We have just passed through an important phase in the history of V.U.C. We have staged an Extravaganza on pre-war scale, with its full attendant tradition of rehearsal teas, Extrav. dances, and (next Saturday) Extrav. Reunion. This is important, not only in itself, as a focussing point for student enthusiasm, but also as marking a revival of full College life from its apathy of the last three years.

Many of the older part-time students, until recently overwhelmed by overtime in addition to lectures, have now more time to spend at the College. With these as a backbone, coupled with the enormous enthusiasm and co-operation from freshers and second-year students, with the spirited assistance of the Executive and very able production, Extrav. 1944 has been an overwhelming success. There are two people to whom especial thanks are due. They are Ron Meek and Mrs. Mary Boyd. Rarely in the history of the College have we had such a sympathetic, tactful and even-tempered producer. The cast themselves were extremely co-operative, even to the extent of spontaneously re-writing and immensely improving the prologue. It remained to the producer to bring this enthusiasm to a focal point and see that the show went over. He did it, and well.

The secretary of our Association, Mrs. Mary Boyd, has for a considerable time been carrying the tremendous burden of secretarial work, together with a full-time job and the running of a home. Her work in the background organisation of Extrav. was one of the most important factors in its success, and one of the least recognised. We wish to pay this tribute to her work.

Undergrads' supper and its cancellation has been the topic of much common-room comment. While the loss of our only yearly opportunity to meet the staff in a semi-informal atmosphere is to be deplored, it must be realised that a rallying-ground for the College has already been set up by Cappicade. The difficulties encountered by speakers and organisers in running the supper immediately before or after the Extrav. must be recognised.

We thus see the College taking on a new lease of life with the revival of one of its important pre-war activities. We hope that the enthusiasm and activity which followed this will not again peter out. Perhaps the Progressive Club should be able to make its most valuable contribution here.