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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1933. Volume 4. Number 1.

Weir Wail. — First Shots from the Weir Front

Weir Wail.

First Shots from the Weir Front.

At last the hour is arrived—the gong is struck am the door has been opened. Those of us who were privileged to see His Excellency march courageously up to the front steps twirling a gold key round his little finger, and then with a wild whoop of joy spring at the front portals and hurst them open midst the frenzied applause of a gigantic multitude there as sembled, no doubt sighed with rapture at the magnitude of the undertaking. We can confidently assert that the opening of Weir House marks the beginning of a new and enlightened era in the history of the whole world. As one looks round the grave faces assembled in the dining-room, one cannot but marvel at the galaxy of virtue, high character, genius, and moral courage. Never before, we venture to say, has such a company been met together. Not even in the councils of Cesare Borgia was such wisdom.

We have but one complaint. At present the air of "sapientia magis" seems rather lacking. As, however, the corridors at night hum with student brains seeking a new motto, this will no doubt soon be rectified. "Domus a domo" was of course suggested and rejected as dog-Latin. At present "Vivimus, edimus, bibimus," or "Vitality edible and bibulous," holds the field.

Let me introduce you to the green-linolenmed, brown-walled, and yellow-curtained Common Room. Here is a room to defy the Women's Common Room. With its "Modern Renaissance" architecture (note-that the Women's Common Room has no architecture at all), its futuristically designed rugs, and its fine oak table, it breathes an atmosphere of refined repose. Here one may retire from the forays, the dirt and bad company of the Men's Common Room to quiet and scholarly conversation. Here is no sign of that "lack of polite phraseology" which an authority deems to mar many New Zealand students

The bedrooms and studies are furnished with equal splendour. If man can be influenced by his surroundings, surely we will be intellectual giants. But, alas! even we have a black sheep in our midst. Not twenty minutes ago one was heard to remark that the long corridors reminded him of prison. Spare us, dear Sir; we assure that we are taking immediate steps to purify ourselves and to throw out the guilty one. Rut come, now; sit in this easy chair. It provides excellent exercise for the development of a large paunch. The chair can be made convex or concave! How will you have it?

At present we are excellent friends with the cook, though the maids may spoil her effects by serving us with sweets first. We are free-thinking, and mind no how our food comes—as long as it is food.