Crambe Repetita.

During the last term of the Session perhaps the most talked of event was the closing of the men's Common Room. Although we feel that the Executive placed a very great burden on students and added to the hardships of University life yet in common justice it is hard to see what other action could have been taken. The Executive issued a notice warning students of the damage that was being done and notifying them that the responsible person would be required in future to meet any breakages. Then followed more damage and another letter requesting the perpetrator to provide "a satisfactory explanation or state his willingness to pay the damage." This seems a perfectly reasonable demand. It is certain that if the person at whose door rested the responsibility had acknowledged the fact the Executive would have listened to any reasonable explanation. If the damage was done wantonly then surely the offender should pay. The mere fact of having paid a Students' Association fee does not give a license for wholesale destruction. Contrary to even a schoolboy's code of ethics the culprit failed to put in an appearance. This argues either cowardice or just lack of decency —for neither of which the Executive could be blamed. The Executive was left with the alternative of taking no further steps and therefore condoning the offence (and incidentally paying the damage caused by one student out of the general purse of the student body) or of closing the Common Room as a protest. It upheld the dignity of the body at the expense of the discomfort of the body. Harsh perhaps, but at least we have not had the ignominious spectacle of our student Executive ren-dered helpless by the irresponsible action of a coward or a lout.

* * *

We were delighted to welcome back at the College, as judge of a recent Debate, a very good friend of the students in the person of Professor Von Zedlitz. We enjoy all too rarely the privilege of "Von's" society, and this is the more regrettable as we have few opportunities of contact with such erudition, culture, and human qualities as his. At the time of going to press, the Free Discussions Club anticipates the pleasure of an address from him, and the students as a whole appreciate his continued interest, and the sacrifice of his time to them.

* * *

With the closing of the Men's Common Room a certain degree of hostility has settled on Mr. Plank. It is rather hard to see the reason why the Secretary should receive the greater part of the blame when he is merely carrying out the orders of his Executive. Be that as it may there is a more serious viewpoint. Many of the notices signed by the Secretary and placed on the notice boards have received additions from the hands of a person or persons unknown. Many of these were merely condemnatory of the action of the Secretary, but a few went further and were positively indecent. We feel that those responsible should call to mind the fact that there are women students in this University and that filthy remarks by men students add nothing to the pleasantness of life.

* * *

It is an encouraging sign to see that there has been a response to the Executive's application for the synopsis of an Extravaganza. We understand that no less than three efforts have been submitted. We submit that the Executive in making a choice should seek something which has a College interest and not merely a money-catching production.

* * *

In a few days a Special General Meeting will be held to consider amendments to the Constitution. Many of them are of a formal nature consequent on the work of a Revising Committee. Some, however, are of more than usual importance and are worthy of the close attention of the students. After this meeting we are to have the first Assembly of the College of Electors which is to go into conclave in the Council Room, no less. Elsewhere in this issue there is a protest against the paucity of Women's Representatives on the College. This is very true and very deplorable, and must be the subject of a change in the future, but we suggest that the College should be given a chance for one year. It is a new scheme which has very much to commend it.

* * *

It is at times hard to understand the attitude of Executives. Take the question of Club Grants. Last year the Executive refused a grant to the Science Society on the ground that it had expended its funds in the purchase of books of a scientific nature for presentation to the College Library. On the other hand the Free Discussions Club applied for and received a grant for the same purpose. Is this sort of thing to continue? If the latter Club is given a grant then why not the Science Society or the Mathematical Society or the Law Faculty Club? Have not these organisations claims equal to the Free Discussions Club? After all they cater for the students studying for a definite purpose and their sections in the Library are very much in need of additions.