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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 1

Club Notes

page 8

Club Notes.

The Student Christian Movement.

"They said unto him: 'Master, where dwellest Thou?' He said unto them: 'Come and see!'"

That is our invitation to you. We want your enthusiasm, your co-operation and friendship, your ideas and criticism—but before you criticise, come and see. Come to the opening address. It is on March, 9th, and will be given at 'Varsity by the Rev. Gordon McKenzie, ex-chairman of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement, whose subject will be : "The Bible in Modern Life." Early in April there will be an address on the Sino-Japanese question. Both these will be followed by open forum, when questions and opinions are welcomed. These are problems that matter, and it is our job to come along and think about them.

After the first address names will be collected of those wishing to join study groups. The Student Christian Movement provides an opportunity for study and discussion in small groups on subjects vital to student youth—international problems, the relations between men and women, the life of Jesus and His place in the world to-day. In these groups we face facts, exchange findings, and seek to solve some of the practical problems of daily life. Religion is not one department of life or a social anesthetic for its pain. It is an ever-springing power and presence within a man that can be felt equally in lecture-rom, dance-hall, and cathedral.

God is not like an aspirin, to be taken to relieve a headache. He is the daily bread by which men live.

come, but even the hoary will enjoy themselves.

On Easter Sunday all Victoria Students and the Tournament representatives are invited to attend a special Communion Service at St. Paul's ProCathedral. at 9.30 a.m. After the motor-drive in the afternoon, there will be a tea, at 'Varsity if possible, followed by a short Student Service at The Terrace Congregational Church, where the Minister will be the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., President of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement. Immediately after the service a mystery play, "Eager Heart." will be performed in the Church by members of the Student Christian Movement. A church full of students will make this evening the best part of the tournament.

The Rev. James R. Young. M.A., "sometime Travelling Secretary, Chairman, Treasurer, etc., and still Debtor of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement" (to use his own words), will be giving a series of five addresses during the week, April 11th-17th. The week-end immediately following there will be a camp (not at Hutt Park), where in camp-fire, study groups, fun and fellowship we gain the new vision, the exhilaration and the power that enable us when we go back to the routine

"To know the sorrow of the world.
To face the tyranny of wrong,
And yet to feel God everywhere,
And still to hear the Angels' song."

Mathematical and Physical Society.

The various papers presented before the M. and P. Society during 1931 were thoroughly enjoyed by large attendances of members. Probably the most interesting lecture and demonstration was that given by the Chief Engineer of the Western Electric Company in New Zealand, on "Talkies," when over 250 students were present.

As the substance of these papers is usually outside the scope of the normal) lecture course, a very profitable medium is provided whereby all interested in mathematics and physics may meet on common ground and discuss their problems. A most cordial invitation is extended to freshers and others to attend the meetings of the Society during the 1932 session, which will be advertised on the Hall notice-board from time to time.

The Hui Marae.

On the 28th November the Hui Marae held a bridge evening to raise funds for the common room. At supper-time the guest of honour paralysed the attentive committee by preferring tea to the good rich coffee provided. But stout hearts know no defeat, and happily Brookie was not there to guard the precincts of the professors. Rapidly foraging figures soon returned triumphant, and fragrant tea testified to the good taste of a certain professor, and saved our reputaiton.

Our next meeting, on the 24th of this month, was in a beautiful newly-papered common room, hung with our lovely pictures and adorned with hydrangeas and magnolias.

Our weary Pen did his best at this second bridge party to deal with the tournament billeting difficulty. Who would have believed that Margaret would fail to listen sympathetically to such a speaker? One loquacious red-headed woman seemed not to have noticed that someone else was talking. The speaker turned away dejected, having for solo encouragement the brightly expressed desire of a daughter of a highly-placed legal official to dispose of unsympathteic parents in order to help him. She feared, though, they would be immovable.

Both bridge parties were a success, and our pleasantly refreshed room is paid for. If it is to remain good to live in, please, women of Victoria, soften down and cultivate a few gentle manners. Above all, in the name of posterity we implore you do not put your feet up against the new and precious wallpaper, or strike matches on the pictures.

Dramatic Club.

The Dramatic Club opened the year with a series of vacation Headings, and the following Plays were read:—"The Ship" (St. John Ervine); "The Young Idea" (Noel Coward), 'The High Road" (Lonsdale), "Journey's End" (Sherriff), The Readings on the whole were fairly well attended, and were enjoyed by everyone concerned. A special welcome night for Freshers is being organised for the 11th March, and three One-act Plays will be presented that evening, followed by a short dance in the Gym.

Freshers will have every opportunity of taking part in the Readings, as the Casting Committee makes every effort to search out new talent. Previous experience is of no importance, and the Secretary will be glad to receive the names of any who are willing to read.

It is important that intending members should hand their names in to the Secretary, as the Annual Show of the year is being presented early in the second term.

Amongst the Plays available for reading this year are: "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." "Autumn Crocus," "After All." "London Wall," "The Improper Duchess."

page 9

Tennis Club.

For several weeks about October and November last year, the Tennis Club was very much in the public eye. The reconstruction of the courts offered an excellent subject for discussion as a relief from November swot, and full advantage was taken of it. Since the completion of the work a few minor points have been raised, but members generally are well satisfied with the work.

A successful opening ceremony was held on Saturday, 28th November. Professor F. P. Wilson, the patron of the Club, introduced Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., who, after a short and appropriate speech, declared the courts open and served the first ball. Visitors included Mr. Arthur Fair, K.C., and Mr G. F. Dixon (both of whom were present at the original opening ceremony of the courts 25 years ago), Mrs. F. P. Wilson, Mr Malcolm Fraser, Mr. and Mrs N. Goldie, Mr. S. Eichelbaum, Mr. and Mrs, A. R. F. Mackay, Miss Wood, Mr. W. E. Leicester, Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Miles, Mr. and Mrs A. D. Monro, Mr. H. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, Professor and Mrs. Adamson, and Mr. T. Kane. The afternoon tea provided was apparently enjoyed by all.

A successful Yankee Tournament was held on the following Saturday, some very close scoring being recorded in a number of games. The Tournament was won by Phil. Webb and Miss Mildred Briggs.

Since the opening, the courts have been well patronised, in fact, members coming up after work have at times found difficulty in getting in more than one or two sets. This has been partly due to the Club championships, which are being well contested and are beginning to take on a more interesting aspect.

This season the Club has entered several teams in the inter-club matches at Miramar, but; apparently due to the small amount of practice, brought about by the late opening of the courts, only moderate success has come our way

An important branch of the Committee's activity at present is the raising of funds towards paying off the debt on the courts. A bridge evening was held in the Gymnasium during December, and, in spite of the unfortunate weather conditions, the affair was a social and financial success. Other money-making schemes are at present in operation, and students will be asked to support further functions in the near future. More of this will be heard in good time.

The Committee wish to take this opportunity to extend a cordial welcome to all Freshers, and to invite them to make every use of the Clubs facilities. For further particulars of the club we refer you to the S.C.M. Handbook.

University Bursaries.

Word has been received from the Education Department that the allowance to Bursars for class fees will be as for 1931, viz., half-fees with a maximum of £10.

G. G. S. Robison, Registrar.

Cruelty to Animals.

"You are earnestly requested to report to the S.P.C.A. any act of cruelty you may notice."— "Evening Post," February 27th. Verily a sympathetic press.

Fresher Lore.

Heigh, ho. Freshers! Heigh, ho! We're glad to see you, and hope you'll soon be of us as well as with us. To this end a few helpful hints:

First, let us survey the Precincts: That stately red brick pile, lying to the north-west of the Students' Association Building, is the College itself and vice-versa. The College is embossed with the paradox "Sapientia Magis Auro Desideranda," the answer being, "Oh, yeah?" This motto is, of course derived from S M A D.

Freshers may occupy any part of the Students' Building verandah, but may not enter the portico at the eastern end—there lies the garden where perennially nod and blow the Tall Poppies of the College.

In the College Library you read, in the Lecture Rooms you mark (or get, marked) and learn, and in the Cafeteria (we hope) you inwardly digest. Food should not be taken from the Cafeteria—hence the saying "immovable feast."

Freshers meeting a Professor in the corridors are expected to doff their hats and stand at the Qui Vive, with chest dilated and nostrils akimbo until the Presence passes.

Freshers are enjoined to refrain from mocking Professors; they can't help themselves—they are here to help you. Always remember that the Professor of a Faculty is not necessarily a Professor of faculty.

Cigarette butts must not be thrown about the corridors, but should be left with Brookie. By the way, Brookie does not collect cigarette coupons for flappers. (Honi soit qui mal y pense!)

Books may not be taken from the Library except by students taking them out. There is no exception to this rule, except the exception proving the rule, and that in this case is a legal fiction. (No reference to detective stories is intended).

Freshers will probably notice, without our saying so. that the Common-common Room is a very uncommon Common-common Room.

No, the escalator does not escalate; you must walk up and down, but only one way at a time.

In conclusion, verb, sap.: Do not thwart Brookie.

Depression.

'Tis our impression
That this. Depression
Now in possession
Is an obsession—
A psychological
Pathological
Neurological
Damned illogical
Damned obsession—
That's our impression
Of this Depression—
A reprehensible
Incomprehensible
Indefensible
Damned insensible
Damned aggression—
That's our impression
That's our impression
Of this Depression.