House Discussion

Despite a bed and breakfast regime, one Weir House institution not only has survived but has taken a new lease of life. The three discussions held so far this term have been marked by a doubling of the average attendance of the last few years, and the institution of supper, for the first time since before the war. Discussions are held every second Sunday evening in the common-room and generally last about 2½ hours. Every effort is being made to get first-rate controversial issues discussed and an attempt is being made to alternate the "talk" and what Sir Howard calls the' "Altercation." The speaker in each case speaks for about half an hour, the remainder of the time being taken up with questions, discussions and supper.

Early in the term W. J. Scott spoke on American universities, and many residents were forced to revise their opinion of American student mind, greatly derived from Hollywood and "Salient." Ormond Burton led a discussion on compulsory military training with an attendance of 40. The subject was lifted completely from the mundane plane on which it is usually discussed, and the issue became the fundamentals of Christian belief. The subject certainly stimulated discussion and sparks were flying at times. Despite a considerable measure of disagreement there were few present who were not stimulated to a consideration of their position on this issue (if only to reinforce their prejudices). The third discussion, led by James Bertram, was concerned with China To-day? Mr. Bertram explained the present situation and the events leading up to it.

This was a case where prejudice decidedly got the worse of it. The distinctly Chinese elements in the Communist movement were emphasised for those who overstress the Marxian angle, and those who fondly imagine that "after all they aren't real communists" were sadly disillusioned. Most of those present were quite surprised to learn that the USSR between 1937 and 1941 supplied more arms to Nationalist China than did the United States between 1941 and 1945.

At present the Discussions Committee is looking for a fourth speaker (or rather a fourth subject). Student life without discussion is a waste of time. If it were hot for discussion then full-time students, especially arts students, might as well be out earning a living, as a correspondent in the last issue of "Charta" thinks they should be. Some attempt is being made to correct the intellectual vacuum which W. H. Oliver in the Anniversary "Spike" so rightly attacks. Discussions are held only once a for might, and our peak attendance was only 45 per cent, of the House, but at least it is an attempt to get down from the Ivory Tower.

K. L. G.