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The call that has summoned the Weir House men at extravaganzas, pub crawls and tournaments to their spirited though rather unorthodox haka, will probably be heard less frequently at 'Varsity functions henceforth. The joie de vivre that prompted these vociferous displays of ego remains undiminished, despite the seriousness of the international situation and the increase in boarding fees; the haka, however, will, for some occasions at least, be dispensed with in favour of a ceremonial one, which, although less stirring, is more dignified and academic.

In spite of the announcement of the abolition of the age qualification, the victims of the annual purge were unusually numerous. The extent of the exodus was increased by the voluntary departure of a further large number of residents.

The new residents, who almost outnumbered the rest, have entered into house and 'Varsity activities with an enthusiasm that has been well maintained. Inspired by an energetic committee, the house has made its presence felt in many 'Varsity clubs, setting an example in regular attendance at fixtures and practices.

In sporting activities Weir has taken an active part. Larkin has played regularly for the Senior A Rugby team. Corkill played an outstanding game for the seniors against Massey, and has captained the Senior B team of which eight players came from Weir. In the promising Third A colts team more than half the players were Weir residents, and Papps was captain. Weir House has supplied prominent and enthusiastic members to other grades also.

At Tournament three-eighths of the winning rowing team came from Weir. Adams and Irving deservedly won N.Z. Blues for athletics, and in boxing, shooting and swimming we were well represented. As for supporters—it was the mellowed Weir voice which gave the body to the best and most spirited hakas.

The house football team has done well. The Ruru Shield match against the 'Varsity XV was a fast and interesting game, 'Varsity winning 14—6. The game against Massey College has become an annual fixture. Weir won a good game comfortably last year, and, despite the ravages of measles, won again this year, the score being 11—3. This game was the preliminary to the North v. South Island University game, played at Palmerston North at the end of August, and realising our good fortune we did not intend to let the football council regret it.

Early in the year the annual North v. South cricket match was played at Maidstone Park, where, despite a hurricane innings for the South by Harpur, the North won for the first time—and by the narrow margin of 10 runs. Hutt residents must have been relieved when the railcar bore the cricketers homewards. The corresponding Rugby game was played strenuously under the worst winter conditions. Although on the same day, at Athletic Park, the North Island failed badly, their representatives at Weir—thanks to a try by Parker—managed to retain the Kelburn Keg. Among the outstanding players were Larkin, Ongley, Corkill, Bannister and Langley-Rugby names as prominent in the V.U.C. football club as they are at Weir.

The appointment of an ex-resident, Mr. R. C. Bradshaw, to the position of Warden has proved a complete success. Although this cannot be attributed

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entirely to the experience of house affairs gained during his term of office on the committee of the Association, it would seem to show that the precedent of appointing an ex-resident as Warden could well be followed in the future.

Capping Week saw Weir residents doing yeoman service as Cappicade salesmen, and members of the haka party. Weir was also well represented in the cast of the extravaganza.

The annual dinner, held at the end of the 1937 session, was remarkable for the unanimity of the speakers (mostly older residents) in praising the abolition of the age qualification. Mr. Horsley added variety with a learned speech in his best Shavian style.

This year, although we have had few lectures by guest speakers, we have relied more on our own resources for entertainment on Sunday nights. The problem was solved by arranging a series of speeches by residents. A varied range of subjects was dealt with and the talks were well received. The highlight of the year was Dr. McElwain's talk on his travels and experiences in Europe.

During the last 'Varsity holidays Weir farewelled Bill Combs, a Shirtcliffe Scholar, and one of the many ex-residents who have gone abroad to further their studies.

In common with institutions of its kind, Weir is building up a tradition. This process was furthered shortly after the session commenced, when, for the first time in the history of the house, an initiation ceremony was held. Baptism (by immersion) was administered with appropriate ceremony at the horse-trough at the 'Varsity corner.