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This year's Plunket Medal Contest was held in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last Saturday, September 30. There were nine entrants, one scratching. Judges for the contest were Sir Harry Batterbee, British High Commissioner in New Zealand, and Miss Catherine Forde, herself a Plunket Medallist. Unfortunately the Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop of Wellington, our third judge, was taken ill on Saturday, but we were fortunate that Mr. Eaton Hurley, also a Plunket Medallist, kindly consented to fill his place.
Proceedings opened with a presentation by the Music Makers Club Orchestra of "Paitlta," by J. C. Faber and "Suite," by Peurl.
Mr. Brendon O'Connor, in the chair, remarked briefly on the various merits of the judges and of oratory; the former, we were told, were well qualified for their task, the latter should reach—"even sublimity"—we sat and waited in hopeful anticipation.
Mr. Roy Jack faced several disadvantages—he was first, the doors of the hall were opened to admit late comers—and he spoke on Winston Churchill. Churchill is a great man—if we hadn't heard of him before we would have been awestruck by his achievements. Mr. Churchill was farsighted (
Mr. Jack Williams, speaking on Albert Schwelfer, began well with a clear picture of a musician, a follower of Bach, with a wide circle of admirers. From Strassbourg, with three doctorates to his name, he goes out to French Equatorial Africa, for "Lazarus suffers in the tropics" and renders medical aid to the natives "to pay back a little of the white man's debt." This is his cross. Mr. Williams' voice was light but he used it well, his inflections pleasant and flowing, and his choice of words colourful, he reached sincerity with neither pomp nor affectation.
Mr. Kevin O'Brien spoke on Field Marshal Smuts, "one of the greatest of living statesmen." First we were told of his life "Home, home on the veldt" and later of his career, of "service before self-interest." The account was fluent and his manner pleasant and earnest, the conclusion was, however, baffling; "Happiness is freedom and freedom is courage!"
Mr. John Ziman next spoke about Pasteur. Pasteur did worthy things, chief among them were his saving of the wine and beer and silk industries of France—we thought the former very worthy; he also followed Lister and cured rabies, he had genius—"the infinite capacity for taking pains." Pasteur once said "Science and peace will one day triumph over ignorance and war."
Mr. Stan Campbell took Horatio Nelson as his hero and into his speech packed the quintessence of the British Empire. He ranged from the Vikings to Winston Churchill, from Dunkirk to the River Plate; the Nelson spirit was key to it all. "Nelson's work did not finish in the Navy," declared Mr. Campbell with fervour. Lady Hamilton was not mentioned.
Mr. Brian O'Leary spoke on Thomas Masaryk, founder of Czechoslovakia, liberator and statesman. He gave a scholarly speech, without fire but with grace, his emphasis was on the character of Masaryk, his treatment sympathetic and his story clear. The climax, while not dramatic, was sincere, gaining him a sympathetic hearing.
Mr. A. Duncan, with a "magnificent" voice and occasional lapses into the Churchilllan inflection, spoke on William Eberhart, Prime Minister of Alberta. The speech lacked colour in that it dealt with principles rather than with human beings, it was, however, better knit than many of the others.
Mr. Vincent O'Kane spoke of Peter Bar-Jona, "a simple fisherman." The speaker was handicapped by lack of confidence, more continuity in his argument would have held the audience better.
The judges made their decisions to the accompaniment of violin and cello solos by John Davis and Arnold McKee with John Money at the piano.
Sir Harry Batterbee announced the result of the contest:—
First: Mr: J. C. Williams.Second : Mr. A. Duncan.Third equal: Mr. K. B. O'Brien and Mr. B. O'Leary.Special mention was given to Mr. J. Ziman.
Sir Harry gave a brief definition of oratory, stating the four chief ingredients as thought, language, voice and sincerity. He stressed that neither memorisation nor recitation was the basis for oratory and gave the opinion of the judges: that there had been no real oratory In the whole evening, only speeches.
Miss C. S. Forde emphasised the need to build up to a climax and to develop speech rhythms.
Mr. Eaton Hurley assured the audiences that he shared their disappointment in the absence of his Lordship, and briefly pointed out to those speakers who had failed to grip their audiences, that this was largely because they had failed to remember their audiences.
Sir Harry then presented the medal to the winning speaker, and a vote of thanks was passed to the judges.
In an interview with Council Gaudin, Chairman of the City Council Library Committee "Salient" learned that there is no official optimism regarding an extension of library hours to the old standard in the near future.
The library now shuts on Sundays and after eight on week nights; these restrictions naturally effect students, particularly part timers.
"Salient" reporters found City Councillor Gaudin of the Library Committee affable if vague, when approached for reasons of the recent curtailment of hours at the Public Library. He stated "There is no hope of opening for full hours until after the war, or such time as there are sufficient staff available." Over forty employees have recently left the library. We asked what in his opinion accounted for the librarians leaving—"Irregular hours are the chief reason," said Mr. Gaudin.
Librarians, he told us, work for thirty-eight hours a week, and previously there was a roster for night shifts and Sundays. As this did not appear to us to be sufficient cause for such a grave shortage of staff we made further Inquiry into the conditions. Wages are awarded on a grading basis and £220 is the maximum for a branch librarian. The majority of those who leave are fully trained and seek jobs with better working hours—and, we thought, perhaps for the better pay.
"Would it not be possible," we asked, "to raise the wages to compensate for the irregular working hours?"
"We are bound by the Corporation staff," answered Councillor Gaudin. "It is difficult to differentiate. and to raise wages in one department would affect two thousand other employees. The Council acts in self-defence in order not to jeopardise the whole system. I admit the primary importance of the libraries as an educational factor, but you must realise that the Council has the matter well in view."
Here we could not but feel sceptical: by what vivid stretch of imagination could one see the girls on the trams objecting to a rise for the underpaid girls who work in the library?
Of the two possible solutions to the problem it seems that the Council should have chosen the one to benefit the public, and this would have been to better the conditions of the librarians.
We suggested that students with library experience might be willing to assist in relieving the staff shortage. We were told, however, that similar offers had been made, but that the Council and management were not enthusiastic, preferring to keep only permanent employees. If, however, it were to be considered, temporary librarians would receive the starting wage of two pounds a week.
The present situation is obviously unsatisfactory to public and librarians alike. While we were received with courtesy, we do feel that the attitude of the Council on this matter has been neither constructive nor co-operative.
It is perhaps over ambitious for any student paper to claim a clear cut policy or to attempt any guiding influence on the writings of its staff and contributors. For this reason—the mechanical difficulties facing a part-time student staff, already engaged in full-time jobs and degree work, are considerable; the difficulties of accurate reportage, careful layout, of obtaining illustrations and blocks and soliciting contributions are very great, in fact sufficiently so to tend to squeeze out considerations of policy.
We have, nevertheless, attempted the following things in "Salient" this year. Firstly and within the limits imposed by journalistic experience and lack of time, accurate reportage. Secondly, comment on college events from a point of view fairly close to that of the Executive, with a knowledge of background and of future prospects. We have also attempted to obtain articles and interviews on topics both controversial and of student interest, particularly from outside contributors but also from members of the staff.
This policy demands three things—some standard of journalistic ability for the staff, a sufficiently large circle of student subscribers to make selection possible, and a circulation which will keep the paper solvent.
During this year, as in the past, staff members have been forced, largely by reason of their small numbers, to cultivate the arts of overwork and late nights rather than those of journalism; similarly most of the articles have been from the nucleus of people who organise student activity and not from the readers as a whole. This, perhaps, brings us to the root of the trouble—too few readers and a lack of interest in the paper. This again is coupled with our heavy financial loss—"Salient" is at least as great a liability on the Executive as the Cricket Club. We are faced with a demand for a higher circulation figure, which means a lower price and a better product. To satisfy this we hope next year to defy the tradition of five years and devote one quarter of our space to advertising. This should not only halve the subscription rates but also allow some margin for blocks and photographs. Further to this a regular, large layout should make it possible to delegate authority to staff members and to allow for a greatly increased staff; it is also hoped that the number of outside contributions received will continue to increase.
For "Salient"
The thanks of the Editors must be extended to the staff, both literary and distribution, who have put a great deal of time and hard work into "Salient" this year, and to all students and staff members who have contributed articles and reports. Without these people there would have been no "Salient." In conclusion we must thank the Printer, poor devil, who has had so much to contend with.
While visiting an R.N.Z.A.F. station hereabouts recently, I was yarning with Neville Green (ex-Victoria), now an Air Force education man, who produced from the litter of scholarly Junk on his desk a battered copy of Cappicade '44. While Green explained to me the more difficult Jokes, I scanned the illustrations (it being impossible after many months on various Islands for me to read anything more deep than "Look" Magazine).
You may recall a "Listener" article contributed to by various people (among them Prof. Gordon) which advised us on selection of a limited number of books to take on an island. Today I received a copy of the new edition of the Oxford Book of Verse and my feeling was an to being at a particularly boring chatter-party and suddenly hearing someone make a same remark. I live in an American camp, the only Britisher in a large cross-section of the "Melting Pot," but they sell the "New Yorker" regularly in the post-exchange whereby I share revivifying laughs with my tent-mate. Bill Simpson of Virginia, a sculptor who studied for eight years in Rome, Paris and London. He, the New Yorker, the Oxford Shakespeare, Gargantua and Pantagruel and Everyman's "Modern Humour" have, I hope, prevented too great a pre-occupation with the more material things on these islands.
Dear Sir,—In the last issue of Salient Mr. Bogle reported on the activities of the Glee Club this year. In the course of his account he referred to me as a Bachelor of Music. I would like it to be known that however stodgy and pedantic I may appear to Mr. Bogle, I have not, in my own opinion, attained to the degree of those qualities which Mr. Bogle might reasonably expect of a Bachelor of Music.
In the same report he complained that in the Glee Club's activity this year there was "not enough glee." Now Mr. Bogle is entitled to take a secondary and corrupted meaning of an old English word from the dictionary if he insists. But I have always considered that the V.U.C. Glee Club, like Its prototypes (in aim) at Universities in other parts of the world was so named in the primary and correct sense of the word. i.e., a club for the performance of "glees," which are "musical composition for three or more voices ... set to words grave or gay . . . and properly without accompaniment."
And taking "glee" in this sense, Mr. Bogle is correct. There was not nearly enough. Members of the V.U.C. Glee Club should have been able to master at the end of their session somewhat more than the few bars of simple Bach they did partially master.
In the other sense, too, Mr. Bogle was of course correct. There was not enough pleasure either. I found little myself in battling against the difficulties created by members who. It seemed, had to be taught the same notes week after week as if they had not seen them before, and whose attendances produced a different combination of voices at each rehearsal.
Nevertheless I have enjoyed slave-driving the Glee Club for the occasional moments when they rewarded me with some real music, which was all I wanted from them. If all they had really wanted was what Mr. Bogle assumes to be the real meaning of Glee I think they would have walked out in greater numbers than they actually did.
P.S.—Urgent Appeal. All copies of the Peasant Cantata, must be returned to me at once. The following have not yet handed theirs in: Misses M. Cully, R. Watt, S. Levissohn, N. Casey, J. McMulIan, P. Michael, J. Benstead, Mrs. C. Scott, Mr. I. Ting.
It it not without diffidence that I am reviewing "Spike" for "Salient"; the only too apparent weaknesses of the magazine this year are a reflection not merely on the editors, but on the college itself. Only those students who contributed to "Spike" are in a position to complain of the weakness shown.
The cover is unambitious but not offensive, the printing by Caxton is good and unostentatious—although the minor defect of three obvious misprints indicates lack of care.
A disappointing feature of this year's Spike is the derivative nature of most of the contributions, particularly the prose. With regard to the verse it is perhaps remarkable that over half the entries that reached print were translations. As one contributor points out, translation is an art, but in this case I cannot but feel that the lack of original thought is an indication of the failure of the editors to stimulate students to think out and write of problems with which they are familiar.
True, it is notorious that in any college publication the contributions of the friends of the editor are likely to be in evidence and that is largely the fault of everyone else: but it seems to me that until this fault is overcome the publications of our college will suffer. Spike, Spikes of the past three years I find there a more representative selection of material from different facets of college life and viewpoints, from which I must conclude that editors of previous years have either had no friends and so have accepted contributions from the hoi polloi or else that they have had a wide circle of acquaintances who have submitted material. There is the unhappy suggestion in this year's Spike that "outsiders also ran."
Of the photos there appear to have been two worth printing and certainly "Radiographer" is a beautiful bit of work.
In view of the fact that Spike traditionally represents the annual record of the college clubs, the failure to include a record of the sports clubs is to be deplored, and the inadequate "write-up" of the and the inadequate "write-up" of the cultural clubs disappointing. On looking at the far less beautifully printed but more lively and comprehensive notes of bygone years I cannot but sigh for the past.
I would not say that the writing in this year's Spike is inferior, certainly both the verse and prose is on the whole smooth and well constructed; in the main it is well informed and indeed, often erudite. But frankly I not only deplore (with Dn Beaglehole) the "broken doll" but also the fact that for Mr. Hayman—"England was Fifi" and although, like Dr. Beaglehole, I have read the winning poem "Invasion" seven times, I cannot presume with him to understand it.
In conclusion let me say this—I am grateful for the privilege of reviewing Spike and if my criticism seems unduly harsh it is, perhaps, that I feel that Victoria could do better.
Review in this issue contain dirty cracks at just about everything and everybody. The doldrums are with us again in films, and Repertory next produces a drawing room comedy. Brightest rays on the horizon is that Rep. intends to produce "Alice in Wonderland" at the end of November and Unity Theatre will do "They Came to a City," by Priestley. This should be something. Williamsons return here shortly with further vapid plays "Kiss and Tell," and "The First Mrs. Carroll." Ho-hum.
At the Shows : Monty Woolley and Gracie Fields are grand in "Holy Matrimoney." "Gung-Ho" tells about the Marine Raiders. "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is in colour. A frightful waste of talent goes on in "The Impostor," where Jean Gabin and Director Jules Duvivier combine to make a very misleading film. And, God save us, another Hollywood bandwagon arrives this week yclept "Follow the Boys," Even Orson Welles is billed as "guest Star."
Amidst all the theatrical junk and clap-trap, professional and amateur, served up in the last few years to New Zealand audiences, it seems that the very best and most venturesome efforts are those of the minor theatre groups. Wellington has this year had the enviable opportunity of seeing three absolutely top-flight modern plays, all American—Unity Theatre's "Of Mice and Men," Varsity's "Anna Christie," and Training College's "Our Town." Of these, "Our Town" takes first place, making it, in this reviewer's opinion, the best play produced in Wellington since Thorndike played "St. Joan."
"Our Town" is generally accepted in America as a modern classic. It succeeds in breaking through-every known theatrical convention. It has no story; it is usually presented without scenery; and the characters don't "do" anything.
"Our Town" is small. "Our Town" is the place you go back home to in the Long Vacation, or the small centre of the district where you were harvesting last year. Life is slow—and very quiet. Quietness is the essence of "Our Town." Translate this to America and the beginnings of the century and you have Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.
Training College played this touching mirror of our life as it was originally presented in New York. An empty stage and the imagination of the audience were the scenery. But, beyond that, when you produce "Our Town" you must have the audience playing with you—they must be, in themselves, your Doctor Gibbs and Mrs. Webb and George. And that barrier hurdled, you must make sure that your players themselves live their parts. I can think of no play more dependent on this sympathy of both audience and cast than "Our Town." That Training College did it. and did it well, must remain one of its proudest achievements.
Perhaps the best individual performances were those of Pat Cummins as Mrs. Webb and Pat Clarke as Emily Webb. In most amateur shows, you know the people playing, and know that they are only playing. These two went beyond that. For sincerity on the stage, I have never seen a better example than Emily's return to her home after her death her agonised cry "I can't go on." And if ever an audience was moved with a performance, here was one.
Best scene, I think, was that of the funeral in Act III. The most elaborate and expensive sets I've ever suffered with were quite overshadowed by the superb balance of that undecorated stage, on one side the dead, on the other, the mourning townsfolk, turned away, sheltering under their black umbrellas.
The best played scene was the soda-fountain love affair of Emily and George. This could have been made ludicrous, but it was handled most delicately and sincerely by Pat Clarke and David Hempleman. I think the point about all the situations in "Our Town" is that they could have happened to you. There was nothiug grotesque about this immature love scene. George, indeed, was very well played by David Hempleman, and that "great gangling thing" was you and me not so long ago.
Kelso Andrews, as the Stage Manager, carrying the weight of the show, could, perhaps, have been more mature and all-wise. Though he was in general en rapport with his audience, I could not help feeling distressed at times by his over-confidential manner and especially his habit of swaying. But this exacting and unorthodox part must strain the dramatic resources of even the most accomplished actor, and the performance was, on the whole, very convincing.
The women were better than the men, I thought. The women were never Training College students in their annual show. One or two of the men were.
Other criticisms? Maybe Dr. Gibbs looked a bit too young to be George's father. It could be that some of the audience didn't quite grasp what Mrs. Gibb and Mrs. Webb were doing in that breakfast business in Act I. But all 'these, and all the other small faults, were quite unimportant compared with the beauty of the play and the production.
I saw the play twice, and it impressed me more than any play I have seen for a long, long time.
To Catherine Forde as producer, our biggest bouquet for her delicate handling of this most difficult production. To the cast, who obviously believed in what they were doing, another big nosegay. Ana to the TC Drama Club, for their braveness in refusing to select an easy play, congratulations.
When I started to read "Close Up of Guadalcanal" I approached it with the dislike of books about "the Islands" that is ingrained into everyone who was there. But despite this unfavourable initial attitude I could not help becoming absorbed in Mr. Andrews' book as he described so accurately the places I had seen and the almost exactly similar places I had not. The mosquitoes, the mud, the dust, the rain, the sweat—all the things his camera saw his pen recorded also.
But there were other things Mr. Andrews' camera did not see, and in his written words only occasional glimpses appear. He went to war looking for battle pictures—and missed all that was important to us who were there. His camera could have explained our physical hardships to home fronters and perhaps impressed them. But because he came from outside, a visitor under officers' conditions and free from a daily routine that never seemed to bring any end nearer, he sensed only outward glimpses of the killing apathy that settled on us. Only one of us, who lived days, weeks, months and into years on one spot, where the end grew out of sight as we approached it and when it came, came almost too late—only one of us, who got to feel we could remember no other life, that we didn't care anyway—only one of us could really tell what "the Islands" meant to us.
So read it as a book by someone who saw objectively and recorded. It's good. But don't ask us what it was really like to be there. I don't think we want to tell. Not yet.
Our copy per courtesy of Progressive Publishing Society. Retail price 1/3.
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When amateur photographers in Wellington hear the name of H. Farmer Macdonald they recollect a series of strongly dramatic prints that have been hung in exhibitions over the past few years. So members of the Photographic Club were very pleased recently to examine some of his character studies and hear Mr. Macdonald's own comments about them. Working from the classic example of the snap of the girl friend in the garden, he pointed out many of the traps for young players. Look out for trees growing like antlers from her hair, and for horizontal lines that will appear to decapitate her or amputate a graceful limb. A fairly low viewpoint, not so close as to bring about distortion, will provide the ever-interesting sky as a back-ground. The early morning and the late afternoon are the times when the sun gives the most suitable illumination. For general indoor work, make lighting conditions as similar to those outside as possible, one flood and a single spotlight being sufficient.
Question time brought out some useful hints on the selection of film type, development procedure and the elimination of undesirable features from pictures. Mr. Macdonald's breezy manner made his discourse as entertaining as it was instructive.
Watch the notice-board for details of a proposed visit to Perry's Studios.
The only competent film critic in this country for many years has been Gordon Mirams, of the "Listener." His able reviews are known and appreciated throughout New Zealand, and his "little man" gradings are the most reliable index to film quality we have had. I have for a long time looked upon GM as practically God and consequently it is with some concern that I have seen him handing out his highest award, a stand-up clap, to an alarmingly large number of films lately.
I have a curious theory that films are good in direct proportion to their advertising. "Gone With the Wind" is a case in point. This very ordinary film had the most tremendous publicity build-up of any yet produced, and was of such an inordinate length that it seems to me that only a major event like the creation of the world or the Russian Revolution could justify it. I think, too, that film-going is a state of mind: you are cleverly prepared to acclaim "Gone With the Wind" and "The Great Ziegfleld" as the greatest of all time.
And so, knowing that "Lifeboat" had a terrific publicity campaign overseas and that GM had given it a stand-up ciap, I was a bit sceptical even before I saw It. Well, "Lifeboat," to me, was just another quite well done fllm. The photography and the acting were very good and the atmosphere excellent, but no more so than in dozens of other films I've seen. It had neither the sincerity of "San Demetrio, London," nor the authenticity of "Citizen Kane." It relied on "the magic of Hitchcock" and the "genius of Steinbeck" rather than its own good qualities. Steinbeck, who has "gone Hollywood." tried, I think, to create another Colonel Lanser in German U-boat captain. Although It didn't work out, we were left with the conclusion that the Nazi was a far better man than the poor old negro, who wanted nothing more than his historic role of "nigger" amongst the whites.
Mind you, I realise the difficulties Hitchcock was faced with. It is a brave thing to make a full-length film with a small boat for its only locale. There can be little action and there must be fine acting. And all this effort seemed like the mountainous Hitchcock labouring and bringing forth a mouse—a well-constructed intelligent mouse, to be sure, but still a mouse. Canada Lee, one of the best Negro actors, made a fine Job of his rather limited role. Tallulah Bankhead, after many years on the New York stage, proves herself still in the top flight of movie actresses. Because the cast was so small and so static the playing had to be good all round.
In fact, it was a very good film. But not, I think, a great one. And surely our highest awards must be reserved, like the Victoria Cross, for the truly great—the "Our Towns" and "Green Pastures" and the "Pygmallons." There are the films that do something to us—they are not just films we go to on a Saturday night. If GM wants to include all the high-grade fllms that Just don't make it, then can we plead with him for a special award for the one or two a year that do?
Sixty-four per cent, of the students who sent in returns found their vacation work on their own initiative. The jobs usually had to be confirmed by the man-power authorities, and a not too attractive job was sometimes chosen for fear that man-power might direct to an even less attractive one. On the whole students who found their own work came off the best, or at least avoided the worst.
While in general hours worked by students were not unreasonable, a minority had to work, or at any rate did work, excessive hours. 56 hours a week can be taken as a rough guide to the upper desirable limit for continuous working. The most serious cases occurred in domestic work. Some girls were working up to 91 hours a week. One third of the girls engaged in domestic work were either completely exhausted or very fatigued by the work. The close personal relationship to the employer in domestic work, and the fact that the employer may herself be working Just as hard, makes it difficult or a girl to say "no" when she is asked to carry on long after she has done a reasonable day's work. Domestic work in hospitals did not entail such long hours (up to 50 hours only), but the work was hard and three-quarters of the girls were more than slightly or temporarily fatigued.
Hours of work on farms were sometimes long—occasionally reaching 72-80 hours a week. But very few of those employed on farms, either men or women, were unduly fatigued. Work in gardens and orchards was different, and particularly the women seemed to find it somewhat strenuous, though apparently in only one case was health adversely affected.
Some very bad cases of excessive hours occurred in freezing works. One student worked a 13-hour day for 12 weeks, the hours each day being 2.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is not surprising that he was "done in." Another man (aged 19) worked 12 hours a day and sometimes more for 13 weeks. He writes of "loss of weight, a great drop in physical efficiency, mental depression and lack of sleep." 36 out of 103 students employed in meat works had at some time of their employment to work over 56 hours a week. In only 18 of these cases, however, were the long hours continuous. Perhaps one sixth of the students employed in freezing works had to work longer hours than desirable.
Fatigue was nearly universal in dairy factories. This was due to the strenuous nature of the work and adverse working conditions rather than to long hours. A number of medical students who were directed to dairy factories were emphatic that the work was quite unsuitable for persons occupied on sedentary indoor jobs for most of the year.
The hours in wool stores were in general 44-48 per week. But in some stores hours ranging between 59 and 70 were worked and fatigue resulted.
Far more students were satisfied with their wages than dissatisfied.
The returns, however, brought out the extraordinary irrationality of our present wages structure. Wages for students ranged from 15/- for skilled engineering students paid as first-year apprentices (I have excluded two students who received no wages, only letters of thanks. I assume this was their fault!) to £14 a week for unskilled labouring. Wage anomalies and inequalities were not unnaturally a source of some dissatisfaction. For instance, in some gardens a student of 18 (male) could earn £5 a week; in another garden a man of 19 might get only £2 2s net. Some girls objected with justice that men on similar jobs got twice as much pay for less (according to the girls) work.
Forty-seven students expressed an objection to having had to pay union fees—a remarkably small percentage of the number who had to pay them. So we must conclude that students as a whole are quite prepared to contribut to the unions, even if they have to pay a year's fee for three months, work.
Two hundred and eighty four students (37 per cent, of those who sent in returns) lived away from home while on vacation work. Of these 236 were reasonably satisfied with their accommodation, and many, particularly those on farms, were obviously very well treated.
There were three black patches:
As students are likely to be required for vacation work during the coming summer the following points may be worth keeping in mind.
Thanks are due to Miss Gwen Jolly for her assistance with some of the. "donkey work" involved in the analysis of the questionnaire returns.
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Provided there is sufficient support a vacation sub-committee of the Executive will be arranging tea dances every few weeks, starting December 2, with the idea of keeping local students together.
The tennis and other sports clubs will be especially interested, as this will give them further opportunities to gain new members amongst prospective freshers. Watch notice boards and "Sports Post." Picnics of the Sunday, Moonlight and Always type may be a possibility. Some sort of V.U.C. Victory Celebration can be regarded as certain.
The Christian Order Week in Wellington, which was held from September 15 to 24, formed a focus point in what has come to be called in New Zealand the Christian Order Movement. It was not just a stunt, a bit of religious splurge, but an item in a larger whole. One aspect of the movement is the recovery by the Church of a sense of responsibility for the world. And this means a fresh discovery of the relevance of the Christian Faith to life and to society.
Message.—The message delivered was that the life of our community needs to be based squarely on Christian principles; and secondly, that only men and women personally devoted to Jesus Christ can live by those principles. It was a challenge to all citizens to be spiritually worthy of peace and big enough for the tasks ahead.
Method.—The special genius of a Christian Order Week is that together the Christian Churches state the message of Christianity to organic units of the community in such a way as to bring out the relevance of the Faith to that unit, e.g., Home, Industry, Education.
Results.—The fact that a programme of over 130 meetings to all kinds of groups of people was carried through, was a mighty achievement The Town Hall was packed three times and groups were addressed at factories business premises. Parliament, schools, colleges, the Chamber of Commerce, the University, in theatres and in the open air and throughout the suburbs of Wellington. In the factories alone, from Monday to Friday, about 1,500 people were contacted each day and in every case a cordial welcome was given the speakers.
Let us tabulate the results briefly.
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Social Committee innovations at the informal dance on September 15th included "In the Spotlight and in Person, the Mystery Vocalist," Pat Wilson. Pat has a pleasing, rich voice which he handles with a light touch reminiscent at times of Dinah Shore. He was joined at the microphone by Scrim-geourella and Jonalio for modern arrangements of "The Old Mill Stream" and "I met Her on Monday."
Not an innovation, but equally popular, was the splendid supper, including hot savouries fresh from the skilled hands of Mrs. Shillson.
The files of "Spike" contain much fascinating material for a future history of club activity at V.U.C. It is impossible to sketch even an outline of such a history here, but a few points emerge from a cursory reading of the "Spike" material.
The most obvious fact isthe elements of duelling in the College, in
Our religious societies have not been called upon to suffer persecution or martyrdom. The old Christian Union, now the S.C.M., claimed in the first Spike of
Science societies concerning themselves with specific subjects, such as the Chemical, Biological, and Maths. and Physics Societies, have had a fair success. It is noticeable, though, that a Science Society founded in
Indeed, Faculty Clubs as such have not been successful. The Law Faculty Club, established in
One of the earliest clubs to be founded was the Glee Club, which in its first year (Spike. In
Literary and cultural clubs, on the other hand, have a depressing history and a non-existent present. If we except the strong Debating Society and the unequally brilliant achievements of the Dramatic Club, our history reads as follows:—
There was, of course, the Chess Club, founded in Spike, Salient, politics deserted the club, and the club declined."
This College has had the name outside the University world—of being liberal to the point of license, and within that world of being the most politically conscious of the constituent Colleges. It seems strange, none the less, that 45 years have shown cultural clubs unable to exist without political justification.
So far as the liberal clubs themselves are concerned, we have more reason to be proud if none to be complacent. In
Its gallivanting met with an untimely and unexplained end in
The years of this war have seen the emergence of the International Relations Club, now getting its second wind, in
The most colourful of all clubs was probably the Men's Club, the Haeremal Club. It was founded in
"Wit, hilarity and good fellowship" were the passwords of the club, and its tastes ran in the direction of smokos, riotous theatre parties. Capping processions, the fostering of highly Individual versions of whatever hakas the club could lay hand—and foot and voice—to and a genuine promotion of College life. Pledged to nurture the tender flower of College spirit, the Haeremal Club went further than similar organisations such as the Victoria Club (
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Proposals made to the College authorities at the end of last term were deferred for consideration in the long vacation. In the meantime students must content themselves with dreams of the new Students' Union Building.
Eager to dust forgotten skeletons the Debating Club recently unshelved the Irish Question, three impassioned wearers of the green, Messrs. O'Connor, O'Leary and O'Brien defending the shamrock from the onslaughts of Messrs. Quilliam, Bennet and Cunningham, of the Law Faculty Club. "That the Irish, by remaining neutral in this war, have acted in the best interests of Eire," provided a meaty if somewhat overdone subject, the main support from the floor being against the motion.
First on tne platrorm Mr. O'Connor was somewhat disappointing—tall, aggressive in appearance, he behaved like a lamb. Debating from an isolationist viewpoint he said that the Irishman is a realist—he remembers the promises of the last war.
"Neutrality without logic means peace without pride," replied Mr. Quilliam speaking slowly, selecting each word as if from a bucket. A mortified audience learned that the Atlantic Charter "went by the board some time ago." Erect and motionless as ever, Mr. O'Leary carefully proceeded to elucidate Eire's economic position. Her credit balance had risen by fifty million pounds since the outbreak of war he said. Also the plank of neutrality maintained by most Irish political parties was backed to the limit by the people.
"Eire lost her chance when she refused America's note on neutrality," remarked Mr. Bennet. "Nations at war gain strength, neutrals remain ns weaklings."
In answering this Mr. O'Brien chose the case of the last war neutrals—Switzerland and Holland. "America has built skyscrapers for wondering continentals and ignorant orientals." Motto: Look after your own people. In addition he stated that 172,000 British women and children were sheltering in Ireland in the present war.
Mr. Cunningham, a colossus in miniature, spoke of the lights that guided German bombers to Bristol and of the German legation In Dublin alleged to have a staff of 120 (here Mr. O'Leary claims 8—stalemate). "The fifty million pounds is blood money—it has been said that the English never remember while the Irish never forget: perhaps this time the English will be magnanimous enough to forgive and forget"
Speakers from the floor were few, probably due to the relatively poor attendance, but such as there were became quite lively.
Subjecting the audience to a veritable machine gun fire of words Miss O'Flynn delivered the most emotive speech of the yedr. One was only conscious of the dead shamrock leaves, the drops of Irish blood and the blots on English history—all swirling around in some eternal vortex. She cited the case of India and quoted the Atlantic Charter. "If the leader of the negative went and spoke in Dublin as he has spoken here to night," she rapped, "he would not come back!" ("Of course there's no gold on the moon," Pat had replied to a friend. "If there was the bloody murderin' English would have colonised It long ago.")
Mr. Hartley, reclining comfortably against the visitors' table, quietly chatted to the audience about the Roman Catholic elements in the affirmative, a line which consequently entangled him in a mesh of contradictions from Mr. O'Brien. "I don't want to get into an argument on stage," he protested.
Miss Crompton dealt with the matter from a more rational point of view and while admitting Irish skepticism of the British pictured the possibilities of an enslaved Ireland under German domination. "The only safety valve for unemployment has been work in England," she said. Speaking on the same side Mr. Campbell stressed the importance of the psychological factor. The Irish missed the bus in not having the courage to fight with England.
The contest was very ably judged by Mr. Howard Wadman, who criticised the speakers in some detail. The standard had not been high, probably due to prejudice on the part of many speakers. By the genteel handling of his notes one speaker reminded him of a Sunday school teacher; and as for the phrase—far more brighter, "Well, only Shakespeare can get away with that," he added with a grin. From the speakers he placed Miss Crompton together with Mr.
The motion was then put to the meeting and, lost.
Readers will remember that in oiur last issue there appeared an attack on H. G. Wells's recent publication, "Crux Ansata."
We have received three letters taking up the cudgels both for and against Mr. Wells. They are presented without alteration.
I have just read Fra Muto's open letter to Mr. Wells. I hope some kind person will send Mr. Wells a copy—his amusement will be unbounded.
Nevertheless, since this matter in volves the name of my college, perhaps I may also be allowed to express an opinion. In the first place this letter appears to me to be a pitiable exhibition of uncouth undergraduate insolence—an anonymous student of an unknown university at the ends of the earth squealing with frantic impotence, because Mr. Wells has dared to affront his particular ego-identifications. Since he puts such waspish venom into his letter I cannot but assume that Fra Muto is effectively involved with the Roman Catholic church: by his naively patronising style and the portentlousness of his vocabulary, I should assume that he is an undergraduate—a young one.
But enough of Fra Muto. Let us consider his letter objectively. It commences with an emotional appeal to the "ideal or religious toleration and co-operation." When did the Roman Catholic church display "religious toleration and co-operation?" Is it not for the lack of these very qualities that Mr. Wells arraigns it? And. incidentally would not "tolerance" by a better word, even at the cost of that impressive extra syllable?
"At least you have some new ideas" - this is really comic. Oh. the patronage of half-instructed youth! I shall not dilate on the enormity of the change from the second person to the third in the next paragraph, but I should like to point out that Mr. Wells' reputation as a scientist is capable of withstanding a far more dangerous attack than the one under consideration, and that more than one of his scientific textbooks are in use in even first-rate secondary schools. Apart from which, what inspires the thought that the attainment of a position in an English secondary school is a measure of intellectual ability? Can it be that Fra Muto is a teacher?
I have "Crux Ansata" before me, and I find it difficult to see on what ground Fra Muto is attacking it. He makes a number of wild statements, but has not, so far as I can see, attempted to answer one of Mr. Wells' arguments. Furthermore he fails entirely to achieve the scientific detachment and objectivity of that writer, and merely makes himself ridiculous by a display, which while doubtless is very satisfying to his ego, cannot be admitted as reasonable argument.
He has not, for example, attempted to refute the very interesting figures which Mr. Wells quotes in support of his argument on the subject of illiteracy. He offers no defence against the charge that the Roman Catholic church has persistently allied itself with that Fascism which is so much a part of its own internal organisation. He has not shown any reason why any church should be permitted to meddle in politics or to intrigue for power.
Finally, Sir, I would remind Fra Muto that irony, though it seems such a crushing weapon, is definitely not one for the 'prentice hand, particularly when that hand trembles with emotion.
I have read "Crux Ansata" as the opinion of one intelligent and informed man on a controversial question. Freedom of speech demands that he be allowed to publish it. If there is a reasonable reply I shall read that also. In the meantime, I am neither for nor against, but a simple seeker after truth, and one who would have appreciated Fra Muto's letter far more had it contained some spark of intelligent argument.
Mr. H. G. Wells, in his work "Crux Ansata" has betrayed an unfortunate ignorance of the facts he has presumed to interpret. This is unfortunate from the point of view of both author himself and members of the R.C.C.
Unfortunate for Mr. Wells, because his book has denied him a place in the ranks of the great adversaries—and these ranks include many illustrious names.
Unfortunate from the point of view of the church, because a great adversary is a stimulant to a greater understanding of the doctrines of that church among its members.
In fact the only value that the book has had is to provide a source of propaganda for all enemies of the Catholic Church, be they religious bigots, so-called rationalists or propagandists of the ilk of Dr. Goebells, who incidentally was not slow to make use of this ill-timed volume.
It would take hours of research to refute all the mis-statements, complete the half-truths and allay the innuendoes made in that peevish outburst. Two points, however, are chosen at random for special attention: Page 94, paras. 1, 2 and 3:
"It is necessary to insist on his (the Pope's) profound ignorance and mental inferiority."
It is necessary, in supporting that assertion, to be unaware that the Pope has addressed an International Press Conference for over an hour in Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin—without notes; won the Gold Medal in history at the Visconti Grammar School—reputed the best in Rome; and addresses meetings of the most distinguished scientists of the world when they meet at the Pontifical Academy of Science.
Page 68: Wells suggests that religious'disbelief and scientific research go hand in hand. If, however, he knew so much about the history of science as he professes to know of pre-history, he might recognize that the following men, despite their belief in the teaching of the church he despises so greatly, made some contribution to the progress of science:—Ampere, Volta, Galvani, Pasteur, Mendel, Le-maitre and Schmidt. Moreover, the latter three are priests who apparently "despite the peculiar limitations to which they were subjected by their training," were able to acquire at least some ideas of scientific thought of their day—they made too, a contribution to science which compares favourably with that of the omniscient Mr. H. G. Wells, B.Sc.
From an author who will be remembered for some excellent novels and scientific romances, "Crux Ansata" is a very disappointing book. That this disappointment is shared by some of Wells' own intellectual confreres is shown in the following review taken from a paper opposed to the Catholic Church.
"A tirade which begins with a crude plea for the bombing of Rome and ends with a vulgar personal attack on the Pope is unlikely to advance a cause which he—and many others—have at heart."
Dear Sir,—Mr. Wells' "Crux Ansata" has called forth just the challenge he might have expected. Some ardent supporter of the "still rather formidable edifice," stung to the quick by some home truths about his pet obsession, has dashed Into print. Whatever may be Mr. Wells' scientific capabilities (and his "Science of Life" does, not negate them) he is at least an experienced debater and not to be silenced by infallible Invective. Fra Muto has neither disproved nor denied his well-documented assertions regarding intolerance, uneducation, celibacy and other well-known attributes of Roman Catholicism. Instead, he has misread Mr. Wells, then knocked down the straw-man of his own creation.
I agree with Mr. Wells. The church has never been very progressive or informed in its actions. The countries where it is the official religion are more backward than they might be. I think celibacy is an unnatural cult. What I do find unworthy of a rational thinker is the delusion of a Popish plot. Such talk savours of the "Protocols of Zion" or the "Tentacles, of the Red Octopus." It is unwise, intolerant and unintelligent to see in every Catholic a fascist and in every priest a gauleiter.—I am, etc,
With the memory of last year's splendid effort to urge us on we launched into the Victory Loan campaign with high hopes. The organisers of the College Campaign, confident that last year's total could be topped, set the quota modestly (they thought) at £1,000. To assist the less pecunious the executive instituted an instalment scheme by which it was hoped to have every student investing in the loan. At the end of the seventh and last day the total stood at £1.184—yes, one thousand one hundred and eighty four pounds from the students to the Victory Loan. A really magnificent effort—until we analyse the figures!!!
Closer scrutiny of these figures, however. leaves us with a very empty feeling.
They show that £1050 was subscribed by five people, nine students availed themselves of the executive instalment offer and twelve students purchased a £1 bond. These together with the bonds which were raffled show that the whole amount was subscribed by forty people. Forty students from eleven hundred! This is indeed a brilliant effort, for which the students as a body deserve a stand up clap, for a group of apathetic. disinterested ivory tower dwellers, far removed from the tradition of student movements in the van of all struggles for freedom, and remote indeed from their Chinese and European fellows. How can this measure alongside the record of our own students overseas or even our own Loan and patriotic work day appeals in the past?
Can this result be a measure of student interest in the War, in Victory and in the Peace. It would appear that this is so when only 3½% of the college is willing to take part in this activity. Wake Up Victoria! You are losing ground!
The fickle lady hath it that a zealous young co-ed, exams being close, was studiously engrossed in a book whilst walking home, when she was overtaken by Mr. Miller, our Librarian. He told her in reproving tones that the two surest methods of ruining the eyesight were reading in the street and reading in bed. In our opinion an even more certain way would be attempting to read in the college library.
Mrs. Shillson has asked us to apologise for the disorganisation that has occurred during the last few weeks as a result of the absence of one of the members of the permanent staff. We feel, however, that if any inconvenience has been caused to students it should make them wake up slightly, if this is possible. It must have been quite obvious to anyone who had to wait for his meal until the slide was cleared that the kitchen was short-staffed, but it was until Stan Campbell made his stirring appeal six times a day that any offers of assistance were made. A stand-up clap goes to those who have helped in the Caf. throughout the year and a sit-down one to those who are now realising their responsibilities, but these represent a very small number of the two hundred odd students who eat in the Caf. regularly, many of whom show more contempt than consideration in their dealings with the staff and voluntary assistants. A special vote of thanks goes to Mr. Gerry Strawbrldge for the work he has carried out on some of the decrepit equipment.
The Cafeteria will remain open right up to the end of finals. Lunch and afternoon tea will be served as usual and cold meals and salads will replace the evening meal. That's real service for you.
It is not intended here to give a full account of the Health Scheme. This is not possible, since the doctors who carried out the examinations have not had the time as yet to prepare their report.
However, we shall attempt to give a brief survey of the results to hand so far. It is hoped that a full account will be available for publication in the first edition next year.
Firstly, it must be said that the number of students availing themselves of this great opportunity was disappointing .and reflects rather badly on the spirit of the College.
Out of the 924 students enrolled at V.U.C. for lectures, but excluding Training College students, a total of 321 (just over one-third) completed the examination.
There are 58 students who, having had the preliminary part of the examination, were for some reason unable to attend the second part at the time arranged. This may have been due to numerous reasons, but principally we feel, to the approaching menace of examinations.
Sixty-one people were advised to have x-rays done—no further statistics about these are available yet.
The five doctors who examined the students are to be complimented on their patience, enthusiasm and good humour. For weeks they came in pairs every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
Perhaps the results are due not so much to apathy as it might appear, but to the time of the year that the examinations were begun. It was unfortunate that they, could not be carried out at the time of enrolment, before "life becomes too serious."
We hope this may be the case in
Dr. J. C. Beaglehole, in a symposium on "Salient" conducted in 1939 remarked that the noise of battle which surrounds "Salient" is a healthy sign. The noise of the same battle still surrounds "Salient" of 1944. In fact this same-battle seems to be carried on in almost every University in the World. It is therefore no surprise, on looking through student papers from other countries, which no one normally troubles to read, that students everywhere are thinking in terms of civil liberties, freer and more liberal education, while many are concerning themselves with the wider problems of society. The partisan students of Yugoslavia, who had to fight through German lines to hold a student Congress recently, and the University Labour Federation in England, whose members are active citizens in the community, not holding themselves above it in Ivory Towers as we do, are excellent examples. Movements such as these promise well fort the rebirth of an International Student Federation after the war on the lines of the now defunct C. I. E.—The Cercle Internationale des Etudiants.
The vociferous protest made throughout New Zealand during this year has brought us into the public eye in a Tairly favourable light. Three Australian Universities have been in the public eye also—not so favourably.
The stories of the riots caused by students in Sydney on two occasions have been fairly well covered by the daily newspapers. We do not wish to associate ourselves with either of these so-called "causes." One concerned wartime censorship and the students championed the right of industrial magnates to criticize the War Cabinet. The other was an exhibition of extremely bad taste during the presentations to American servicemen.
At Melbourne and in Western Australia, however, students have been acting in a manner which will benefit not only themselves but their fellows everywhere. Let us examine their actions in more detail.
It may be necessary to restrict individual freedom in wartime but in cases of major political issues, the public, He (this includes even Training College-students) are at least entitled to hear both sides presented by recognized protagonists. The referendum recently presented to Australian electors was such an issue. Accordingly, the students of Teachers' College, Melbourne, invited Mr. R. G. Menzies (No) and Lieut E. A. H. Laurie (Yes) to present their views on the referendum at a general meeting.
Laurie happened to be a Communist and his appearance was banned by Hollway, Minister of Education. The teachers held a protest meeting and their case was supported by Melbourne University Students' Association. Hollway, commenting on this, said the University was a nursery for Communists, and that Communists had all its facilities at their disposal. Another protest followed and the "yes" case was presented to the students by Dedman, a Government speaker.
Final results are hard to achieve in such a matter, for so far it cannot be said that the student have won their case, but whatever happens they are in a far stronger position, and. which is more important, are a united body.
The dispute in Western Australia was on a more material issue. The Western Australian University is a growing college in a growing state. It is understaffed, is short of cash, has no student representation on the Senate. This year the situation became so acute that the present staff could not cope with the increased classes.
A special meeting, however, succeeded in pressing the Senate into activity. These august gentlemen were so impressed that they arranged to have the state grant increased—immediately, in order to facilitate an increase in the teaching staff. However, it seems that Western Australia breeds a fighting type of student, because the latest issue of their journal bears the caption "What is Needed—Now."
E. S. Andrews, adventure-loving author of "Close Up of Guadalcanal." has the observing eye of the experienced camera-man. He is employed in the Government Film Studios at Miramar. Wellington.
The Cricket Club set out on its annual pilgrimage early this month. The annual meeting was productive of a good deal of amusement, some unorthodox procedure, one or two awkward moments, and rather more hope for the future than has been held out by previous meetings. Mr. Carrad made no race of it for club captain, with Orm Creed as his deputy. Secretary is Ken Bruce and treasurer Don Brian. Committee—a mixed crew; older hands to give the club that standing in the Association which is so desirable, and younger men to keep the club moving. T.C. is solidly represented in Council and hopes to field at least two teams. It is perhaps to be regretted that now Saturday cricket is solidly established in T.C., a closer union cannot be cemented. It was hoped in some quarters that the club would be able to follow the example of the hockey, table tennis and harrier clubs and make itself a "by and for students' club," but it didn't happen that way. Nevertheless, Don Beard was on the right line when he proposed to comb the College for cricketers and give the club some social interest in addition to its more serious business.
Mr. J. C. Reid of the Association explained to the meeting the plan for resurrecting Wellington Representative Cricket. The meeting was not impressed and gave the corpse little chance until practice wickets were improved or clubs put their houses in order.
High-light: A donnybrook between Messrs. Moore and Hall over last football season. Henry ran out an easy winner on points.
The annual general meeting was attended by more than the usual number of enthusiastic tennis players. After a bright discussion on the balance sheet, tennis balls and netting, officers for the coming season were elected. President: Bert Foley. Chairman: Myles O'Connor. Secretary: Peter McKenzie. Treasurer: Brian Igglesden. Committee: Margaret Beattie, Avis Reed, Joyce Strange, Loris Webley, Colin Atmore. Win Smiler, George Stacey and John Walton.
Opening Day Tournament: Contrary to all expectations the day was ideal for tennis and at 1.30 p.m. (almost), under the capable management of Ken McNaught, 76 players found themselves involved in a complicated handicap Yankte tournament which concluded shortly after 5 p.m., the winners being Rae Turner and Graham Pearson. Altogether, a very successful day—new tennis balls, a perfect day, and a most enjoyable afternoon tea.
Though many students will be away from Wellington during the holidays, the tennis club looks forward to a very successful season.
The Rowing club has just managed to get on to its feet again. Last season it consisted of a mere nucleus of four active members, who managed to do well in all races in which they participated.
However this season a little more interest has been shown by a few students after. intense stimulation by a few veteran rowers.
An outing was held last Saturdny and a number of keen novices took to the water under expert coaching. The general opinion resulting from the short outing was that there was more fun in rowing than met the eye.
It is hoped that after the exams more students who are at present worried about having to study will wander down to the Star Boating Club on any Saturday afternoon for they will there encounter the overflowing jollity of the healthy oarsmen as they push off from the slipways in their various boats.
The Rowing Club has always and will always be noted for the gay and healthy time which It offers to its members. So all students who wish to take up a fine summer sport should make immediate inquiries regarding membership. Remember the Rowing Club has a lot to offer both on the sporting and social aspects.
Numerically a most successful annual general meeting (fourteen members) was held last Wednesday night. The club's fairy god-father. Mr. G. F. Dixon, was present, and Mr. Daniell conducted the meeting in his usual quiet manner. The club showed commendable initiative in relieving itself of its unwieldy superstructure of vice-presidents. These now number only six. Mr. G. F. Dixon was again elected president. Wily, wiry harrier-man McDowall was elected club captain. A good idea last year, which has been put into execution again this year, is the inclusion in the club committee of men who do not compete in athletics. Their function is that of handicapping, convening, starting, judging—generally making themselves useful. Messrs. Bennet. Clancy, and Kurtovich were elected in the management capacity because they made a good job of it last year, and Boyle and Goldfinch were elected as ordinary committee members. The election to the position of secretary was keenly contested. The contest being one to escape election, the loser was elected. The loser was J. E. Drummond. A vote of thanks to last season's secretary, R. E. Barra-clough. was passed. Mr. Daniell. although now a member of the swimming club, is still interested in the athletic club; his departure for the swimming club is, according to Mr. Barraclough, mainly for a change. The delegates to the Centre are MacDowall and Barraclough.
Club meetings begin on Monday, November 13, the first Monday after finals, on Kelburn Park at 6.30 p.m.
The annual general meeting held last Thursday was well attended—half those present were women. Club officers were elected as follows: Club Captain, B. B. Hands; Deputy Club Captain, R. M. Daniell; Women's Club Captain. Margaret Beattie; Secretary. G. S. Bogle; Committe, Alison Keys, Max Etchelbaum, H. B. Cutler. P. A. Josephson.
It was decided to begin club nights on the first Wednesday after Final Ball, if the baths are available. The club activities include club nights (handicap events, free for alls and what-have-you), water polo, picnics and a little serious swimming.
At the time of writing there is no definite news regarding a Tournament next Easter, but the Auckland Executive, whose turn it is to hold the baby, are making hopeful noises.
With the prospect of a return to the full card next Easter we must set out affairs in order, that we may give as little trouble as possible to our hosts. Club secretaries are reminded of the following points:
The preliminaries of the Winter Tournament at Christchurch were an object lesson on how not to run a sports gathering. If a similar muddle is to be avoided at Easter it is essential that clubs keep in close contact with the Executive's tournament delegates, who are:
R. M. Daniell; phones 46-084 (bus.), 44-504 (home).
I. C. McDowall; phones 47-258 (bus.), 54-349 (home).
A reasonably satisfactory season's football has been concluded, and, after the Ruru Shield match on the 23rd the club will go into recess for the summer. Perhaps the two most pleasing features of the season have been the play and championship position of the Third Grade "A" team, and the keenness and spirit shown by the Third "B" side.
The following is a summary of the various teams' activities:
Seniors.—Finished fourth in the Hardham Cup competition, having played one less game than the other teams. Vacations interfered considerably with personnel, but the side should have beaten Upper Hutt, Sea-toun and Miramar.
Juniors.—Were tenth in their competition. Failure of the backs, in the early part of the season, to find form commensurate with that of their forwards, was a large cause of their nonsuccess. The other great cause is to be found in the depredations of the Senior team.
Third A.—This team finished third in its grade, one point behind the second team, but well behind the leaders. The loss of the first three matches created a handicap which it was hard to overcome. This team owes much to the generosity of the Juniors' captain and coach, who refused to break into the team when it was doing well, and consequently weakened their own side.
Third B.—Although finishing twelfth equal in the competition, the Third B had no reason to feel ashamed of itself, if only because of the spirit and enthusiasm with which it played. The club's thanks are due to the captain of the side, Ewen Drummond, whose energy, keenness and co-operation have done the major part in holding the tears, together. It is worth while mentioning that this is the first time since
Travelling to Christchurch, for the final inter-College game of the season, Victoria were able to defeat Canterbury College severely by 23 points to 6. They had the upper hand for most of the game, but were unable to settle down for the first twenty minutes, so that the movements lacked the finish that would have brought tries. Later, however, the forwards, playing with excellent cohesion and vigour, found their true form, and the backs began to function extremely well. Goodwin, as first five-eighth, was first class, especially on defence, and Mataira, on the wing, besides kicking magnificently, more than held his own against McIntyre, the Canterbory rep. winger. The forwards, except perhaps in the Navy game, have seldom played better. Cormick was outstanding as a loose forward and Kurtovich played an excellent all-round game. This latter, in scoring his two tries revealed a very tricky sidestep and we are pleased to hear that he is willing to impart the secret to the Weir House backs for the forthcoming Ruru Shield game.
Altogether the game, played as a curtain-raiser to the North v. South Island match, was an extremely good one and the team is to be congratulated on its effort.
Scorers for Victoria: Mataira, Kurtovich (2) and Lewis scored tries:
For Canterbury: Doldge and Gudsell tries. The V.U.C. team was as follows: Blakely, Loveridge, Lewis, Mataira, Te Punga, Goodwin, Ryder, Cormick, Girling, Butcher, Grayburn, Dobson, Brian, Creed, Kurtovich and Cutler.
The Basketball Club has now concluded a successful season. The Senior A team finished high up in their championship matches, and although the Senior B team was not so successful, they derived much enjoyment from their weekly matches. The highlight of the season was of course the trip to Christchurch, which was enjoyed immensely by all taking part.
Grateful thanks are due to every club member for her enthusiasm and co-operation. The club committee should also be congratulated for their untiring efforts in safeguarding the interests of the club.
It is hoped that more students will join the club next year, in addition to those who are already members. The main attraction is the prospect of participating in an Inter-University Tournament and its associated social functions. V.U.C. Blues are also awarded each year to those girls who show proficiency in basketball, and who take an active interest in the club's affairs. N.Z.U. Blues, which are coveted honours, and which have not been awarded for several years past, will probably be awarded next year.
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The year draws to its end. The studious dig in the library, the ungodly resign themselves to another year. Now there is a moral to all this. Boxing is one of those occupations which has neither time nor season. The boxing club looks forward with confidence to next year, when this year's labours will come to fruition, for next year, with travel restrictions off and a brighter world in sight we hope that Tournament will be on, and with it bigger and better bouts for boxers. Don't forget, also, our programme—tonrneys with other gyms and so on.
Next year we hope to see a boom in College boxing in keeping with the encouraging revival of amateur and professional boxing in the city. You can help it along now by turning up in the gym. at 8 o'clock on Mondays to partake of expert instruction from our capable coach. Come along, all! Keep fit and keep fighting!
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Each year, under the name of "Tuatara," the most flourishing club of the college—the Biological Society, publishes eighteen or so pages of botanical flotsam, zoological jetsam and biological witticisms and faux-pas.
The resumes of trips and lectures which are so attractively set out in this journal will be interesting and/ or amusing even to those not thrilled by the study of biology.
Look out for this mighty magazine which will be thrust upon you in the last week of term, watch the notice boards for date of sale, beware of the pestering members of the committee, bud get a good sixpenneth of biological bits and pieces.
Printed by The Commercial Printing Co., Boulcott Avenue, Wellington, and Published by the Victoria University College Students' Association, Salamanca Road. Wellington, N.Z.