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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 13, No. 3. March 16th, 1950

... And at 'em

... And at 'em

Last Thursday, there were a lot of comparative strangers in the Upper Gym, for the Fencing Club were entertaining their friends from the Wellington Swords Club, an Australian sailor, and an, Australian lady fencer from the Empire Games. There were fights going on all over the place. Just outside "Salient" room door, the straight-backed Mr. Draw was fighting foil with Miss Pym, the Australian fencer, and things were moving very fast I saw Julian Stafford throw down his fencing glove at Fain Flaw's feet (meaning, "Come on, you big stiff, and fight sabre), and I remarked how Fain picked up the glove and, waving it wildly, chased Julian across the floor (meaning, "Wait till I get my sword and I'll run you through, you oaf"). All in the best of spirit of sport.

Talking to Miss Pym later, I found her an interesting person, with a very forceful character; in fact, the personality of a champion.

She started fencing after she left school, learning at a physical training school; she trained later at Paris, also fighting in tournaments there. In '48 she was placed third in the Aussie Fencing Tournament, the first they'd ever had. On the strength of this placing, and of her overseas experience, she was put into the Empire Games team. While fighting her defence was admirable, and her lunge on attack excellent. Almost all her movements were pleasant to watch, for they were decisive and self-confident.

The club's supper was almost as good as the rest of the evening.