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It is inevitable that a great deal which concerns the Science Faculty also concerns the other faculties. Thus a large amount of following may seem needless repetition of previous articles. But, nevertheless, it is necessary.
In Science, research should be the main object. Here we find a deplorable condition. There is Complete Lack of research, except by Honours students, who have also to study theory for examinations. This could be only successfully got over by the establishment of the Long Overdue B.Sc. Honours Degree, with M.Sc. being purely research, with perhaps an oral examination.
To enable such work to be carried on needs the establishment of good scholarships, with good emolument. With bursaries and entrance scholarships, these should be fewer in number and greater in amount, and on a purely competitive basis.
To print the results of research we need a University Press. Why should National Research, Jacob Joseph and other scholarship theses be lost in the professional cupboards?
As a general fact which is quite obvious, is that we need a proper Science room where all periodicals are kept, and will be readily accessible without climbing up stairs. The Science classification of the Library needs overhauling, books on Protoplasm and its structure in, with the Theory of Equations.
More co-ordination is required between the various departments. Certain aspects of Geology are best taken with Biology, etc. There should be a course of Advanced Mathematics for the benefit of those doing Chemistry and Physics, but who do not require a full Maths course.
The staffing of the Science Faculty as a whole is terrible. There should be full-time assistants to keep each department in order, issue apparatus, etc., instead of some poor overworked lab, boy.
Practical work could well be overhauled. Practical examinations are tests of manipulation, not theoretical knowledge, and text-books and notes should be allowed.
With Advanced stages of a subject an historical knowledge should be compulsory; no grasp of the subject can be attained without studying its development. These one-hour exams, should be abolished, and three or four three-hour exams, on special days during the year, set aside for that purpose.
In summing up, there are several matters which merit special attention.
Will any students who are interested in helping produce "Salient" next year please leave a note for the Editor at "Salient" Room. Please give your home and Wellington addresses, 'phone numbers if any, and state any previous experience and in which aspect of production you would be interested, e.g., literary, reporting, distribution. Towards the end of term a meeting will be held, at which "Salient" will be discussed and plans made for next year. Previous experience is not necessary, but enthusiasm and a few original ideas are. And we would very much like an artist. Ours has gone overseas.
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"I do not think that one is entitled to escape by silence the obligations of Citizenship. It makes all the difference in the world," said Coleridge, "whether one puts truth in the first place or in the second." A university that proposed to study matters of social constitution must expect to find true controversy within its halls in an age when these are a matter of profound dispute. If it is not prepared for free competition of ideas, it is not, in the
". . . Most phenomena . . . consist partly of physical and partly of moral causes and effects. One might say that the physical are like the wooden hilt, while the moral are the noble metal, the keen blade itself."
There is no Russian steamroller. In every battle the Red Army has been outnumbered. This is due to two reasons, in the first place the combined populations of the Axis (including that of Japan, as we must, because she immobilises at the least half a million Soviet troops) outnumber by about sixty millions the peoples of the U.S.S.R. Secondly, the Reichswehr attacked and has all the advantages of the attacker on a battle front of over two thousand miles in short, the Soviet Union is fighting the whole of Capitalistic Europe. It is facing far more than the old Tsarist Empire ever dreamed of. A combination, the very thought of which kept the Tsar's diplomats in a sweat of fear, the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria Hungary, and Italy, with Rumania thrown in, stands as a unified whole. In the
This is the brutal fact which the bourgeois press does not admit. It is a fact which the "Evening Post" and the "Dominion" dare not admit. If they gave it away that the extraordinary resistance of the Red Army was not due to the numerical superiority of the countless Slavic hordes they would be left with the embarrassing task of explaining that resistance with the only explanation that there is, and that they cannot face. It is, of course, due to the superiority of socialist military technique and of socialist moral.
It is unnecessary to reiterate what the strategy and tactics of the Red Army consists of. That is done daily from Berlin. It is enough to say with the "Evening Standard" that the most encouraging thing about the Red Army is that British generals don't think very highly of it.
The key to Soviet victory (I use the word because we know now that the halting of the blitzkrieg is victory) lies in those classical words of Clausewitz with which I have headed this article. They have been often repeated by Voroshilov. "Without men," he has said, "technique is dead," but "technique in the hands of men who understand it and have mastered it is a very great force." The Red Army men are "people of a special mould made of different stuff." This is because in the words of Voroshilov again, "The Red Army, like the entire Soviet people, lives Dialectical thinking is thinking in wholes. The Soviet strategy is a strategy of wholes. In short it is total war. When we have realised this we can understand on the one hand why Weygand caved in when Paris was threatened and on the other hand why Dneipestroy was blown up. The matter has nothing to do either with the Slav soul or the memory of
Edgar Snow has recognised this in a recent article in the "New Republic." "The Reds," he says, "are the first people to come into contact with the Nazis who fully understand the political as well as the military terms of the war. Hence they have studied and plotted the relation of every individual to the task of national defence and have everywhere assigned the civilian population active combat duties." This is only possible for a country which can say—to quote once again Voroshilov—that "the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army is of the same fresh and blood as its people and shares the interests of the whole country.... Our Army has grown up with the people and has fought side by side with the people ... is a genuine revolutionary army of the people."
There is a lesson in all this. It is a lesson that was taught the world by a British Army that did not retreat and by a French Army that did not retreat—armies that were invincible just as the Red Army is invincible to-day. The lesson of Cromwell, and of Danton, and of Stalin is not old—it is evergreen, but the time is getting short. It must be learnt by New Zealand and New Zealand must learn it now. The penalty of failure is the penalty of Czechoslovakia, of Poland, of Norway, of Belgium, of Holland and of France. We know what that is.
". . . Thirdly, they respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of Government under which they will live; and they wish to see sovereign rights and self-government restored to those who have been forcibly deprived of them." So ran the declaration of Roosevelt and Churchill. And then I remembered an Act called the Government of India Amending Act that was hurried through the British Parliament in
September, 1939 , in the short space of eleven minutes. It gave the Viceroy of India power to over-ride the limited Indian Constitution, dictatorial power. No self-determination, no freedom of opinion here, but power "to arrest without warrant, and impose penalties for breaches of regulations, to include death or transportation for life."
There is a silent censorship over India. A country which constitutes three quarters of the total population of the British Empire, four-fifths of the overseas population of the British Empire, and more than one-half the total colonial population of the world. A censorship that is prohibitive and exclusive, and only occasionally does news leak out. News like this. "India has now one million men under arms," "There are 1,000 officials of the Congress Party in jail."
The composition of the Congress Party is interesting. It proclaimed before the
It is not surprising that the Indians are suffering imprisonment. Yet it is an extremely dangerous situation for the British Commonwealth of Nations. Dangerous in that this huge reservoir of man-power and supplies is disunited, unwilling to carry on a war for the purpose of protecting a democracy that it does not possess.
Axis Japan has not been slow to capitalise this disunity. In her southward drive into Indo-China, her encouragement of the nationalist claims of Thailand are strategic political and military moves to outflank Singapore and to obtain a land base for pressure or attack on India through Burma. India has always figured largely in the Japanese dream of Empire.
For these reasons alone it is urgent that drastic and far-reaching reforms should be made in India immediately to give four-fifths of the British Commonwealth of Nations a democracy to fight for. For "that bright and precious jewel" of Churchill's glitters only in the pockets of those who receive India's £38,000,000 yearly tribute to British finance.
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As this is the last issue of "Salient" for the year I take the opportunity of publicly thanking all those, both on the staff and off it, who have helped to produce "Salient" this year. In particular I should like to thank Mr. Witten-Hannah, who has done much of the layout and proof-reading, in addition to reporting and editing the Sports Page; Mr. Taylor and his assistants of the Civic Press, who have given us much help and good advice throughout the year; and Mr. M. L. Boyd, our guest editor for this issue.
It has been brought to our notice that Mr. L. Nathan has been purporting to speak as a Communist. We wish it to be known that Mr. Nathan has not, and never has had, any connection with the New Zealand Communist Party, and that his views are obviously not those of our Party.
For the Wellington Provincial Executive,
With the exceptions perhaps of Frederick the Great and General Franco, if can be reckoned that throughout two thousand years of warfare the majority of successful armies have been created by communities relatively freer and more democratic than their opponents. The odds, to judge from from of the past, are about three to one in favour of a democracy (relative, limited, qualified, even monarchial) beating an autocracy. Modern war makes voluntary understood, and thinking discipline, and elastic tactics based on initiative and independence, more valuable than ever before. The realisation of these facts has induced the military and political authorities in Britain and Australia to include an educational scheme as part of normal army training.
Such schemes have as their deliberate objects "Education in a wider sense, tending to raise the level of general intelligence and to develop those qualities of mind and character which go to form an efficient disciplined force under modern conditions; practice in self-expression with a view to clear thinking and accurate statement; general reading and study for self-development; and the study of modern world problems." This is the kernel of the whole scheme.
The machinery for working it is something as follows. It is controlled by a civilian Director of Education Services. Each unit has an educational officer whose duties are:
The above scheme is on a voluntary basis except that the C.O. may make attendance compulsory if necessary for service efficiency. It is also regarded as part and parcel of a man's training and not as entertainment.
Some similar plan is urgently needed in New Zealand, more especially for those units permanently mobilised and to a lesser degree during the three months' Territorial training.
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The social services of any community are of great importance to anyone who wishes to judge its standard of civilization since they show how far it is able and willing to provide for the basic needs of those of its members who, for various reasons, cannot earn their own living. Dr. Sutch's new book "Poverty and Progress in New Zealand" (procurable for 5/- from Modern Books, Woodward Street) outlines the development in this country of such services as education, pensions, hospitals and unemployment relief and enables us to judge how far and for what reasons New Zealand has progressed in this sphere.
The development of a system of social services—from charitable relief for a few of those who were sufficiently "meek of spirit, destitute of temporal goods, chaste, and of good conversation" to the imposing structure of Social Security to-day—gains meaning only when it is related to the wider changes in the society in which it has occured. As Dr. Sutch points out it was the breakdown of the older system of charitable relief in the depression of the 'eighties and the consequent suffering and discontent that led to the reforms that gained New Zealand the reputation of being a Pacific Utopia at the beginning of this century. In the same way the legislation of the Labour Government in these matters was the result of the misery and bitterness from the inadequacy of social services during the last depression.
But the evidence in this book leaves one with little doubt that New Zealand has built up to-day a system of social services equalled by very few other countries. At first sight it is rather difficult to understand why this should be so. One can hardly regard it as the result of an unusually highly developed moral, cultural or political consciousness on the part of the typical New Zealander, who, as Dr. Sutch points out, might be rather unkindly described as one who thinks "that H. G. Wells is a scientist, Cezanne is a corsetiere, and that Marx had brothers." Nor does it seem altogether reasonable to asscribe it to the peculiar inspiration and genius of New Zealand politicians. A fact which is of obvious importance, however, is that those interests in New Zealand which have opposed progress in social services are less fortunate than their counterparts overseas in that they have neither an established church nor an aristocracy which can lend to the status quo the sanctions of the Scriptures and Debrett. However, it might be dangerous to draw from this too rosy a picture of the future of colonial democracy—Grey's description of the Old Age Pension Bill of
A section of the book which should be of particular interest to the general reader is that dealing with the depression of the early nineteen-thirties and the efforts to deal with the unemployment problem in that period. Dr. Sutch's account of the advent of the crisis is extremely clear and his description of the disastrously inadequate methods of relieving the sufferings of the unemployed is both convincing and grim. One may hope that the events of the depression have been sufficient to drive home the lesson that the unemployment problem is the result not of the wickedness or laziness of the unemployed but of the system under which we live.
This raises the question as to how far social services can be an alternative to reform in the economic system and whether or not the application of hot poultices may, under certain conditions, be a somewhat inadequate substitute for the axe that must be laid to the roots of the tree. There can be no clear-cut answer to such a question, but it is obvious that no set of social institutions, however suited to human needs, can obviate cases of individual hardship which must be met by social services. On the other hand, when those institutions fail to fulfill their purpose it is no longer sufficient to endeavour to soften the suffering they cause—we must break them, or they will break us.
At Wellington, September 17th, 1941 (suddenly), Victoria, dearly loved eldest daughter of Marie Best and George W. Turner. (Auckland and Dannevirke papers please copy).
The gates of heaven opened wide, and in walked Viki.
In "An immeasurable gulf divides our films, as a manifestation of culture—a new, unprecedented Soviet culture—from the films of capitalist countries, where the cinema ranks in the same class as dope, alcohol, horse-racing, and the sensational press.
Let us examine this statement in respect to the recent season of Soviet films screened in Wellington.
Perhaps the most popular film with the general public was "Song of Youth." This was described on the credit titles as a documentary. This was scarcely correct. In documentary, we expect to see more than a bare record of facts, such as this film was. Documentary has been defined as the "Creative interpretation of Reality." "Song of Youth" was more an example of newsreel technique, but this was brought to its highest level.
"The Circus" was an attempt at a film in the "stupendous super-colossal all-singing dancing spectacle" class. As a vindication of Sovet technical ability, it was completely successful, and had in addition the great merit of possessing a serious theme. However, the film did leave one with the impression that the director and cast felt that the task that they had been given was somewhat beneath them.
In
"Chapayev" does just this, and yet one cannot avoid some disappointment with it. Here is one of the greatest heroes of the Soviet Union, presented in a film which has won the applause of millions in every part of the world. But, since
"Peter the First" was by far the best of the films. It was directed by V. Petrov, Honoured Artist of the Republic, and is based on a biography by A. Tolstoi, who was recently awarded a Stalin prize for literature. Although a costume picture with a "oast of thousands," it never, becomes a fancy dress ball, as do so many of the English and American productions which treat of a similar theme. The whole film has a ring of
Possibly the significant thing about Soviet film production is the fact that the films are made by the conscious application of certain theoretical principles, which have been carefully worked out by the directors. Although there are isolated directors in the U.S.A. and other countries who produce excellent films, it is in no case done by the application of a system which they are able to communicate to others. Pudovkin has attributed the remarkable fertility of Soviet film theory to the shortage of film stock immediately after the revolution, giving the directors an enforced leisure time in which to think, followed by the necessity of observing the strictest economy of footage in shooting. Whether this is or is not the reason, the fact remains that the majority of cinematic innovations during the last 15 years have originated in the Soviet Union.
Buy "Spike" 1941
The Rugby 1st XV finished a good season well when they followed up their victory over Auckland by beating Canterbury 9—3 at Christchurch last Saturday. The forwards put in good work on a wet ground, and victory was finally forced by two tries in the last five minutes.
We trust that the Tennis Club, which has its opening day on Saturday, 20th September, will have an equally successful season. A Yankee Mixed Doubles Tournament will be played at 1 p.m. and everyone, Tyro and Blue, is expected to enter. Entrance fee is 1/- and afternoon tea will be provided.
Stories of the Chateau Reunion last Saturday night, remind us of the successful ski-ing trip to Tongariro National Park which was ran by the Tramping Club. A party is now being organised for a Xmas trip to the Godley Glacier, which is immediately north of the Mt. Cook district. The peaks of the Godley system afford all classes of alpine work, including ski-mountaineering. Mt. D'Archiac is reputed to be a more difficult climb than Cook, but there are also many
We print an account of the N.X.U. Harrier Championships, in which Frank O'Flynn, of Victoria, won the individual title. O'Flynn gained the fastest time in the Endeavour Cup Race last Saturday, and with the results of the Sherwood Cup and the Club races, this wins him the Club Championship for
Record rainfall put the Silver-stream course in terrible condition for the Dixon
With the drain on labour available for seasonal work caused by the war, the employment of students in the long vacation has become sufficiently important to warrant an attempt at organisation. Last year the position regarding supply of labour for seasonal work was acute, and with every change of its being worse this year, the labour division of the department of manpower has approached N.Z.U.S.A. for co-operation in making an enquiry into available student labour. It is hoped that if there are sufficient students free and willing to do seasonal work over the vacation, some organisation might be undertaken in getting such students into jobs.
Otago University made preliminary investigations and the possibilities of the scheme were discussed with the Otago branch of the National Council of Primary Producers. The outcome is a questionnaire which students will be asked to fill in shortly to investigate the numbers available and the employment desired. Following on this it is hoped that a register of country and city work of different kinds might be made for the use of students so that they can find the job they want where they want it.
This scheme will provide an opportunity for all students to earn some good money in the vacation. At the same time we will be doing a valuable job of work. It is important that the country's primary produce should be made available for export as soon as posible. The seasonal nature of much of the work to be done in achieving this creates a serious embarrassment in the labour market during the few months of the summer. Now, with so many of our seasonal workers doing an even more important job elsewhere, all students who give a hand for a few weeks during the vacation will be doing a national service. Think about it then and if you can handle a bale-hook or drive a hay rake be in to help the country and earn some money.
Would all present or intending members of the Cricket Club who will be available for the whole or even part of the coming season please add their names to the list on the notice-board or leave a note in the rack for one of the following:—
The subscription this year will be 1/6 per Saturday. This means that if for part of the season you will be in Camp, or for some other reason cannot play, then you will not be losing anything, as you will be asked to pay only for those days on which you actually played.
A number of Discussion Groups are to be formed to meet during the vacation in "Salient" Room. Subjects include: "Religion and Society," "The Modern Novel," "Contemporary Poetry," "Causes of Fascism," "Post-War Reconstruction." Meetings will not begin until after final examinations, but a preliminary meeting of those interested will be held before the end of the term. See the main notice-board for further particulars.
At the Special General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th September, the project of forming a Committee to send parcels to students serving with the Forces overseas will be discussed. We anticipate that this scheme need only be suggested, to meet with your whole-hearted support. Hence the Executive would be grateful if everyone would help the Committee to be set up in the following ways:—
Send on to the Secretary of the Students' Association immediately the names and addresses of any students or ex-students you know of who are now serving overseas.
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