They Came to Scoff but Remained to Play

The hockey season started off enthusiastically by a practice game at Karori Park. The keenness of the beginners was particularly noticeable and should be an indication that they will emerge from their apprenticeship as proficient players.

Last season we entered three teams. The Seniors showed considerable improvement and were promoted to Senior A Grade where, however, they found the going rather rough. The Juniors' enthusiasm resulted in their attaining a good standard and they finished well up the grade. The Intermediates were hampered by not having enough players, but at the end of the season they all had a sound knowledge of hockey and ought to do well in higher grades.

Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Ralph presented the Club with a trophy for the most improved player. Marie Simpson is to be congratulated on being the first winner.

College Blues were awarded to four senior playera—Daisy Filmer, Marion Marwick, Vivienne Rich and Ruth Russell.

To wind up the season a dance was arranged with the Men's Club. This went off very well, and we hope to see similar functions held in the future.

At this year's Annual Meeting the following officers were elected:—Patron: Mr. G. F. Dixon. President: Mr. B. Kean. Vice-Presidents: Mrs. C. R. Richardson, Miss Betty Rider, Mrs. C. J. Ralph. Club Captain: Daisy Filmer. Secretary: Ruth Russell. Treasurer: Vivienne Rich. Committee: Marion Marwick.

Freshers will elect their representative when they are better acquainted.

This year weekly practices will be held on Thursday nights in the Gym. We want full teams this year, so even if you don't know which is the business end of a hockey stick, come along and learn.

Soccer

The Soccer Club, born last year, has avoided infant mortality and looks like developing into a lusty infant. With a strong backing of last year's players and some newcomers, who are by no means new to the game, we should be able to field a team at least capable of emulating last season's feat of winning the championship and being runners up for the cup.

Last Saturday the team played a very enjoyable practice game against Training College. The high score, Varsity 6—T.C. 1, was due to the lack of experience rather than of talent in the revived Training College team.

The form shown by all Varsity players was cheering: apparently, too, the combination worked up last year has survived and should get us away to a good start in the championship which begins next Saturday with a game against Tech. Old Boys. Many of us have a special interest in this game.

All members of the team are sorry that we are soon losing the services of Colin Richardson, whose outstanding play last season contributed in no small measure to the club's success.

again (no, they did not run), raced down Orangi Kaupapa Road and followed what was alleged to be the shortest route through the Gardens (no, best-beloved, it was not the shortest route). At the House, a tea fit for better men was waiting and full justice was done to it.

The club expects a most successful season, with good prospects of a trip south later in the year. All those who, after a term's work, are beginning to doubt that life is worth living, are in-[unclear: ited] to join the harrier club, The committee guarantees that a Saturday's outing will convince them.

May 6.—Harriers run from Wadestown (novice race).

May 13.—Harriers run from Worser Bay.

Another Southern Crossing

When several members of the V.U.C. Tramping Club had announced their intention of going to Totara Flats last Easter, it was not surprising that they finished up in Otaki. Unlike the Tararua T.C., which keeps to its timetable, the Varsity Club believes in a certain fluidity in its arrangements. As a matter of fact, the five half-drowned trampers that turned up in Tauhere-nikau Hut late that Thursday night did intend to go to Totara Flats. But it was decided that the Waiohino River would be too high to cross, so instead they slogged it through the mud, a strong northerly and driving rain, up to Alpha Hut, which they reached about three-quarters-drowned. However, the fine welcome given them by Messrs. Bradstock and Young soon revived them, and, when it dawned fine and moderately clear the next morning, they were in a fit state to continue the crossing. When the mist blew away, even Alec McLeod, who has crossed umpteen times before, admitted that he had seldom seen better weather on the tops. Lunch on Mt. Atkinson, in bright sunshine, with the deer roaring in the valleys, was extremely pleasant, and although there was mist on the top of Hector, the rest of the trip to Field's went according to plan. The next day brought more rough weather, so they stayed in the hut and ate, slept, and played cards. However, Monday was a beautiful, sunny day, and after admiring the bulk of Mt. Crawford, they all scrambled down to the Forks, and walked the long, weary miles to Otaki.

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