"Most people regard me as un-principled." This surprising remark came from Dr. S. G. "Doc" Culliford, Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, and honorary lecturer in English. There came a hasty cone Hon and elaboration. "This is slightly wilder than I intended. If there is something that I think is right, I will endeavour to get it done, regardless of other

Questioned on his position and powers of administration, he explained that the administration was accomplished by the complex relationship of the Professorial Board and the Council. Although the university did not really have any feudal structure, the Council did hold the ultimate authority. Dr. Culliford's tasks: "I do all the dirty jobs." However, the doctor finds his work in the university rewarding as well as demanding. "I have no complaints."

These "dirty jobs" leave no time for indulgence for any interest in, for example, music or T.V. However, since his days in Scots' College First XV, Dr. Culliford still retains a great enthusiasm for rugby, and is, at present, coaching a team of former Weir House boys.

Eskimo Nell

When reminded of his prowess in reciting the notorious lines of "Eskimo Nell", Dr. Culliford responded with a delightful, reminiscent grin of amusement. "In my opinion, it is a piece of folk literature, which deserves to be remembered." It is well known amongst a number of students, that Dr. Culliford has the ability to recite the verses of this "epic" in their entirety—apparently even more magnificently when he is slightly "reinforced."

However, it is unfair to label the doctor as a partyman. As well as a brilliant academic career—M.A. (University College of London), Dip. Ed. (Victoria), and Ph. D. (London), he has a remarkably distinguished war record.

War Exploits

Having earned the D.S.O., his most famous exploit was honoured by the Polish government, who awarded him the Virtuti Militari, their highest decoration—equivalent to the V.C. A member of the R.N.Z.A.F. from 1941-45, he was the most senior member of a Special Operations Squadron, and worked for some time with partisans in Yugoslavia, Northern Italy, and Greece. In a mission immortalised in the book "They Saved London" and in a later film, he flew members of the Polish Cabinet out of Poland, taking with him plans of the V.2. filched by the Polish underground.

"There was nothing very extra-ordinary about it," said Dr Culliford. "The most difficult moment occurred when we realized that the plane had got stuck in the mud, and that we would have to dig ourselves out. With the Germans closing in, this was quite nerve-wracking."

There was a further point — the plane was unarmed.

Dr. Culliford's advice to students was short and succinct. "You are here to gain an education—get stuck in and do it."

"I should talk," he said with a rueful smile, "I failed every unit in my first year."

Dr. Culliford was born in Napier in 1920, the son of a draper. He was educated at Nelson Park School, Napier, at Norsewood District High School, and later at Scots College.

He lectured in English at Victoria from 1950-56, and then became part-time assistant to the Vice-Chancellor. In 1959, he became Principal of the Palmerston North University College, and two years later, once again, assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.

He has written one book — "An Introduction to Shakespeare's Texts."