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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1931. Volume 2. Number 2.

Shepherds Of Sheep

page 8

Shepherds Of Sheep.

The Editor, "Smad."

Dear Sir,—

The present economic crisis is receiving wise and serious consideration from the gentlemen who so carefully conduct the affairs of this College. It is an unfortunate habit of some of our younger and more scattered-brained students to attack and vilify the white-headed protectors of our youth and in experience. Such an attitude is not only to be deplored but also to be condemned. The benefits which we received from the dear Professors are so many that the time has come for me to lift my student pen in the praise of my mentors.

Let us for a moment forget all pettiness and narrow-mindedness and look at the matter in the broad light of reason.

First the question of bursaries Could anything have been finer than that dignified march on Parliament? Do you forget the restrained but dignified protest written for the occasion by the revered Classicist. The opening words, "Hic bursarius necesse est ad omes pupillos," lit a torch which has blazed through the length of the land, not to mention the breadth.

Then, again, let us not forget the matter of fees. In other places places I have learnt you had to tell the authorities that you were in reduced circumstances, that you were suffering from "the cut," that your furniture was on the time-payment sstem, and so on. All was different at Victoria College. And our eyes shone with gratitude when we saw these words on the notice-board: "Fees may be paid in four equal quarterly payments on the 31st. day of March, May, July, and September." What generosity, what foresight in such a wise provision!

Another matter comes to my mind. In hard grasping centres of learning it is the custom to collect the fees for the November examinations on the 1st. day of July, and thus reap many months of interest on same. Not so at our Utopian school. We are to be given, we understand, until the 1st day of September to find sufficient funds to enter for the examination. Verily there be Daniels come to judgment.

I think I have said enough to convince you that the powers that be are devoted to our interests. Let me add one more significant point known to but few. Months ago, before there was an talk of salary cuts, our learned staff voluntarily gave up 10 per cent, of their salaries. O bon cives! O felix civitas Please keep this last unparallelled deed a close secret.

Yours faithfully.

Culloden.