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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1919

Fifteenth Annual Inter-Varsity Tournament — Held at Dunedin, Easter, 1919

page 33

Fifteenth Annual Inter-Varsity Tournament
Held at Dunedin, Easter, 1919

'Tis ever common, men are merriest away from home.

Shakespeare.

The Inter-Varsity Tournaments were resumed at Easter. The last Tournament was held at Auckland, Easter, 1915. This year representatives went Dunedinwards. Victoria gathered about fifty students, who were joined at Wellington by the Aucklanders. A crowd of Wikitorians went down to the ferry wharf to speed the parting warriors, and a most affecting scene was witnesses. Finally the crusaders sang "Keep the Home Fires Burning"—and the "Maori" left the wharf.

En Route

The trip down was not uneventful. Most of the students were "early to bed"—and many followed a course of serious reflection in the bosom of the ship. A gallant band of males sang lustily on deck for an hour or so—but it steadily diminished in size. Gaudeamus" became increasingly difficult as the "Maori" made her way through the southerly. At Christchurch luncheon was prepared at Broadway's —and the visitors did it justice. Here numbers grew. Miss Gavin and Leiutenant de la Mare joined the Wikitorians. On the train there was much merriment—Mr. Low was especially distinguished. Hakas and capping songs helped to relieve the tedium of the long journey. The Dunedin station presented a scene of wild excitement; the crowd was tremendous, the noise included the strains of a brass band and the inevitable bag-pipes. "Gee!," said the Northerners, "but these Scotch do worship brains!" But a banner "with the strange device,"—"Welcome to Dolores"—put them right. However, it all helped to make it harder to get our luggage, and by the time we got home we were able to take a little nourishment. Another illustration how people "adore and worship when they know it not."

On Good Friday the journey was extended by a two-hours trip across the Harbour to Portobello. About eighty "foolish virgins" and reckless youths took part. A number are understood to have survived. There was rain, and as far as could be observed, no temperature—"Master Wullie" remarked that the place were better called "Bello-zero."

The return journey was marked by a little excitement; but after the late night many were for sleep. On the Timaru station a rough-and-tumble occurred. There was one casualty: The porter took" Mr. Smith's" name. The run from Lyttelton was calm. On Thursday morning the warriors arrived at "Home Sweet Home."

The Debate

This year the subject for debate was: "That the League of Nations is Necessary to Promote the Moral and Economic Welfare of Mankind." The League of Nations is certainly the first question of the day, and the selection of the judges was so far happy. But most people regarded the task of the opposers as one of great difficulty. The result of the debate might be taken as an indication that the popular cause is not the easiest to champion in a popular assembly. It is hard to argue the popular case without page 34 falling back on the platitudes of the market place. An impudent assault on the received opinion sometimes commands admiration where a weak defence is a. weariness to the flesh. The movers of the motion is both cases did not make the most of their opportunities; but for the most part took up a defensive attitude. What could be heard of the case for Victoria from the back of Allen Hall had a decidedly aggressive ring. Evans and Leicester did not doubt, did not even "suspect" or "apprehend," they were certain—and would have their audience know—that the thing was a fraud. How far the win for Victoria is to be regarded as significant is not to be known—probably it will not get to the ears of President Wilson.

The debate was held in the Allen Hall. The seating accommodation was not great, and the hall soon filled. One noticeable feature was the small attendance of Wikitorians; even Auckland outnumbered us. From the chair Rev. A. Cameron sent out frequent appeals for order and quiet. For Auckland Bellhouse and Garland "talked up" the League against the ridicule of Kilroy and Morell of the Presbyterian Town, and shouts of "We want Gin, Gin, Gin—Ginger than that—Gin—Evans" from the wearers of the green and gold.

Evans and Leicester ascended the rostrum in company with Canterbury, Dickerson and Paterson. During the first four harangues the audience was fairly tolerant, and some notably witty interjections were heard; but throughout the second debate there was continuous uproar.

Of the Auckland pair Bellhouse declaimed and Garland pleaded; Bellhouse's hand-play was very artificial, while Garland's (earful peroration did his chances no good. According to the "Daily Times" of Otago, "Mr. Garland launched a severe indictment against past diplomatic systems, and expressed the most feeble belief in the will of the national leaders to secure equity for small nations without some coersive power"—whatever the "Times" or Mr. Garland may have meant by that. Kilroy attempted sarcasm, and made some flippant remarks on the attitude of Woodrow Wilson. The Senate had by a big majority refused to approve his scheme—which provoked an interjection: "That must have been a 'University Senate!" Bellhouse was against Kings, trusted the people. Morell also spoke. By this time the audience began to take a hand: the next four speakers did not have easy going. Paterson of Canterbury, began by "going for" the interrupters. His animated gestures caused considerable amusement. Evans sailed away regardless of uproar, and with sublime indifference developed his firstly, secondly and thirdly. He did not lark words. To the Dunedin scribe he "gave the impression of having had previous experience of the public platform"; and "his points were well marshalled, and he developed his theme convincingly." Like all the others, he left the interjections alone. He favoured his hearers with approved Jingo—Preserve-the-Empire stuff—"the binding ties of nationality were essential to solidity": then there was the Yellow Peril, and the Hated Hun, cheap labour, the colour line, and above all, the inestimable blessings of a Protection Tariff must be secured. Gin was quite at home. Leicester had his usual fluency. The newspaper man admired his "clear flow of language and the excellence of his argument."

On the whole there was no doubt as to the ability of the debaters, and Judge McGregor stepped up straightway with the verdict. Victoria had the Scroll for the ninth time! The page 35 Wikitorians were for the while delirious. The men set off up the aisle singing "We are the Club. " The Cantabrians thought they were after the Easter Egg, and in a body mounted the stage. The Victorians accepted the challenge, and a strenuous rough-and- tumble followed. The Egg was broken in pieces, and the day was over.

Altogether, the debate was not specially brilliant. All the speakers came with prepared speeches; debating there was none. Without the interruptions the debate might have been a very tame affair.

The Judges were Rev. W. Saunders, Rev. Graham Balfour, and Mr. W. C. McGregor, E.G.

Students' Association Council

For some time it has been felt that relations with the several Students' Associations of the University could be improved, that a closer unity was really necessary. The late Editor of the "Spike," Miss E. R. Davies, M.A., had considerable correspondence on the matter with the editor of the college magazines, particularly with a view to assisting magazine work. Mainly owing to Miss Davies' work definite steps were taken to arrange a meeting of representatives at Dunedin. This meeting took place at Allen Hall on Sunday, 19th April. There were present: Messrs Leonard and Robinson (A.U.C.), Messrs. Angus, Rennie, Schroder and McCallum and Miss Taylor (C.U.C.), Mr. Colvin (O.U.), Messrs Caddick, Wiren and Miller, and Miss Fenton (V.U.C.) Mr. Colvin acted as chairman, and Mr. Miller was appointed secretary.

Mr. Miller outlined the scheme and moved for Victoria, the following motion:—"That it be a recommendation to the several Students' Association Executives of the University that a committee be set up composed of three representatives from each college (a) a rep. of the men students, (b) a rep. of the women students, (c) a rep. of the Magazine Committee, to be called the N.Z. University Students' Association Council; such Council to meet at least once a year (a) to discuss student, problems arising in the four centres, (b) to help to create a common university spirit and to promote a better understanding among students of the four colleges, (c) to put forth on occasion an authoritative student opinion on university matters, which affect the interests of students."—Mr. Leonard, for Auckland, seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.

The need for such a Council is clear. For the most part, at least in the intention of the inaugurators of the proposal, the activities of the Council will be confined to inter-college affairs, although, should occasion arise, the students of the university will have an opportunity through this Council of making known their opinion to any external body. The original movers in the proposal were specially concerned with the interests of the magazine. The four representatives of magazines will meet to discuss magazine affairs. They will be enabled in this way to find clearly how the magazines are run in other colleges, to discuss methods of creating new interest and means of getting contributions and extending circulation, and so on. But other matters of serious interest will engage the attention of the representatives. The relations of Executives with the Professors and the Professional Board, the status of Executives in the University, are matters of importance. In several of the colleges at least there is dissatisfaction in this matter. Free discussion among representatives of the four centres will help to page 36 clear the air. At the meeting at Allen Hall it was clear that the dissatisfaction was not confined to any one college.

Other matters suggested for discussion are, the constitution of S.A. Executives, the social relations among students, relations between men and women students, the conduct of student gatherings, capping, the expression of student opinion on university affairs, e.g., examination system.

As far as procedure is concerned no serious difficulties ought to be encountered. The representatives of men students will meet as a sub-committee, representatives of women students, and representatives of magazines similarly. Each of these committees will deal with its own questions, and will be prepared to report to the Council on matters which concern the whole. Executives will appoint three representatives and will instruct them as to what they wish considered. Where action is involved beyond the actual association, executives will give definite instructions to their representatives. Unless in such cases there is unanimity among the colleges, action there will, of course, be useless. It will be necessary for executives to convey to the secretary some time before the meeting the questions they intend to raise and the business they want considered.

Tennis

The Tennis Tournament was held at the Anderson's Bay Courts on Saturday the 10th April, the finals being played on the following Tuesday. The weather was fine, although a cold wind was blowing most of the day.

The majority of the games were very closely contested, and some really fine tennis was witnessed.

In the men's singles some excellent games were played, the final being won by Allison, O.U., who defeated Gray, also O.U. We were unfortunate in losing both our games here, Atmore being put out by Allison, O.U., 6-3, 6-1, and Leicester by Angus, C.U.C., 7-5, G-3.

The Men s championship doubles were won by Allison and Gray, U.U., 6-3, 6-4. In the first round Leicester and Park were beaten by Bartlett and Moir, A.U.C., 6-0, 6-2, but Atmore and Smith won their game against Oblson and Oblson, A,U.C., 6-4, 6-0. They were put out in the semi-finals, however, by Allison and Gray, O.U., 6-0, 6-3.

Salmond and Park, O.U., also defeated Bartlett and Moir, A.U.C., in the semi final, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. This was an excellent game from the spectators' point of view.

The ladies' singles were confined to one set each of 9 games. In this Miss Easterfield played exceedingly well, and had to play Miss Knight, A.U.C., in the final. The game was played on Tuesday in weather fit for anything but tennis, and resulted in a win for Miss Knight, 9-1. Miss Waldie and Miss Sievwright were unfortunate in drawing against each other in the second round. Miss Sievwright winning 9-4. Miss Knight afterwards defeated Miss Sievwright in the semi-final 9-6.

In the ladies' doubles Miss McMurray and Miss Salmon were unfortunate in being beaten in the first round by Miss Virtue and Miss King, O.U., 13-11. The score shows how well the game was fought out. In the same round Miss Archenhold and Miss Willcox, C.U.C., defeated Miss Sievwright and Miss Fenton, page 37 V.U.C., 9-7. The final was won by Auckland, Miss Knight and Miss Egerton beating Miss Areheuhold and Miss Willcox, C.U.C., 11-9.

The combined doubles were won by Miss Waldie and Atmore, V.U.C., who defeated Miss Areheuhold and Kincaid, C.U.C., 6-4, 6-1. This was the only final we managed to secure. The Victoria College team consisted of the following: Miss Waldie, Miss Easerfield. Miss Fenton, Miss Salmon, Miss Sievwright and Miss McMurray, and Messrs. Atmore, Park, Leicester and Smith.

Athletics

Avoid hospitality. The Garden of Eden met its downfall at the hands of a visitor.—H. G. Wells.

The Athletic Sports were not held on Easter Monday, it being a wet day, but were postponed till Tuesday, which was worse. A howling sou' -wester bore heavy rain upon its wings, and the Caledonian Ground was boggy—even as a cow-yard. No new records were established.

The first event, putting the shot, was won by J. Coombs, of C.U.C. our first win was scored in the mile flat with S. A. Wiren first and H. Williams second. Williams' wind seems as good as ever, but carrying the pack has interfered with his pace. The 220 yards flat provided an exciting finish with Sumpter of Otago first and N. A. Barker second. P. K. Bryan scored another win for V.U.C. in the long jump.

The first race after lunch was the 120 yards hurdles, won by Treahy, of Otago. The race of the day was the half-mile flat, won by G. H. Lusk, who ran with line judgment. Lying third for the greater part of the distance, he worked his way into the lead in the straight, and won by a couple of feet. The hammer-throwing event was won by C. J. Campbell, of Otago. In the 100 yards Sumpter, of Otago, was left at the start, and N. A. Barker won easily in 10 l-5th seconds. The mile walk and the high jump went to A. R. M'Eegg, and J. N. Waddell, of Otago, respectively.

Sumpter beat Barker in the 440 yards flat, placing Otago three points ahead in the shield points; but H. Williams brought the lead down to two by winning the three mile, with Forbes, of Otago, second. The issue was finally settled, amid considerable excitement, in the last race (the 440 yards hurdles), won by G. G. Aitken, with A. Jackson second.

Once again, therefore, the Athletic Shield, with other silverware, is reposing in its glass case in the College Hall.

The Dance

The light- heartedness of release from training, and the comrade-ship that springs from friendly rivalry, could have found no better expression than in the closing scene of the Tournament—the dance held in the Art Gallery Hall on Tuesday evening. It was a wonderful thing of colour and movement and joyousness. An excellent floor and a genial and still more excellent orchestra made the dancing a delight. Lancers were romped in traditional University style, while it was maintained that the different Colleges could be picked by the way they waltzed—especially Victoria! And then, in between the dances, of course, one looked at Dunedin's collection of pictures, unless one happened to be an athlete, when suppers—suppers ad infinitum, at page 38 exquisite little tables a deux—were the order of the night (and morning).

Sic transit gloria mundi! Was it possible to believe that those weary, bleary travellers in the Christchurch express had been the life and soul of such a gathering a few hours before? Yet it evidently was so. Ask Canterbury.