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Those College Songs

Dear "Spike,"—I have a grievance! Long before I came to 'Varsity I had been taught by my three brothers (all ex-student of V.U.C.) to love the traditional College songs. I find them printed in the C.U. Handbook—but I never hear them sung.

There was never a Capping Ceremony in pre-war days which was not begun with the singing of "Gaudeamus" and "The Song of Victoria College," and was not closed with "Just One Stave More." I was amazed that "Gaudeamus" and "The Song of Victoria College" were entirely left out of the proceedings at the Capping Ceremony this year.

I have questioned several students, and find that they know nothing of these songs! I suppose that matters might be different if a Glee Club still existed, though that is no sufficient excuse for the state of affairs. I think that, under the circumstances, it is the duty of the members of the Haeremai Club to learn and sing these good old College songs at public functions, rather than the song of their own Club and another song of Victoria which is hardly worthy of the Alma Mater.

I will make no apology for including the words of an old Capping song which is probably unknown to the majority of present students.

(Our correspondent here quotes "Absent Friends" in extenso, which however we think is well enough known to readers of the "Spike" not to need reprinting.—Editor.)

Surely this is the feeling that we should have when we, in our turn, take up our work in the outside world with only proud and happy memories of our dear old 'Varsity. These memories will then be brighter if we recall the old College songs—which, unhappily, one does not hear at present.

One wonders—