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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1938

Mathematical and Physical Society

Mathematical and Physical Society

An innovation this year was a combined Dinner-Dance held at the Mockador in July. This proved a tremendous success, forty past and present members of the society being fortunate enough to attend. It is hoped that this will be the first of a long series, and it is encouraging that the first one should have been such a success.

The meetings held during the 1938 session were very well attended, probably on account of the new policy of the society to make lectures slightly less advanced in the theory connected with them, and to provide variety. The first paper of the year was given by Mr. G. Searle, M.Sc., who spoke on "The Fundamentals of Directive Antennae."

This lecture, which was most comprehensive, opened by giving a general discussion of antennae and continued by showing its application to short-wave, broadcast and direction finding.

The society is indebted to Professor Florance who kindly gave a lecture on the "Life and Works of Lord Rutherford." This was made all the more interesting by the personal touches added by the speaker, who was fortunate enough to have studied under New Zealand's most distinguished scientist.

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During the session two lectures were given on popular mathematical subjects—Mr. C. Palmer, M.Sc., spoke on "Philosophy of Mathematics," and Dr. J. Campbell on "Mathematical Statistics." Mr. Palmer pointed out that in the last century the foundations of mathematics have been severely criticised, and Dr. Campbell showed the important part that statistics play in all branches of the modern commercial world.

Three lectures were given by experienced men outside the University. Mr. Gentry presented an interesting paper on the "Historical Development of Telegraphy/". During the evening students were able to see a teleprinter working on the bench. Dr. Marsden's lecture was, as usual, well attended. This address on modern "Geophysical Survey," was followed by films which showed the practical men at work and the apparatus they used. Mr. Thomsen, from the Dominion Observatory, read a paper on "The System of the Universe," which proved of considerable interest to members. The society is indebted to these men, who show that there is a great difference between theory and practice, as they give the students an opportunity of seeing the practical application of the theoretical work they learn at University.

Visits were arranged during the session to Victoria traffic tunnel and Filmcraft Studios.

The society is indebted to Mesdames Florance and Miles who so kindly provided the suppers which add to the popularity of the society.