Disjecta Membra . . .

(The Initiation)

The annual custom of plastering the novices with shaving cream, silver nitrate and tradition was observed by the anointed of former years. For the first time in years the new draft outnumbered the old guard, but they went like lambs to the slaughter—bad omens these.

The procedure which was a model of unsubtlety, revolved mainly around a series of acutely personal questions put by Messrs. Schroder and Rich. ("And what are your views on free love"). The replies varied from "Whacko." (cheers) to "Really!" (Cries of "Shame!")

The subjects were then introduced to William Weir's Boot, an hallowed reminder of past inglory, deeply steeped in good Kelburn mud, standing rampant upon a kerchief plush. They kissed it.

A toast was proposed to William Weir, the glasses being charged with a passable beverage consisting chiefly of Epsom salts. Mr. Waite rapidly grew tired of his decoy brew. Mr. Chamberlain's deft smoothing of home-made shaving cream drew admiring cries, as did Mr. Corbett's use of the scimitar. There was an unidentified character in blue bathing shorts. The big new summer range of penalties included the rape of the lock, "launching." and setting loose in Darkest Wellington (Bot. Gardens).

In a prettily delivered speech our ex-Pres., John Marchant, chanced to mention that Mr. Rich, that inquisitorial inquisitor, had never been initiated. Mr. Powles called the meeting to disorder, and Rich was thoroughly scathed. A series of ghastly outrages was then perpetrated on Messrs. Hume and Govern-lock. Finally baptised freshers retired to the rooms of confirmed Housemen for informal suppers. They were delicious.

But—There was a distinct lack of planning and forethought—in spite of hard work by Mr. Schroder, there were barren (and this in Weir!) pauses. The programme was not flexible enough to permit refinement or subtlety. The most homely and heart-warming indelicacies palled, and the natural end was a messy, rowdy one for variation.