The University should give reasonable rights to lunatics, as long as their lunacy springs from the free and unimpeded use of reason—which the University exists to aid—stated Dr. J. C. Beaglehole in an address to freshers recently.

He was speaking in the absence of the principal, Dr. Williams. Professor Bailey, vice-principal, had a few moments before introducing the deans of the arts, science, law and commerce. Afterwards, Mr. B. V. Galvin, president of the Students' Association, welcomed freshers to the College on behalf of the association. Mr. Galvin introduced members of the Association executive.

Dr. Beaglehole said that the University—students and staff—formed a community devoted to learning and thought; and that it lived through the young students that came to it. For that reason, he was glad to welcome them. He said that they would notice great differences between the schools and Colleges that they had left, and the University. They were now largely more responsible for themselves. This provides risks and excitement, which has made the College what it is.

Studies A Search

First year students must not think, however, that the staff was not interested in them, but with a roll of 2500 they must be prepared to take the initiative. Ho said that students were invited, at the University, to use their intellects and reason. All their work should be a process of search. Victoria had had many brilliant students but did not cater for them alone. It offered a way of looking at life; they could learn to form reasonable judgments, and to regard life steadily. Beyond any intellectual excitement, they should remember also that the university was a society for meeting fellow students. It was universal in its interests, and they would find opportunity for social intercourse in bewildering prolixity.

Wisdom they would find was the union of intellectual excitement with experience of living, and they should take a full part in the extra-curricular activities of the University.

—P.D.G.