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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 2. March 16, 1938

Initiation — Ritual of Welcome

Initiation

Ritual of Welcome

After the prelude of boisterous community singing in the mood of Extravaganza songs under the enthusiastic incitements of Dick Simpson and Derek Christensen, and a brilliant thought reading act by Ron Meek, with an interlude of light humour from Lava Sandford's style of presenting the "Company Sergeant Major," the Freshers and the Rest were all set to fold their hands and sit back to hear the President's words. By being brief, flippant and friendly he struck just the right note.

And so the masses surged upstairs to the gym.

Was it deep symbolism or was it a whimsical fancy to have rabbits frolicking around the walls? Who are the rabbits? And who are the elfmen luring them on? In his Presidential speech Mr. Edgely said:

"Free of the encumbrance of short pants and gym, dress. Freshers come here to enter a New Era of Life."

Are the leaping and frivolous rabbits Indicative of their coming? Then maybe the rising sun that sprawled, beyond the stage can, too, be interpretated in terms of symbolism and give support to the hope that Bright Ideas and High Aspirations and College Spirit will be surging up with the rising tide of youth and beauty. Tracing this line of thought further, did the overhead streamers shading from palest cream at the rising sun and ranging towards blatant gold, indicate the deepening loyalty for the gold of those who will be growing into the traditions of V.U.C.?

The new Sophisticates.

The scene, not only to freshers. but to those who are accustomed to lackadaisical behaviour and casual clothes at 'Varsity affairs, must have been impressive. An unusual number of dancers were formally dressed, the decorations were effective and the crowd set for gaiety.

Because he worked hard for a week trying to sell "Salient" subscriptions to them. Mr. Edgely claims to be well acquainted with the freshers and offers the opinion that they are an incredulous lot. "Salient" agrees. An air of sophistication seemed to be general among the women. Apparently the "lions" of 'Varsity social functions had to change their usual technique, for the expected ga-ga reception of their patronage was lacking.

In fact, to such an extent were these newcomers blase and self-assured, that several complained haughtily of the service at supper. Fortunately there was one redoubtable present who could deal adequately with such impertinence.

Came the Dawn.

In spite of their new sophistication and dignity, the young people reacted to Rudolph's music as spontaneously and simply as any other Gym, crowds—gambolled hilariously to the military two-step, floated dreamily through the Valeta, grew romantic over the Destiny waltz and were properly reluctant to end the last dance. And when the Commissionaire flashed his torch through the darkness upstairs maybe he caught an echo of the promises and sighs still lingering there. . . .

But the Initiation is over, promises are fragile things, and the wheel of university life is turning.

Minding your own Business.

According to "Salient's" Washington correspondent, the quarrel between President Roosevelt and Big Business shows no signs of abating. The effect it will have on the President's private fortune is still [unclear: uncertain]. A cousin of his who looks after his money, asked him recently for Instructions about investing a part of it.

"That's entirely your affair," replied Franklin. The cousin immediately bought a large number of Government bonds.

"And now." he wrote. "It's entirely your affair."