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Congress:

Curious Coves

A disapppointing aspect of this year's Congress at Curious Cove was the remarkable lack of V.U.W. "sun-worshippers, and/or truth seekers". From a representation last year of fifty-three to have fallen to a mere Eighteen, but with the presence of Bernard Galvin and last year's Controller Peter Gibbons, nobody was allowed to think that V.U.W., despite a change of name, was a dead force in any way. This lack of numbers was probably due to lack of publicity and interest aroused among students last year. One good result was that Vic. students mixed much better with those from other Colleges than was the cast last year, but in view of our geographical closeness the small number was regretable.

Representatives from all Colleges mixed Well, with a marked pre-dominance of A.U. throughout. O.U. were well represented, but again very few from Canterbury. Two American students from Massey and C.U. were particularly good mixers. There were also only three Australian students present. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to give any satisfactory definition of Congress, and it is really only by talking about with people who have been that you can get to know what it is that draws students back to Curious Cove year after year. If Congress is one of the extra-curricular activities you have always meant to indulge in, then cease this procrastination and be there next year.

With A.U. as the Host College the organization was very good and the week flowed by very smoothly. The Chairman, Dr. Scott, who unfortunately had to depart on Tuesday, did very good job in controlling the lectures with a hand that was heavy enough to keep order but light enough to ensure that the discussion was not restricted. Miss Annette Stoop, who succeeded to the Chair, proved herself to be a very popular figure both officially and socially.

The standard of lectures was high, and the keen interest aroused was clearly shown by the lively discussion that followed. Students took good part in this discussion, which was helped, but never monopolised, by lively comments from other lecturers. Bernie Galvin, N.Z.U.S.A, representative, gave a very interesting informal talk on his experiences at the I.S.C. Congress at Ibadan. A forum on education was held but failed almost completely to be of any interest. Points mentioned were the methods of teaching, specialization in University courses, influence of non-academic bodies on University faculties, and compulsory attendance at lectures.

On the social side of Congress it can only be said that it was as usual a great success. I regret to say that V.U.W. did not carry off the Olympic Honours due to a natural honesty and sportsmanship of the Vic. representatives which was lacking in other Colleges, especially in the rowing race.

And so Congress is over for another year and I can only express the hope that as the ferry sails next year it will carry a larger number of V.U.W. with it.