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Man is not motivated by tournament points alone. It has been decided to donate a trophy to the member of the VUC team who scores highest Haslam Score. The trophy will take the form of a delicately moulded Venetian glass mug or "ansa," mounted on a carton base. The carton base will contain one dozen of the best malted available. The trophy will be known as the "Crooks Ansata."
Unfortunately the Tournament tennis team it still only tentative, the last two wet week-ends having prevented the final matches from being played. The women are chosen and have been practising regularly, but as yet only three men have been selected.
Nancy Turner is once more playing first single and has every chance of getting well on in this event.
Avis Reed, the second single, hasn't Nancy's chances of success but the experience she will gain from singles play will be very valuable. Of the women's doubles Nancy and Rae Turner will benefit much from their long experience of playing together and because of this have the advantage over Sue Ilott and Loris Webley who are inexperienced in tournament play but who have been practising very consistently.
Of the men, Ben O'Connor once more leads and will be a formidable opponent for any player.
Doug. Goodwin is certainly not far behind Ben in singles but Ben has slightly more edge to his play, Doug. is playing second single.
The only other man chosen at the moment is Jack Walls, whose doubles play equals Ben's and Doug's and provided his partner (either Peter McKenzie or Frank Gillingham) is up to his standard he will have a good chance of aquitting himself, if not gloriously, at least very well. The teams as they stand are not exceptional but here is good steady material and we wish them all the best for Christchurch.
Our team for this year is as good as usual, but with the National champions and otherwise exceptional swimmers likely to be representing the other Colleges, our hopes are no higher than usual. Victoria swimmers are, however, to be congratulated on their hardiness. Wellington is the only centre without tepid baths.
The team is as follows:—Jan Caselberg, 100 back-stroke, 100 free-style; Pat Cummins, 50, 100 free-style, relay; Catherine Eichelbaum, 100 breast-stroke; Marget McKenzie, 100 back-stroke, 50 free-style and relay; Pat Young, dive; J. Bennett, 440 free-style; D. Kerr, 220 free-style, 100 back-stroke; B. Knowles, 220, 100 breast-stroke; R. Shannon, dive; N. Turnbull, 100, 220 free-style, relay; D. West, 100 free-style, 100 back-stroke, relay.
Probably our best chance of a win lies in Pat Cummins, who carried off the 50 yds. free-style last year. It is hard to see Cath. Eichelbaum coming lower than second in the 100 yds. breast-stroke. There is room for optimism in the dive because, no standard having yet been set, there are no grounds for pessimism.
Victoria swimmers can be expected to do as well as their forebears at Easter, and to have just as good a time.
In a matter of hours now, our representatives in the various Easter Tournament sports will be sailing for Christchurch to uphold the good name of Victoria, and we wish them success. Our chances are about the same as usual, but hopes for a very good time are held by all.
Easter Tournament is considerably more than a coming together in combat of sporting giants from the various Colleges. We do not compete "for the sake of a ribboned coat" nor yet entirely for "honour and glory"; in fact, it would be difficult to find any student, out of the hundreds who will be present, for whom this is the main aspect. Tournament is for each exactly what he likes to make it himself, and will be remembered by different students for widely diverse highlights.
We trust that the boomerang will not return again to VUC. In other words, perhaps we have been a little greedy in keeping the ornate Wooden Spoon, which we ourselves presented, in our own glass case for so long, and we hope to let someone else have this "thing of beauty" for a while.
This year the main interest centres round the inclusion of women in the Tournament team. Last year the Tournament delegates decided to start the women's athletics, and after much discussion, this year women's events are definitely going to be included in Tournament. Because of lack of training we cannot expect a very high standard from the girls, but Mary Shouler should do well in the sprint and Julie Flett has been devoting a lot of time to hurdling, so we wish them all the best for Christchurch.
The athletic team this year might well be the smallest ever sent from Victoria. In the sprints Tony Munden, John Goldfinch and Trevor Benjamin are in good form and one of them should collect a 440 yards title. In the longer distances Clem Hawke and Munro from Massey are expected to do their best against some stiff competition.
Judging from the time Dave Tossman is devoting to coaching Gib Bogle, if he doesn't pull off the 440 yards hurdles he will never be able to face Dave again. Ewen Drummond will again contest the sprint hurdles and pole vault though he will find the hurdles competition considerably stiffer than last year. The Javelin should give Eric Apperley a chance of
By reason of experience and longer training, the Victoria team should this year achieve greater. If not the greatest, success in the University noble art. With Billy Hedberg once more as trainer and coach, the members will see that the last of those four rounds is not the longest.
In the heavyweight division, John Roberts, with six foot plus, has the strength and ability to see himself to the top. He is a former WBC champion, and hard training this year should place him there.
George Doole, light heavyweight, is quick and has a solid punch which will leave no doubt with his opponent.
C. A. MacLeod has the fitness which is the first requisite. He is shaping nicely in training.
In the welterweight class, a skilled fighter-boxer. Mervyn Wishart, is the representative. With his practical training and proved experience, he is a Murphy in the making.
Brian Webb is the lightweight representative. By scoring a T.K.O. in the Town Hall a fortnight ago, he proves his ability and should be in at the finish.
Allan Young will once more contest for the featherweight division, and is now a tried boxer. In a recent Town Hall preliminary he almost took the decision from the Wellington champion. This experience should help him to add another year to his NZU honour.
In the bantamweight no representative was forthcoming. With his trainer's advice. Evan Watts should make the grade in this weight.
At a time when the results of our activities depend so much on the goodwill of the public (Building Fund Appeal), when the publicity of Easter Tournament and Extrav. is about to flood the daily press, it is highly regrettable that any member of the College should derogate the character of another for an insignificant mistake in policy. But when it appears that the instigator is motivated by purely partisan interests and when faults of his own may be exposed as no less excusable than those of his victim and without the justification that they were made in the interests of the Association, then his action should be condemned by every sane and intelligent student at the University.
The damage has been done. Last Friday Mr. de la Mare's letter appeared in the "Dominion" together with a commentary of the present upheaval. Fearing that the matter might be carried yet further with the consequent besmirching of the characters of people who have done much important and tireless work for the Stud. Ass., "Salient" made a vain attempt at intervention, promising not to publish any further material if the members concerned would withdraw their resignations. But all attempts to alleviate the inevitable repercussions have failed just as surely as any effort to obfuscate student activities during the coming weeks would prove futile.
As the elections will be held on the date on which another issue of "Salient" would normally be due, the only further material to be printed will be contained in the special election issue of Monday, 29th. It is to be hoped that incident will remain unique in University history and that in future students elected to the Executive will be prepared to place the Association before all individual interests and will comport themselves as is expected of intelligent men and women.
*
With a history of twenty-five years the film is established as the most vigorous art form of today. In the welter of tawdry, bombastic, clever, colossal, productions there has appeared a wealth of technical skill and an occasional film that places the medium on a level with man's highest arts. Some of these few great films have been shown publicly, but many of them are stowed away in vaults and film-libraries; for example, the American documentary film "The City." it is available in the National-Film Unit's library, but how many readers and film-goers have seen it?
In the early
It is convincing and unforgettable. But I mention it because it is film-art of the highest class. After a diet of the usual feature films we are apt to forget what is essentially film-art. We forget that the technique of the film is the arrangement of a number of still shots and camera sequences into an artistic whole, done so as to present most strikingly the film's theme. The film is basically a pictorial art which leaves the painter where its greatest asset, mobile composition, begins.
"The City" is a great pictorial drama, enhanced by the music of Aaron Copeland and a fine commentary. Why not have an organisation to which you belong borrow it from the Film Unit?
"Our Vines Have Tender Grapes" has been applauded by the critics in the daily press and has drawn large audiences, but I believe that this is due solely to the popularity of Margaret O'Brien and the amusing character, seven-year-old Butch Jenkins, her leading man. Assessing this film by critical standards, I conclude that it is a poorly conceived fraud, its philosophy as phoney as the numerous painted canvas backdrops of cloudy skies and giant barns that are used in it.
The people in this film are set up to be admired. Yet I did not see the farmer's wife read a line of a book. She appears tending the kids, in the kitchen, or in the Church: she is the ideal woman! And, at the beginning of the film, a mentally backward child is introduced, Ingeborg, who is maltreated by her father. The glamorous schoolmarm of the settlement makes one attempt to get her to school, and then the film leaves this subject, until, later, we see the girl's funeral cortege. It appears that in American country towns it is taken for granted that a backward child should be beaten, ignored, and die young. But "death is for grown-ups to worry about" sighs the farmer's wife. So it goes on. The technique might be described as "polished" but quite uninspired. At least I expected to see some fine photography of the Wisconsin countryside, but it is a studio film with tedious shots of the actor seated in fake motor-cars with flat backgrounds oscillating behind them, overworked to the limit.
What should a writer write about? The individual in society or in the universe? A full view or man should include both of these aspects. Shakespeare is perhaps the greatest example of this; the histories examine man as a social animal, the tragedies as a cosmic individual. In the twentieth century Eliot has attempted the same thing. "The Waste Land" and "Murder in The Cathedral" have tremendous social implications; the "Four Quartets" concern themselves with the problem of the individual as a creature in universal time.
Probably undue emphasis on any one of these aspects produces unbalanced and inadequate work; unless of course one regards man as either entirely a social animal or entirely a cosmic being; and it is being wilfully short-sighted to do this.
But it is one thing to give social content a rightful place in a writer's data; it is a very different thing to lay down the precise form this social content shall take.
Many people, for instance, would see no call to social action in Eliot's poems, simply because he is a Christian rather than a Marxian Socialist. Auden, we gather, is acceptable because he was once a communist; Spender because he wrote anti Franco poems about Spain; but not so Eliot because he sees man as a creature with a mind as well as an appetite. The further many "socially" conscious literary critics go, the more absurd they become. First they would deny that man is a cosmic being, and claim that he is a social animal with only productive and consuming ability; the final impudence is to assert that anything they can't understand is, by hypothesis, incomprehensible.
Let there be social content by all means, but for literature's sake let it be more than a cry for higher wages.
If you haven't read Constance Lambert's "Music Ho" it is high time that you did. The author is a modern (born
I began by mentioning "Music Ho"; the sub-title is significant—"A Study of Music in Decline." The book includes an amusing satire on certain aspects of modern society, for instance, the cult of the inferiority complex. If you like Ellington jazz and Ellington arrangements (which amounts to almost the same thing, since most jazz is good only so far as the improvisations are satisfactory) then you will be interested to hear what Lambert has to say about the Duke. If you don't like Ellington then you are due for a surprise and possibly a disappointment when you read the relevant passages.
He deals with music as part of the integrated pattern of society, considering it in relation to life and not as a separate entity.
*
I am convinced that that writer is a lost man who betrays the things of the spirit by refusing to face and decide for himself the human problem, put, as it is to-day, in political terms. He will inevitably be stunted. And not alone will his work suffer, his talent decline, until he is incapable of giving life to anything he produces—no, even his earlier work, created before he thus rendered himself culpable, and once good and living, will cease to be so, it will crumble to dust before men's eyes. Such is my belief. I have such cases in mind.
In an article debunking philosophical idealism as offering no relevant contribution to the material problems of society, I referred to the spontaneous and independent movement's of the masses of the people against capitalist exploitation, not only within the more technically developed western democracies, but also in the colonies and dependant countries, such as Indonesia and Greece. This I called "the significant movement of our time." and I believe that the language I used made it quite clear that I was referring to this struggle of the exploited majority against the exploiting minority. However I have been so grossly misinterpreted in the last issue of "Salient" by someone who signed himself "Pro Bono Publico, or Panem et circenses" that I am compelled to refute the statements in his letter with all the force I can.
While it is just as much nonsense as the essay I was criticizing, it is more dangerous nonsense, and I know quite well that the misinterpretation is a deliberate one. The writer stated that I was referring throughout to the Managerial revolution, and then proceeded to bray aloud his support of this movement, if indeed anything so hollow and superficial can be called a movement. It is well that he did not sign his name for he has branded himself as an ass.
When I clearly refer to a struggle of the masses against the forces of reaction, by what process can he deduce that I am supporting the managerial revolution? How can this theory relate to the future of oppressed peoples other than ns a guarantee of the technique of their exploitation? The plain fact is that the theory of the managerial revolution lacks any social dynamic precisely because it refuses to recognise the developing power and unity of the working class. In the face of a movement which proceeds with the inevitable logic of history, it is a feeble attempt to patch and justify the decadent status quo. The man who can support it is an hysteric clutching at straws.
In order to remove any misapprehensions, I would point out to take "future leader" that he cannot stand firmly alongside me, because between us there is the barrier of a completely different conception of the future of society. It is also rather amusing that in his ambition to make the patrician boxseats, he evidently still believes that the populace can be appeased with his "panem et circenses.'" Stale crusts aren't good enough, and people get tired of the same old gladiators.
The Caxton Press must be developing quite an exotic garden. Its books, sown in the rich soil of modern printing, by gardeners willing to see what will grow, make a pretty array. Now the Caxton has produced a primrose: Dennis Glover's "Summer Flowers."
In eight light, easy poems "Summer Flowers" is a pleasant story of a love that came, and went, apparently as easily and as lightly as the poems themselves. Glover has done what James Joyce could not do as well in "Chamber Music." Glover's superior achievement in this kind of verse is because he is a more developed human than Joyce was. By letting all his parts be equally expressive Glover does not concentrate his energies at one particular part—at the brain, or just as bad, at the emotions.
Not one of the poems in "Summer Flowers" can be extracted as the best—apart from discussions of technique—for each is an episode in a merry serial. Perhaps it seems merry owing to Glover's underlying mood of goodhearted vanity that hides any deeper feelings he may have had during the serial.
Yet, we are still in the generations nurtured on the big creators of the Renaissance and after, no matter how much they are now being diffused in popular folk culture. In this light "Summer Flowers" is another work of another "little" poet. To-day there are many Glovers about, from Eliots to Masons, all involved pottering around with egocentricic interpretations of life. They cannot help it because history has taken the stuffing out of them. In an era of transition they either whittle away the time with things of the moment, or they explore for the meaning behind all moments, before returning stability gets them into the illusion of certainty.
Though not an open expression of this, "Summer Flowers" in another victim of the old cry of "loss of values"; a moan silly and blind from wars and depressions, forgetting that the values that matter exist independently of those events and art, science or other vogues.
Glover has concerned himself with a fundamental of life—affection—but he deals with it in Herrlck's manner, exhibiting himself in the current conflict. The poems have a range from the traditional universal poetic love images to images concerning cigarettes, beer, and oysters, and all the time with some selfishness.
My love has called me darling.
(The girl must be ill)
To bring "Summer Flowers" into the light beyond its own is not to belittle the work. Glover is with the rest of us at the same wailing wall: Poor Life! Poor Love! Poor Poetry!
Evidently the time has come in which poetry cannot leave concentrating on the immediate personal, social, poetic, or on oysters. Prose now seeks the essence of things. In Aldous Huxley, by exploring what is beyond time and space, in Arthur Koestler, by exploring what is in time and space.
It's all very well for effete athletes, tennis players, and members of the Executive to stroll down to the wharf and swagger aboard the "Wahine" at about 8.14 a.m. But do they give a thought to the Rowing Club, which has been up since well before the crack of dawn packing up the boat, trundling it along the wharf, and loading it with its own fair hands? Naturally the boat has to be looked after like an orphan child, and the rower's work isn't done when he steps ashore. However, the crew, which this year looks almost indecently large and vigorous, thinks it can manage without the ceaseless offers of help from other competitors, and even the haka party, which are pouring in.
This year's Eight has been at it hammer and tongs for the past two or three months, under the constant vigilance of "Pop" Barnes, a devil-driving old oarsman who knows what's what in rowing. It is quite a sight to see the crew out in all weathers, tongues hanging down to the scuppers, practically sweating blood, with Pop sitting there with a whip in his hand asking why the dickens, or something, the boat isn't moving. It is a matter of historic fact that, 'way back about George the Third's time, Mr. B. stroked a Varsity crew whose time was faster per mile than that of the Oxford-Cambridge race. A salutary thought! Withal, however, he has managed to make this present-day crew row as a crew, and not as eight people out for a paddle. His efforts have been untiring, his time unstinted, in his endeavours to perfect style, timing, breathing, and the dozens of details to which attention must be paid. The club is fortunate in having his cooperation, and well the crew knows it. We hope his efforts will be repaid.
On the crew's chance Mr. Barnes refuses to be cocksure, but he is quite hopeful. The men are at the peak of their form, and should be not unworthy to represent the College.
The last winning crew from Victoria was stroked by Sam Kidd. Last year he returned from service, and is once more back in the key position. He is a reliable, steady stroke, and a fine oarsman.
Gordon Stuckey, that Adonis of the club, adorns No. 7 seat. People who know claim him as a most capable oar. Already a NZU Football Blue, his mates are confident that this Tournament will see him a Double Blue.
At No. 6 is Gil Marryatt. Gil rowed in last year's crew, has been in several Star crews, and is altogether reliable in this position, which, with the two behind him, is frequently termed the "engine room" of the boat. He has a long reach and a steady stroke, and will acquit himself well.
At No. 5, in the same position as last year, is Club Captain Bill Osten. An experienced rower, and one who knows something about the theory of rowing, Bill has figured in the Star youth's four at several regattas.
A powerful oar at No. 4 is wielded by Mark Pownall. A very hard-working man, Mark has rowed for clubs in Auckland, although this is his first year with the Victoria College club.
Seated at No. 3 is Bob Connal, a young novice who shows a good deal of promise. He has all the makings, and future crews should see something of him.
Stan Gillon is at No. 2. He has raced for many seasons past as a member of the highly successful Petone welter-weight crew. He is a splendid oarsman, with loads of experience, and a valuable acquisition to any crew.
The responsible position of bow is filled by Graham Honore. Although a novice, he has raced in several Star crews, and should carry out his exacting duties well.
Cox, on whom depends so very much, will be Geoff. Ward.
There appears to be some confusion at the moment about the time of the race, which will take place at Governor's Bay, 1½ hours by road from the city.
Canterbury, against the wishes of the other crews, desires it to be rowed in the early morning. On top of that, the visiting crews apparently have to row 3½ miles to the starting point. It is to be hoped that this situation will not obtain, as it will be absurd to have Canterbury the only fresh crew—and at that time of morning, too!
Well, there's the rowing story, Mr. Editor. But you can be sure that whether we win or whether we don't, a good time will be had by all.
It seems time that the students made some complaint about the Cafeteria meals, which hardly seem worth the 1/9 we have to pay for them. With so many students eating there every night, surely to goodness the Caf. makes sufficient money to buy more food and so fill our plates a little more. For example, with cabbage so cheap just now (about 3½d. a lb. retail) would it take too much from the profits if sufficient were bought to give us more than one spoonful?
With no other cafeteria handy to the College, all the students requiring tea are forced to go to the Caf. and it surely does them no good to go up to lectures afterwards still hungry. I am sure I have the support of many other students who like a decent meal.—I am, etc.,
(Read article in this issue—if you're not satisfied, why not see Mrs. Shillson?
The Catholic Students' Guild commenced activities for the
On Thursday, May 2, the Guild intends to hold its first discussion evening at Victoria College. The subject chosen is "The Church in Politics." All students are extended an invitation to be present.
The VUCDRC having been revived very successfully by the concentrated efforts of H. M. Sansum and D. V. Henderson, has, after a series of elimination shoots, chosen the following to represent VUC at Easter:—
Anson, Bradstock, Catley, Henderson, Howarth, McKenzie, Scoones.
This selection includes a fair proportion of experienced men and some men who will be competing in their first Haslam.
Rifle shooting is a virtually unpredictable sport as regards future performances as any enthusiast will tell you, but in McKenzie we have a service rifleman of outstanding ability; he captained the 2nd NZEF team in Middle East. The team as such, and McKenzie in particular, shot brilliantly and in fact were never beaten. Scoones has an outstanding record dating from college days and is capable of an excellent performance. Howarth represented VUC in
Otago's chances are, we understand, slim, and those of AUC are not likely to unduly worry our side, In CUC, however, we have the home team, who have been practising every morning, and it is from this source that we anticipate our most serious opposition.
Whatever the outcome of the match the VUC team will do credit to the high standard it has previously shown at Haslam, and the team is very confident of success.
The only regret the team has is that the President, R. H. Johnston, is not able to travel with the team this year. Roy, in the writer's opinion, is the best shot produced by VUC in the last ten years. Competitors in
At the AGM of the Photographic Club, which was held on April 4, a good start for the year was made, nearly thirty members being present. Club officers for
President: Prof. I. Gordon.Chairman: W. N. B. Martin.Secretary-Treas: D. R. McQueen.Committee: K. Chiu, C. R. Ellis, K. Staples, W. Te Whiti.
The meeting was addressed by Geoff. Perry, one of Wellington's leading portrait photographers. His talks on Portraiture, illustrated by many of his photographs, was enjoyed by all and arrangements have been made for a Club visit to his studio, probably after Easter, when he will demonstrate his make-up and camera techniques. Watch the notice boards for further details.
About fifty ex-servicemen gathered in the Gym. on Monday evening to adopt the constitution of the "VUC Ex-Servicemen's Society" as drawn up by the interim committee, to elect a permanent committee, and to discuss the future activities of the Society,
A most efficient piece of work by Secretary Dowrick was responsible for all present having a copy of the Society's constitution to read and digest. After this fine piece of legal drafting had been formally adopted the following committee was elected for the year:—
Chairman: Mr. Higgin.Secretary: Mr. Dowrick.Committee: Messrs. Taylor, Falconer, Murray, Collins, Simmonds and Miss Myers.
Mr. Higgin then gave a brief resume of matters in which the interim committee had considered the Society might take an interest. These were as follows: (1) Accommodation, including the question of transit housing for students. (2) February Exams. (3) Servicemen's concessions from the Accountants' Society. (4) Representations to the Law Society concerning the employment of women in law offices at low rates of pay while law clerks roam the streets. (5) A more helpful attitude on the part of some of the Rehabilitation District Office employees. (6) Extension of Rehab. Bursaries. (7) Psychological advice for ex-servicemen with personal problems. (8) An approach to College Council with a request for a more enlightened approach to the question of alcohol on College premises. (9) The tobacco situation as far as Rehab. men are concerned. (10) The question of social functions. A speaker from the floor suggested that an attempt should be made to raise the book grant to £10.
Finally, after some discussion, the following motion was passed with one dissentient: "While declaring that the Society is in favour of the principle of preference for ex-servicemen in all employment and appointments in the College, we affirm that there should be no discrimination against persons who refused military service on conscientious grounds."
The first meeting of the newly farmed Socialist Club, which was held last Monday week, was attended by about seventy students. The main business was the ratification of the constitution and the election of officers. The constitution was passed without undue argument and the following committee was elected:—
Patron: Professor Lipson.Vice-Presidents: The Prime Minister, Hon. Mr. Skinner, Messrs. F. L. Combs and A. Harper.President: George Eiby.Secretary-Treas.: Hylton Burt.Committee: Jackie Patrick, Frank Coleman, Alec McLeod.
The election was followed by a film. "Men of Rochdale," borrowed from the Labour Party. This documentary was a history of the Co-operative Movement from its struggling beginnings in the town of Rochdale in Lancashire in the forties of last century. In a short fifty minutes those present saw and heard an informative and inspiring story of the fight of English men and women to form among themselves some sort of defence against poverty and exploitation. It was made quite clear that these workers did not envisage the co-operative movement as any end in itself, but regarded it only as a step forward on the way to socialism. It is in terms of this conviction that, in the concluding section of the
The success of Mr. Bolfry at 'Varsity inspired the Exec. to finance the production of the play in the Concert Chamber for two nights. In spite of the short notice, and the resulting clash with "Our Glad," and the 2YA Concert Party, the hall was nearly filled both nights with appreciative audiences.
There were some unfortunate incidents. The pace on the first night was slackened by the failure of the explosion and the curtain. After the cast had frozen for what seemed like an eternity waiting for the curtain to fall, Bruce Mason, with great presence of mind, leered at the Minister's wife, "let us retire!" and off they trooped.
Although the Executive sustained a loss of £30 they feel that the experience gained, the publicity achieved in the city, and the excellent reviews made the venture well worth while. The one regrettable feature was the lack of student support, but that is an old, sad tale.
Little hope is entertained of there being an official and separate VUC Haka Party sent to Tournament this year. The reasons given by Tournament delegates for this unfortunate situation are, firstly, that the billeting facilities in Christchurch, as ever, cannot stand the strain of non-competing representatives; secondly, that there are not sufficient berths available to carry a Haka Party to Christchurch.
However, the time-honoured hakas will not be lacking on the playing fields this Easter. Interested reps. of other teams will practise up their hakas and present them at Canta.
The whole question of the status of official Haka Parties will be discussed at NZUTC Conference.
At the Camp to be held at Plimmerton from May 22 to 26, the following subjects will be discussed:—
The Christian Significance of Marx.
The Christian Idea of Marriage.
Who is Jesus Christ?
The Problems of the Maori Today.
The Problems of the Artisan, the Manual Worker, and the Farmer.
The Position of being a World-citizen.
Every student is welcome. If you don't like our views, come and argue us out of them.
We claim our right to reply to the criticism in the last issue of "Salient," and submit the following statement.
A. Mr. Cohen's Statement.
We resigned to protect our personal honour, because we will not be officially associated with a person who published a deliberate lie in the name of the Association, but neither will we allow our resignations to interfere with our other duties to the Association.
B. The Commentary.
Once again "Salient" has misreported a person with whose views they disagree. Mr. Ting was not in favour of withdrawing the motion.
C. The Editorial.
¶ With respect to A1, an extract from the minutes of the Exec. meeting, March 31: "Moved, Mr. Campbell, seconded Mr. Ting, that a letter be written to Mr. de la Mare giving him our defence." This should answer A2 and makes us wonder what "truth" means to the framers of the letter.
¶ A3.—The fact that Miss Paterson did not contact Mr. Cohen before Monday is hardly an excuse for the inefficiency of the Secretary. The Constitution explicitly states that all members must be notified at least 48 hours before a meeting.
¶ A4.—This is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year for the Exec. Yet the activities of Extrav and Tournament officials are being unnecessarily diverted into contesting an election.
¶ The Commentary was taken direct from the official notes made at the meeting.
* C1 is correct—the implication is left to the reader.
* C2 is adequately answered in the editorial of this issue.
* C4.—If Mr. Poole worked on "Salient" staff he would surely not say this. Also, how can the Extrav. Controller possibly be held responsible for the delay in writing the script? A fortnight for rehearsals has been all the College has had for many years pre-war. It is regrettable that the framers of the letter should descend to this level of abuse.
As returned servicemen, we wish to place on record our opinion of the present "crisis" in the affairs of the Executive.
To us the whole issue appears quite childish. There is no doubt that an error was made by Mr. Cohen, but it seems to us that the circumstances warranted nothing more than a vote of censure.
At the busiest time of the year we expect our Executive to work harmoniously in meeting the problems and commitments of Tournament, Extravaganza, etc. As Secretary, Mr. Poole must have realised that his motion would mean the dissolution of the Executive, and we deplore his action accordingly as irresponsible and illustrating a failure to understand his obligations to the Students' Association.
Are the instigators of the move, which has earned this College the worst possible type of publicity with the general public (at a time when we are preparing to appeal to them for money) stupid or insincere? It is apparent that they must be one or the other, as it was amply pointed out that an election at this time must necessarily have repercussions which can be forseen but which cannot be curbed.
If the prime movers in this are sincere then they must be very shortsighted and stupid. You have only to view the results for yourselves.
If they are not stupid then it follows that they must be insincere for the same reason as above.
In granting sincerity we must also assume stupidity, and it is up to you to judge whether such people are your fit representatives on the Exec. of the Association.
If, however, they are not stupid, then this is not the main issue at stake and their assertions at the meeting, and since in print, that it is, prove them insincere, which is unforgiveable. We must then look for the real reason for this colossal upset. If personal pettiness, then a deplorable lack of a responsible attitude to the position which they hold is indicated. The rumours, completely unfounded, which are emanating (I am assured of this) from these people seem to indicate that this is the case. Some of these rumours, for whom sources are quoted, are extremely libellous and completely unworthy of consideration; the rest simply ridiculous. There appears to be one other possibility as a reason and that is that a group is attempting to play power politics and it does not seem necessary to comment on that.
The issue at stake is not whether the President's action was right or wrong—he has said himself that he realises that it was wrong—the point for your consideration is whether you want representatives who are capable of running student affairs without petty personal prejudices and consequent bickering, or not.
Dear Sir,—I should like space to congratulate "Salient" on publishing a full account of the regrettable puerility that resulted in the dissolution of the Executive at such an inconvenient time. The publication of Mr. Poole's and Mr. Cohen's statements together with a concise report should help to combat the mushroom growth of malicious rumours that are being circulated through the College.
While a certain amount of emotional appreciation could be worked up for George Washington sob-stuff, I feel sure that any appreciation must stop there. If we grant that the movers of the motion are competent to represent the students on the Executive then it must follow that there is a far wider issue-at stake, because no intelligent person, intent on pursuing the interests of the student body, would deliberately break up the Executive immediately prior to student activities at Christchurch for Tournament and in Wellington for Building Fund Appeals. This fracas has resulted not only in a split in the student body but also in a decided loss of prestige with the Wellington public.
It is hardly likely that the public will reward apparent irresponsible imbecility with a large donation to build a Students' Union.
A motion of censure was in order but a vote of no-confidence and a threat of resignation, should the motion be defeated, is indicative of either irresponsible selfish stupidity or of questionable intent undefined. I feel sure that the Students' Association must censure such an outstanding lack of appreciation of the effect of such an action on the Association.
To adopt Mr. Poole's philosophy—Dave confessed his "sin," but who is Mr. Poole to deny him absolution?
Dear Sir,—The explanation given by Mr. Cohen for the tardy publication of the letter from Mr. F. A. de la Mare which appeared in your issue of April 3rd cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged.
These are the facts of the case. Mr. de la Mare's letter, written to "Salient" and dated
Unfortunately the matter was overlooked and the letter was neither published or acknowledged. In March of this year Mr. de la Mare sought to discover what action was being taken and wrote to the Executive, Professorial Board and Council. My first knowledge of the letter came when it was discussed at the March meeting of the Council, and I immediately took steps to see that the Executive was aware of the position.
I am at a loss to explain why Mr. Cohen should cause this obvious falsehood to be published over his name, and I strongly resent the statement that the failure to publish Mr. de la Mare's letter was the fault of the
The following motion was passed unanimously at the last Executive Meeting:—"That the Executive declares a motion of censure on the President for his inadequate reply in 'Salient' on the de la Mare letter and that Messrs Taylor, Daniell and Campbell be empowered to frame a reply to 'Salient.'"
While this Executive expresses regret to Mr. de la Mare for the lack of acknowledgement of his letter, and accepts the principle that any member of the Association, is entitled to criticise the work and methods of the Association, the Executive feel that the statements made by Mr. de la Mare are not fully justified. While there were portions of the last "Cappicade" which in the opinion of the Executive overstepped the bounds of decency, the Executive accepts full responsibility for their publication, but also state that they cannot in the hustle and bustle of an Extrav. organisation, check every detail as individuals. Steps have however been taken that in future publications a censorship committee will sight all matter of publication and in this way it is hoped that such an occurrence as last year will not happen again.
The Executive cannot agree with Mr. de la Mare's statement of students indulging in drunken orgies, and would inform Mr. de la Mare that members of the professorial Board have attended functions of the Students at the invitation of Sir Thomas Hunter and the Student's Association and up to date have had no complaint on the conduct of student social activities. The Stud. Ass. welcomes the attendance of any member of the staff and have long expressed the wish that Professors and Lecturers attend the social functions of the College in order to meet students away from the lectureroom atmosphere.
Dear Sir,—A great deal has been and will be talked about principles. I take it that the first principle which should guide an Executive member is his duty to the Association. I conceive it to be the duty of every Executive Member to do his utmost to prevent inevitable personal differences or individual small mistakes from disrupting the activities of the Association. That is the real principle of conduct by which an Executive Member should be judged.
In this light Mr. Poole's reluctance to serve on the Executive as a matter of principle becomes a matter of pure personal pride, especially when we consider the work which faces the Executive at this period. In any event, he would only be called upon to serve for two months more.
At the meeting several suggestions were made to Mr. Poole, particularly by myself which would, if adopted, in no way have condoned the President's error, would have corrected it by publication in next "Salient" and at the same time permitted the Executive to remain in office. Mr. Poole and those who followed him declined to accept this alternative.
The only conclusion, therefore, that I can come to is that these persons placed foremost their own personal standards rather than the affairs of the
Dear Sir,—Mr. Taylor in his letter in this issue enunciates two guiding principles for Executive members. The first is that duty to the Association should be foremost in their minds; and secondly, petty and personal differences should not be allowed to disrupt the Association's activities. However, I fail to appreciate how Mr. Taylor's reasoning leads him to the conclusion that f fail to measure up to these standards and merely stand on my pride.
If Mr. Taylor will peruse the Executive's minutes of
Mr. Tayor alleges that I stood on my pride when I chose to put this motion of no-confidence at a time when the Executive has its hands full. Everyone will realise that this election would not be taking place had Mr. Cohen accepted the majority decision and resigned. Did not Mr. Cohen stand on his pride, Mr. Taylor?
No, no, Mr. Taylor, your red herrings will not blind students to the real issues behind our resignations; we are still at our posts, Tournament, the Extravaganza and the usual routine are unaffected by the consequences of Mr. Cohen failing to resign.
(Both these last two letters have been slightly abridged.—Ed.)
At the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 28, the Tramping Club elected the following officers:—
President: Prof. Boyd Wilson.Vice-Presidents: Prof. Gordon, Dr. Danilov, Mr. J. B. Butchers.Chairman: Alec McLeod.Vice-Chairman: Frank Evison.Hon. Sec.: Midge McLaughlin.Chief Guide: Mike Murray.Committee: Jean Priest, Jean Hawthorn, Ted Bradstock, Bruce Milburn.
The Question of purchase of a club truck was raised, but it was decided that such a step was beyond the means of the club at present. Mr. McLaughlin explained that the truck hired fortnightly was allocated by the Combined Clubs' Transport Committee at arranged dates to various Wellington tramping clubs.
Mr. Stubley, Vice-President of the Tararua Tramping Club and a tramper with 23 years' experience, showed some slides and entertained the meeting with many intriguing details of local tramping history. Wellington is fortunate, Mr. Stubley claimed, in having ready access at moderate cost to some of the best tramping country in New Zealand. Tramping in this area dated back officially to
Trampers, Mr. Stubley believes, are the most unselfish people in any sport anywhere in the world. Tracks have been opened up and huts built by the willing toil of bush-carpenters, like the famous Joe Gibbs, for the benefit of their fellow-trampers. All Tararua huts are unlocked and open to trampers and shooters, whether free-lancers or members of recognised clubs. Some remarkable slides were shown of the building of Kime Hut, a job on which Joe Gibbs and a friend spent a whole summer, relying on pack-horses for supplies and material.
Early women trampers apparently respected the conventions. A chaperone in any party was essential to safeguard propriety and soothe the mothers. Shorts were never worn, gym. tunics apparently being the popular tramping dress, but Mr. Stubley recalls being startled at meeting women of a Varsity party attired in long shapeless blouses and bloomers to the knee. Tramping wear has fortunately evolved with the rest of civilisation to brighter and briefer things.
The first issue of a club newsletter, to be issued free to members three times a year, has been distributed. This bulletin features reports of past trips and the programme for future ones, and even includes a taste of stirring epic poetry.
The club looks forward to an active and exciting season.
A dozen trampers, led by Alec MeLeod, crossed over the Orongorengos to Lake Pounui in the last week-end in March. The trip was exceptional in being largely off the beaten track—off any perceptible track at all, in fact. A truck took the party up the Walnut Valley on Friday night, whence they crossed the G.B. and waded and stumbled by torchlight through the interminable mud of the Five-Mile. They packed into Tawhal Hut, two to a bunk and a couple of rugged types on the ground.
Saturday morning was fine and apapparently stimulating to certain forestry enthusiasts, who missed bacon and tomatoes in their prolonged hut vain attempts to bring down a tree—cut through but still standing, which was a possible threat to the hut. Leaving Tawhal by 10.30, the party went up-river to Boulder Creek. Some paused for a dip; the leader took to the river stripped down to boots and socks, watch and glasses. After lunch in the sun, the party turned to a vigorous climb up Boulder Creek; the way was steep as well as stony, but everyone finally reached the saddle, whence they followed- a creek down through lawyer, bush, and a Jungle of virulent stinging nettles, to emerge finally in Papatahi Creek.
Despite the earnest desire of the Unholy Three to press on to the Lake Ferry pub, saner views prevailed and a halt for the night was called at the first clearing. Warmed by a fire and a stew, the party discoursed on the highly technical and elevated subjects typical of tramping conversation—in this case Chinese mathematics and astronomy. Morning saw few eager to leave a snug sleeping-bag and cook breakfast, but rain stirred the party to eat, pack up and move on. When the Wharepapa River was reached, the Lake Ferry enthusiasts again expressed their wish to go round by the coast, but it was decided rather to take a direct route. This was found to lead through swamp, up a cliff, and across a plateau of scrub. While the front man forged ahead in the capacity of a battering-ram, the gallant leader urged his band on with imprecations from the rear, and the Unholy Three were loud in their satire. Fortunately a track leading to Lake Pounui was ultimately found, and a thoroughly drenched party staggered to the road and swam into a cottage. There, while waiting until five o'clock for the truck, everybody recuperated with food and a change or clothes.
The budding student of psychology could do nothing better than work in the Cafeteria. He or she would then have an unequalled opportunity to study humanity in the mass endeavouring to satisfy that essential driver—hunger. Even Mrs. Shillson can still be surprised at the odd remarks of that uncivilised animal—the hungry man.
Ranging from the innocent "How many apples do I get for a penny?" to the more obnoxious "they're using flour and water now for butter," the remarks of the students as they file past show a lamentable ignorance of the working of their own cafeteria. There is the smart young miss in the latest fashion who comes along, haughtily asking the manageress for a knife. Mrs. Shillson tells her to get one off the tables and come in and wash it herself. Consternation! With eyes popping out and shocked look on the pretty face she indignantly cries: "What cheek!" Just you remember, my pretty one this is your cafeteria and it must have your co-operation. Some people have co-operated by removing 20 knives from the Caf. in three weeks. They are the people to blame for your loss of dignity.
The ignorance shown by the majority of diners is, however, better than the snobbishness shown by others who would rather die than be seen wielding a teapot behind the counter. The compensation of having your meal provided free if you do assist brings forth the usual facetious remarks ("What, are you broke so early in the year?") but these are better ignored.
Seriously, though, our overcrowded cafeteria is a responsibility we cannot ignore. What about some of you hemen coming along and asking Mrs. Shillson if you could give her a hand? Heavy milk-cans, rubbish bins, potatoes and other heavy jobs have to be tackled by the five women in the caf.: chairs and tables have to be arranged, dishes washed, and other odds and ends to be attended to. The smallest effort by any student is always appreciated by the staff.
Victoria's overcrowded state is typical of the Universities in Canada and the United States. In Canada the University population has almost doubled since last year. Returning servicemen are swelling the rolls to such an extent that the average ratio of men to women students is 2:1.
To alleviate the situation, McGill University, increasing from 2,710 to 5,744, has opened a new auxiliary college at Dawson. The University of Toronto, with a leap from 6,738 to 11,074, has also a new auxiliary college at Ajax with yet another 1,700 new students. The University of British Columbia, the only University assuming responsibility for providing room and board for returned students, has started on conversion or army huts for returned "veterans" and plans for 100 pre-fabricated houses are well under way.
*
I wish to state that the rumour circulating through the College that there has been a misappropriation of the Association's funds is contrary to fact.