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The Spike or Victoria University College Review June 1917

Extracts from Soldiers' Letters

Extracts from Soldiers' Letters.

Somewhere in France, 19th February, 1917.

My Dear Secretary,—

I wonder who you are for by the time this reaches the "Old Clay Patch" another "Stud Ass." Meeting will have enlivened the Gym.

I write to thank the unknown one who remembered that once I listened to dry old "maths," and unconvincing logic on cold winter evenings. I have just received a pair of socks from the association—socks that will warm my feet delightfully, but can never warm them as my heart would be warmed by a sight of the College Tennis Courts and its surroundings—

A sight of some pretty girl undergraduate in green and gold and the sound of "Love all" form the umpire and chase down through the gorse to Salamanca Road and the hunt for the tennis ball lobbed over the wire fence. The sight would bring back youth to this old hand.

page 16

Mr. Secretary its years since I held your office and with due solemnity read the minutes at committee meetings. Many a pleasant recollection however lives, and many an evening in some dark dug-out over here continuing the arguments of old and fighting again the old fights with "Old Boys" of Poneke, with Brougham, Hill, or Thorndon, and many an hour slips by with discussions on the actions of your committee, and Archie Bogle Bert King, Jerry Daniell, Jack parker, Dad Father, Laurie Short. West and Stocker to say nothing of "Baby Bilss" and Caddick are for ever ready to "carry on" all night at the mention of V.U.C. No doubt you are cramming and carrying the burdens of office at the one and the same time—I will therefore fire my last shot. Remember that your meetings, your arguments and decisions affect not only those around you but also those who have gone before and who are ever ready to support you in any movement for the welfare of Coll.

With apologies for taking up your time and with warmest thanks for the socks.

Yours sincerely,

R. St. J. Beere.