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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1941

Club Notes

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Club Notes

Debating

This Society has had a particularly successful year, and attendances at debates have been larger than for some time past—certainly than at any time since the outbreak of war. This is probably connected with the fact that despite the difficulties inevitable in war-time, debates have been held on subjects which are neither innocuous or trivial, but of real interest and social importance. Subjects of debates so far this year are as follows:—"That the evils of Fascism would be reproduced in a Communist state," "That the churches are playing a progressive role in the world today," "That pre-war liberty is a luxury we can no longer afford," "That New Zealand should hitch its wagon to the star-spangled banner," "That the teachings of Christ offer genuine hope to humanity to-day," "That the family in its present form is an institution suited to present-day needs." A debate was held with Training College on the value of University students in the outside world.

Victoria College speaker J. R. McCreary won the Bledisloe Medal with a speech on Harry Holland.

The Plunket Medal contest this year was probably unique in that it was won by a speaker in his first year at V.U.C., and that women speakers were placed second and third. Mr. L. Nathan, the winning speaker, delivered a stirring speech on V. I. Lenin, presenting a view of the relation between the Bolshevik leader and the Revolution new to many of his audience. Second and third were Miss B. Hutchison (Eve Curie) and Miss P. Hildreth (Hans Andersen). Other subjects chosen were T. E. Lawrence (N. G. Foley), John Ballance (B, S. Devine), Dick Sheppard (Dennis Hartley), Ernst Toller (Miss M. S. Sutch), and Josef Stalin (D. G. Castle).

Football

Although none of our sides managed to win a championship, the Club has had a very successful season. Four teams were maintained in the competitions and, in spite of losses throughout the season to the Services, each side finished well up in its grade.

The Senior team was a good one. Young, fast and determined, the forwards were a great pack, with Meads, the captain, outstanding. Shannon, MacLennan and Guy Smith represented Wellington during the year, and Meads and Shielley were also selected but were not able to play. Rowell, Cuming, Murphy and Masters were youngsters who impressed, while Webb finished off a solid year's work by being nominated for a New Zealand Blue. Other nominations were Meads, Shielley, Shannon and Grieg.

Owing to frequent injuries, the backs were never quite able to settle down, but Reilley, Shielley and Swinburne played some excellent football at times, and Stuckey distinguished himself by his tigerish defence. Mummery showed much promise as three-quarters.

The Juniors improved greatly during the season, with K. Smith, A. S. Mason and Coutts their stars.

Not the brilliant combination of former years, the colts, nevertheless, were a solid crew. They had an excellent forward trio in Bridson, R. K. Smith and Caldwell, with Annand and Berg the best of the rearguard.

Congratulations must go to Coach Bill Joll and Skipper Vance Henderson on the splendid showing of the Third B's.

Pickett Cup

For the first time in seven years we defeated Te Aute in the Annual Match at Waipukurau. Heavy rainfall turned the game into a forward battle, resulting in a personal triumph for Guy Smith, who, playing his last game for the Club, was the best forward on the ground. He was well supported by Murphy and Taylor, and capped off a great day's work with a fine try. The backs seemed unable to adapt themselves to the sticky conditions, but A. S. Mason went a good defensive game at half, while Full-back Berg was nearly faultless. Lloyd Mason received a nasty knock early in the game, but nevertheless he kicked a good pen-anty, and the score, 6—3 in our favour, was a very fair indication of the run of the play.

Men's Hockey

During the season the Men's Hockey Club has maintained its membership despite forebodings that there would be a shortage of players, due to present day conditions.

Commencing with four teams in the competitions, the Club entered a fifth, and at one stage actually fielded six teams. The sixth team could not, however, be maintained owing to lack of emergencies.

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The annual inter-University hockey tournament was this year held in Auckland, and our congratulations are extended to Auckland on winning the Seddon Stick.

The Victoria team tied with Canterbury for third place, losing to Auckland and Otago only. The Club was successful in gaining one N.Z. University blue, N. W. Kiddle playing as right full-back in the match against Auckland representatives.

T. H. Scott once more gained Wellington representative honours, and N. Kiddle was selected for emergency.

The Club as a whole had its usual successful season and many of the players in the lower grades show outstanding promise, and the prospects for the next season appear to be very bright.

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Tramping

The hills and valleys ever beckon and entice us. The lure of the mountains—glittering summits and secluded valleys—draws us unto the arms of mother nature. Filthy mud and sparkling snow, torrential deluge or warm sunshine, forest beauty or roaring cataract—all these, are the attractions for which we long.

The Club has again had an active year. Tough trips and "mighty restful" trips are all enjoyed. Salubrious week-ends like the Tauheranikau at the beginning of the year, and Stan Lowe's farewell at the catchpole, are combined with winter crossing (which, incidentally, didn't cross this year), and winter ascents of Mt. Arete and Mt. Crawford.

Many stalwarts have left our ranks to go overseas—Bill Bradshaw, Arthur Oliver, Paul Powell, and Stan Lowe amongst them—but the Club carries on.

Even as I write, skiing enthusiasts are disporting on the snow slopes at the Chateau Tongariro.

But the Southern Alps provide the highlights. Last summer a trip was made to the Waimakariri Headwaters, and this summer the Club will visit Godley Glacier. A glorious ten days amidst the splendour of New Zealand's highest mountains.

Chemical Society

The Society has been again active this year, when one excursion to Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratories, proving extremely popular, was held. Three speakers from outside the College have given interesting and instructive talks: Dr F. B. Shorland on Grasses and their composition; Mr T. Glendinning on Science and Teaching; Mr R. L. Andrew, Dominion Analyst, on The Work of the Dominion Laboratory. The remaining lectures were given by students and staff members.

The Annual Meeting closed with a talk by I. Morton on Genetics and Chemistry, and Mr E. P. White, who left the department soon afterwards, gave a most instructive talk upon the Chemistry of Life.

Attendance this year has been disappointing; with so many students in the department, we think some could have enough interest in a subject they are taking to come along. Not a great knowledge of chemistry is required to understand the majority of the lectures.

The Society also helped to give a farewell to Mr E. P. White on leaving the College, and an ex-chairman, Mr Ongley, made the presentation.

We hope that next year the Society will give more general talks of popular interest, and continue its policy of excursions.

Law Faculty

The Law Faculty Club has gained a new lease of life. During the second term a meeting was called to consider the amalgamation of the Law Faculty Club and the Wellington District Law Students' Society. An enthusiastic meeting resulted in a decision to carry on the functions of the two Societies in the name of the Law Faculty Club.

The Club is now taking part in numerous activitie Its debating team in the Wellington Union of Public Speaking Society's competition has to date been successful. Arrangements are being made for the production once again of the Students' Supplement to the New Zealand Law Journal. It seems that as in the past two years Wellington Students must be relied on for the majority of contributions and, although the apathy on the part of the other Colleges is to be deplored, our ability to continue the Supplement under present difficulties augurs well for its post-war future. The Club has been able to conduct a moot and is hoping to arrange an address by Mr Justice Blair.

The ability of the Law Faculty Club to conduct these activities is in no small way due to the help and encouragement of Professors Williams and McGechan, and members of the Faculty join in appreciation of their efforts.

Cricket

It was prophesied last year that in the season ahead "cricket would not be the same." If this Jeremiad referred to personnel it was certainly justified. For in the Christmas break, a goodly number of players "softly and silently vanished away" and were next heard of in the wilderness of North Rangitikei. The effect of this migration on our championship points was lamentable. Nevertheless, we had an enjoyable season in spite of statistics.

The Social Team did well, the Second Eleven reasonably well. The Seniors and the Fourth Grade found comfort in each other's misfortunes. There was a good attendance at practice nets throughout the season.

Wilson and Grieg were the Seniors' best batsmen, and Grieg and Densem their most successful bowlers. For the Seconds, Bruce and Moody batted well all through, and Moriarty was going well at the end of the season. Christie was the outstanding bowler.

Berg played some hefty knocks for the

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Fourths, and was ably supported by Osborne as the season went on. Almost everyone had a fling with the ball and the wickets were shared out all round. In the Social Team Moore and Campbell were the hopes of the side.

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Swimming

The Swimming Club last season carried out its full programme of activities as in previous years. Although most of the older Club members among the men were missing, and the Club membership dropped slightly as a result, the weekly Club nights were thoroughly enjoyed by those present.

At Tournament, Marie Malcolm gained third place in the women's 100 yards breast-stroke, which was won in record time. Dudley Lane from Massey gained third place in the men's 100 yards freestyle, and the relay team— Marie Malcolm, Jo Pound, Neville Turnbull and Dudley Lane—gained third place. The team, although faced with the difficulty of training in very cold water, turned out regularly each morning at 7 a.m. Members of the team were Marie Malcolm, Betty Walton, Jo Pound, Bruce Hands, Stewart Scoones, John Gillies, Neville Turnbull, and Dudley Lane.

The Club's Championship Cups were both won by freshers, Margaret White taking the women's cup and John Shanahan the men's. The Points Cup was won by Bruce Hands.

The polo team was very successful towards the end of the swimming season, under the capable leadership of Bob Hyslop.

Tennis

Although a great many of the Club's members are now overseas, the season has been both a good and a successful one.

Opening Day Tournament, held on September 21st, and Freshers' Tournament, held on March 8th, were the usual successful functions.

Owing to the reduced number of Club members, only three teams were entered in the W.L.T.A. Inter-club Competitions. As it was, the two men's teams were often difficult to field. The first men's team and the second women's team came up against some stiff opposition and were unfortunate in many of their losses.

The Inter-Varsity Tournament provides the brightest spot of the season for the Tennis Club. After many practices at Miramar the following were chosen to represent V.U.C. at Easter: Men—R. W. Baird, J. M. Cope, R. Larson, J. Brown, Ladies—G. Rainbow, N. Marshall, P. Monkman, B. Marsh, G. Macmorran.

After the first day's play on the Saturday, V.U.C. had a number of finalists and semi-finalists. Play was not resumed until Thursday, because of rain, and even then it was on the Paekakariki courts. The only titles won were the Men's Doubles by R. Baird and J. M. Cope, and the Men's Singles by J. M. Cope, and we congratulate them both.

Mathematics & Physics Society

This Society has built up a well merited reputation for interesting topical talks on a wide variety of scientific subjects, and this year is proving no exception. Apart from their educational value, the Society's activities provide a much needed link between members of the faculty and students, and the opportunities given for informal discussions are most welcome.

Photographic

The war has so greatly affected the availability of photographic materials that the activities of the Photographic Club have had to be greatly curtailed. Added to this, the Geology department took over our darkroom at the beginning of the year. This was a very great blow, especially as the Club had just obtained a very good modern enlarger. It is hoped to find new quarters in the not far distant future.

Some lectures have been held during the year, together with a second revival of the film "October." Difficulty however, is being experienced in arranging: meetings, several committees having been called up for military service since the last annual meeting. It is to be hoped that the administration of the Club will reach a more stable form next year.

Basketball

With a more than usually numerous band of enthusiasts the Basketball Club seemed likely, this year, to have an active and successful season. At the N.Z.U. Tournament held in Wellington at Easter, the Victoria rep. team, playing with outstanding speed and precision, all but succeeded in winning the Shield from the more experienced Aucklanders.

After Easter the team was unfortunate in losing two of its members, and later in the season, handicapped by a lack of training, it never quite recaptured Tournament form. However, the standard of play was high. The combination of the centres was excellent, their passing quick and reliable, and the defence proved formidable in breaking up tactics of the opposing backs. The goals were at a disadvantage through changes in their trio.

The second team seemed the most promising which the Club had produced for some time, and was entered in the Senior B Grade, but it too suffered from inadequate practice and from changes in players and position of pray.

Pixie Higgin again won a N.Z.U. Blue, and V.U.C. Blues were awarded to Pixie, Beryl Marsh and Caroline Abraham, to whom we offer our heartiest congratulations.

Dramatic

The Dramatic Club has had a badly curtailed year, losing most of the first term in camp. However, it started off as soon as extrav. was

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Evangelical Union

In common with the other Clubs in the College we have found that most of our men members have been claimed for Territorial or overseas service. Yet in spite of this we have had a pleasant year.

We began the year with a social at one of the member's homes, and we had a jolly evening. Fortunately this coincided with the visit of our Travelling Representative, the Rev. Basil H. Williams. After this we had a Sunday Tea at St. Giles' Presbyterian Church. One of our ex-members, C. Becroft, M.A., was with us and spoke at the tea. There were also several Otago College E.U. men present who were in camp at Trentham.

Several of our members went to the Annual Conference which was this year held in Christ-church at St. Andrew's College. The House and grounds were ideal, and in between studies and meetings we saw a good deal of Christ-church, and were taken all over Canterbury College. After Conference several of us took part in the Linwood Mission, the students of the four Colleges combined with the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Churches.

During the Winter Term the chief speaker of the Conference visited us: The Rev. Loane, Vice Principal of the Theological College (Anglican), Sydney. We held a Friday night meeting at the College, a tramp, followed by tea at the home of Beatrice Bade, then a social evening and a short address by our guest on Saturday. On Sunday we had a tea in the College Caf., and then had a service at the Cambridge Terrace Congregational Church.

The other activities of the Winter Term have been a Bible Study every Friday night and a Daily Prayer Meeting. We were invited to the Teachers' Training College on the occasion of the visit of Basil Williams, where we had an excellent tea followed by a service.

Considering that it has been the second year of war it has been a very happy one in our Union.

Defence Rifle Club

At a committee meeting of this Club, held towards the end of 1940, it was decided to suspend activities for the duration of the war. Ammunition was becoming increasingly difficult to procure, the Club was losing many of its stoutest members, and it was impossible to obtain the use of a range. Accordingly, the Club gear, records and finances were handed over to the Students' Association for safe keeping, and the Club trophies deposited in the hall at V.U.C.

There was no activity at all in the 1940-1 season, and although two of the other Colleges were willing to find teams and ammunition, the Haslam Shield matches were unable to be held at the Easter Tournament.

Athletic

The most outstanding features of the 1940-41 season's activities were the large attendances on Club nights and on training nights, and the keeness displayed by all members throughout. Points for the Old Members' Cup were keenly contested and many of the newer members of the Club successfully held their own against more experienced athletes. This influx of new blood into the Club augurs well for the coming season as many of these youth athletes have already gained laurels and much valuable experience while still at school. Many members of the Club turned out regularly just with the object of keeping fit and not for competitive reasons.

The Club is indeed fortunate in having the use of the basement at Weir House for changing and showering, and to the Weir House Management Committee goes the Club's thanks. The Club is also grateful to R, G. Freeman who so tirelessly coached members throughout the season, and who ungrudgingly gave his time and valuable advice whenever called upon.

Awards of trophies for the season were made to the following Club members:—

Dunbar Cup (most points in Open Competition)—J. Sutherland.

Heinemann Cup (most improved athlete)— G. Rowberry.

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Ladies' Cup (best performance at Inter Faculty)—J. Sutherland.

Te Oram Cup (most points at Inter-Faculty)— D. Tossmann.

Old Members' Cup (most points at Club'smeetings)—D. Tossman.

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V.U.C. S.C.M.

During the year we have been fortunate in having Dr. T. Z. Koo, Travelling Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation, visiting us. Two meetings were held, one at the home of Mr. Cochran, during the vacation, and one in the Music Room, unfortunately on the last night of extrav. They were useful to those attending them. A report of the big meeting appears in "Salient," in the second issue of the Second Term.

We have had two functions for freshers at the beginning of Term, one which was addressed by the President of the Students' Association last year, and a Saturday walk at the beginning of this. A Bible Study group has also been held for full timers on St. Luke's Gospel. During the year there have been a number of Saturday evening meetings on the following topics: "Revivalist Religion, is it retentive?", "The place of prophecy in the Christian Life," "Nationality and the Kingdom of God," "Fate and Personal Will," and "Christianity and Sex." We also combined with the Wellington District Council of the S.C.M. in a day of prayer held at Vivian Street Baptist Church, which was addressed by Mr F. Engel, our travelling secretary. He also addressed a meeting in A4 on the history of the S.C.M. during the Second Term.

But in spite of all these activities, the year has been a most disappointing one, both from the lack of effect the Movement has had on the University and from the non-increase in members, which one normally associates with a growing and developing movement of any sort. In spite of these setbacks, the executive looks forward with confidence to the future.

Women'S Hockey

This year the V.U.C. Women's Hockey Club has been on the upgrade. For the last two years, there has been considerable lack of interest in the Club, but this year, under the capable and enthusiastic captainship of Daisy Filmer, the Club has shown something of its old vigour. At the beginning of the season, the shortage of old members of the Club made it impossible to enter a team for the N.Z.U. Hockey Tournament.

A systematic drive for new players was made, with gratifying results, and half way through the second term, another team was entered in the Wellington Association Competitions, this meaning that V.U.C. had two women's hockey teams for the first time in three years. The successes of the teams, although not numerous, have been most encouraging, and the standard of play is undoubtedly rising. With a little more practice together, the Senior team should manage to regain Senior A Grade next year. The Junior team, though lacking in experience as yet, makes up for skill with an enthusiasm which portends greater things in the future.

Gramophone Recitals

Regular and frequent "request" recitals have been maintained throughout the first two terms of the session, with a total attendance of some 450 persons. This much may be reported at the time of writing.

It is expected that during the third term the "request" recitals will continue, and in addition regular programmes, lists of which have been posted on the notice boards, will be played twice a week.

We take this opportunity of drawing your attention to the fact that The Gramophone is There for the Use of Students. There is a catalogue in the Music Room of the available records, which you are at liberty to consult at any time. Make known any requests you have to a member of the Gramophone Committee, who will arrange with you a convenient time for a recital.

It is to be noted, however, that recitals must be arranged for at least a day ahead, and preferably at longer notice. This allows time for the recital to be advertised for the benefit of others who might also like to hear the music you have selected. Secondly, we must remind you that the actual records and machine are to be handled and used by Committee members only.

Harrier

Our policy is to encourage people who want to come out for an afternoon's exercise without any wish for competitive running, and the Idle Along Pack has been popular this year.

On the other hand, Frank O'Flynn, energetic club captain, has not encouraged loafing in the fast pack, and by his own personal example has inspired his team-mates to mighty efforts. By running second in the Provincial Championships, he recorded the best performance since the inception of the Club of any V.U.C. harrier in this race. The Club's veterans turned out at Dannevirke, and magnificent running by Frank O'Flynn, Ross Scrymgeour, Myles O'Connor and Dick Danniell resulted in our returning with the Anderson Trophy.

The Dixon Trophy Race

Twenty-two successive days of rain had left the Silverstream course in a terrible condition when 24 runners from the four Colleges were sent off for the start of the N.Z.U. Cross Country Championships on August 23rd. Frank O'Flynn took the lead in the first mile from Coombes (O.U.) and Kirkwood (O.U.). Dick Daniell, Peter de la Mare and G. Rowberry were bunched together and at the end of the first lap were running 9th, 10th, and 11th, with Ian Morton and Ralph Fenton further back. Meanwhile Frank O'Flynn had increased his lead from Coombes and finished

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strongly to win by 35 seconds, becoming Victoria's third individual title-holder since the inception of the race. G. Rowberry, never at his best over rough country, ran magnificently to move up to seventh place, with Peter de la Mare and Dick Daniell just behind him. But with four V.U.C. men in the first ten, the fate of the trophy was still in doubt till Marshall (Otago's fourth man) just beat I. Morton in a desperate sprint to the tape, giving Otago the Dixon Trophy by one point from Victoria, in the closest finish in the history of the race.

The final result was:—

1. Otago (Coombes 2, Kirkwood 5, Stafford 6, Marshall 12). Total 24.

2. Victoria (O'Flynn 1, Rowberry 7, de la Mare 8, Daniell 9). Total 25.

Once again the Club's many friends have extended hospitality to us, and to them all we are deeply grateful. We especially would like to mention Mr G. F. Dixon, Club President and donor of the Dixon Trophy, whose continued interest and goodwill leaves us greatly in his debt. Our best wishes go with all those past and present members of the Club who have gone or are about to go overseas.

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Biological Society

Tramping up to Field Hut or to the Tauheranikau Valley, is a privilege enjoyed usually by only the Tramping Club, but this year the Biological Soc. emerged from under a bushel, and visited these places too. And how much more interesting it is when the flora and fauna beckon so enticingly; when under dead logs and fallen leaves, the teeming animal life is revealed. And happy is the wag hunter.

Guided by Mr Zotov of the Plant Research Dept., botanists had the time of their lives on these weekend excursions, and we must thank him for his keen interest in the Society.

Titahi Bay was visited one Sunday—a glorious day on which the snow-capped peaks of the Tararuas provided a delightful background to the rock faces teaming with marine life. Wainui Valley was also visited, but this was not such a good day.

For the entertainment of Biologists, Mr D. Hobbs of the Marine Dept. talked very inter-estingly on trout, Dr H. H. Allan, Director of the Botany Division, described the different ways of seed dispersal, and Mr Salmon, of the Dominion Museum, enlightened us as to the harmful and helpful ways of insects.

Two film evenings helped things along, and altogether it was a very successful year.

Boxing

The Easter Tournament, held in Wellington this year, was the culminating point in the Club's activities, activities featuring keen and strenuous training on the part of most members. Training for some began in January of the New Year—others were forced to rely on Territorial routine for their training. In March, more joined in, but a keen half dozen or so were about all who attended the training nights. Tim Tracy's gymnasium was utilized for this purpose, and we would like to take this opportunity of thanking him for this, and for the expert way in which he trimmed us into shape.

A Thursday night, and Wellington College gymnasium was not packed to capacity. Nor, indeed, were there entries for all the weights. The programme, however, was supplemented by exhibition bouts from local gymnasiums, and a satisfying evening's entertainment was provided.

The result of everything was that G. Cuming (light-heavy), A. Doak (middle), B. Jacobson (welter), D. Cohen (light), D. Muir (feather), N. Perry (bantam), represented us at the inter-College Tournament. Congratulations to B. Jacobsen (N.Z. Blue also), D. Muir, and G. Cuming, who received Blues.