draw.
We feel we should mention the splendid way in which the contest was run, and the unfailing courtesy and consideration of the Otago officials.
The opening stages of this bout were very willing with Canterbury slightly in the ascendancy. A telling blow in the second round floored Armstrong who took the count. The V.U.C. trainer, afterwards, was of the opinion that his man could have continued but missed the count.
Sheehan had the misfortune to hurt his leg thus preventing him from fighting. He would have been a keen contender in this class.
This bout was marked by the tenacity of the Canterbury man, who, although outmaneuvered by Ryan, fought back gamely. The decision went to Victoria.
In the final against Cornish (O.U.), honors were even till the third round when Ryan began to take the initiative, leading with both hands. He continued into the fourth round to win and showed some clever footwork. The bout was characterized by good hard fighting on both sides, and drew the keen interest of the crowd. Probably the best fight of the evening.
Bryers was also unfortunate and unable to participate owing to injuries.
Both started off well but slackened as the fight progressed. In the first round points were fairly even with McClaren loading with the left and swinging in with his right. McClaren continued aggressively and was awarded the decision on points. A win for Massey.
Muir won his heat and went into the finals, but the Otago man proved too much for him.
The Otago man had the advantage but Cohen stood up well to a lot of punishment. The bout went to Otago.
The tennis team, though not quite as good and not as lucky as Jast year (and luck counts a lot at tournaments) yet was successful in retaining the cup by the narrow margin of one point. The Otago team was good, and were neck and neck with V.U.C., the issue being in doubt till the very last.
All members of the team performed well, though some perhaps not quite as well as was expected. N. A. Morrison, who captained the team, was its outstanding player, and he gave a consistently good performance, at times brilliant, well deserving his two titles.
Renouf and O'Connor reached semi-finals in the men's singles, but both were then beaten by O.U. players. Renouf falling to strike the good form he has shown most of the season.
In the women's singles Mary Edwards went down in a great first round fight to Miss Kerr. Elizabeth MacLean outclassed her first two opponents to roach the final; but there was defeated by an experienced and versatile player. After making a remarkable recovery in the first set, she lost because her powerful forehand drive lost its usual accuracy at critical stages.
N. A. Morrison and F. H. Renouf won the men's doubles, both playing well and showing superiority of combination over other pairs in this event. Morrison's volleying was exceptionally good.
The Women's Doubles, which unfortunately seems to be developing into something of a "hack" event in which none of the Colleges enter their best players, yet produced tennis of a good fighting variety and Marie Walker and Pixie Higgin did well to reach the final and all but win it. Mary Edwards and Marie Fletcher threw away a great chance by their defeat in the semi-final.
In the Mixed Doubles Marie Fletcher and J. Hartley had a good win in the first round only to go down to Smith and Miss Kerr in the semi-final. Morrison and Elizabeth Maclean had an easy road to the final where they were all set for a probable win over Smith and Miss Kerr when the latter pair defaulted, owing to Miss Kerr's preference for playing in the provincial championships. It was unfortunate, for there is little satisfaction in such a win, especially as the match should have provided the high-light of the day in deciding the fate of the cup. Such an ending proved a disappointment and an anticlimax and should never have been allowed to occur.
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