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The Editorial Committee invites contributions, either in prose or verse, on my subject of general interest, from students or officials connected with the College. An literary communications should be addressed to The Editor, Victoria College, Wellington.
Subscriptions are now due. And are payable to Mr. E.S. Rutherford. Financial Secretary, Victoria College.
Vol. VIII No. I
"Enfants des homes... De vos soins quell est le fruit? Par quelle erreur... Achetez-vous si souvent Non un pain qui vous repaise Mais une ombre qui vous laisee Plus affiames que devant?" Racine
IN this country there seems to be a most careless neglect of literary talent; the public are not slow to recognise the merits of writings which have been appraised in which would enable them to recognise for themselves works of merit. There is no encouragement for the establishment of a literary school amongst us; and why? The encouragement of literature is in the hands of our educational institutions and of our newspaper. And these bodies fail.
In our primary schools there is still a regard for the rules of grammar that allows of little times for the reading of classics. The children spend their time at spelling or at learning rules of syntax which are incomprehensible to those who read so little; there is too much theory and far too little practice. The secondary schools fail in much the same respect. The pupils at most of those schools are limited to one or two good works each
Then when a matriculated student comes to the University, his knowledge of the literature of his own language is a most hopelessly inadequate foundation for a thorough literary training; which is perhaps the reason for the literature course being allowed to remain in its present unsatisfactory condition. At present the student is not encouraged to read widely or well—in fact, his best course is to read little, and to have no opinions of his own. If he spends too much time in wide reading or in original thought he is wasting time as far as his examinations are concerned. In the prescribed course in English language and literature, for instance. It is possible, and an annual occurrence, for students to pass examinations in set books without seeing within these books covers. It is feasible, and a most usual practice, for students to pass an examination on a certain period of literature without a first-hand acquaintance with the works of any of the authors of that period. And the amount of essay writing that the average student does in a year is not even sufficient to show him some of the limitations of his own style and vocabulary. But the University Senate is obstinately persistent in resisting all proposed improvements.
Apart altogether from our educational institutions, however, it is in the power of our newspapers to do much to encourage literary talent. They certainly do not do so at present. A man of literary abllity who joins the staff of a newspaper, can find little congenial work under the present conditions of newspaper management. And a degree of journalism which was suggested a short while back, was scoffed at by the papers. One paper went so far as to assert that a University training was a handicap to a man entering the profession of journalism. Certainly the average New Zealand newspaper does nothing to educate the public taste. The papers do not welcome to their columns work of literary ability; even their criticisms, which should give some scope for talent are governed by the advertising columns. The whole standard of writing in the papers is not a high one, and to raise that standard would be to develop the literary taste of all those who peruse the papers.
Some day, of course, all this may be improved. There certainly is room for improvement in every direction. In our schools the pupils can be taught to appreciate good literature;
In the University the room for improvement is even greater. The present pass degree in literature abounds in absurdities. It is absurd, to take an instance, that a student who goes no further than his B.A. should waste time in cramming up the translations of certain set pieces of Anglo-Saxon when he is not required to learn anything more of the language. And as we pointed out, the student need not read the books of the year. We are afraid that until the work done during the year is the chief consideration in granting a degree, there can be little improvement. Under the existing system, after passing terms, which in some cases is painfully simple, the student is examined by a man who knows nothing of what that student has done during the year. The examiners' idiosyncrasies are studied beforehand, and his opinions are eagerly devoured, so that when the examination arrives the student can repeat in parrot-like fashion the criticisms that he has so carefully read. It is scandalous that the present anomalies should be allowed to exist. The only way to remedy the greatest defects is to devisee course which will absolutely necessitate that the student reads for himself during the year and that he reads with sufficient care to enable him to appreciate or criticize. So long as the examinations are conducted from England, the student will cram his subjects because it is profitable. As soon, however, as a recommendation by the student's Professor is made the chief requisite for a degree, so soon will the student find it necessary to do really profitable literary work. The student will them find—if our Professors are capable to any degree, and they are —that he must study the language and literature for himself. A student who is liable to be questioned at any time on his work nation at the end of the year only. The Professor can and will see, from the work he is setting his students, that they are really profiting by what they read; that their talents are really being developed, and that their originality is being encouraged. Such a change would benefit the student, and give some satisfaction to the Professor.
Our newspapers at Present seem hopeless. And they reach a vast public which is beyond the influence of our secondary schools and Universities. Let the newspapers see that their writings are something more than a fleeting criticism or recital of the events of the day. We cannot complain of them as newspapers pure and simple; but is it a true reflection of the spirit of the age that they should remain at their present low standard? We venture to think not; we venture to assert that the papers would be held in far greater esteem if they were to publish daily articles of literary value of short stories of real merit-not mere "pot boilers. " The criticisms—dramatic, musical, and literary—of the newsysyers would if they were written by really seem that, provided that a man can write at all intelligibly, it matters not what education he has received, he is fit to become a journalist.
We know that there are difficulties in the way of every reform. We have very definite view on what the magazine of a University College should be. In our opinion, such a magazine should most certainly not be devoted for the most part to reports of the doings of clubs. The chief features of such magazines should be writings of a really literary character—it matters not whether they take the form of short stories, essays, verse, or ought else. Unfortunately, however, it is wondrously difficult to induce students to write anything at all—and the editors of a University College magazine are not all chosen for any marked literary ability. But we can at least signify our ideals in the hope that in the future at least, The Spike will be able to rise above the level of mere report, and will be such as to command the respect which should be given to the official organ of a body of nearly five hundred University students.
* * * * *
We have to welcome to our midst Mr. F.P. Wilson, M.A., and Mr. C.A. Cotton, M.Sc., who have been appointed lectures in Economics and Geology respectively. These gentlemen are double welcome by reason of the fact that they are both New Zealand graduates—Mr, Wilson of ours, and Mr. Cotton of Otago.
Patron: Professor H.B.Kirk. Prsident: F.A.Wilson. Vice-Presidents: Miss L. Molntosh and J.F. Thompson. Hon. Secretary: T.N. Holmden. Committee Misses E.R. Fell E.M. Sampson, and M.R. Barkas. And Messrs J. McL Hogben, E. Lyoo, A. H. J. Bogle and A.T. Duancan. Hon Auditor: G. W. Reid. Delegates to University Tournament Committee: J. McL. Hogben and D.S. Smith.
President: A. MacDougall. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer : Miss M. E. Hales. Committee: Misses M.E. Gibbs and E. Watson, and Messrs F. A. de la Mare and S. Eichelbaum.
Patron: His Excelleney the Governor. President : Professor James Adamson, M.A. Vice-Presidents : John Mason and G.H. Gibb. Hon. Secretary : R. Kennedy. Hon Treasurer : A.D, Brodie. Committee: Misses E.R. Fell and E. M Sampson, Messrs V.B. Willis and E.S. Rutherfurd. Hon. Auditor : H.D. Skinner.
Women's Branch.— President : Mrs Adamson. Chairwoman : Miss M./r. Barkas. Vice Chairwoman : Miss E.M. Samprson. Hon. Secretary Miss A. E. Currie.Committee : Misses E. R. Fell, F. Neilsen and C. Rockel.
President: Vice-President : F.A. Wilson. Hon. Secretary : A Fair. Hon. Treasurer : J.D. Smith.Committee : Messrs. R. St. J. Beere, A.T. Duncan, Misses J. Scott and C. M. Taylor.
Patron: His Exellency the Governor. President: Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G. Vice-Presidents: The members of the Professorial Board. Club Cuplain: M.H. Oram. Hon. Secretary: A Brodie. Hon. Treasurer: G.M. Cleghorn. Committee: P.W. Burbidge, H.W. Monaghan, R. St. J. Beere. Hon. Auditor: J. M. J. Tudhope.
President: Mrs. Adamson. Vice-Presidents: Mesdames Brown, Kirk, Mackezie, Von Zedlitz, Easterfield, Honter. Richmond, Gray and Wilson, club Captan: Miss E. Johnston, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: Miss K. Mclntosh. Committee : Misses B. Bisset, M. Cox and M. McRee. Hon. Auditor : Miss L. Mclntosh. Delegates to Wellington Ladies Hockey Association: Misses K. Melntosh and M. Cox.
Patron: Professor Kirk. President: Professor Hunter. Vice Presidents: Members of the Professrial Board, R. McCallum, Eq. and Dr. L Hunter. Club Captain: H.F. O'Leary. Deputy Club Captain: F.A. Wilson. Hon. Secretary: E. Lyon Hon. Treasurer: L. Short. Committee: J.D. Brosian. A. Curtayne, and K.Kennedy. Hon. Auditor: H.,B. Rmadrup. Delegates to W.R.U.: Professor Hunter, W. Perry. And H.F. O'Leary.
Patron: Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G. President : Professor Kirk, Vice-Presidents: Members of the Professorial Board and messrs. A.R. Meek, H. F. von Haast, R. McCallum, A.C. Gifford, H.D. Bell, and J.P.Firth. Club Captain: D.R. Niven. Hon. Secretary: A. MacDougall, Hon. Treasurer . V.B. Willis. Committee: F.A de la MKare, P. B. Broad Auditor: G. McL. Hogben.
President: Professor Richmond. Vice-Presidents: Members of the Professorial Board, and J.P. Firth Esq. Club Captain: J.McL. Hogben. Hon. Secretary: J.L. Short. Hon. Treasurer: A.E. Doubbie. Committee: A. H. Bogle and F. A. Wilson. Hon. Auditor. M. H. Oram.Delegate to wellington Centre N.Z.A.A.A.: J.L. Short.
Conductor : E. Waters. Deputy Conductor : S. J. Anderson. Hon. Secretary : G.H. Gibb. Librarian : Miss J. Butler. Committee : Misses E.R. Fell and J. Fr¨hauf, and L.Short.
H.F.O'Leary, W. Perry, F.A. de la Mare, R. St. J. Beere, D. S. Smith, T. N. Holmden, J. McL Hogben.
Patron: Professor Hunter President : W. Perry, Vice-Presidents : J.F. Thomposn and J.McL. Hogben. Hon. Secretary: T. N. Holmden. Hon. Treasurer: E. Wright. Commttee: L. Short, J.W. Heenan, A.T. Dunean, E.C. Prendeville. Hon. Auditor: A.E. Dobbie.
President: D.S. Smith. Vice-Presidents: Miss B.I.L. Reeve and C. H. Taylor. Recording Secretary: Miss J. Butter. Corresponding Secretaries: Miss E. Johnston and A. D. Brodie. Hon. Treasurer: Miss A.E. Currie and P.W. Burbidge. Hon. Auditor: H.D. Skinner.
V.C. Branch M.S.U.W.—President: Miss M.E. Hales. Vice-President: Miss E. Watson. Secretary: Miss M.E. Hales. Vice-President: Miss E. Watson. Secretary: Miss J. Butler. Assistant Secretary: Miss E. Gibbs. Treasurer; Miss Rockel. Committee. Misses H. Jenking, A. Currie and E. Daview.
Editor; Julius McL. Hogben. Sub-Editors: Miss E.R. Fell. J.F,. Thompson And C. H. Taylor. Financial Secretary: E.E. Rutherfurd Assistant Secretary: G.M. Cleghorn.
"When the morning of a Tournament Brake with a wet wind blowing."
— Idylls of the King.
To those who were awakened in the small hours of Easter Saturday morning by an insistent patter of raindrops, the foreboding was ominous. By daybreak the fates seemed to have completely conquered and a Persistent northerly had installed itself, shaking steady rain out of the moisture-laden clouds that enveloped the City, and flouting the prophecy of the weather-wise that "Fair weather cometh from the north." Such were the weather conditions that greeted those who had spent weeks of insistent toil in preparing for the successful management of the Eighth New Zealand University Tournament and welcomed to Wellington the Auckland representatives, who had arrived by the Main Trunk Express on Thursday, and the Southerners who journeyed thither by the "Maori," on Friday morning. Undeterred by an outlook so disheartening and a prospect gloomy in the extreme, a numerous and optimistic assembly of students wended its way to the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to receive the official welcome of the Mayor and Citizens of Wellington and hear explained away such untoward behavior of the weather.
"As a broad brook o'er a shingly bed Brawling."
— Idylls of the King.
Shortly after 9 o'clock Mr. J.P. Luke, M.P., (Senior City Councilor) from a platform on which were assembled many local notabilities, extended the welcome of the City to the visiting
Professor Gabbatt of Canterbury College briefly returned thanks. His hopes were two only, that the best College would win and that the best would be Canterbury.
G.F. Dixon thanked Mr. Luke for attending, told the effect of Opie on Mercury and stated that he had already found two pursed.
Before dispersing, it was announced that through the courtesy of Mr F.M.B. Fisher, M.P., who was present, arrangements had been made to open the Genberal Assembly Library to visitors and this privilege was largely taken advantage of. A large number aviated themselves of the opportunity of bearing the Town Hall Organ—a unique form of Tournament entertainment—and after a pleasant hour had been spent, appreciation cheers. At noon there was no sign of a break in the weather and it was then decided to entertain the visitors at the College in the afternoon. This impromptu arrangement was not without its advantages and in all all-too-short three hours many new friendships were made and old ones renewed. A concert programme was carried out, each College in its turn providing the talent; afternoon tea was dispensed and the entertainment terminated with a set of Lancers and the indispensable "Merry Widow."
"Flash brand and Lance, fall battleaxe upon helm, Fall battleaxe, and flash brand." — Idylls of the king.
It has hitherto been the Spike's Pleasure to tell of training operations that interested all, of unbounded enthusiasm as Tournament loomed near and of many that sought to represent
The following are the names of the representative in the different events.
"The knotted column of his throat, The massive square of his heroic breast, And arms on which the standing muscle sloped As slopes a wild brook o'er a little stone." — Idylls of the King.
Easter Monday proved to be a day of perfect atmoshpheric conditions; a cloudless sky with a bracing fine southerly. As was only to be expected the track was somewhat dead after the heavy rains and this fact serves to enhance further the several
Collyns secured the opening event, Putting the Weight, for Canterbyry College and Dongall placed a second win to their credit by wining the mile championship in record time, 4 min. 63 3/5 secs.—a fine performance. Dougall made his own pace and had no difficulty in winning easily from Rigg, (V.C.); Dougall also won the half mile without being extended. The 220 yards went to R. Opie, (C.C.), in the fast time of 23 4/5 sees. —1/5 sec. outside record time. The performance in the high and long jumps were only moderate, but A. H. Bogle (V.C.) showed excellent form in annexing the 120 yards hurdles in 17 1/5 secs., equaling both in heat and in final— with slight assistance from the wind—the previous best performance. He also successfully defended his title in the 440 yards hurdles, C. Strack (V.C.) being a creditable second. The 100 yards Championship was won by R. Opie in 10 1/5 secs -1/5 sec inside record time, but as the race was run before a slight breeze the record was not recognised. It was nevertheless an excellent performance, and under perfect conditions Opie should be capable of at least equaling the record. Duncan was close up second. These runners were again placed first and second in the 440 yards Championship, in which a considerable amount of jostling took place. Although the result was not affected, such tactics are to be deprecated in University sports. Otago secured first and second places in the Hammer Throwing through the agency of Hamilton and Wilson, the distance 99ft. 11½ ins. Being a distinct improvement on the previous year's performance. Otago's representative, A. Hamilton, succeeded in wresting the Mile Walk Championship from R. Twyneham (C.C.) in 7 min. 21 2/5 secs., the best performance to date. The finish of the Three Miles Flat was left to Victoria College, T. Rigg finishing first and D. S. Smith second, L.A. Dougall (C.C.) made the pace for the first mile (run in 4 min. 56sec.) and then retired. Two miles were recovered in 10 min. 33 secs., and the full distance in 15 mn. 56 secs, which is considerably below the previous best time. Rigg was unpacked for the last mile and won sprinting,. A large field of gallant knights and fair ladies, assembled to contest the ancient game of Threading the Needle. Many fingers were pricked, but no records were broken. Last year's Pick-a-Back champions successfully defended their title.
The official records are given on page 28.
"Forbear; there is a worthier."
— Idylls of the king.
With the weather in its angriest mood throughout Saturday and the consequent loss of a day's play, the prospect of completing the Tennis Championships before the close of the Tournament looked extremely doubtful. By decree of the Committee, however, the ladies were required to play on Easter Monday morning, and on Tuesday, by dint of careful arrangement, the championships were so far completed that only two finals remained to be played on Wednesday. The quality of play, though equal to that of the previous year, was not up to the University standard. Canterbury College successfully defended their title to the Tennis Cup;, which looks to be in their safe keeping for some time.
In the Men's Championship Singles a fine contest was witnessed between Wilding (C.C.) and Moody (O.U.), the latter eventually winnign (6—3, 6—4). In the final, Jennings (C.C.), last year's champion, had no difficulty in defeating the Otago representative (6—0, 7—5). The result of the Men's Championship Doubles was never in doubt, Jennings and Wilding (C.C.) easily disposing of Bundle and Gower (O.U.), and the Combined Championship Doubles was also a foregone conclusion, Jennings and Miss Grace successfully defending their title. Canterbury College players continued their victorious career in the Ladies' Championship Doubles, two Canterbury pairs reaching the final, which was played in Christeburch, and ended in favour of Misses Grace and Paterson. Victoria College players showed to advantage in the Ladies Championship Single, three of them reaching the semi-final. In the final, Miss Reeve (V.C.) was opposed to the redoubtable Miss Grace (C.C.) and an exciting contest extends in favour of Miss Reeve (12—10) amidst enthusiasm. The Spike extends to the champion its congratulations. An outstanding feature of the Tournament was the safe and consistent play of the Canterbury players, Jennigns and Miss Grace.
"Confusion, and illusion and relation, Elusion, and occasion, and evasion." — Idylls of the King.
Judges: His Execellency Lord Plunket, K.C.V.O.; His Honour Mr. Justice Denniston' and J.W. Joynt, Esq., M.A.
Subject: "That the creation of small navies for defence purposes should be encouraged in the self-governing States of the Empire."
For the fourth time in succession Victoria College has won the joint Debating Scroll, and for the fourth time her successful representatives have been men hitherto untried in these contests. Professor von
"In accordance with the usual practice, the judges at The recent debate beg to submit a few observations and impressions. Instead of going through the speeches in detail, they will throw their remarks into a general from, occasionally alluding to a speech by way of illustration.
"The subject had the advantages of a direct and specific bearing on contemporary problems, to an extent which was not foreseen at the time of its selection. The effect of this was to remove the discussion from the region of an academic rhetorical exercise, and to give it the character of an attempted solution of a definite practical question. This character, however, was not maintained throughout. There were occasional flights of artificial rhetoric, purpurei penni, which could never have appeared in a debate on which a practical policy was really to follow. Some of the speeches did not rise to the occasion; others rose too high, and acquired a touch of unreality in consequence. Others, again, grappled with the question with an air that meant business. There were marked differences, too, in the evidences of previous preparation and study. Some speakers had obviously tried to get at the bottom of the question; others had been satisfied with superficial generalization, which sounded well enough but ignored the vital elements of the problem. There was one good peroration—that form of ornament which Was supposed to have received its death blow from Lord Beaconsfield— viz… that of the first Otago speaker.
"There were curious diversities in the modes of using notes. The first Wellington speaker seemed to be reading almost all the time, though the judges were informed he was not really reading at all. The first Auckland speaker, whose volubility almost bewildering, occasionally drew a blank on his memory; and there follow that awkward, chilling pause, which gives a frosty air to even excellent speeches. The first Canterbury speaker discarded notes altogether, but the effect thus gained was discounted by a certain air of unreality and want of conviction, which pervaded the speaker's manner generally. So, too, with attitude and gesture. Let it be said once for all that movements of the arms should never be resorted to unless they are in
"It is somewhat painful to discern that solecisms, born of diction and of pronunciation, are still rampant and flourishing. It is needless to give example; some were so glaring as to be reproduced in the newspapers. This is a very serious matter; and so long as such abuses are allowed to prevail, our University speakers are simply disqualifying themselves from ever addressing a cultivated assembly. If we cannot look to our University Colleges for a pure style of speaking the English language, where are we to look? Students should study more seriously the best models of oratorical diction. If they cannot read Demosthenes or Cocero with ease, they can at least read Burke, Bright Chamberlain and Balfour. Again, in the matter of pronunciation the young speaker might do much for himself. Let him read aloud every day three or four pages of a great speech. He should do it slowly and deliberately, giving every vowel its full value, and cutting the final consonants clear form entanglement with secondary words. He is not to speak like this when the time comes; but musicians know that the price which is to be played rapidly must be practiced slowly.
"The debate was won by superior training. It was manifest that the Victoria College speakers were "fitter" in a debating sense, than the others. And this superiority was the result not merely of a few weeks preparation, but of a more steady and systematic attention to the business of debating. This annual competition is not effecting its object unless systematic study and preparation become the rule instead of the exception."
"The hush'd night, as if the world were one Of utter peace, and love, and gentleness." — Idylls of the King.
At 6.45 p.m on Monday the " Duchess," crowded with the cream of University student life of New Zealand, cast off from
"That seems not made to fade away."
— Idylls of the King.
This function, the price de resistance of any Tournament, was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Tuesday night. Many months before, efforts were made to secure the large Town Hall, but a picture show with an eye to business had engaged it a year ahead. The invitation list had, therefore to, be restricted to students and visitors, but this damped the spirits of none. The Committee calculated to a nicety the dancing capacity of a floor that was in its kindliest mood, and a recherché supper bore eloquent testimony to the good taste of the management in these matters. Gaily the happy moments sped to the accompaniment of haunting melodies, till the last stains of Tosti's "Good bye "slowly died away and linked the Tournament of
"you may part your hair in the middle but never part with sixpence"
— MacDougall.
Wednesday was a day of parting and in the morning a pleasant little function took place at Kirkealdie and Stains' Tea rooms, when the teams from the four Colleges were entertained by Mr. G.F. Dixon, the Chairman of the Tournament Committee. Mr. Dixon feelingly expressed regret that he was severing
"Pleasures, alas ! how fleeting: but oh ! The memory."
— Anon.
"And eight years past eight jousts have been and still Had Laneelot won the diamond of the year" — Idylls of the King.
With extreme regret we record the severance of the last but the strongest link that officially binds G.F. Dixon to Victoria College. Eight years back he was elected one of the first two Victoria College delegates on the New Zealand University Tournament Committee, and now after eight years of faithful service we sorrowfully see his passing. But there remains a monument to his ceaseless labours, one that will endure the Tournament existed merely in the imagination at his first connection, but Dixon foresaw possibilities. Who shall not say that his fondest hopes and ambitions were long ago realised. It is often laid at our doors that we are forgetful of the fact that there is a New Zealand University and that we are but members of different Colleges; but such could not be said of the retiring delegate. He nominally represented Victoria College on the Tournament Committee, but while carefully watching out interests, his energies have ever been towards the permanent establishment of the great Easter function. To him each of the sister Colleges is in turn indebted. His services have always been at their disposal in the arrangement of travelling concessions, and none shall miss him and his thorough business methods more than the officials of the Railway Department and the Union S.S. Company. As manager of Victoria College teams every Tournament representatives knows his value, but the immense amount of work accomplished by him can only be known to those who have had the pleasure of working with him. Victoria College will truly miss him.
"Happy they, the happiest of their kind."
— Thomson
The following Victoria College students were successful in the University Examinations held during the past year :—
All those who obtained Honors in Arts and :— A. B. Charters, L. F. de Berry, and H. T. Revell.
W.H. Wilson, First-Class Honors in International Law, Contract and Tort and Company Law.
Reid, George W.
Hogben, George W.
" It is useless to put your heads together if you cannot put your hearts together."
— Ruskin
"In spring a young man's fancy lightly turns."—
We understand that several more engagements are to be announced in the second term.
"These gentlemen combine Politeness with timidity." — Bab Ballads.
The Football Club is pursuing a high ideal. Nothing so trivial as the playing of football; their aim is far higher than that. They are endeavouring to fulfil social functions that are usually usurped by other institutions; so far they have been remarkably successful. We understand that, at the time of writing, all the backs of the first fifteen have made each other's acquaintance, and that the forwards have also rubbed shoulders with one another; it is rumoured that the forwards are to be introduced to the backs before the season is out. But their football is on a different footing. The football team has it in its power, as no other team has, to raise Victoria College, as an institution, in the eyes of the general public. Hockey teams may win Championships, and nobody cares; but if the football
But the first XV's football has not been encouraging. The game between Victoria College and Southern was the most disgraceful burlesque of a football match that could possibly have been witnessed; it was not even a clever farce. But since then Victoria College has won a match. (Kindly keep this in small type, Mr. Printer; we mustn't appear too conceited). Yes, Victoria College beat Old Boys, and they played good football. The secret of this success is training. The team played five matches as training only (it would never do to over-train), and then they proved the efficiency of their training. If only the visit of the Sydney University team could be postponed till the end of next season, our men might have struck form when they arrive—provided that football were played continuously from now till then. But they are coining this year, and Victoria College can at least extend its best hospitality to make some slight return for the glorious holiday of the
The second fifteen, which is playing Third Class, plays with that same careless insouciance that marks the exploits of all our junior teams. The students who comprise the team are quite nice fellows off the field; but put them with a ball at their feet, and their intelligence seems to disappear. 'Note, if you please, that the team has won matches; but we are too hasty : we said the team—let us rather say that fifteen players, classified as the Victoria College Third Class Fifteen, have, by their individual efforts, hewed the way to glory. But next season we shall have a gymnasium, and with that gymnasium—[cannot publish any Victoria College football prophecy; they are several stages beyond unreliability.Spike.]
Then we have a third fifteen, which is playing Fourth Class; it is! This year, the success which was last year prophecied for the Hockey Club has proved so enticing a bait, that the Football Club is able to put in the field three teams only. As usual, the lowest team is the longest suffering, as far as the ravages of selection committees are concerned. But we can at least give it credit for enthusiasm; a game lost now and then counts for nought with your true sportsman; even a succession of losses counts for little with our third fifteen. Several
The Spike wishes the third fifteen well.
Results of Matches (To Saturday, 12th June,
The Illustrations in this number are photographs of the team which represented Victoria College at the recent University Tournament, and a photograph of Alan MacDougall, the Rhodes Scholar of the year. For the latter photograph we have to thank the Free Lance, to whom we are indebted for the use of the block.
Unregenerate Sinner(after receiving a terrible smack from a hockey stick —D—Gklzx.
Cautious Scot— Man, Man ! Haud yer tongue.U.S. — When a chap deliberately hits you on the shins you're justified in swearing.
C.S — Na, na ! It's clean contrary to a' releegious Preenceples, and if the referee heard ye he might pit ye off the field for bye. Just ye wait, and when the man wha hit ye comes by again, miss the ba' —and miss it awfu' hard.
The Hockey Club is to be congratulated on the numerically successful opening of the season. Five teams—one senior, two junior, and two third-class—have been entered for the various competitions. The senior team, however, cannot justifiably be overwhelmed with congratulation. Before the matches began, there was much talk as to whether it would not be advisable to enter two senior teams. All last year's men (a noble band) were available, and in addition many new men were pressing forward, eager to take their places in senior ranks. It was decided, however, to allow some outside club to have the honour of securing second place in the competition, and only one senior team was entered. The decision of the committee has been fully justified. Four matches have been played, and three have been lost. After the first game it was complained that the backs were weak. After the second, it was complained that te forwards were altogether a poor lot. After the third, the complaint was that the whole complain that the responsibility for the losses lies with the Selection Committee. The Spike has much pleasure in endorsing each and every of these complaints. They all contain a strong element of truthfulness.
The II. A Team contains some very good individual players. It generally does. The combination of the team is, however, by no means satisfactory. This is also in accord with tradition. In watching the game against Wellington, one could not help feeling, although victory fell to the College men, that the team, as a team, was not doing itself justice. But it should, from present appearance, have a successful season.
This is the first year in which the Club has put in the field a second junior eleven, and the H. B team seems to be composed of the rejects from H. A. This seems to be the opinion of the Captain of II.B, who advances it on the theory that half an excuse is better than a short team. The team has managed to score goals, despite its misfortunes and the worries of its captain. We would not predict that a championship is likely to come its way, but it should not lose every match.
The III.A team is one of which the College may well be proud—at present. It is making a worthy attempt to regain those honours that fell to its lot in
III. B have won a match. They have scored six goals, They have one this season had ten men playing for them. And they are waiting—waiting patiently till the day comes when III. A meet them, and then—. We understand that III. B have chosen a motto worthy of their prowess :—" Tomorrow !"
To the teaching of New Zealand history there seems to be no beginning. In our early childhood we were impressed with the bravery of Boadicia and the numerical strength of Henry VIII.'s wives, but of our own country's history, we hardly receive even the vaguest notions. The history of the early Maoris, their customs and their folklore, would comprise a subject in which the dullest pupil would take an interest. But whilst we are forced to commit to memory every date that has a possible bearing on any part of English history, we are not encouraged to discover the veriest detail of the coming and the story of our fellow-countrymen, the Maoris. We wish to suggest that Maori could with the best of results be added to the University syllabus—the Maori language, the Maori folk-lore, the customs and the history of the Maori people. It would hardly be possible, of course, to include the subject as a pass subject for the B. A. degree, but for an honours subject or for any special research work, such as is required for the Litt. D. it provides a wide field of knowledge, as yet practically untrod. The arrangement of a suitable course would be a simple matter. Those who intended to take ujup the subject would take Maori as one of their subjects for matriculation, the subject to include some general outlines of the history of the people. The student would then take up an ordinary literature course for the B. A. degree, which would include at least three languages. He would be specially trained in the etymological and historical side of his subjects in order to gain a thorough insight into the methods employed by etymologists, and so be fitted to take up original research work in regard to Maori and its kindred languages. The student would, unless the present regulations are altered, have to take his M. A. degree in a language other than Maori, but such a course would not be the Honours work behind him, the student would take up the read work of research with enthusiasm plus the necessary expert knowledge.
That there would be sufficient to interest a student connot be doubted, since at the outset, the question of the origin of the Maori people of New Zealand involves that of the whole Polynesian race. The scope for the exercise of special knowledge would satisfy the cravings of the veriest literary gourmand, and
"They meet, they dart away, they wheel askance To right, to left."
— Beattie.
Again this season the Ladies' Hockey Club bids fair to be the most successful of College Institutions : a membership of forty enthusiasts, who are also for the most part skilled players of the game, and the Club can reasonably expect to repeat their last year's successes. But their path is no easy one, as one team has already made plain to them. The Club is to be congratulated on having among its members players who are both capable and enthusiastic, so that the painful task of persuading reluctant "stats" to take the field, is done way with, and the combination of the team, to which so much success is due, is more fully ensured. It is only a matter for regret that the standard of Ladies' Hockey is not higher in Wellington; the easy victory of the College First eleven in their first match this year, and their decisive defeat bu the Craven team last year, seems to emphasise this fact. Regular visits from teams such as the Cravens, if there are others equal to them, would be an invaluable stimulus to hockey, and would no doubt have its educative advantages for players and onlookers.
We rejoice to see that the Hockey Association intends to enforce the regulation which orders that skirts should be at least six inches off the ground. The Spike would like to suggest, since the spirit of reform is abroad, that they should reach no further than the knees — at least, for forwards; and where reform is even more urgently needed, from a spectator's point of view—that is to say, in the matter of hair-dressing—dare we
Such a carriage, such ease and such grace! Such solemnity too ! One could see he was wise, The moment one looked in his face !" — Lewis Carroll.
Alan Macdougall of ours. M. A., is the New Zealand Rhodes Scholar for
MacDougall received his earlier education at wellington College, where he went to the top of the school : he twice won the Barnicoat Memorial Literature Prize whilst there. He was also a prominent cricketer and won his cap in the school eleven.
MacDougall entered Victoria College in
On the athletic field MacDougall has won his way into the Hockey Senior Eleven and has been a member of the First Cricket Team since the earliest days for the Cricket Club. He was elected treasurer of the cricket club on its foundation, and has been secretary since The Spike in
As a scholar, MacDougall has won the highest encomiums from his Professors. As a man he has always been popular amongst the general body of the students : his work has been done quietly and thoroughly. It is to his enthusiasm that the Cricket Club owes no little of his success.
MacDougall is at present engaged in research work in French pronunciation, and intends continuing this at Home, where he will be breaking practically new ground. He leaves New Zealand about the middle of July.
"Was nought around but images of rest."
— Thomson.
The Tennis season has long since passed, and the hopes that ran high at the commencement of the season have reached level, now that the gains can be counted. A survey of the teams (six) and the members thereof (forty) at the commencement of the season, seemed to justify most sanguine expectations. But alas! with the long vacation, illnesses and departures, the hopes that were so rosy at the commencement of the season died "into the light of common day."
The Penant A team won with consistent and quite starling regularity until half-way through the season, when the long vacation and departures aforesaid caused the promotion of the members of the gallant Pennant A (to their own astonishment and disgust) to another place, and the new team failed to uphold worthily the glorious tradition of its predecessors. Hinc illae Lacrimae. Disheartened by this and other shocks, such as the incapacitation of its captain, the premier team gradually descended until its final hope was but flat despair : and what had promised to be a leading team for the championship, was only beaten by its own B's for the wooden spoon.
The results, as a whole, are not of such a nature as to throw luster on the Club, and we quite understand the Secretary's reticence in refraining or refusing to make them public.
But the Tennis Club has distinguished itself financially :— (i) By obtaining a grant of £100 from the College Council for excavation! (ii) By providing a fourth court with a surface which is comparatively level ! ! (iii) By paying for the con-
During the season Club competitions were played with the following results :—
Handicap, Combineds :— Miss Butler and C. H. Taylor.
Handicap, Men's Doubles :— G. M. Cleghorn and E. D. Rutherfurd.
Championship, Men's Singles :— G. M. Cleghorn.
We have been shown a cutting (a column in length) from a New York newspaper, in eulogy of Professor Maclaurin. The column, which has appropriately striking headlines, is á propos, his recent appointment to the presidency of the Massachusetts institute of Technology. Professor Maclaurin, it would seem, is well appreciated in the States : the acting president of Massachusetts Institute is reported to have said of him that "he is a man of deliberate judgment, broad cultivation, quiet enthusiasm, and attractive personal qualities, which have made him a favourite ith his associates at Columbia." We may be pardoned for adding that he is a New Zealander, and that we are still proud to remember his connection with Victoria College.
Since last session the Christian Union has worked under a reorganized constitution. Provision has been made for the separate working of the women's and men's branches; what before was a matter of practice has now become constitutionally confirmed. The Union has increased to 150 members, 77 of whom are women. As heretofore, meetings are held on alternate Saturday nights. The Mission Study Class, which this year is studying "Indian Missions," has an average attendance of 23. Bible Study circles have been formed. In the women's branch "Isaiah" is studied with the aid of Lenwood's "Bible study on Isaiah." In the men's branch Seeley's "Eeee Homo" is being used as an aid to the study of the Mission and Life of Christ. Leaders, classes are held each week by the leaders in both branches.
Mr. J. T. Lawton, Travelling Secretary for Men of the Australasian Students' Christian Union, was here at the end of April. He attended Men's Bible Circles and addressed meetings of men. On Tuesday, 4th May, he addressed a general meeting. Mr. Lawtou's enthusiasm is contagious and his visit has impressed upon many the need for workers in the Union.
The Union desires to convey to Miss England its appreciation of her kindness in again giving a series of lectures on a Biblical subject. Her Sunday evening lectures on the Book of Job are attended by 20 members.
An opportunity arose at the Easter Tournament of meting representatives of the Christian Unions of other Colleges. On Easter Sunday, at 10 a.m., a prayer meeting was held in St. John's Classroom, Willis Street. Subsequently at St. John's Church, Dr. Gibb made a special address to students. Both the prayer meeting and the following service were well attended by visiting and local students.
During the long vacation a series of weekly addresses was given before the Union by the Rev. T. H. Sprott, M. A. , upon "The Letters to the Seven Churches." He dealt with the letters in detail showing each in the light which modern research has shed upon the history and character of its recipients. The Union is indeed grateful to Mr. Sprott for this one of his many kindnesses.
The summer conference was held between the 17th and 23rd of December at Sheffield. The delegates from Victoria College numbered six. There is every probability that Marton will be the site of the next conference, and in that case the Union may hope to send a larger delegation.
Sunday February 14th was observed as the universal day of prayer. A meeting was held in St. John's Classroom and was well attended. Professor Picken gave an address on "The World's Need for Christian Students." The churches in and around Wellington were invited by circular to observe this day of prayer for the Christian Student movement.
The Union held its opening meeting on Saturday, 3rd April. There were sixty present. Professor Brown delivered an address on "The Religious Ideas of the Ancient Greeks." He dealt with the Greek religion as interpreting (a) Nature, (b) Human Passions, (c) The State. The gods were personifications of the unintelligible forces of nature, or of equally mysterious qualities of man's being. Greek religion was the only expression of Greek unity : for the country was divided into many independent states. Though it had no dogma it was rich in art and ritual. Broadly speaking Greek religion was mechanical and external, unlike Christianity. Life after death meant nothing to the ordinary and little to the educated Greek.
On 24th April the delegates to the Kiama Conference. Miss B. I. L. Reeve and D. S. Smith made their report to the Union, Forty members were present. Smith sketched the doings of the conference, and both Miss Reeve and he laid stress upon various plans for advance in C.U. work.
An address was delivered before forty members of the Union on 8th may by the Rev. J. R. Glasson on "Prayer." From the universality of prayer he argued the dependence of man upon a Being higher than himself. Since our physical wants are provided for, it is natural to find that the need of spiritual communication with God is supplied with its means of satisfaction in prayer.
The Rev. J. Gibson Smith addressed the Union on 22nd May. Fifty members were present. He spoke on Agnosticism, stating the arguments of Agnostics, and carefully distinguishing Atheists. He pointed out that only in religion does the Agnostic, because he cannot know all, refuse to believe anything.
It was mid September and the first blush of spring bad thrown its mantle over a landscape scarce bereft of its winter garments. A cool south-easterly breeze stole over the horizon and tempered the banging air; the sky was unspeakably blue and a smiling sun poured its beneficial rays over hill and dale and laughing water. Below lay the placid harbour whose amethyst blue merged into the emerald green of the hutt valley and beyond a silver stream wound its tortuous length from the snow fields of the Rimutakas On the nearer Tinakoris , along whose eastern crests shadows were already creeping, fields of rolling green were gaily decked with golden gorse. Nor were the environs less gay. The early coming of Spring had already changed the green trees to a mass of tender foliage and included shy blossoms to give their dainty faces to brighten a tame and prosaic world.
In yonder nodding bay tree a thrush twitted his plaintive song and sped down the mountain side; while overhead a lark—ethereal pilgrim—poured forth his inmost soul in melodious tones of unpremeditated art.
I lay outstretched upon the springy turf of the kelburne Gardens and in that seene where every prospect pleased I felt the world was glad.
On such a day 'tis good to be a child of nature — to toil not nor to spin. But alas men delve and sweat the brow and in the end it is as it was in the beginning. Nature grows unheeded in the streets and man's vision is by smoke bedimmed.
Throughout the fleeting years each day he toils, and sleeps and toils, and eats to live, and this be calls his life, The placid beanty of dawn, the radiant glory of noon, and the starry silence of the night, what are they to him? His course is run and the world rolls on. Life for me is in the bills immemorial, in the land where it is always afternoon and where dreams never come true. To travel hopefully is better than to attain.
But who is this who slowly mounts the slope, halting to examine with botanic eye the umbrageons shrub and with insistent rattan eagerly prodding the unwilling cowslips. Short of stature, earless of dress, with over handing bushy eyebrow that hides an eagle eye, he walked with the swaying stride of a
Enraged, I endeavoured to rouse myself, but to no purpose and I fell back limply. A languid feeling stole over me and all the pleasant recollections of my life crowded into my brain. Then my eyes grew dim the professor faded from sight, and then—
* * * *
It was mid September and the first blush of spring had thrown its mantle over a landscape scarce bereft of its winter garments. In the biological laboratory at Victoria College were to be seen an elderly lady and her two daughters being conducted round by a professor of Bohemian appearance. Interestedly they gazed upon jar after jar of specimens. Pausing before one somewhat larger than the others, the professor remarked." This is a specimen of the species canine pugi or puki which students facetious sly call potted pug." The elderly lady gazed as if entranced and then with a piercing shriek shouted , "Oh my along lost Fido!" and clasping the jar with both arms, fainted into the arms of the professor.
"We would rather be slanged by a warrior brave Than praised by a wretched poltroon." — Bab Ballads.
The features of season
On January 21st our team arrived in Christchurch after an uneasy passage. Canterbury won the toss and by careful batting reached a total of 224. Our first inning realized only 106 with the loss of two wickets. The principal scorers were—Chrystall 96, Arnold 31, Blank 27 (for Canterbury), and Broad 35 and 18, Niven 35, de la Mare 22 (for Victoria College. The rest of the time at our disposal was devoted to an exhibition of Canterbury batting and V.C. bowling. The exhibition was an interesting one. Two more perfect playing days could not have been desired, and it was a pleasure to play on such a magnificent outfield. The warmest thanks of the club are due to our Canterbury friend who combined to make our brief visit so entirely enjoyable. The return trip was devoid of incident.
The Auckland University Club has expressed a keen desire to meet V.C. on the cricket field, and we trust that next season this wish may be gratified. A University Cricket Tournament is the ideal.
Following are the leading averages for last seasons: —
Batting. — D. R. Niven, 21.19; E.H. Ward , 21; A.H. Bogle 19.67; de la mare 18.79.
Bowling — D. R. Niven, 8.44; Miller, 9.54; Eilliott, 9.82.
Batting. — Porfessor Hunter, 21.5; E.Mackay 18.4
Bowling. — Gray, 16.3; E.Mackay, 21.
Batting.— V. B. Willis, 19.8; Inder 21; R.W. Tate, 19
Bowling. — V.B. Wills 9.2; H.D. Skinner, 10.3; H. Williams, 11.
"Nowadays to appeal to the world, it is necessary to do things, it would seem, in rather a strident way : to blow a trumpet or wave a flag."
— A.C. Benson.
The latest form assumed by the military epidemic at Victoria College is the officers' Training Corps. This time the infection has spread to the Professors, who have evidently considered the matter very carefully, and who have come to the conclusion that the average students has the time to devote to the art of mimic warfare. If the officers' Training Corps will have the result of giving students who now have no interests outside their studies some real interest in the University, it will do much good. If the
The Spike, knows, what the average student evidently forgets, that the student who works for his college, already has above twice as much to do as he is capable of doing thoroughly; and the student who does not work for his college already has about twice as much to do as he is capable of doing thoroughly; and the student who does no work for his College is not the type of man who is wanted is an officers Training Corps will come; the Professor have arranged the students employers will allow them time off to attend training; so far the employers have not been interviewed, but what of that? Also a week's holiday is to be obtained each year, for encampment purpose—more holidays from employment. Drills and other training will take place during the summer; cricket practices and tennis will go on as usual; athletes will train for the Eastern Tournament; studies will receive all the attention they do not at present—probably less; and students will sleep in their spare time. The Training corps are eminently successful at the Home and Australian Universities, where students are students for all day long; and so we at Victoria College, who are University students for a few short hours, and Government employee or law clerks for the rest of the day, can easily time to make our officers' Training Corps successful. "And all our yesterday have lighted fools the way to duty death!"
The completion for the shield presented by professor Haslam, of Canterbury College, as a challenge trophy for riffle shooting , was held during May. Teams of eight men represented each College and the conditions were seven shots each at 200, 500 and 600 yards. The scores to hand are as follows :—
Canterbuy College will, therefore, hold the shield for the ensuing year.
"Photographically lined On the tablets of my mind While a yesterday has faded from its page." — Bab Ballads.
The festivities in which we have indulged this terms are far too much to be dealt with individually; it is even rumoured that the Professor are becoming restive under the strain of keeping pace with the social life the College. The Spike certainly thinks that officials would show their wisdom if they limited each ball to five hours, and turned a deaf ear to the female voice which pleads for "Just one more 'Merry Widow,' please."
The Women's Hostel has proved a delightfully frivolous institution though of late we have noticed that the canker of intellectualism has eaten its way into the heart of it gaiety, undeterred by the most strsnuous efforts of the musically inclined. Afternoon teas, however, which take place, for the most part, in the morning, are responsibility for the continuances of a certain degree of good spirits; biscuits and jams, as served by a fair hostelite, are beyond praise.
It is with some surprise that we now proceed to record the action of certain men— students, more or less, of the College. Scorning the female leading-strings to which we fondly believed them attached. They have had the temerity to form a Men's Common Room Club. We can only hope that the Club will have the effect of giving a certain degree to self-confidence to those modest flowers who, so far, have blushed unseen, and
It is idle to speak of the individual "functions" held at the College; they are always "successful" We invariably spend most enjoyable evenings." To criticise is a duty which is more necessary, if less pleasant; but even of criticism there comes an end. The Spike acknowledge the enormous organizing capacity of the college Clubs, and can praise unstintedly their strenuous methods, especially on the dancing floor; but when — we sign as we ask it — when will a College student be content with enough, and scorn those extremes to which he devotes himself too readily greedy always of too much dancing, too many entertainments, and even of too much study?
"You see nothing extraordinary in these stocking as stocking , I trust Sir ?"
— Pickwick Papers.
For the male man this is a subject of much import. He spends a minute or two each morning and the same time each night in putting his socks on and taking them off; he spends all day wearing them out; he causes much trouble in the mending of them; he uses much ( or little) care in selecting them , and spends anything form nine-pence of five shilling and sixpence per pair in the purchase of them. Of course there are socks and socks. There is every difference between the socks of the down-on-his-luck backblocker who wears no socks at all, and the socks of the opulent student which have on them figure of cats or frogs embroidered in fancy silks. Most people wear their feet in their socks; but there are many who wear their characters there also. Let us consider students. The student who wear thick woolen socks is probably a disappointed rheumatic or dyspeptic pessimist who looks on life with doubt and misgiving and takes medicine three times a day The students who wears socks with holes in them probadly lives in a boardinghouse; if his socks are all holes, he is probably a civil servant and consequently impecunious. But be not mistaken; because you can pick holes in a man socks , you cannot necessarily pick holes in his characters. Then there is the students who wear the ordinary plain undistinguished black sock; he is the student who is content to remain in a groove; he probably lacks fire and imagination, although a plodder withal. Then there is the student who wear aesthetic socks of a modest and seemly character; he is the student of artistic temperament, the student whose ready brain saves him much of he time and trouble expended by his black socked brother. Then there are sockness the border line of aestheticism, socks of a less modest nature, socks with striking stripes or radiant ring. The weares of such socks is ultra-enthusiastics; he dabbles in everything and leaves study till the last few weeks—and to fortune. Then there is the student who wears socks with colours discordant among themselves or with their surrounding; sock which could be appropriate for a dog fight, he will wear in a drawing room. He is the student who delight in exhibitions of brute strength,
We have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following Magazines : The kiwi (A.U.C) The Canterbury College Review, The Otage University Review, The Brief (O.U. Law Students Magazine), The Waitakian, The Scindian, The Blue and white, The Nelsonian, The Marlburian, The Wellington Girls' College Reporter. The Southland High School Magazine and The Government Insurance Recorder.
"Here rills of oily eloquence in soft meanders, lubricate the course they take."
— Cowper
For yet another year the Debating Society maintains its position in public popularity at the College; the attendances at the debates this year have averaged over a hundred, and there have been more speakers than enough. In fact to the bored onlooker, it is at times amusing to observe the frantic endeavourers of eager speakers to catch the chairman's eye. But oh ! how we long for some of the speaker of yester-year! For those touches of unconscious and predecessors bubbling with merriment! 'Tis true that the present standard of speaking is much above that of some of those former days, but the present day audiences would be so grateful, so undoundedly thankful for even one humourist who would cheer them on their way.
The care and attention which are evidently given to the preparatiou of matter for the debates, reflects great credit on the speaker. But the faults which are so painfully prominent in every debate would make a Baeyertz weep. The faulty pronunciations and terrible enunciation which are heard at every debates are inexcusable — particularly so in a University Debating Society. As stanch New Zealanders, we should be delighted to deny the existence of any such thing as "twang"; but we have Listened to Victoria College debates. If every member of the Debating Society would be better able to listen to the matter which he already know how to prepare.
One difficulty has faced the society this session: so many speakers have been desirous of speaking that freshman, unless
The first debates this year was disappointing. The standard of speaking was very poor; the speakers placed the blame on the subject; and the audience pitied the subject. Fortunately however, the subsequent debates have reached a high level, especially with regard to the matter brought forwarded by the various speakers. One of the debates was particularly pleasing by reason of the fact that the fair fields of eloquence were laid wate by an Amazonian invasion. On the night in question the movers and seconders were all lady-speakers. The Spike wishes that such invasions were more frequent. The ladies certainly failed to grip the whole subject, showing a tendency to attach too much weight and to devote too much time to minor points. But the mere man has much to learn before he attains to the standard set by the ladies as far as diction is concerned. If the ladies would but allow the male student to attend their debates, we feel sure that the latter— despite his innate conceit— would be educated to a better style of diction and delivery.
There is one other feature of this year's debates which we should like to mention. The Spike well remembers the time when no speech seemed to be considered worthy of delivery unless frequently punctuated with artificial ornamentation. We seem now to be pending to the other extreme. At every debate, and particularly at that on Indian self government, the sarcastic speaker has been Much in evidence. The vein of sarcasm seems to be in danger of being worked out. An occasional touch of irony is excellent, but a reiteration of ironical remarks becomes monotonously appalling.
Perhaps it was that illogical strain in the nature of women, commented on by a judge at one of the meetings of this society, which induced the women students of Victoria College to pursue their course undaunted after the very slight encouragement received last year. However that may be, in this case their belief in themselves rather than in certain pessimistic but no doubt well-founded prognostications, has been justified: the Women's Debating Society is now firmly established. The standard of debate is not high— perhaps that cannot yet be expected—the speakers being particularly weak in debating power: while a tendency towards feeble generalizations suggests a lack of facts which has been criticized by many of the judges. Nevertheless, we believe that the Society is doing really useful work, and we congratulate the members on its increased prosperity.
"Most progress is most failure"
— Browning.
It was under most favourable auspices that the Glee Club began its practices this year. A general meeting, even more intent on reform than the average general meeting, restricted the membership, and proposed a vocal test. Such strong measures resulted well, and the good quality of the vices, added to the high attainments of the conductor, promised better things for the future. But alas! Almighty Jove saw fit to hurl the devastating thunderbolt, and the conductor, whose lavish gifts of "bars for nothing" had endeared him to all the members, was forced to leave. The Glee Club received his resignation with profound regret: but we have no doubt that with their usual capacity for surmounting difficulties, the energetic committee will secure and efficient substitute, so that the Club may even rival the immortal Brook, and "go on for ever." We hope so.
The name of Hubert Church has long been well known to readers of The Spike, and an opportunity is granted us in this little book of examining some collected products of his muse. The poem on Mount Egmont, which gives the title to the small volume, is by no means the best in the book, but it contains two very beautiful lines, typical of Mr. Church at his best :—
Mr. Church is essentially the poet of the thinker— the philosopher; his lack of lyrical abandonment is compensated for by the richness of his similes, and the power of communicating a curious intensity of thought in most of his more serious poems. Vera Figner, addressed to the beautiful Russian, is full of an imaginative sincerity worthy of its subject. The existence of numerous really admirable phrases and expressions such as that in the poem on Sandhills— "the ragged end of the universe" — and the clever use of place names in Tua Marina and various other poems, make more regrettable the relapses into such expression as "a littoral bird," of "Love's surd," which, however intelligible they may be to the highly educated, cannot fail to strike the average, and even the very cultured, reader as pedantic, or as the result of too eager a search after effect. Simplicity, even if it is a studied simplicity, is more effective than the eccentric expressions which a high degree of imaginative fervour is liable to produce. It is on account of this very simplicity that one poem in the volume shines out a bright particular star. It is entitled Paraclete, and only lack of space prevents us from quoting it in full. The verse—
by its very directness appeals at once to the imagination. But the poem must be read in its entirety to be fully appreciated, and we advise Spike readers to do so without delay.
"
To secure the worthy and adequate representation of Victoria College at the Annual Easter Tournament
Last year it was The Spike's uncommon pleasure to congratulate the Athletic Club on its full and complete attainment of so worthy and object as the above. The Presence in our midst for the first time of the New Zealand University Athletic Championship Shield, it was presumed, would surely add zest to future efforts to retain it; and that we should successfully defend our title to it on our own ground seemed at least a reasonable possibility. Alas! For such vainglorious hopes; the Shield has passed, after the manner of the Tennis Cup, to Canterbury College, and about one dozen Victoria College Students are left lamenting. The average College man at once decides on blaming somebody, and, because he knows only of "things visible," blames the Athletic Club. But the person alone at fault, though he knows it not, is the average College man himself. The Club arranged a sports meeting, and sought entries with the following result:— For the Sprints and Distance Races, the average entry was six: for Hurdles and Jumps, two: while none deigned to enter for Hammer Throwing. In passing, it is worthy of note that there are over 250 male students attending Victoria College this year.
The Club Officials found their best efforts of no avail. The great majority of students are apathetic; they say they tried athletics at College, and failed; or with other pointless excuses attempt to justify their appalling apathy. The Annual Sports had, therefore, to be reluctantly abandoned; but to facilitate the selection of the Tournament Representatives, two races (a Quarter-mile and a Half-mile) were, by the courtesy of the Catholic Young Men's Club, inserted on the programme of their meeting.
The task of the selector, with so small a field of selection, was a light one, and, to our discredit, let it be said, we were not represented at the University Sports, on our own ground, in the Mile Walk High Jump, and Hammer Throwing.
To the small but noble band of athletes who, despite lack of sympathy in the cause from other students, gladly gave their time to rigorous training, and to the few who assisted them in the endeavour to maintain Victoria's pride of place, we express our grateful appreciation, and to our University Champions of the year, A. H. Bogle (120 Yards' and 440 Yards' Hurdles) and T. Rigg (3 Miles Flat) our congratulations.
"Amusement, dance of song he strictly scorns.
— Thomson.
For years our football team has been predicting success for itself when the gymnasium is erected. The football team have always been disappointed, but will soon have to arouse themselves from their state of coma if their prophecy is to prove worthy of the trust which it has not yet received. For the gymnasium is being built. Tenders were called for before the College term began and by Easter building operations were well under way. Now that they have some tangible evidence of the work done by the Gymnasium Committee, students are commencing to take a real interest in it and to find grounds for complaint; by the time that the building is complete the anathemas which seem to be in waiting for the committee should completely overwhelm them. It is to be hoped that students will remember their indebtedness to the Minister for Education and through him to the Government, to Lieutenant Shackleton and Mr Leonard Tripp, to our anonymous donor and to those few generous citizens who gave to the fund. The matter of regulations for the financial and other control of the gymnasium has been disturbing the mind of the Students Association Committee for some time. The gymnasium should be ready by next term.
From the beginning of the University Tournament Victoria College has been in debt, and this year our indebtedness has again been increased by Mr. J. P. Firth having given further evidence of his interesting us, by allowing us to use, once again, the Wellington College grounds for training purposes. Now that Kelburne Park is completed, it should be available for training purposes, but we can never forget that our past success has been made possible through Mr. Firth's kindness.
A meeting attended by over fifty male students, with Professor Hunter in the chair, was held shortly after Easter for the purpose of forming a Men's Common Room Club. After some discussion it was decided to form a Club, a constitution was adopted and officers were elected. The Club will be run on somewhat the same lines as the Auckland University College M.C.R.C; it will take charge of a common room for men (which will be found in the gymnasium) providing light mental recreation therein, and it will also cuter for the entertaining talent, latent in so many students, by holding social evenings on odd Saturdays. Some of the evenings have already been held and have been enjoyed by all and have been successful in unearthing genius which has hitherto blushed unseen. Perhaps the greatest benefit to be provided by the Club will be a room where the men students can rub shoulders with one another between lecture hours, an advantage hitherto denied them.
This year The Spike Committee wishes to bring it about that The Spike will not be a millstone round the financial neck of the Students' Association; students will remember that the loss on last year's working of The Spike amounted to nearly eight pounds; in addition to this, there has been a very substantial increase in the cost of printing. It would be impossible for the magazine to be kept at its present size and price, and for it to be at the same time a financial success; and the Committee does not wish to reduce the size of the magazine. As a result, therefore, of these circumstances, it has been reluctantly compelled to increase the price of the magazine.
"To wake the soul by tender strokes of art, To raise the genius, and to mend the heart." — Pope.
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Solvitur acris hiems grata vice veris...."
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If I had but two loaves of bread, I would sell one of them and buy whate hyacinths to feed my soul."
"Friendship is a sheltering tree."
— Coleridge.
The Australian Universities, where the students have the whole day at their disposal, celebrate their Capping with the greatest enthusiasm and much most excellent fooling. The procession, both in Sydney and in Melbourne, is a recognised institution. In Sydney this year the procession was eminently successful. Amongst the events depicted in tableaux were. "An Australian's Home," a weird misrepresentation of a bush tavern occupied by typical members of the "taihoa" fraternity and bombarded from with out; a model of an Aero Dreadnought; the anti-gambling movement, in which were displayed the starting prices in an event called "The Wowser's Cup;" a crematorium; and a South Pole expedition. There were also studies in fashion from the early Australian to the up-to-date Directoire. At the presentation of degrees Lieutenant Shackle-ton was amongst those present and he was received by the students with overwhelming enthusiasism. The large Sydney Town Hall was filled by the students and the general public for the ceremony; the most remarkable feature of the proceedings, according to the newspapers, was the fact that the students observed strict silence whilst the speeches were being given.
"O tempora ! O mores!"
In Melbourne Shackleton's expedition was again in evidence in the procession; the entire cast of "Miss Hook of Holland" was represented by the students of Ormond College, the ballet girls being particularly charming. The medical students included in their display an enormous skeleton of a most ghoulish
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For several years Auckland University College has occupied an unenviable position in University Tournament athletic contests. Our northern friends, however, have always faced the position cheerfully and have found consolation in the prophecy that a kind future would bring happier results. This year the formation of a live Athletic Club marks the first practical attempt to grapple with the question, and the enthusiasm displayed by its members augurs well for ultimate success. The Club evidently intends becoming a factor in the social life of the College also, having already given a concert and dance as proof of its existence.
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The annual games of the Sydney University Athletic Club were held in May, in calm weather, on a ground slightly on the soft side—conditions similar to those under which our Easter Tournment sports were carried out. A comparison of results is interesting, the
The dates of the capping ceremonies at the other New Zealand Colleges are :— A.U.C. 4th June; C.C., 11th June; and O.U., 9th July. We have heard nothing of Auckland's doings. At Canterbury their honorary play-writer wrote a drama or comic opera, or something similar. Capping practices were begun on the same night as at Victoria College, with two weeks less in which to practice. The students intend to hold a procession again this year, and to improve on last year's function. At Otago an innovation has been made this year by the addition to the list of functions of a graduation supper, on the lines of those previously given at Victoria College (and found to have hardly been as successful as they might have been and to be dropped this year.) Of other preparations at Otago we have heard nothing.
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The Officers' Training Corps' movement has spread to Canterbury College, where a special general meeting of the Students' Association was called to consider the question. A list was posted in the hall of the College, asking for names of those willing to join, and before long over sixty signatures had been obtained. It is to be hoped that their enthusiasm will not fade; of course many of the C.C. lectures are in the day-time, and students, therefore, have more time to devote to frivolities.
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The A.U.C. Football Club are experiencing another successful season, and as a result the public of Auckland are commencing to take an interesting University affairs. The first XV. Won its first three matches, and then lost to City—last year's champions. In Christchurch it is evident that "times are bad for football clubs"., the Canterbury College first XV. has managed to lose all of its early matches, but lives on hope. In Dunedin the 'Varsity team is but a shadow of its former self; its record is no better than Canterbury's. The Victoria College Football Club can have one consolation : it is not the only desolate.
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The erection of the new Chemical Laboratory at Canterbury College has now commenced, and as a result C.C has no more tennis-courts of its own. Most of those students who play during the winter months have joined a Club whose courts are near the College. When the College Club obtains new courts, as it hopes to in the near future, it will have to leave the College grounds, as no room will be available there.
Henry Bodley. — Declined.
G.F.D-x-n— Your "Impressions of a Novice in the Art of Terpsichore" is most fascinating reading. Wish we were novices with you.
J.W.He-n-n.—i. Regret to find on enquiry that the position of King's Fool is not open to New Zealander. ii. Yes; we have noticed your resemblance to Tommy Burns, but understand that he is a professional.
J-mmy O.g.—We are informed that "oleaginous flap-doodle" is now quoted at 2s. 11d. Per yard.
Editor, "Dominion."—You should teach your reporters to restrain their candour. The following extract from your issue of 8th February is expressed rather neatly, but is really too candidly pointed :—"Professor T.H. Easterfield, Ph.D, of Victoria College, occupied the pulpit at the Missions to Seamen's Church last evening. The congregation was not a large one."
D.R. H-gg-rd.—We think that the tone of your lost overcoat notice was too mild.
F.A.D-I-M.r.—Yes, the overcoat was returned in due course; but what became of the whisky flask that was in the pocket?
H.E.Ev-ns.— Sorry, but your "Impressions of London Music Halls" are hardly fit for publication.
A.M-cD-ug-ll.—Will be delighted to publish any impressions of yours.
Dr. C. P. Kn-ght.— You are certainly outspoken, but there are some who mightmistake your sentiments for egotism when you assert that Victoria College is nothing more of less than a "Knight School." If we might say so, there are the Professors to consider.
S.E.ch-lba-m— The Spike does not exist to explain all the incomprehensibilities of your capping songs; after your verbose explanation, we are still more ignorant as to what a "Bulgar" might be.
T.N.H-lmd.n— Your article on the Timber Industry is hardly suitable for our columns. We note with pleasure the ingenuity of your careful distinction between rimu and red pine; as you say, it was well that you impressed this point on the Gymnasium Committee—and their architect.
H. L. C--k.—i. We understand that the Debating Society has not sufficient funds to give a prize for reading. But don't let that deter you; the true amateur will keep on, prizes or no prizes. ii. No; we hardly think that your captaincy of the III. A Hockey team justifies your signing your-self as "Captain Cook" !
C. N. Ba-y-rtz.—We are in accord with your criticism of Madame Melba; we always are. We do not know whether you noticed several frightful mispronunciations of hers; on three distinct occasions she pronounced "too" as " to," and she utterly failed to distinguish between either of those words and the word "two." [N.B.—We paid two shillings to get in; what did you pay?]
J. M. T-dh-pe.—With regard to your proposed Roller Skating Club, what form of life and accident insurance do you propose to adopt ?
R. St. J. B--re.—i. Do not heed the querulous complaints of those who consider that, because you appointed yourself secretary of the Shooting Practices, you should therefore have attended those practices regularly, and have made all arrangements for ammunition, etc. The mountain must not go to Mahomet. ii. As you point out, the fact that a local Volunteer Corps has had to elect you a lieutenant, is an irrebuttable argument in favour of an Officers' Training Corps. iii. In view of the fact (pointed out by Major Lascelles) that the men from the U.T.C. will sustain the bulk of the casualties, please—oh! please—do not take Inder with you into your first engagement (i.e., military engagement). iv. Your didactic poem, entitled "Beere, Beere—Glorious Beere I" is not of sufficient merit for publication. We quote one verse:—
The poem seems to us to lack conviction. v. Yes; Capilla.