Capping Controller is "Anti"

As the only member of the current Executive who actually voted for the No-Confidence motion at "Dwyer's S.G.M." on March 20, Paul Spender stands out as a rather unusual character. Why should the Capping Controller want to vote himself out of a job? Apparently Spender is simply in favour of such motions as a matter of principle. In his own words, he is "anti" everything as a matter of course.

A personable, rather quiet character, Spender is an Atheist and has no political affiliations. When interviewed, he was somewhat reticent about his background and his plans for the future, but at present he is doing a B.A. degree part-time, and works for a steel importing company. He is keen on skin-diving and skiing, but finds that he has little time to pursue such interests. The requirements of his job and of the position of Capping Controller are exacting, but Spender does not seem the type to worry unduly, and accepts them philosophically.

Spender was co-opted to the position of Capping Controller when the elected Controller left for overseas, and he does not intend to stand for election in the future. (He stood for the position of Public Relations Officer in 1961, but was not elected). Perhaps for this reason, he was very frank as regards Capping for 1962.

His own ideas for Capping had included an entire week devoted to Capping celebrations and activities, and the holding of two Capping Balls. However, these ideas, particularly the first one, had so far met considerable opposition from the University Council, and were unlikely to be put into practice. With obstacles like this in the way, and the little time he had had in charge of operations, the best he could hope for was that Capping in 1962 would be no worse than in previous years. Certainly it would not be as good as he would like it to be.

There would be no repetition this year of the "Graduands Supper" orgy, and there might be a few improvements in organisation, but on the whole, Paul Spender will be glad when the whole thing is over!

—J. K. M.