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A Mental Blackout!

During war-time, there is always the danger that a mental blackout will spread over the University.

It is absurd to consider the University, as a sheltered cloister, with no connection between it and the outside world. The University is an integral part of modern community life, and the views of its members are an important contribution towards solving the difficulties in which that community finds itself.

But during a war, one always finds this mental black-out.

One of the causes in the general unsettled atmosphere prevailing; others are the disappearance of a number of University men to parts unknown, and direct reprossive action by the authorities against progressive thought. One by one, the channels into which original thought can be directed disappear.

"Rostrum is such a channel. We hope to give a place to views of every kind, and on every subject. Nothing will be too progressive or too reactionary for "Rostrum" Provided that your contribution is well-written, and conforms to a decent literary standard, it will be printed.

There are surely enough important issues before you at the moment for each of you to be able to write or draw something interesting and unusual. "Rostrum" depends for its success on whether or not you write something for us. So far, the entries have been very few, and while it is appreciated that it is still time before the closing date for entries - the 15th June - it would be unwise to leave your entry until the last minute.

"Rostrum" wants any kind of literary or artistic work whatever - short stories, poems, articles, line-cuts, playlets - and no limit has been placed to the length of contributions.

Beware of that mental [unclear: black-[gap — reason: illegible]]. Sit down and write something for "Rostrum" now.