For Freshers Only

I always think that you can be sententious on an occasion like this and get away with it. You know—trot out the good old maxims that everyone uses for freshers and adopt that peculiarly lofty tone just oozing the Alma Mater spirit. Those not so fresh recognize the gags.

Dig your toes in.

You only get out of a place what you put into it.

Don't be only a swot . . . get all you can out of College Life.

And such like.

Plus a few warnings to Freshettes about the Bold Bad Lovers lying in wait for them.

But don't think I'm cynical about all this. I think there is a great deal of truth in most of it In fact even more now than usual. War conditions (to use an unpleasantly popular phrase), have occasioned the departure of our Brightest and Best. It is to the younger members of our community that we must look for leadership and support. The "Gather Ye Rosebuds" theme is very apt. Do your stuff in College life before you are given to musing, in the sands of Waiouru, of opportunities lost.

To the women who face the prospect of a manless Eden, I would say, "If you have ever wondered what is Women's Place in the World, now is the time to find out." Ours is the somewhat dreary task of maintaining that continuity in student affairs which several generations be fore have laboured to establish. "Keep the Home Fires Burning" and what not.

Those of us who knew this College in the full flush of peace and prosperity are more fortunate. Then the Good and Great flourished and student life boomed. We sympathize with those of you entering on your academic career in the uncertain and very sticky conditions of to-day. Yours is the greater responsibility. Please recognize that which you owe to the College.

In spite of myself I've managed to turn on a very fair speech on Keeping up the Old Traditions.