ince its inception in 1902, the Tournament has with each succeeding year established itself more securely in the affections of all true students, until at the presents time the five crowded days of eager strife and merriment which surround the occasion are undoubtedly looked forward to more than any others portion of the year. In earlier days our representatives had the annual "time of their lives" and even achieved some worthy feats of arms on occasion, but in general the older Colleges shared the spoil : we "also started" and applauded the winners.

The tide has been setting more our way of late, but the Athletic shield has never rewarded our efforts until after six long years of scarred defeat, Victoria College has at last achieved supremacy in this branch of the contest. The smile on Manager Dixon's expressive countenance, as he watched the boys "getting there," last Easter Monday, was a wonderful thing to see. The team was a sound combination, but credit of the result must be shared with those who trained so hard beforehand, and made it certain that no man gained his badge who was not fit to uphold the honour.

We can only hope that the same enthusiasm will be in evidence next year, when we shall be defending our title on our own ground. The Relay Race Trophy and the Ladies' Cup, held by the winner of most points in the Athletic Championship, are still our own; while the Joynt Debating Scroll also returns to welcome the Athletic Shield to our common room at Kelburne—long may they reign there together. The Tennis Cup has returned its old haunts, the halls of Canterbury College.

Our "crowd" were just the same old happy family as ever —if not more so, —and at all times, those who were for the nonce on the bank, "came to light" nobly, and whether applauding an extra-abstruse point of the debaters, cheering the lady tennis player, or preparing a man for his final run, were just as staunch and loyal as we hope they ever will be.

Victoria College Teams.

"Good, great and joyous, beautiful and free."

—Prometheus.

More general interest was taken in training operations this year than has ever been the case before; the lure coming Tournament was a power in the land weeks before Easter. It is a pity that of the large number in active training, so few devote any attention to hurdling, jumping, walking, and the hammer and shot; there is still room for more competition in those events, and even if our present exponents were prefect, they cannot last for ever.

Debating.

John Mason and H. E. Evans (elected by Debating Society.)

G. F. Dixon was once more appointed Manager of the Team.

The Trip.

"Now, my master, for a true face and good conscience!"

—Henry IV.

"Be calm, good wind, blow not."

—Two Gent. Of Verona.

The Auckland Team had arrived on Wednesday, and on Thursday night an enthusiastic crowd of barrackers cheered both teams on to the Rotomahana, which was once again to have the honour of conveying the flowing of our Northern Chivalry against the foe, and on this occasion behaved in a manner worthy of the trust.

The first flush of excitement was scarcely past era the strident notes of a Capping Song quivered on the quiet air, summoning the faithful to the top deck. Some were faithful and came, others were faithful and didn't. Ivor Davie and a mandolin kept the fun going merrily until the Steward's "All ladies below, please" left the festive band with no interest in any thing but bunk. An hour or so next morning was devoted to the practice of a fearsome hake, specially compiled for the occasion, which paled the brow of the foe on several exciting page 16 occasions later. Dixon managed to get past Lyttleton this time, and a strong Canterbury Contingent jointed forces at Christchurch for the last stage.

Cold rain was falling when Dunedin was reached, but the Otago war-cry warmed the blood at once, and we were soon scattered over the city under the protecting wings of our respective hosts.

The Mayoral Reception.

"God keep your worship! I wish your worship well."

—Much Ado.

Cold but clear was the weather report next morning and a numbers assemblage attended the official welcome of His Worship the Mayor of Dunedin. His worship expressed his pleasure at meeting such an array of brain, brawn and beauty, and promised fair weather with vigorous opposition from Otago representatives. As an old athlete, he delighted to find that the honor and glory of winning were considered prize by the visitors in the strife, and on behalf of the citizens hoped our stay in Dunedin might be very enjoyable.

Dixon, in reply for the three visiting Colleges, was in great form. Incidentally he said he had attended a few tournaments (with his coat sagging perceptibly under the weight of his badges) expressed hearty appreciation of our kind welcome, and announced the firm determination of the Northerners to uphold their end of the stick or to be crushed under it like men.

Cheers and counter cheers broke up the gathering : the running men intent on a winding-up gallop at Carisbrook, while the remainder set out for the Kaituna Courts, where tennis matches commenced at 9.30 a. m.

Tennis.

"Our ranks are broke, and ruin follows us : what counsel give you ?"

—Henry VI.

Both the Otago and Canterbury teams were considerably stronger this year was case in Auck!and. Victoria College supporters, as they settled themselves comfortably in page 17 the sun to watch the opening matches, were prepared to admit as much; in fact they were rather pleased that the improved form of the Southerners might provide some exciting contests. Finishes would be close, but as far as the ultimate return of the Cup to Wellington was concerned, their minds were calm and untroubled. This pleasant illusion was soon shattered by Jennings (C. C.) who put out Prouse in very short order—two sets straight. Meanwhile Beers won a single, and it was hoped that Prouse would find his form before the doubles came on. He didn't Bundle and Gower (O. U.) were the opposition and played a fine combined game, waiting patiently for the winning chance, and making no mistake when it came. Bundle was especially clean overhead and at the net. Beere and Prouse were excellent occasionally, but it was very occasionally. Their work was not up to their usual form in any respect, and our chances in the men's doubles were extinguished 6—3, 3—6, 6—1. Wellington's hopes now centered in the Ladies, and Miss Scott's third win for the day was made the occasion of an encouraging hake. The same lady with Miss McIntosh was also still in the running for the Ladies' Doubles, and it seemed that all might yet be well.

One of the first matches on Tuesday was Beere v. Bundle on the semi-final of the Men's Singles. Beere's game was much improved, but he was unable to hold Bundle, ultimately lost the final to Jennings. In the final of the Ladies' Singles Miss Scott met Miss Morrison (C. C.) who went right away at the start, and led 6—2 amid great Canterbury enthusiasm. This had just the necessary effect, for of the next eight games Miss Scott took seven, and remains lady champion of the University colleges for 1908. More enthusiasm—from Wellington.

In the Ladies' Doubles final Misses Taylor and Utting (A. U. C) succumbed to Miss McIntosh and Miss Scott. Later in the day Prouse and Miss Scott were beaten by Jennings and Miss Grace (C. C.) who played a fine game and ultimately won the combined events.

Canterbury also annexed the Men's Doubles with Jennings and Bain, and won the cup with three championships out of five.

On this return to their old form Victoria College extends its heartiest congratulations.

"The beat laid schemes o' mice and men
Gang aft a gley."

—Burns.

Athletics.

"Faith! I ran when I saw others run!"

—Henry IV.

Athletic championships were decided on Monday on the Carisbrook ground in fair, but extremely cold weather. The waterlogged condition of the track was quite against any aspirants for record honours, some excellent performances were registered, and in one event the previous best performances was beaten. Goodbehere was again a great comfort in the hour of need. He and Duncan secured all three points in the 100 yards, sailing through the worsted with a clear advantage from Turner (C. C.) The 220 yards and Long Jump also fell to his prowess, but in the 440 yards McChesney ran him out down the straight and scored for Otago. Dunlop (A. U. C) turned out to defend his Mile Flat Championship, but was unable to cope with Dougall (C.C) a very strong running, who beat Rigg for the de la Mare challenge Cup by about five yards. Twyneham, (C. C) ran away with the mile walk, his time of 9 min. 29 secs. Being the best to date. In the hurdle events A. H. and G. V. Bogle took their fences in better style their opponents did and secured five of the available six points. The three Mile flat was the race of the day, and will long be remembered with a thrill of pride by the wearers of the all-black flimsy. Smith page 19 struck a merry pace from the pistol, and fairly broke the heats of the big Canterbury men, who led out time and again in the vain hope of easing it. At the bell, Croker (O.U.) came away, and raced round the back stretch with Smith hanging grimly on his heels, fighting every foot : Rigg three yards behind. Entering the straight, Smith had shot his bolt and Otago were clearing their throats to cheer, when Rigg

"Saw in far-off Newtown the white porch of his home"

or something which bucked him up considerably, and coming on with great heart, broke the tape two feet to the good, amid wild enthusiasm. A fine finish by three as game men as ever laced a shoe! Oliphant (A.U.C.) won the High Jump and with it the Trevor Hull Memorial Shield. Goodbehere started the last lap of the relay race with an advantage of some 30 yards and accumulated a few more on the Journey. Several Victoria College pairs were rumored to be all out in the Needle Race, but unfortunately it did not materialise.

The Official Results are given on page 24

Debating Contest.

"upon my knees, what doth thy speech import."

—Othells.

"You could' ave ' eard a pin drop."

—Old Play.

Subject :—That the British Empire will decline unless a system of compulsory military service is adopted.

For the third time in succession Victoria College has won the Joynt Debating Scroll, and for the third her successful representatives have been men hitherto untried in these contests.

Professor Gilray occupied the chair and briefly outlined the programme to a large audience of students and the general public.

In the first debate of the evening the Auckland representatives were opposed to the elect of Canterbury.

M. H. Hampson (A. U. C.) who led the affirmatives, suffered somewhat from nervousness, and as a result showed too great page 20 evidence of a prepared speech, Despite this drawback, he performed well and was interesting throughout.

He was followed by A. H. Amers (C.C.) whose speech was of little value as a debating effort. He practically no attempt to refute Hampson's arguments, contenting himself with expounding his own side of the case.

W. E. Moore, A. U. C. followed and delivered an excellent speech. He replied in good style to the arguments advanced by Amers, and also found time to considerably improve his own position.

T. E. Currie, C. C. was the last speaker in this debate. His presence and delivery were fine, but his inclinations apparently lay in the direction of oratory rather than debating. Several amusing figures of speech appeared quite irrelevant, and his evident enthusiasm for the rifle on schools led him far astray.

T. M. Haslett, O. U led the affirmative in the second debate. He had good matter, but his delivery was slow that the bell cut him short before he could well develop his arguments.

H. E. Evans, V. C. followed with a sound speech, his presentation of the negative side of the case being exceedingly clear and well arranged. His replies to Haslett's arguments were not as effective as his prepared matter.

E. K. Lomas, O. U. spoke next and kept well to the point under discussion, though the effect of his speech was somewhat marred by monotonous delivery. To the main arguments advanced by Evans he made apt and ready reply.

John Mason, V. C. was the final speaker of the evening. His replies to Lomas were good; his exposition of the points left him by Evans was better, while his telling peroration, receded by some appropriate ironical touches, carried the whole audience with it.

Whilst the judges were considering their verdict, the audience took charge of affairs. College songs and catch calls resounded through the hall, while the Victoria College contingent overcame page 21 their natural modesty sufficiently to render their haka on the platform. Hostilities ceased on the return of the judges.

The Reverend Hewitson announced their verdict, that the Joynt Debating Scroll had been won by Victoria College, to an accompaniments of vigorous applause.

Ladies' Hockey Matches.

"Here she comes—O excellent motion."

—Two Gent. Of Verona.

Our versatile representatives in Dunedin also included in their ranks a ladies' team of hockey players, who tried their skill with teams Otago and Canterbury.

The first match v Otago, took place at Anderson's Bay on Monday morning before the sports. The opening stage were not particularly brilliant, due to lack of combination, and the exigencies of the ground, which was intersected by asphalt cricket pitches. In the forwards ranks Misses Allen and Matheson O. U., and Misses Johnston and Tavendale, V. C. were always prominent. Miss Cox was a tower of strength to our back division. First spell ended 2 all.

With five minutes to go, honours were even, three goals all, but with a last despairing effort V. C. scored again and won the match 4—3.

Morning tea was to be served to all contestants : Rawdon Beere agreed to be referee.

The game with Canterbury College was played on the Carisbrook ground, late on Tuesday afternoon. The Canterbury team was shorthanded and our girls made no race of it, winning a one—sided game by 5 goals to 0.

Men's Hockey Match.

"What is to be done with these here hopeless chaps,"

—H. M. S. Pinafore.

This encounter between Otago University and Victoria College, took place on the Carisbrook ground on Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of Mr. Barkas and some five ladies, page 22 and resulted in a win for the home team by four goals to one Otago's scorers were Shaw, Cuttle, and Rutherford (2) : for us Oram improved an opportunity. Ryburn's transfer has not affected his play in fact for an opening match, the general accuracy and combination of the Southern men were remarkable. The only outstanding feature of our play as a team was a general weary feeling, but it was well developed.

Whilst this game was in progress the Otago University footballers tried conclusions with a team selected from the visitors, and were also victorious by 11 points to 3.

Moonlight Picnic.

N. B. There was a moon.

"I am glad I came this way so happily."

—Henry VIII.

At 7.14 p. m. on Saturday evening numerous special cars ran out to Anderson's Bay where the company advanced, mostly by force of two in close order, across a headland land down on to the Tomahawk Beach. A huge bonfire was there lighted, and the various colleges gathered in their stragglers at different points of the lighted circle, and prepared to exhibit their versatility. Choruses were roared whenever anyone felt musical (?) but hakas were the items most in demand. Each college in turn did its best to make the night hideous, and the performers had reached a moist state of exhaustion and hoarseness in hand soon removed all traces of it, and the return pilgrimage commenced. One car waited 20 minutes for loiterers. It was very popular.

University Ball.

"Tell me Andronicus, doth this motion please thee ?"

—T. Andron.

"Be merry! for our time of stay is short."

—Richard II.

This brilliant function was held in the Public Hall attached to the Art Galery on Tuesday evening, and in many respects was the crowning glory of the gathering. The long cool gallery made a delightful retreat between and even during the dances, page 23 and tremendous interest was taken in the pictures all the evening. Supper was a magnificent affair; our athletes were easily distinguishable by an energy born of weeks of careful abstinence. The desire of the ladies to pack and change for the home journey was responsible for "Auld Lang Syne" at 4 a. m.

Return Journey.

"Let's away! the strangers all are gone."

—Romeo and Juliet.

Two hours sleep revived the company sufficiently to preserve a decent show of interest in the hearty farewell of our hosts; though several travelers peacefully resumed their interrupted dreams as soon as we cleared Dunedin. The train run was uneventful, saving an unfortunate incident at Oamaru where the appearance of "Eichy," masquerading as a lady, seriously frightened a small child on the platform. A farewell haka at Christchurch and straight on to Lyttelon and the Rotomahana. A mass concert occupied several hours on the boat; the presence of Dr. Simpson of last year's Otago team being very opportune. Our hearty welcome at the Wellington wharf was greatly appreciated by all the pilgrims.

As hosts, the friends and students of the Otago University were all that could be desired; and our genuine regret at the conclusion of the Tournament is only genuine by the reflection that next Easter we shall have an opportunity of repaying to some extent the many kindnesses received during our journeying of the last three years.

The Manager.

"A good fellow, even in his darkest longings. "

This gentleman has now become such a general institution of the Tournament; that we fear his first absence from a gathering (may it be far distant) will be regretted by the other centres as a direct breach of faith on the part of Victoria College. On this occasion Dixon was Dixon—no more remains to be said.

"Drink to Dixon, with overflowing brim,
The college owes a lot to him."

—Capping Song.

Official Results