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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, June 1910

Easter Tournament

page 40

Easter Tournament

Easter tournament

Ninth Inter-University College Tournament.

Held At Christchurch Easter, 1910.

For the third time we have visited Christchurch and experienced the kindness and hospitality of our friends there. We went forth, like our foes, to fight and to conquer. We fought a good fight, but we did not conquer. The Tournament of 1910 leaves us, as we were once wont to be, without a championship. The following synopsis shows graphically our record:—

1902—1904 — No championship.

1905 — Tennis

1906 — Debating and Tennis.

1907 — Debating and Tennis.

1908 — Debating and Athletics.

1909 — Debating.

1910 — No championship.

We have been beaten squarely, and we congratulate our victors. They won because they deserved to do so; but see to it, O ye men of Victoria College, that ye refurbish your armour and sharpen your swords against the coming day of battle.

V.C. Teams.

"Take of these elements, all that is fusible,
Melt 'em all down in a beaker or crucible,
Set 'em to simmer, and take off the scum:
A typical student's the residum."

College Song.

page 41

The competition for places in the teams was keen, especially in athletics. The enthusiasm shown at the annual sports by a number of new aspirants for athletic honours augurs well for the future.

The teams were as follows:—

Athletic Sports.

100yds.—G. S. Strack, R. R. Tyrer.

220yds.—A. T. Duncan, G. S. Strack.

440yds.—A. T. Duncan, J. C. McDowell

880yds.—A. T. Duncan, A. S. Faire.

120yds Hurdles.—A. H. Bogle, C. H. Strack.

440yds. Hurdles.—A. H. Bogle, C. H. Strack.

Mile Flat.—T. Rigg, D. S. Smith.

Three Miles.—T. Rigg, D. S. Smith.

Mile Walk.—G. M. Cleghorn, J. Wilson.

High Jump.—P. J. Wacnamara, A. H. Bogle,

Long Jump.—A. H. Bogle, P. J. Macnamara

Putting Shot.—J. Wilson.

Throwing Hammer.—J. Wilson.

Tennis.

Ladies' Singles. —Misses B. Reeve, K. McIntosh, and J. Tennant.

Ladies' Doubles.—Misses B. Reeve and J. Tennant, K. McIntosh and A. Atkinson, G. Saxon and A. Atkinson.

Men's Singles. —G. M. Cleghorn and C. H. Taylor.

Men's Doubles. —G. M. Cleghorn and D. S. Smith, C. H. Taylor and E. Wright.

Combined Doubles. —Miss B. Reeve and G. M. Gleghorn, Miss K. McIntosh and D. S. Smith.

Debating.

J. M. Hogben and M. H. Oram (elected by the Debating Society).

J. F. Thompson was appointed manager of the team.

En Route.

"Youth on the prow and pleasure at the helm."

Gray.

Amid hakas and many other ear-splitting, soul-uplifting cries of encouragement, the "Moana," carrying the A.U.C. and V.C. representatives and their barrackers, glided away page 42 from the wharf. Even as the lights twinkled behind us, we had made or renewed acquaintance with our northern friends. High spirits prevailed; the night was calm, and on deck, under the shining starts, concert parties passed a joyful evening until 10 p.m., when an unrelenting manager ordered all below. At Lyttelton we were met by several old friends, among them Miss and Mr. Barkas, wearing the inspiring green and gold. Christchurch reached, we were soon despatched with our hosts or hostesses, and left to their tender and kindly mercies for the rest of the day.

The Reception.

"Poins! Poins! these be noisome fellows!"

Henry IV.

Saturday morning broke clear and fine, and at 9 a.m. a light-hearted throng flocked to the official welcome to the visitors in Canterbury College Hall. Prof. Gabbatt (Chairman of Canterbury College Professorial Board) emphasised the importance of the Tournament as a social factor in New Zealand University life, and was followed by the Chairman of the College Governors in a similar strain. Both exhorted the elements in the usual manner. A. G. Marshall (A.U.C.), J. M. Hogben (V.C.), and G. Uttley (O.U.), followed on behalf of their respective colleges, each, in consoling mood, promising that his team would not carry off more than two, or perhaps three, of the available championships. Cheers and counter-cheers closed the proceedings.

Rifle Shooting.

"Fasting must be the correct cure-all because it is Nature's only cure. Any dog knows that."

Henry Bodley,
Letter to "The Times."

Early on Saturday morning, a rifle match for the Haslam Shield, between teams representing Victoria College and Canterbury College, was fired off at Redcliff's range. By reason of rigorous abstention from breakfast (so it is rumoured) our men scored 659 as against canterbury's 580, and the Haslam Shield now adorns our show case. This competition was not an official tournament event, but it is pleasing to record such a meritorious win.

page 43

Tennis.

"The ball no question makes of ayes or noes,
But right or left as strikes the player goes."

Omar Khayyam.

The tennis championships opened at the beautiful Avon-side courts on Saturday at 9.45 a.m. The courts were in good order, but the play was, for the most part, mediocre. Canterbury's chances were most favoured. In the men's singles, our players went down in the first round to more experienced men, and a like fate awaited the first men's double in the second round. Neither the Otago nor the Auckland men offered much resistance to Canterbury's attack, and the men's singles fell easily to L. Jennings, and the men's doubles to Jennings and T. D. Smith, of that

"And both were young, and one was beautiful."

Byron.

Victoria College supporters, however, had their hopes of ultimate success suddenly raised by the unexpected result of the Combined Double—Miss Reeve and Cleghorn, and Miss Grace and Jennings. This was, perhaps, the best match in the tournament. Our representatives were on the top of their form, while Jennings was slightly off-colour. The first set, by careful play, went to us: 6—4. We again led in the second set: 4—1 but by a fine effort, Miss Grace and her partner took the set: 6—4. Every stroke was now followed with keenest interest, and at 4 all in the third set, excitement was at concert pitch. We led 5—4, and then Cleghorn took command, and, playing well, won set and match amidst the wild enthusiasm of the wearers of the green and gold. In the final of the combined doubles, Miss Reeve and Cleghorn won from Miss Paterson and Beamish, who had defeated Miss McIntosh and Smith in the semi-final.

Miss Reeve and Miss Grace again met in the final of the Ladies' Singles Championship. On this occasion, by good placing and driving, Miss Reeve showed an undoubted superiority, and the championship went to Victoria College: 9—5.

Our chance for the tennis cup lay now in winning the final of the Ladies' Doubles, Misses Reeve and Tennant being pitted against Misses Grace and Patterson. We thought we might win, but we had underestimated the page 44 prowess of our Canterbury hosts. Their combination, driving and placing were alike excellent, and they well merited their win: 9—4.

The tennis cup thus went to Canterbury College, with three championships.

Picnic at Wainoni.

"Linked sweetness long drawn out."

Milton.

On Saturday evening, competitors, hosts, and friends, took tram for beautiful Wainoni. The moon shone clear, and the pine groves, the walks illuminated and otherwise, the Maori temples and other quaint structures in the park, lent a peculiar charm to the outing. A snorting merry-go-round and a wobbling "ocean wave" provided amusement for the daring and energetic. The picnic comprised the usual inter-College concert, and concluded with a display of fireworks.

Athletic Sports.

Well, the most courageous fiend bids me pack. "Via," says the fiend? "Away," says the fiend. "For the heavens?" "Rouse up a brave mind," says the fiend, "and run."

Merchant of Venice.

Monday dawned with veiled skies and drizzling rain, and communicated its gloom to many faces. The weather cleared sufficiently, however, to allow the usual morning programme to be got off, and in the afternoon the sun deigned to shine.

The athletic shield was retained by the Canterbury men by a margin of 8 points. No one can doubt their present superiority. Despite the heavy track, a number of fine performances were recorded. R. Opie succeeded in breaking two records, doing the 100yds. in 10 1/10 sees., and the 220yds. in 23 2/5secs. He easily held all his competitors. L. Dougall and T. Rigg ran a magnificent mile, the former winning in 4min. 37 1-5sec. Rigg contested every foot, but the heavier physique of the Canterbury man carried him through successfully. The three miles again went to Victoria College, T. Rigg, and D. S. Smith finishing first and second respectively. The time was some 17sec. slower than the best performance put up by Rigg last year. In the 120yds. Hurdles A. H. Bogle ran second to Harley (Canter- page 45 bury College) and to MacKenzie (Canterbury College) in the 440yds. Hurdles. Both the Canterbury representatives seemed to be built for their distances.

For the first time Victoria College succeeded in winning the Hammer Throwing-by appropriating J. Wilson. late of Otago. In the Mile Walk A. Hamilton (Otago University), last year's winner, was disqualified, and R. Twyneham (Canterbury College) and G. M. Cleghorn (Victoria College) finished first and second. A. T. Duncan had this year exchanged the 100yds. for the 880yds, but Dougall was not to be outdone, and came in an easy winner, with Duncan second and Jacobsen (Auckland University College) close up. Duncan also an second to Opie in the 220yds. Our "Ashley" has trained and performed so consistently that a first place would be a well-merited honour. May the Auckland Tournament crown his efforts!

The Ladies' Cup for the competitor scoring most points was won by Opie (Canterbury College), with 6 points. Brookfield (Auckland University College) again won the Trevor Hull Memorial Shield, and Dougall (Canterbury College) the de la Mare Cup. The Relay Cup went to Canterbury College.

The official results are given on page 48.

Debating.

"And that old wooden platform at the Chester County fair, Seemed the ridge pole of creation while I was spouting there."

Prior to 7.45 p.m. on Monday evening, many strange sounds might have been heard proceeding from the Choral Hall in Gloucester Street. Auckland, remembering athletic misfortunes, wailed, "We came last"; Canterbury, in a roundelay, detailed the fortunes of certain peanuts; Otago cried "Turuki," and Victoria "Ka mate." Good-humoured personalities were freely interspersed.

When order was duly restored, Prof. Blunt, the chairman, briefly opened the debate. The judges were Messrs. O. T. J. Alpers, G. T. Booth, and E. K. Mulgan. The subject of debate was: "That the training and education provided by such a university as ours is the best preparation for a commercial or industrial career." In the first debate, N. Gibson and H. H. Hauna (Canterbury College), affirmed, page 46 while M. H. Oram and J. M. Hogben (Victoria College) opposed the motion. In the second debate R. M. Algie and A. Marshall (Auckland University College) affirmed, and T. W. Haslett and J. L. Robinson (Otago University) opposed the motion.

The words "such a University as ours" seemed to lend themselves to various interpretations, a fact which to a certain extent spoiled the debate as a debate. Some speakers asserted that their opponents had quite missed the point of the motion, and as a result several consecutive speeches had little or no real reference to one another. Ambiguity in the motion for debate should certainly be avoided. The personal element was rather prominent in one or two speeches. As regards the speakers, Messrs. Marshall and Algie (Auckland University College) formed a good combination, providing both sound matter and much humour. The judges placed them first without difficulty, with Messrs Robinson and Haslett (Otago University) second. Hearty cheers for the winners, no longer "last," closed the proceedings.

The Dance.

"The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;
A thousand hearts beat happily, and when
Music arose, with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes that spoke again."

The Dance is to most one of the chief of tournament delights, and the Christchurch dance, held in the beautiful hall of Canterbury College, was certainly delightful. The arrangements had been well made. and, amidst the soft lights and the harmonious colouring of charming frocks, worn by charming wearers, the flitting moments sped by all too swiftly for the tripping feet, and all too soon the last strains of the music died softly into silence.

The Return Journey.

And cheeks all pale, which, but an hour ago.
Blushed at the praise of their own loveliness."

The cares of this world brought a number of Victoria College representatives and barrackers home on Wednesday morning. Those who were more fortunate, and they were a majority, stayed for the dance, and returned with the page 47 Auckland contingent the following day. Farewells, tinged with a genuine regret, a deck concert, and a wet and windy welcome home, were typical of both trips. Standing on deck as the steamer came up the harbour, we reflected on the past few days; we remembered the abundant kindness of our hosts; the good humour that laughed down any obstacle to enjoyment; the comradeship prevailing in the midst of the keenest competition, and with our poet, we sighed: "Helas! les beaux jours sont finis!"

Our Mangers.

"Ah! Well done! I commend your pains."

Shakespeare.

Our esteemed manager, whose travelling arrangements were perfect, was unfortunately stricken with rheumatism on the first day of the tournament, and was obliged to chafe away the weary hours in bed. He had the sincerest sympathy of every tournament representative. We trust that his services will again be available in more happy circumstances.

"Let Fate do her worst: there are relies of joy
Bright dreams of the past which she cannot destroy."

Moore.

Decorative border

page 48

Athletic Championships.

Summary of Events.

Event 1st (2 points) 2nd (1 point) Time or Distance
min. sec.
100 yards R. Opie, C.C. L. H. McBride. O.U. 10 1/10
220 yards R. Opie, C.C. A. T. Duncan, V.C. 23 2/5
440 yards R. Opie, C.C. A. W. P. Brookfield, O.U. 51 3/5
880 yards L. A. Dougall. C.C. A. T. Duncan, V.C. 2 7 3/5
Mile L. A. Dougall. C.C. T. Rigg, V.C. 4 37 1/5
3 Miles T. Rigg, V.C. D. S. Smith, V.C. 16 13
120 Hurdles W. C. Harley, C.C. A. H. Bogle, V.C. 17 2/5
440 Hurdles O. S. Mackenzie, C.C. A. H. Bogle, V.C. 63 1/5
Long Jump J. N. Millard, O.U. G. S. Mackenzie, C.C. ft. 20 in. 1
High Jump A. W. P. Brookfield, J. N. Millard, O.U. 5 3 ¾
O.U. min. sec.
Mile Walk R. Twyneham, C.C. C. M. Cleghorn, V.C. 7 33 1/5
Weight Putting W. Grace, C.C. C. V. Baigent, O.U. ft. 31 in. 2
Hammer Throwing J. Wilson, V.C. W. Rutherford, O.U. 98 3

Championship Shield Points.

Canterbury College 19points
Victoria College 11 points
Otago University 9 points

Special Trophies.

Ladies' Cup, R. Opie (C.C.), 6 points

Relay Cup, Canterbury College (Time 3min. 44 1/5 sec.)

Trevor Hull Memorial Shield, A. W. P. Brookfield

De la Mare Cup, L. A. Dougall (C.C.)

Lawn Tennis Championships.

Men's Singles L. S. Jennings (C.C.)
Men's Doubles L. S. Jennings and T. D. Smith (C.C.)
Ladies' Singles Miss 13. T. L. Reeve (V.C.)
Ladies' Doubles Misses B. W. Grace and L. Paterson (C.C.)
Combined Doubles Miss B. I. L. Reeve and G. M. Cleghorn (V.C.)

Canterbury College thus won the Tennis Cup with three wins.

Debating Contest.

The Joynt Debating Challenge Scroll was won by Auckland University College (R. M. Algie and A. G. Marshall)