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Pettipoint

Topical Idea, that, of the French Club's to show a couple of Alms recently about the French tests. A good idea, too, to have an official from the French Embassy present to answer questions. Mind you this habit, or perhaps ability, to speak only in French was not particularly Successful in stimulating interest in things French amongst those who, like myself, have not learned or used the language for five years or so.

In the end only two of the non-French-speakers in the audience asked questions.—To one he answered rapidly and at length in French, leaving one perplexed girl; to the other "Where have the inhabitants of the neighbouring islands been shifted to and what arrangements have been made for their welfare?" he replied briefly, was translated as "They're still there." Quite a sight, believe me—an official of the French Government, here. I gathered, to explain French policy to New Zealeaders, apparently unable to speak English and acting through a student interpreter. Altogether, a fine victory for French culture and Franco New Zealand relations.

*

One wonders, does one not, whether that well-known reporter attached to one of the national weeklies really believes what he says. One would have to, I suppose, to be able to write it. And yet even the, Prime Minister, who after all is not expected to believe everything he says, usuallly manages to sound plausible to some group or groups in the community. But perhaps the aforesaid reporter sounds plausible, also, to some groups in the community ... a sobering thought. Still, he should go far—usually ill-informed sources state that after he is swept into Parliament by the tumultuous multitudinous mass, he will find a niche as delegate to UN, where it is believed he will do well.

*

The effects of Government spending policy vis-avis the universities is once again painfully apparent. At time of writing the lights between the Student Union and Rankine Brown are once again not in operation. "The cost of the electricity saved is enough to put one more student through an honorary degree," a spokesman for the university administration is not quoted as saying.

We haven't heard for a while about the proposed RSA Youth Club. No doubt they are preparing their press releases.

"Our aim is peace," said the president of the RSAYC, Mr. John Doe (40) today. He was reviewing a march past of members on the 27th anniversary of the start of the Second World War. "We believe that the world can be united in peace if only the world would accept democracy and the American Way of Life." He told reporters that he was disturbed at the low defence budget of New Zealand, and that the youth of the country, through the RSAYC, would make his voice heard.

by Latent