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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 17, No. 12. July 1, 1953

Spanish Incidents

Spanish Incidents

The first thing that rather galled the doctor was the fact that, in addition to the usual formalities endured by a person who wishes to take his car with him in a foreign country, the numbers of the lyres, spare Included, were carefully noted on the departmental documents. Apparently some shrewd characters had cashed in on the severe tyre shortage that exists in Spain by running their cars over the border with four and no doubt five brand new tyres, selling them at exorbitant prices and ploughing back over the border with the same number of "old crocks," to repeat the procedure later.

Cigarettes are also in short supply in Spain. To illustrate this, occasionally a well-dressed man would stop at the stall and buy a single cigarette—"I was sorry that I couldn't distribute more largesse."

Weir House Note

Meals, were late at night, according to our standards. Nine p.m. is considered a little early for dinner. From around 7-9 p.m. the populace went for a stroll in the streets, enjoying the "melancholy twilight." At around 9 p.m.. all vanished mysteriously indoors, where the evening meal was being prepared. Many workers (e.g.. builders) were "up an at it" at 4 and 5 in the morning—no comment.

Dr. Lynch gave his opinion on the future part to be played by Spain in world affairs. Because of the country's strategic geographical position, the European Defence Committee could not function efficiently without It. No appraisal of the true state of the country could be made by a visitor during a brief stay. Social services as we in New Zealand knew them were virtually non-existent in present-day Spain. In our country, more money is spent on health services than the total moneys received by the Spanish Government in income tax. Only those countries which are economically rich can afford to have a welfare state on a large scale.

The travel agencies remind visitors "not to drink any water in Spain"—what an ideal admonition for some of our students. Apart from wine, the main beverage was mineral waters—2d for a decent sized flagon. [unclear: The main] streets of [unclear: Madrid] are hosed down during the siesta in the summer in an attempt to keep the streets cool. It appears that the hosers show some considerable dexterity in their work, missing passers-by by inches. Sanitation and hygiene are a matter of cost. So it is highly probable that, outside the main centres, the warning of the travel guides is to be heeled.

Did He See a Bullfight?

Describing the bullfight that he had witnessed, he remarked that it was "an inspiring and dramatic spectacle." while not forgetting that it was a cruel sport. To get to the show, it was necessary to have some tickets, and these had all been sold—a fair quantity to black marketeers The tickets normally cost 15/-: Dr. Lynch's guide (an American) procured two for only 30/- each. Asked whether he had had much difficulty getting them, the guide replied. "No; they even had a deputation waiting for me." Other sidelights at the arena included a casualty station with a surgeon in attendance and bottles of typed blood plasma waiting for the fighters. They were typed before they entered the ring.

There was some discussion (private as to whether a cuspidor was in the same class as an espador, toreador and matador. The espadors delight in describing their wounds in centimetres.

In conclusion, Mr. Galvin thanked the speaker for his interesting and informative talk, and the audience Joined with him in their appreciation.

Brian C. Shaw