In Honour of Graduates.

he Students' Carnival, which was given "in honour of the graduates of the year," was managed on strictly business lines. One graduate, who was also taking a prominent part in the programme, was not allowed inside the Hall until he had paid 2s. We would suggest that in future the recipient of "honour" should be charged half-price.

* * * *

Miss Fanny Smith, who has been an invaluable Sub-Editor since the "Spike's" first issue, has been away from College this term owing to ill-health. Miss Smith sent in her resignation before she left, but the Students' Committee asked her to hold the position till the end of the year. Miss Smith's artistic and humorous touch is not absent from this number. If you wish a memorial—look around.

* * * *

The prize for the best Capping Song was halved by J. A. Brailsford (Victoria's Variety Show) and A. G. Quartley (Men of Letters). The "Battle of the Bays" is getting keener than it was.

* * * *

We very much regret having to report an accident to A. H. Johnstone, who hurt his knee right at the end of the Football season. Johnstone did much towards bringing the Football Club into existence and no one has played in finer spirit than he. A sterling player, occasionally brilliant,—the Club can ill afford to lose him. We wish him a speedy recovery.

* * * *

Miss Tooman, one of this year's graduates, who has been very ill during the last six months, is now quite recovered, unless pining for examinations may be regarded as a bad sign. It doesn't seem healthy at this time of the year.

page 45

Two interesting memorials of the Easter Tournament have been received. The first is the sum of one guinea to provide a trophy for the tug-of-war. It is proposed that this shall form the neuclus of a fund to provide a Tug-of-War Challenge Cup. The second is a like sum for G. F. Dixon, who ran second to Webster, the New Zealand champion, in his attempt to lower the New Zealand record. Dixon's time was not taken.

* * * *

According to "Marte Nostro" (a débutante of promise) Applied Science is a "hot" favourite in the A.U.C. Common Room. The present advance course includes experimental "toasting." When fends allow postage we intend to write for a recipe.

* * * *

The College Library does not appear to be in a satisfactory state. It is a "hard" truth that the luxurious easy chairs are defective (why not borrow the Tennis Club's expensive benches ?) the chosen pens are hopelessly thick-headed, and the wistful blotting-paper has no absorbing interest. But then, as Carlyle says "with stupidity and sound digestion man may front much."

* * * *

It leaked out (during the recent rains) that Mr. S—m—t was kept cooling his heels in the windy passage for 20 minutes after the alloted lecture period. We suggest that the victim is justified in taking "the law" into his own hands.

* * * *

The Rev. T. H. Sprott, M.A., on the invitation of some of the students, bus, on Sunday evenings, been conducting a class for the study of the Bible. Mr Sprott's clear and thoughtful lectures have proved most interesting, whilst his sound scholarship and broad views are a guarantee of full and free discussion. The promoters are anxious that all those who take an interest in the subject should join. The class will go on alter the term has ended.

* * * *

The Mental Science lectures have this year been divided between three lecturers. Professor Mackenzie has taken Logic and part of Psychology, leaving to Dr. Chapple the Physiological Aspects. The Rev. W. A. Evans is at present giving a course on Ethics.

page 46

Disappointed

There was a young student of Latin,
Who thought it a tongue he was pat in:
But when he had "sat,"
He did not think that,
That unfortunate student of Latin!

There was a young student of French
Who sat down on a very hard bench;
And then wondered why,
The Lecture was dry,
That unfortunate student of French!

There was a young Student of English,
Most of all wished himself to distinguish;
Tried to boss the whole class,
Found it did not quite pass,
That unfortunate student of English!

* * * *

Students throughout New Zealand will rejoice that Sir Robert Stout has been appointed Chancellor of the University.

* * * *

A Road Race was arranged by the Wellington Harrier Club and a team from Victoria College competed. The course was from the Post Office to the Patent Slip and back. The Harrier No. 1 Team gained first place, Harrison's Gymnasium second and Victoria College third. Of the College men de la Mare was fourth, G. M. Henderson sixth, with King and Taylor some distance behind. Pollock, the winner, covered the distance, 7 miles, in 42 minutes 17 seconds.

The College Building

We said in our last issue, "there appears no reason why the foundation stone should not be laid early next term." We repeat this remark. The plans were submitted to the Government, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, as we went to print. Casting his eagle eye at the design the Prime Minister spake in the immortal words of Michael Angelo "It wants but one thing." Mr. Seddon unlike Mr. Angelo went on to explain that page 47 perfection would be reached "by another story." The matter was then referred to the Government Architect, whose great mind, working behind an eye of terrific intensity, compelled his lips to utter the momentous and original words "It wants but one thing." Whether this is another "story" or not the "Spike" does not venture to say. All that can be said with certainty is, that it has taken about three months for the great architect to provide reasons for his decision—and the foundation stone is not yet laid. We do not know whether the Government Architect heard the words uttered by the Minister for Education—so we cannot with certainty proclaim the master mind. That the greatness of the conception will be embodied in imperishable brick and stucco no one can doubt, for £5,000 hangs trembling in the balance. The College Council has our sympathy.