The Official Cermony.

The capping Ceremony, held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, was a highly successful function. The gallery was filled with students, whose witticisms were both appropriate and pointed. The Vice-Chancellor, Hon. C. C. Bowen, occupied the chair, and opened proceedings with an excellent speech, during which the students tuned themselves up to concert pitch, and emitted numerous discords in the process. Mr. Joynt introduces the graduates. The vocal afforts which accompanied their passage to the dais boded ill for the performance of capping songs to take place in the evening. Speeches followed by Lord Plunket — his most serious effort to date, despite counter attractions in the gallery; Mr. T. R. Fleming, Chairman of the Council; Professor Mackenzie, who was recommended to "get it over expedeetiously," and had numerous other pieces of gratuitous advice proffered to him; and Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, whose speech we saw in the next day's paper, but the exact purport of a great part of which we could not comprehend, owing to the speaker's apparent popularity with the students. E. J.Fitzgibbon made a feeling appeal on behalf of those impecunious law students who were unfortunate enough to gain diplomas for which they had to pay, and he also pointed out other ways in which the students could be given money or saved from the necessity of spending it. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.

Carnival.

The success of this year's Carnival was most marked, and the more gratifying in view of the fact that until within three weeks of the great day practically nothing had been decided on. Feeling, no doubt, that failure had then been sufficiently courted, the Committee aroused themselves, chorus practices page 17 were arranged, the librettists forwarded their effusions, and general enthusiasm became as keen as it had previously been slack.

Miss Smith once more proved herself a true patriot, and practically devoted her waking moments to details in connection with dress and rehearsal. F. R. Lankshear grasped the conductor's baton in a most determined manner, and toiled like a hero to extract harmony from the festive spirits along the back seats. Miss Strack spent several long evenings at the piano, serene and patient. To these three is due a special word of thanks for their sacrifices made in the interests of a successful Carnival.

Part I of the programme consisted of the usual capping songs, with several additional concert items. The choruses throughout were excellently rendered by a large body of students. Solos were contributed by Miss Martin, Miss Lyon, and Miss Newman, with the evident appreciation of their audience. The Glee Club appeared twice, and a trio and quartette were also provide by its members. Dr. D. N. Isaacs recited "The Languid Man "in a most natural manner, and met with an enthusiastic recall. A. H. Bogle's band of braver gave a thrilling display of old-time Maori customs-hakas, single combats, and tangis being mere items in a comprehensive programme of slaughter and savagery.

Part II was occupied by the presentment of a Musical Extravaganza rejoicing in the name of "The Golden Calf," in which our famous trio of collaborators, S. Eichelbaum, S. S. Mackenzie, and F. A. de la Mare clearly exposed the present-day "prostration of idolatrous before heathen shrines." They are to be congratulated on their spirited attempt to combat the evils of the age, with which they seem remarkably familiar. The rise of the curtain disclosed an alter surmounted by the sacred symbol of a cow's head, round which a picturesque band of Egyptians made deep obeisance and much mournful noise. The chief Egyptian, Prof. Memento Xmori (A. H. Bogle) recounted the sad circumstances surrounding the passing of Mr. Brook's milk-supply, and became increasingly self-laudatory over the subsequent legal proceedings. In the second tableau the question of domestic employment received attention. Miss Newman, most stylishly attired as a mistress, detailed the countless conditions to be observed before one can hope to win the approval of up-to-date servants, while G. W. Reid, cleverly disguised as Bridget Dooley, presented the case from the standpoint of the kitchen.

The same programme was repeated on Friday evening before a crowded audience, so large that if the Opera House be available next year, the question of engaging it and limiting the entertainment to one night might well be considered.

The "Supper."

The usual supper in honour of the graduates of the year was held in a separate hall, and was very largely attended. The spread itself, which must have been a most successful undertaking for the caterer, was scrambled for in the usual energetic manner, and was succeeded by a lengthy toast list. Pleasing features of the proceedings were in his own inimitably witty style, and the number of the trophies presented to the echo, Tournament champions. The latter were cheered to the echo, but bore their blushing honours with most becoming modesty.

On conclusion of the speeches, dancing was vigorously pursued till the first streaks of dawn were within two hours of reappearance.

Victoria College Graduates. 1907