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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1937. Volume 8. Number 2.

On a Theme: Action

On a Theme: Action

In last week's issue we addressed ourselves to "freshers" in an endeavour to impress upon them the urgent need there is for them to sit up and take an interest in all branches of student activity at V.U.C. Our remarks in that direction need not have applied only to these newcomers. There are certain fields up here from which they are barred by virtue of their minority. To last year's freshers and older students, therefore, we now issue what we should like to be more than an appeal—rather, perhaps, a challenge.

There are, in the immediate future two events in the life of the College which are of such importance as to command the interest of everyone. The first is the Annual Meeting of the Students' Association which has as its purpose such vital matters as a proposal to increase the Stud. Ass. fee and amendments to the constitution. All of you have been here for more than a year now. You know how the Students' Association is run and why. You will also, if you're worth a tin of fish, have formulated ideas of your own on the subject. Now, the right place to air these opinions is at the General Meeting. We know all about the common-room criticism of the Executive and other administrative bodies, but the correct and most effective place to criticize is at a full meeting of the Student body. And why not make it a full meeting? If we remember rightly, the last general meeting was attended by about one hundred students—think of it, about a seventh or less of the College—a damned disgraceful state of affairs. It is your duty—in your own interest-to be there. Usually the only people who go are those who want something, and you let them get away with it in "packed" meetings. It is high time such a situation was remedied.

The second event of major importance, is the inter-University Colleges' Tournament to be held during Easter, this year at Christchurch. Admittedly, the number of people who can represent the College and do their bit in actual combat, so to speak, is limited. But there are many more—and there should be—who are required to guarantee the success of the team. There should be little need to emphasise the necessity for people with the requisite ability to get into training and fill the gaps in our team, but we are afraid that even this needs to be brought home rather more forcibly to some. But then, the whole College can do something in this business. If everyone were to get a Tournament complex—take a lively interest in the whole show, work up some kind of enthusiasm about our hopes—it would be a very real source of encouragement and inspiration to our representatives, and we'd jolly soon lose those cursed "Wooden Spoons." As it is, we know for a fact, that there are people in this College who, in the past, have not been interested enough to ascertain the result of one Tournament event. The psychological effect of knowing that the College wanted them to win would be a great incentive to any team, we feel sure. Well, you have just over two weeks to do something about it. Remember, supporters travelling to Christchurch would be very welcome—and you could do worse than spend your Easter holidays by the Avon, anyway.