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After crude back benching and pointless interjections the first "serious" debate of the year struggled unconsciously through a maze of tedious irrevelancy to its conclusion—supper. The motion "That no opponent of International War can consistently support a Revolution" was supported by Miss Shortall and Tahiwi, and opposed by Scotney and Scott. The result was a win for the affirmative by 45 votes to 41.
Miss Shortall contended that opponents of international war fell into two classes (significant glances at her opponents—Messrs. Scotney and Scott). The first class consisted of those to whom any kind of violence was abhorrent. These evidently would support neither international war nor revolution. Included in the second class were those who, although they deplored force, held that its use was essential in the modern world. These people could consistently advocate revolution but could not consistently oppose international war.
Opening for the negative. Bonk Scotney said he did not whish to divide Miss Shortall and Tahiwi into two classes, as they would look better unified. With characteristic intensity he attacked trusts, nationalism and his hecklers. Elaborating his argument, he gave an account of how capitalist countries must inevitably come into conflict when attempting to dispose of their surplus production. In proof of this Scotney said he would "follow the admirable outline of a gentleman" (loud cheers) and proceeded to quote at length from Mr. Hawtry. In countering sustained uproar, prompted by unmannerly partisanship Scotney suggested to one outstanding offender that he make a "noise like a hoop and bowl out." But, alas! the advice was not taken and he had to finish his speech to the accompaniment of stink bombs and unofficial bell ringing.
In seconding the motion, Kingi Tahiwi, in his usual mellifluous tones, denied the possibility of a bloodless revolution and, urged on by his inevitable right hand, offered as the only alternative an international co-operation guided by the benign influences of the League of Nations Ken Scott's argument was on the futility of modern capitalism. Mentioning the dumping of Japanese wireless sets, he said that under a national economic system the Prime Minister would go down and gratefully receive the sets in person. "Dump him, too," flashed back a listener (loud and prolonged applause), Pointing to the senselessness of modern trade relations, Scott said that nations, so inefficient in such matters, could not be expected to show intelligence in the avoidance of war.
Ten speakers from the floor gave their views, but like the opening speakers, drifted into irrevelant channels. Pointed reference to the unruly element was made by one speaker, who opened with "Ladies and gentlemen and the section in the rear." Not content with asking himself four questions, McGhie drowned himself in a "sea of impenetrable verbiage." With personal recollections of Trentham and Porirua, McElwain gave an admirable survey of modern sociological theory. Watson then made an ardent appeal for membership for the F.S.U. Unruly uproar drowned most of Kelly's speech, but we did hear him say he was a Christian. Vacating the chair, Max Brown said that a good bullock-driver never repeated himself and was awarded the prize by the reverend judge. In summing up, Scotney said "the fundamental crux of the situation boiled down to this: That revolution was the only solution."
The Rev. Brian Kilroy, in giving his judgment, apologised for his unfamiliarity with the highbrow atmosphere of 'Varsity debates—a remark politely made in spite of the lowbrow atmosphere. The placing of the first three speakers was in in this order—Brown, McGhie, and Scotney.
There is something wrong somewhere. Last week's "Smad" mentioned that the Cappicade staff needed assistance if Cappicade 1935 is to excel last year's blithe effort. Daily we watched the letter-rack with illconcealed impatience. Alas! the result of our heartrending appeal was exactly nil. Surely, there must be some people at V.U.C. who can draw elsewhere than on walls, or who have some snappy sayings up their sleeves or somewhere. Go to it girls and boys, and let us hear from you. If you still don't know what is wanted leave a note in the letter-rack and we'll tell you.
"Smad" was honoured to be granted an interview with Mr. Brook, that "institution" to which Prof. Wood referred in our first number.
"I'm most concerned at the moment about the fact that I can't get my evening paper. I'm going to chuck it and rely solely upon "Smad" for my news in future."
After this momentous decision was pronounced, Mr. Larkin butted in, but soon buttered out when "Brookie" enquired after his wife's health.
"Yes; the library kept me very busy over the vacation—I hardly knew if I was standing on my head or feet."
"I haven't had much time to scan the freshers up and down yet," said Mr. Brook, when asked to comment on freshers morally, physically and generally, "but they are very obedient. I don't give students advice until I have known them for twelve months." "Smad" gathered that this is a Brooksonian tradition.
"I saw Charles Plank on the tennis courts in Shorts! I was very much perturbed as his legs don't fit his pants—he had his dainty legs encased in very wide pants! Also, Miss Briggs was prancing about in a split skirt—now, I ask you, what next?"
A good review on Capping Week (especially Cappicade) was promised. "Brookie's eye is still as keen as ever—his tongue is sharper. Beware!
"Unlike Weir, we do not make a noise; we like our food." So spake a representative of the Women's Hostel. "Smad" suffered slight misgivings as to the interest of the interview after this aggressive beginning. but was suddenly whirled before two barber's chairs and invited to suffer a "shampoo, water-wave or perm." After a strenuous resistance he was informed that "preference is given to males with natural kinks." For those who have these kinks—apply to Room 8 on week-days before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. "Smad's" rep. decided he definitely had a kink.
Which brings us to another topic—telephone calls. "For the general information of friends and relations (Ahem!) we would like you to inform readers that our telephone number may be found under the heading Women's Hostel, not Victoria College."
We understand that the above Society held a meeting. This is a most important thing to do. The Society is to be highly commended.
The balance sheet provided some exciting reading, mainly about suppers, and the breakage of one oar—the object of the Society has ever been to catch crabs. Next came the election of officers for the year.
Mr. Currie was nominated as president by "Smad," but as no one seconded the nomination, he informed the chair that there would be no necessity for him to decline. Some enthusiast, in the stress of the moment, said "I second that," but luckily Mr. Currie informed the chair that he still declined.
There was one vacancy for vice-president, as Mr. L. C. King could not continue to hold office. Mr. Palmer, the society's efficient chairman, intimated in a most confidential tone that Mr. King had to leave New Zealand—Honi soit qul mal y pense.
Mr. Currie was nominated as a committee-man and a few minutes later, alarmed by the number of nominations, moved that nominations be closed. However, by this means, or by plural voting, he was elected. Immediately, enthusiastic and exuberant, he endeavoured to re-organise the society. He stated that the aims of the society should not be to collect specimens only, but to help the members to enjoy themselves. He intimated that if fifty or sixty members went on the numerous expeditions, some twenty could collect specimens, while the others could—well! he did not exactly specify, but it seems that they were to have a jolly good time.
It was immediately moved that Mr. Currie be appointed advertising manager and social secretary to the society, but the motion was lost, thereby allowing some of the older and more serious members to resume their composure. N.B.—Supper was served.
It was further divulged that the Hostel had a dog. The dog is suffering from an unknown ailment.
For those who are bashful, but have a kink, we suggest that this opportunity should be taken and that they should call before the ailment is cured. Step on it, lads!
"True things are seldom pleasant, pleasant things are seldom true."—Stout, C.J., per Prof Murphy.
In view of the utterly moribund state of our Capping processions, a determined and early effort should be made this year to organise a procession that is Really worth while. "Smad" has listened intently in all corners but has not, so far, heard any murmurs of an attempt to make the procession something more than a memory of the supposedly gay and dashing past.
No More Muddling Through.
We have a suggestion to offer—that the organisation of the procession should be immediately placed in the hands of a Special committee, whose sole duty during Capping Week will be to make the procession a success. Otago can draw the whole population out to see their procession, why can't we?
The point we wish to stress is that something Must be done, and must be done at once! Don't leave it to the Exec., they will have enough to do as it is. Don't leave it to the Haeremai Club for it is not capable of construction—consumption and destruction are its only activities. The Exec. should, however, appoint four or five men (one from Exec.) to organise everything connected with the procession. We must make people stop, look and listen, when this year's procession sweeps down to uplift and amuse the city.
We Implore correspondence and suggested action.
"Smad" congratulates the following on their successes in those higher spheres of learning:—
D. W. McElwain— Post Graduate scholarship.
C. A. Griffiths— Senior scholarship in French.
S.G. Andrews— Senior scholarship in History.
A. H. Katz— Senior scholarship in Philosophy.
C. M. P. Brown— Senior scholarship in Economics.
H. L. Whitworth— Tinline Scholarship.
H. Rosen— L.L.M. (First class Honours.
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Wednesday, 27th—Hockey Club Annual Meeting.
Wednesday Science Society Annual Meeting.
Friday, 29th—Dramatic Club Annual Meeting.
Saturday, 30th—Bridge Evening, at Weir House.
Saturday and Sunday, 30th and 31st, S.C.M. Camp.
There is a need to-day, perhaps more than has ever been the case in the past, for the greatest possible amount of thought to be applied to the solutions of the problems of society. But all this thinking must be in a form suitable for study and comparison, and we believe the most suitable form for the purpose to be the printed word.
This is an appeal, therefore, to all who think, but do not write. They may tell their thoughts to others, but ideas thus expressed are often so changed with the telling that soon they bear no semblance to the thoughts first spoken.
There are many amongst us who can help in a multitude of ways. Some can tell of art, others of the fruits of science, and still others of the many-sided controversies that rage in economic fields. We ask them all to tell of their wisdom, and in a way that their thoughts may live among us even when they are gone.
For how can thought be better told than with the pen. There thoughts turned words, are spoken forever and their worth is weighed in a thousand scales, while a multitude of cleansing fires burn the dross away, till at length we meet the precious gold that was born in the mind of man.
It may be that your pen is halting—that your words come lame and slow. But let that not deter you, for your ideas are what matter. And then, how can you wield a facile pen unless you write, and write, to find the words that will most aptly tell your thinking.
Such cursory rambles as we have to take into the Library reveal a deplorable amount of swot. And we have grave fears that the tendency to neglect outside activities, which has been so marked in recent years, may be repeated again this year. A kitten is supposed to open its eyes on the eighth day after birth, but the evidence of the Library makes it doubtful whether twenty years opens the eyes of a student. On present showing we will soon be staging the Victora Stakes—the first man to read every book in the Library and submit to an exam. on them all will be crowned "Academic King" of the year—and the competition will be great. But at such a time.
"Silence and destitution are upon thy walls, proud house, for a memorial."
With the approach of the
Mae West's claims to the copyright of "Come Up and See Me Sometime" are to be contested by Nancy Roberts. Is this wise? We don't know, but ask Doug.
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Mr. E. Blacker is reported to have been in the fore-front of a fine victory which his social cricket team secured last week. We understand the margin of victory was a good four gallons.
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Mr. H. R. C. Wild's tie has been noticed on Mr. Willis this week, probably as compensation for the appearance of Mr. Willis' soxs on Mr. Wild last week.
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It is officially denied that Mr. McGhie has usurped Gwenda's place in the heart of the Stud. Ass. president, Mr. Nankervis.
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Mr. John White was observed wearing a red tie last Tuesday. Should Professorial notice be drawn to this ominous sign?
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We should like a detailed explanation of his movements early on Tuesday morning from Dr. Sutherland, in view of the fact that his car was observed parked in Salamanca-road. We are sure he would welcome any explanation from readers.
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It is officially denied that Dr. Marie Stopes' family motto is "Let joy be unconfined."
Let's go Creative.
Pome Polemic dedicated to "A.K.," who reviewed "New Poems" for "Smad."
Rottle.
Note by author. This pome expresses in a "more creative way" the "sensitive responses" of one of these "prescient beings" who squirm under an "implied faith" in "upsurges" and "pliancy." Emotionally rooted not in fantasy but in "the acrid savour of renewal," it goes creative and sees the "social locality as the ultimate reality." These are profound thinkifyings, thoroughly thunk by a thoughter.
Record nominations for the annual elections have been received and a much greater interest than usual is being shown by the electors.
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"Canta's" Wellington correspondent writes of the V.U.C. opening debate commending its bright style to the Dialectic Society, George Sainsbury's effort seems to have been received with great approval.
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At the Easter tournament, H. Milner is expected to press Phil Bowie very closely.
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B. A. Barrer, last year's Students' Association president, is not standing this year. His retirement from University administration will be a great loss to C.U.C.
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In future we hope to provide each common room with a copy of the "Canta."
"You can go to sleep in my lectures as long as you do not snore. You can do anything except read the evening paper—I do not take that as a compliment and never shall."
Some two weeks ago in Room A2 there was given a talented exhibition of spiritual conjuring and gymnastics by the general secretary of the N.Z.S.C.M. It was amusing (although in some respects painfully pathetic) to watch Mr. Miller playing hide-and-seek with intangible and untranslatable fancies which have no root in the real world. However, at the end of forty minutes he had to the satisfaction of all Christians present, presented a universal cure for all our diverse social ills. The solution is engagingly simple—all that is necessary is to bring about "the personal intervention of God in the individual," and hey, presto!
"Every little trouble Will vanish like a bubble."
Concerning the nature of this wonderful new state, Mr. Miller knows surprisingly little, except that it will be just "heavenly." Perhaps a slight insight into its possible material conditions may be obtained from Mr. Miller's staggering statement that "Fascism has solved the material problem very satisfactorily."
As a basis for this alleged "personal intervention," one must have an unquestioning faith in a highly specialised Christian God (Mr. Miller assures me that his God is the only true God and that all other varieties are worthless misconceptions) despite the fact that 1800 years of apologetic writing has not produced a plausible explanation, on theistic lines, of the terrible prevalence of evil or a plausible reconciliation of the alleged omnipotence and love of God: despite the fact that the moment religion attempts to build its title to empire over the minds of men not on faith which defies rational examination, but on the worth of the testimony, which invites it, analysis of its value upon any scientific basis, is utterly destructive of its essential validity. And there is no religious creed to which this generalisation does not apply.
Anyone who compares the easy confidence in the Christian truth of a century ago with the position today can hardly fail to admit that the evolution of scientific technique has driven its claims from the field of rational acceptance. There no longer even exists the agreement among Christians as to what constitutes the essence of the religion. It even seems open to Bishops to deny the central mysteries of the Incarnation and the Resurrection without in any way prejudicing their title to holy orders.
The gradual retreat of religion before the onslaught of scientific investigation is undeniable. Are we going to be blind enough to base our struggle for mental and material development on such unstable and uncertain grounds? Further, what adequate proof have we, beyond Mr. Miller's assurances, that this "personal intervention" will inevitably bring the material and spiritual paradise which Mr. Miller so enthusiastically envisages Strong suspicions as to its inadequacy are immediately excited when we survey the history of the Christian religion with all its horrors and absurdities. The ferocious laws of the 17th and 18th centuries are a disgrace to civilisation. The Assize calendars are a chronicle of outrageous crimes and atrocities. For centuries the bigotry of the Church has stood stubbornly in the path of reform and the advancement of empirical knowledge. It persecuted Bruno, maltreated Galileo and derided Darwin. For 1800 years Christians (in accordance with statements from their Bible) supported slavery. Never has the Christian Church fought for the prevention of war, rather have those gathered in the churches prayed to their "loving Father" for victory, and have sung Te Deum Laudamus when the carnage has been great. Even to-day pious Bishops calmly receive salaries exceeding £15,000 per annum when little children literally starve in indescribable poverty. "Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. But woe unto you that are rich for ve have received your consolation. Luke 6-24). But perhaps I'm a little severe and Jesus was merely ironical when he said "by their fruits shall ye know them." I wish I could deal with the social implications of Mr. Miller's Plan for Recovery through Religious Revival—how Christianity secures individual contentment for the convert, at the cost of neglecting the grave social issues involved in the problem of social justice, and so on, but space limitations prevent it. I have only indicated several of the more elementary of the many serious objections to Mr. Miller's argument.
One final point, if this "personal intervention" in the life of the individual is so desirable both to God and man, why does not the "omnipotent loving God bring it about universally at once?
Under the above heading there was published in the "Dominion" of
When applying to the Victoria University College Council last night for the right to control the college cafeteria during the present year, the Students' Association executive gave as one reason for the loss recorded on the undertaking last year the fact that many students were now bringing their lunches from home and were foregoing dinner at night in favour of light tea. The application was granted.
Another good reason why the cafeteria does not pay is that many students prefer to go down into town for their dinner, for the very obvious reason that they can get a far better meal at less price. At the cafeteria, soup, entree and sweets with a cup of tea, cost, 1/3. Often one likes another cup of tea—that means 1/5. At the best dining rooms in town ("The Elm," for instance) one can get a far better choice of food, more food, and sometimes better food, and service for 1/3. Three courses together with plenty of bread and butter, a pot of tea, and service, costs the same price.
Many students bring their food from home because they do not think the expenditure for a meal of such dimensions as they can eat warranted. They would be probably be paying 1/6 for the amount of sandwiches, cakes and fruit that they bring from home for their lunch. Those of us who cannot be bothered to bring our lunch, and who do not mind spending, so long as we get value for our money, usually have a light meal—for no one can say that the light refreshment supplied by the cafeteria is excessively priced. The tea is not all that could be desired—to meet the increase in price of 100% this year, I would suggest a little more milk per cup, and an extra spoonful or so in the pot to keep the colour dark and the flavour full.
It seems that at the cafeteria we get least value for our money in the entree. If the cost of the middle course were reduced to sixpence, the cost per meal would be approximately the same as that at city meal houses, the only difference being that we help ourselves instead of sitting down at our own table and having our own food brought to us. Still, most of us do not mind that What about it, Studass?
As the year grows older and students become brain-fagged (some never suffer from this), grumbling and grousing become very prevalent. Freshers, having cast their down, produce the real feathers of undergraduateship, and, at this stage, commence to find fault with the nest that has, and still is, sheltering and mentally feeding them. The older birds, both cock and hen, having lost interest in their scholastic eggs (addled, no doubt, through age and failure to hatch) commence the moan.—"The 'Caf' has gone off;" "The food is poor;" "The library never has any books you want:" "The library staff is not keeping up to scratch" This last one is the favourite subject for a moan.
All I say is, let these grumblers (and they do arise), go elsewhere try and find another nest.
It was my misfortune to have to attend one of our other Universities last year, and, compared with the life at V.U.C., the place was miserable.
Its library contained a minimum number of books, 75% of which one could not take out as they were specially reserved: the library staff was hopeless, knowing nothing about the infinitessimal number of books they did have. The cafeteria was supervised by a — words fail me! It was female in gender, elderly, who actually stopped students from putting more than one spoonful of sugar in their tea! This takes some believing, but I can vouch for its truth. The men's common room was large, in fact, more like a barn or manger, where a few silent, God forsaken students ate their lunches, making the room even more unpleasant.
There was no student-life of any importance; older students were hard to get to know and the atmosphere of the whole place was depressing. I missed being shuffled along by "Brookie,' 'and if I could have heard his familiar snap it would have helped to brighten things up. It's surprising how old V.U.C. men who go to other colleges, miss "Brookie."
To those students, fledgelings and old birds both, who do not like this nest at Salamanca, I will quote the following passage from the Scriptures:—
"If yer knows a better 'ole, go to it.'
—Petulengro.
The Swimming Club's carnival held on Wednesday, 220th March, was well patronised. Results:—
Men's 33½ yds. Handicap—1st Bucklin: 2nd Gow. Time 21 3/5
Women's 33½ yds. Handicap.—1st Miss Pilcher: 2nd Miss Sanders
50 yds Men's Fresher Handicap.— 1st Harpur; 2nd Riley. Time 30 2/3
100 yds Men's Championship— 1st Mason: 2nd Hay: 3rd Wright Time 66 2/3.
Women's Championship 50 yds—1st Miss Pilcher: 2nd Miss Sanders, 3rd Miss Hefford, Time 37 2/3.
220 yds Breaststroke Championship—1st Meek: 2nd Archibald: 3rd Green, Time 3.37 3/5.
Inter Faculty Relay—1st Arts Commerce.
Water Polo—Weir House 3 v. The Rest 2.
The Men's 33 1/3 yds, handicap and the 50 yds. Men's Fresher Championship revealed promising swimmers in Buckling and Harpur. The 100 yds Men's Championship saw a close struggle between Mason and Hay for first place. Mason just won by a touch in the disappointing time of 66 2/5. The turning of all competitors was very poor, and all prospective tournament swimmers seem to be behind in their training. The swimming of Meek and Archibald in the 220 yds breaststroke was well up to the standard though Meek will have to pay more careful attention to his stroke. Miss Pilcher was the most impressive of the lady swimmers. She will be hard to beat for the tournament team. The water polo was very bright but marred by a flat ball.
The Boxing tournament at the Wellington College gym, on Saturday was notable for capable organisation, if not for the high standard of boxing. One hundred and sixty spectators ensured a credit balance but we did hear it said that the place for a tourney was our own gym. We cannot truthfully say that much talent was displayed—in some weights the standard was definitely low. It will be up to those chosen for Dunedin to work hard in the next three weeks. The bouts were:—
Semi-final, Light Heavy. Hott v. Barnes Barnes looked cheerful and landed both fists, but Hott was making him miss Hott was down in the second but came back hard and finishly strongly to get the judges decision.
Semi-final Heavy. Armour v.
Semi-final, Welter. Wright v. Hall A fast opening, Wright cleverly taking Hall's attack on his gloves. Hall landed some heavy rights but Wright had fester feel, Hall the winner.
Final, Feather. Akel v. Fraser. Too slow for featherweight. Akel tried some long shots, but Fraser was keener to fight though troubled by his apponent's reach. Akel won a poor fight.
Final, Heavy. Armour and Abraham. Armour had three-stone reserve and too much power. A left to the solar gave him a T.K.O.
Final, Light Heavy. Hott v. Boswell. This was the best bout—hard and fast. The Petone southpaw was quicker and attacked more, but Hott took it well. The judges disagreed and the ref. gave it to Boswell.
Final, Welter. Edgley v. Hall. Edgley started with a flurry of fast blows, but Hall covered up well. The ref. stopped the fight when Hall's arm was injured in the first round. Edgley promises well.
A cup was donated by Mr. Kean for the most scientific boxer and was awarded to D. J. Boswell. A couple of exhibitions (in one of which Steele was too fast for Meek) and some fencing made up the evening.
The tournament team looks like being Armour, Hott, Boswell, Edgley, Meek, Akel, and Lennie.
The first eleven commenced its match against institute at the Basin on Saturday, March 16th. "Smad" was present, but the printing trouble prevented our report from reaching readers. Institute batted first and with 3 down for 13 and 5 for 49 our chests were puffed out, but Scott played delightful cricket for Institute whose total reached 226. Tricklebank, though obviously stale, bowled with great vim, while Harpur, Dean and Vietmeyer were steady. Vietmeyer appeared to us to be the best fieldsman on the day, while Blandford once again allowed no byes.
Blandford and Simpson opened with threequarters of an hour to play. Simpson raced his partner to double figures but Blandford connected cleanly in the semi darkness and square cut and pulled in brilliant style, running to 31 before time was called, after repeated appeals against the light. None for 52—a solid position.
Saturday, March 23rd. The not out men (blandford and Simpson) resumed 'Varsity's first innings and failed to add many runs to their previous score. The next three batsmen—Connell, Harpur and Stephenson, all helped the score along. Connell and Harpur both executed pretty scoring shots but were very lucky to stay the length of time they did at the wickets. The wicket was inclined to be bumpy and far too many players showed a tendency to nibble at a rising ball. Tricklebank. Jacobsen and Stevens all compiled useful scores and Tricklebank shaped better than the previous batsmen. Taken as a whole, the 'Varsity batting was unimpressive and the factors that gave them a first innings win were as much the mistakes of the opposition as their own good play.
"Gentlemen," said Mr. Diederich to the "Smad" reporter and sixty-five others at the Football Club's annual meeting on Thursday, "the secretary will read the annual report" Mr. Sainsbury's anticipated motion that the report be taken as read was soon disposed of, but there was a slight hitch while the secretary burrowed among his papers for the report, until Mr. Donovan rose in a back seat and produced the document from a fold in his garments. The meeting then settled down to listen to seven pages on the success of the Third Cs. and the Fourths the Ruru Shield for the Weir v. Rest game, the excessive travelling 'Varsity teams had and other items of club interest. The business proceeded quietly until Mr. Roberts nominated my lord Nuffield as a vice-president, but Mr. Martin Smith pointed out that though we might be children we were not crippled. The re-election of most members indicated faith in last year's committee, but Messrs. Rae and O'Shea were added to salt them up. Anew constitution was rushed through in place of the
In the final match of the interclub series on Saturday. Victoria College, for the first time since
The detailed results are:—R. Ferkins beat Coombe 6-5, 6-4: J. J. McCarthy beat M. Ferkins 6-2, 4-6, 6-2: W. Gosnell beat Purves 6-2, 6-3: B. McCarthy beat Gifford-Moore 6-4, 5-6, 6-0. Ferkins and J. McCarthy beat Coombe and Gifford-Moore 6-3, 6-3; beat Purves and Ferkins by default. Gosnell and B. McCarthy beat Purves and Ferkins 4-6, 6-1, 6-1; lost to Coombe and Gifford-Moore 4-6 (retired).
Ferkins beat Coombe in a game that developed into a race for the net position. With perfect volleys and forceful drives to support his outstanding retrieving capacities, Ferkins proved too aggressive for his doughty opponent.
J. J. McCarthy had an outstanding win over Max Ferkins. Playing a highly tactical game, he kept his agile advesary always guessing. Had his over-head work been better than fourth grade standard, he must have won easily. However, we hand the palm to "J. J." for the most meritorious win of the day.
Maintaining a good length, Gosnell went to an early lead against Purves and won the first set with good solid tennis. However, he slumped badly at the opening stages of the second set, missing many easy volleys and smashes until, with the sudden reversion to form, he took three games and match at 6-2, 6-3.
B. McCarthy began confidently against Gifford-Moore, winning the first set and establishing a strong lead in the second. Here his tennis became absolutely pitiful and he dropped the second set after a series of drives that reminded us of our school-days. With commendable spirit, he steadied his game and took the final set to love with numerous crisp volleys and well-directed passing shots.
Ferkins and J. J. McCarthy were much too strong for Coombe and Gifford-Moore whom they defeated in a sparkling game—the issue of which was never in doubt. The other Wellington pair defaulted to them.
Gosnell and B. McCarthy began badly against Purves and Ferkins. Showing poor combination and missing "sitters" all over the court, at that stage the 'Varsity pair never looked like winning. Time and again missed smashes lost points that were presented to them for the taking. With Gosnell showing more determination, they
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