Gordon Watson

Gordon Watson's was one of the most brilliant political minds to come to maturity in Victoria College. In the days of his editorship of "Smad," that journal enjoyed a popularity never since equalled by any of our student publications. After graduating from the College he forsook the certainty of a conventionally brilliant career to work for the New Zealand Communist Party, and when he left for Italy it was with a full understanding of the enemy ho faced, and the necessity for destroying him. Together with most of his platoon, he died in a successful defence against counter-attack by greatly superior forces.

Gordon showed his rare ability not only as a political leader, but also in the field of creative literature. As a most fitting memorial to him, a group of personal friends has undertaken the publishing, in book form, of a collection of his literary works. In order to achieve this end, a Memorial Fund has been established. Any students or friends desirous of contributing are asked to send their donations to Mrs. M. C. Marks, 29 North Terrace, Wellington, W.I.

We print photographs of Gordon Watson (above), immediately prior to his sailing for Italy, and Roy Diederich (below), as President of the 1932 Executive.