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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 24, No. 13. 1961.

Ken Scott as we Saw Him

Ken Scott as we Saw Him

Ken Scott first came to Victoria as a fresher in 1930. As an Inmate of Weir House he carved his niche among his e lows and, we imagine, in the walls. Essentially a worker, knowledge did not come easily to him; he was just a bright average student with all the Interests and attributes of an ordinary student. Thus the Debating Society's platform, the Weir dining tables, and the bars of city hostelries provided the environment for the maturing of the Scotian wit.

Hard study soon accumulated considerable aphabetical extinction and academic honour leading, via Oxford, to his enthronement in 48 Kelburn Parade and ultimately to the Professorship in Political Science. While on the staff he endeavoured to make comprehensible the wonders of Plato, Aristotle and Marx, leading his students with a sure hand through the mental gymnastics which such study requires. He succeeded where Parliament failed in making our Political structure a thing of sense and reason. He did not measure up to the conventional Image of the departmental head; he was always ready to help the individual student with his Interest and his ready "at ease' smile. He was a friend rather than a staff member.

Student social functions were generally the more lively for Prof. Scott's presence. His stamina and endurance were a source of amazement and inspiration to his companions.

The N.Z.U.S.A. Congress earlier this year saw his qualities of leadership and understanding extended to their best. He met his arduous duties as the Congress Chairman with a humour and zeal Inimitable. In a week he could call on every person by name.

Professor Ken Scott was a product of which Victoria University can be proud. Both scholar and wit, realist and idealist, gentleman and friend. His wise counsel, dead-pan humour and friendly warmth will be sorely missed. Great though his contribution was as a mind, It Is as a friend that the loss is deepest.

—S.G.O'R. & C.F.