Publicly accessible
URL: http://www.nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/collections.html
copyright 2014, by the Victoria University of Wellington Library
All unambiguous end-of-line hyphens have been removed and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line, except in the case of those words that break over a page.
Some keywords in the header are a local Electronic Text Collection scheme to aid in establishing analytical groupings.
Schools in the U.S.S.R. are graded by age groups; thus there is the first grade school for children from eight to twelve, which more or less corresponds to our primary school. Then there is the second grade school for children eight to fifteen, and there is the third grade or ten year school, which has now almost superceded the previous two, for children from eight to eighteen. From eighteen onwards there are the factory apprentice schools and Technicums for training factory workers, and also many universities and academies, but these are not compulsory. It is interesting to notice here that all Soviet education is absolutely free, including the universities.
One aspect of Soviet education of which little is known is very important. This is what is known as "polytechnisation." This term implies the close relationship, which exists between the Soviet school and the factory. All schools in the U.S.S.R. are connected to a factory. The workers in the factory give the school material for its workshops, and make school accessories. The school children study conditions of work in the factory and help the workers sometimes with their work. This does not mean, however, that pupils at a particular school are expected to become workers at the factory which controls the school. It does mean, though, that school children should understand the workings of big industrial enterprises, and it is one aspect of the general plan to make the future Soviet citizen an intelligent cultured person who understands the working of all the national manufactories and who is capable of taking part in any branch of industry. Like the Government, Soviet education is completely "materialistic in conception and atheist in outlook." There is no religious teaching allowed in Soviet schools, since Marxism does not accept any explanations of natural phenomena which are other than scientific. According to Beatrice King "From the schools, religion has been banished entirely. . . . Anti-religion is not taught as a subject in the schools. But . . . anti-religious ideas are inculcated in Soviet schildren. In the school it takes the form of scientific explanations of natural phenomena, with always a reference to the absurdity, for modern times, of the religious explanation." In place of religion the children are given the fundamentals of Dialectical Materialism, the basis of Marxism.
"From Hitler's treacherous attack on Russia to Japan's unprovoked aggression, leading to the U.S.A.'s entry into the world struggle, a series of events has taken place, completely transforming the character of the war. The Federation must take note of the change and reformulate its policy.
"It is not enough to express sympathy and give moral support to the war of the anti-Fascist front led by the Soviet Union. It would be wrong to say that we cannot do anything before we are free or are granted such and such demands. The titanic struggle for world liberation raging in five continents which is now knocking at our very door, demands that we Indian people unite to hold our heads high and declare to the people of the world we know this war is just, we are in it, and are determined to do everything to win it."
The question of Home Rule should have been settled before. It should have been given to India before, as it should have been given to Ireland before the last war.
But there are great difficulties in the way—such as difficulties of religion.
A Union seems the best way, but the small sects would inevitably suffer. Consequently some form of Federation seems the best way out.
Although British administration of India is probably far more efficient than what could have been achieved by the native people, it is still government from without instead of from within. India can only to placate the Indian sects, protected the grossest forms of superstition.
"The bankruptcy of imperialism in India is written large in the present situation of India and in the condition of the people. It is impossible to escape the contrast between the achievement of the. Soviet Union during these past two decades (starting from the lowest level of broken down Tsarism) and the record in India in the same period. When we consider such figures as those for the iron and steel industry given above; the contrast in agricultural development and in the movement of the national income; the liquidation of illiteracy in the Soviet Union and the reduction of illiteracy by 2 per cent, in India in twenty years; or the expanding network of health and social services there established and the almost complete absence of the most elementary services in India, these facts bear deep lessons for the Indian people, and those lessons are being taken to heart.
•
"Modern industry will dissolve the hereditary divisions of labour upon which rest the Indian castes, those decisive impediments to Indian progress and Indian power."—Marx,
"In places like Jamshedpur where work is done under modern conditions men of all castes and races work side by side in the mill without any misgivings regarding the caste of their neighbours."—Bihar and Orissa Census Report,
"England, it is true, in causing a social revolution in Hindostan, was actuated only by the vilest interests and was stupid in her manner of enforcing them. But that is not the question. The question is: Can mankind fulfil its destiny without a fundamental revolution in the social state of Asia? If not, whatever may have been the crimes of England, she was the unconscious tool of history in bringing about that revolution."— Marx, "The British Rule in India."
•
Miss Cecil Crompton has undertaken the duties of Associate Editor, Miss Betty Arya becoming Press Bureau Correspondent. Miss Janet Wilkinson has agreed to act as typographical adviser.
The following letter was sent by the executive of the Victoria University College to the Auckland University College executive:—
"With regard to the action of your Association in connection with the Westfield strike, I have to advise you that the following motion was passed by my executive:— 'That this executive, while it regrets very much the necessity for a stoppage of vital production at this time, feels that it was most improper for the executive of the Auckland University College Students' Association to observe other than an impartial attitude in the present dispute.'"
The following reply was received:
"In answer to your letter of 23rd March the following motion was passed by my executive:— 'That this executive took no official action with regard to the freezing workers' strike; but on the other hand this executive feels that it is
more capable of deciding whether or not to take action in questions that arise locally, than the students of Victoria College.'"
Commenting on the letter sent by Victoria, we would even question the reference to "vital production." On investigation "Salient" has found that there are vast quantities of tinned products already stored in New Zealand, awaiting transport. However, they are correct in deprecating strikes at the present time, unless such action is the only possible way of overcoming a position which if left unadjusted would cause greater harm to our war effort than the dislocation caused by a strike.
Less venial, however, is the attitude of the Auckland executive who regard the strike as a local issue. Strike-breaking is a practice abhorrent to large sections of the community and such action by a small section of the student body must prejudice students as a class in the eyes of these people. The record of students in the struggle for democracy and progress is one of which we may well be proud—and interference in industrial disputes against the democratic rights of the people is utterly alien to that tradition.
•
Sir,—The, first issue of "Salient" offered remarkably little scope: there was the absence of many and consequent apathy of the remaining few; the articles printed were as many indications of that.
Your editorial—"Students, put into practice the concepts of freedom and right acquired at university"—and "Help in the E.P.S." Why not join the E.P.S. straight away? "The chief end of Univerity education is to come closer into contact with the common people." And of factory education: No, Mr. Editor, "it was a doubtful essay in hypothesis." The value of a university does not lie in that. "What I object to"—had a very good main point. It opened our eyes to the pathological imagination of many of us: that they are in a group, in an army—in this case of University Reds fighting the Tories and fighting the Fascists—a new community with a new singular way of life (no secrets on sex ?!) and blowing an exulting bugle in this militant manifesto. Are there fifty, are there less, are there five in Gemorrah? That was the significance of the letter and the reply was more an evasion than an answer. Marginalia—it would have been pittoresque to leave that other quotation In the original Dutch, would It not? I don't think it had done much harm to our comprehension. The article does not seem to bring us much nearer to the common people, almost as little, I dare say, as ... to Housman. As for the eyes whose brilliance is lost to us poor dwellers in the "Unreal City"—my friend who used to go to all social functions in San Francisco tells me it is absolutely untrue. He must be right.
Literary Editorial—hero we learn that Rilke's Duino Elegies belong to "the deeper issues which lend this war significance." A translation will fortunately be on sale in Modern Books within a few weeks so that "Salient" has narrowly escaped the immaterial embraces and distant lourings of these Sibyllian angels. We need original verse, we read; we get:
Eumenides—a laudable effort indeed showing an Icaros bred in revenge. Its deficiency was the misrepresentation of the proud and essentially invincible Eumenides as having "loping legs and indeterminate head" and hiding "inside the wardrobe all night long"—like any inhibited complexity from Auden's inferior ballads. Rilke is there all right and so is Auden-Freud only "the onward march of the common people, etc.," and the "closer contact" with the same we seek in vain. The College Red community, on second thoughts, looks rather imaginary, with views rarely natural to its members.
The author of Our Christians quotes Marvell out of place and misquotes Shelley. He seems to be unaware that whoever has written "War and Sex" would like to be considered a sane person and consequently gives reasons for his statements when speaking to University students instead of preaching damnation. The rest were quotations and
. . . Not to search deeper into the cause of the evil, I shall think it abundantly sufficient to propose the remedies of it. And, first, I humbly submit the absolute necessity of hanging all the fishmongers. (A Voyage to Lisbon.)
In our last Editorial we stressed the need for closer contact with the world outside the University, and as that world is to-day largely controlled by the army, it is our job to see if array life is all-sufficing. After a careful consideration of the work done in England, the United States, South Africa, Australia and Canada as regards an army educational service, "Salient" is of the opinion that immediate steps should be taken by the Government, under the guidance of the University authorities, to establish such a service in New Zealand.
We understand that the University together with the W.E.A. and other authorities on education have been stressing the importance of such a project for several months but as yet their recommendations have not born fruit. In England educational opportunities for the troops were considered of such importance that Mr. J. B. Priestly was commissioned to investigate and report on the matter, while in Australia there is a permanent Army Educational service established with a lieutenant-colonel in command as planner, full time unit educational officers, discussion and correspondence courses, and a weekly journal of the digest size, which is issued free to the men. As in England, Australia has a movement for having the service made part of routine training.
While men in camp were being trained for service overseas, the problem of supplying leisure time activities might not have seemed to pressing but now the mobilization of large numbers of home defence soldiers makes such a service imperative. Not only were many of the men in the middle of a specialised trade and professional training when called up, but others, and these deserve special consideration, were at a formative period of their lives, they were beginning to adjust themselves to adult life, beginning to accept and reject ideas, in other words attempting to set their mental house in order, when suddenly they were wrenched from a familiar environment to one where an entirely new set of values held sway, and they have yet to make the necessary adjustment. Those whose training has been interrupted Should be given the benefit of trade instruction not only to keep them in touch with their chosen occupation but also to assist them toward the day of their civilian rehabilitation. While those who have not yet commenced their working life, should be given opportunities to study economic, and sociological problems in the light of present day events and thus keep in contact with the civilian life they must live after the war.
Not only will such a service be an important contributing factor to civil re-establishment but military advantages have also been found by other countries to be derived from an organisation of this nature. In the United States General Pershing spoke of the service there as being of undoubted value in increasing morale and in giving concrete benefit to the individual soldier and officer. What the army needs is an alert, quick thinking soldier who is prepared to use his initiative, and a life which consists of little besides camp routine and route marches cannot be said to produce such a man. The Red Army learnt this important fact during the last war and it was the job of every soldier, after his period in the army, to return to his village as an agitator against ignorance and backwardness and to help to spread the appetite for self-improvement. During recent years, with education and progressive ideas firmly rooted in the villages, this has not been necessary and army education has concentrated much more on military tactics etc., but there has still been plenty of leisure for general sport and entertainment. The Red Army orchestras, singers and dancers are not merely amateurs but are amongst the most skilled and sought after performers in the whole country. Moreover each unit has a Political Commissar who is responsible for that unit's welfare. He supervises political education, the spreading of news, and the various discussions, which take place after manoeuvres of any military operations, between officers and men. Such discussions develop initiative and create better understanding and coordination between the command and the rank and file.
New Zealand, who has prided herself upon her progressive educational ideas, has much to learn from overseas. The sooner advantage is taken of the existing organisation of adult education in New Zealand and a utilisation of its service, as a nucleus around which schemes for extending, education to the army could be grouped, the sooner we will produce an army capable of withstanding the most powerful of aggressors. For an enlightened army can produce an enlightened society.
In Canada, Australia and Britain both languages and trade instruction has been given but while we agree that both are important aspects of army education "Salient" feels that a course of lectures on economics (not the economics taught at University), sociology, contemporary history and political science, followed by discussions, should also be an immediate consideration of those who are interested in boosting this project for care must be taken to see that the vocational angle is not over-stressed.
The war seems likely to continue for some time and more and more men will be called into home defence units, surely then we as students must put in our weight behind those who have been agitating for army education since the war began. While we take advantage of the comparative freedom of student life let us remember that education is not encompassed in a university degree.
Sir,—In his criticism of Our Christians "M" accuses the S.C.M. and myself (as writer of an article in "The Student") of what may be conveniently labelled "spiritual appeasement." Let us admit at once that there is some truth in the general charge.
The whole liberal movement in theology has meant largely a willingness to meet secular thought more than halfway, rather than stand for the particular dogmas of the faith, and the general watering-down has satisfied no-one. It is even curiously possible to find the philosopher more orthodox than the theologian, i.e., while Harrison Elliott (a Professor of Theology) cannot admit "the low estimate of natural man and of his possibilities" that is characteristic of traditional Christianity, the Director of the Institute of Education in London University (F. Clarke) says, "Original sin may be more than an outworn theological dogma after all. . . . May not our happiness, as well as the saving grace of our education, consist in the end in a frank and humble recognition of the fact?"
But that an important reaction against the appeasement principle has taken place is of course evident. It appears in the work of Barth, Brunner, Niebuhr, etc., and is made very explicit in such a popular confession as Davies' "On to Orthodoxy." The S.C.M. must catch up.
So much for the general accusation. I am less clear why the article on "War and Sex" should have been singled out for special criticism here. Towards the end of it I make special reference to the uncompromising attitude of the Church in regard to continence and fidelity, and it therefore seems rather hard to be accused of compromising. I gather, however, that what "M" objects to is having the Christian attitude justified by reference to man's psychological make-up. Would he really prefer arbitrary, unexplained injunctions which have no necessary reference to the truth of human nature? Or is he disappointed that I did not pitch the specifically Christian demand on a higher plana? If the latter, there would always of course be the possibility of writing on Ephesians 5 (end) or Matthew 6, 27-28; but such matters simply did not come within the scope of this particular article. It aim was:
It is regrettable to some readers either aim or execution was unsatisfactory, or damaging to the faith. I am grateful to "M" for his notice, and hope that I have not too obtusely failed to understand his objections.
[The chief reason for me to single out "War and Sex" for my criticism of the appeasement mentality were such complaints in the article as of precautions against venereal disease in military camps. It may be true that there would be less amorality without these precautions, but I prefer the fear of God, even of hell-fire, to the fear of syphilis, the quotation from the Ephesians to these secular arguments apparently so much more rational. For there are no moral restrictions totally aaprt from those of our religion. We atheists try to make moral precepts ourselves, stating, for instance, that Good is social and Evil anti-social. We feel the difference between Good and Evil, but we cannot rationalize it. For what is our definition
One day not so long ago, I was travelling up the line from Wellington. From-where I was sitting I could see a Maori standing on the platform connecting our carriage to the next one.
Something more than space seemed to separate him from us, as he stood there, a strong dignified figure on the swaying platform.
If there was any prejudice against him as a Maori he looked it in the face as one does something mad, incalculable and carried on, knowing his own innate value among men.
I felt ashamed for us in the carriage and it seemed to me that we were hostile not only to the Maori but to each other.
At that moment the ticket collector stepped onto the platform to clip his ticket. The Maori talked and laughed, full of vitality, communicating it to the other so that he too smiled and laughed seeming to expand under his friendship.
And as I watched the Maori talking, I glanced round at my companions in the carriage and found myself wishing to God that upon their faces could appear smiles as generous as his.
Oh, yes! I shall follow you now; i shall stand with you and fight beside you. And I shall sing with you us we go into battle, and be happy with you. I shall grasp your hand as we march along, and cheer you when you speak. I shall pray for your King, and follow you. I shall do as you tell me and save you from what you fear.
And then, after, I shall get me a long knife, and I shall creep up behind you as you stand. Then I shall plunge my knife into your broad back, deep in, to reach your black heart. And I shall watch the blood soil through your black coat as you lie in the road.
Then I shall walk away, with the blood on my hands—laughing, because I hate you so much.
When I first killed a rabbit,
Then you told me to call him names and to shoot. To stab him and to
And now I like it. Give me a sword to call him, and I will scream it as we rush out to slaughter. Give me a bomb, and I will blow him to hell. Let me go, and I'll rip his guts open!
So now I fight for my freedom—for your freedom. Yes, now I can fight—now I can cut, and strangle and pierce. Now I fight—and after, I shall turn against you,
Now I fight for your freedom—and then—then I fight for mine.
You are members of the University. Are you merely going to swot with us and find your recreation elsewhere? Or do you want to make friends? Join a sports club. There is no formality about it. The notice boards will tell you what to do and the clubs will welcome you. Perhaps you were a champion at school. Then your 'Varsity sporting career may be crowned with a blue. But in any case, join a sports club and make friends.
The first combined practice for the
The men's club will not be able to enter as many teams in the competition this year as is usual owing to the large number of members away on active service but nevertheless it is confidently expected that it will remain one of the strongest clubs in the competition. Six members of last year's Senior "A" team, including the captain, G. W. Shaw, and vice-captain, Dr. E. Raine, have indicated that they will again be available and a number of other promising players from last year's teams will be playing while considerable talent is available among the freshers who have joined the club.
Altogether the position of the club considering the present conditions is considered very satisfactory but new members are required and freshers are urged to join up.
The following awards for the
Hain Stick (for the most improved new player): P. Froome.
Dixon Trophy (for the best all round team): Senior A Team.
The swimming season which has just closed has shown definitely that University
Among the club's foremost swimmers was John Shanahan who, in the Wellington 100 yards breast-stroke championship was only beaten by a touch by the New Zealand champion, Dyson. Margaret White was another club swimmer whose performances were outstanding while Marion Mar-wick shows great possibilities.
The club's polo team had the distinction of being the only team in the "B" grade to defeat the championship winners and had the team not been weakened during the holidays it would have finished very high in the championship.
It is hoped when the new season commences in the Third team members of the College will support the club and ensure that the club's strong position will be maintained.
The V.U.C. guerrilla unit opened operations on April 11 with a well-executed infiltration into the countryside from the base at Weir. For the first half of the run there was only one pack, the Idle Along, which those of acute perception could have observed trundling along Upland Road and through Northland to the reserve on the Tinakori Hills at a pace something slower than that of the average milk cart. There was a rumour early that newly-enthroned Club Captain Peter de la Mare wanted to put some speed into the outing, but democratic methods prevailed, and Peter had to walk with the rest. On arriving on top of one of the spurs of the Tinakori Hills the pack was divided. It seemed for a while that the packs would consist of those who wanted to work up a thirst (fast), and those for whom a permanent thirst made the effort unnecesary (slow), but this system broke down when Giff Rowberry and Dave Hefford joined the fast pack. While the slow pack under Ian Morton returned straight through Northland, the fast pack went down and along Wilton Road before returning to Weir through Northland and Kelburn. It preserved a becoming dignity throughout, with no vulgar scuffling about who should win, or anything like that. Perhans because he had a date that night Giff Rowberry was first back, but no one thought the less of him for it. Mrs. Whyte and Prof. Gould had a mighty afternoon tea awaiting us on our return, after which Peter de la Mare made his first sizeable speech of the season, to which many of us listened. Subsequently a detached fragment of the unit which ex-Club Captain Frank O'Flynn skirmished further afield, but it is felt that it would not be in the interests of national security to reveal the nature of these operations.
In place of the usual inter-factulty sports the Athletic Club conducted a handicap meeting on the evening of Tuesday, March 31st, on Kelburn Park. Although the number of entries was not good and a strong wind was blowing, competition was good. Thanks is due to all those people who helped in conducting the meeting. Results:—
It has probably been lack of publicity which up to the present has been responsible for the small support which has been shown for club trips. Any laxity on the part of club officials should now disappear as a new and progressive committee has been elected. A syllabus of trips will be drawn up and distributed so that you may be able to decide well beforehand the trips you wish to come on. It is very probable that the trip to the Chateau Huts will be held this year as usual.
Last weekend a small party led by Frank Evison, the new chief guide, salubriated in the Orongorongo Valley at Tawhau the club's usual hide-out. If you have not been there you should not waste time in taking advantage of the opportunities this area offers.
This was held last Monday. After the business, which was scanty, a talk was given by Jim Shanks of the N.Z. Alpine Club. He showed us some slides of the best tramping country in Otago, especially the Matukituki Valley and Mt. Aspiring.
I would like to vindicate the statement issued by the Rev. W. Lawson Marsh in regard to the "Neutrality" of the Pope. Paul Brians (Belgium) stated in London three years ago:—
"That the Nazis were able to come into power so easily was largely due to the abdication of the Catholic Centre Party, which was entirely under the command of Rome. Too many Germans were swayed by hatred of the Weimar Republic. Instead of letting the Catholic Party co-operate with the parties of the Left, they preferred getting into touch with the National Socialists. . . ."
Joseph McCabe has written (
In "I swear before God and upon the Holy Gospels and promise loyalty to the German Government and the State. I swear and promise to honour constitutional government and to cause the clergy of my diocese to honour same."
The Roman Church has identical aims with Fascism—the enslaving of consciences and the domination of mankind. The Papacy is anti-democratic and anti-social. In fact, it is perhaps the last absolute monarchy of our time. The motto of the Church is, "Give us our freedom in the name of your principles, so that we may deny you your freedom in the name of our principles."
It is only by granting Catholics freedom in the expression of their
Printed by The Civic Press, Wallington, for the Publishers Victoria University College Students' Association, Salamanos Road.