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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review October 1911

Easter, 1012

Easter, 1012.

"Victoria College expects every man to do his duty."

After a few more months have been crammed full of University life not forgetting the overwhelming exams, the University Tournament will be upon us. No student who has attended any previous tournament will neglect an opportunity of journeying with the "jolly undergrads." to Dunedin in April next. There will be a meeting of the clans (including the "Gay Cordons"), and no one will doubt, if the previous occasions are to be regarded as any criterion, that the festivities will be delightfully varied. When the Victorians meet to sport with the men of the New Zealand University, is it too much to expect that the lady friends of all undergrads grace and beautify the playing fields of 'Edin.

As at previous tourneys, competitions and social gatherings will be the order of the day—and night. The flower of oratory of the two islands will be heard echoing through the vaulted halls of Otago University. The Wildings and Dentons will adorn the courts and exhibit their prowess in serving, and killing strokes; and some of the glories of the rackets undoubtedly will fall to the Victorians.

But this is not the only aim of Victoria Collegians. Four years ago Victoria College won the Athletic Shield —at Dunedin. Is the year 1908 to be longer pointed to page 58 as the only bright star, so to speak, in the Victoria College firmament? If the tourney of 1912 is to be emblazoned in our annals, those imbued with athletic fervour and College spirit must do their utmost to win back this much-coveted trophy.. It is true that at the tournament in Auckland we missed the shield by two points, but there is no reason why we should not be on the right side by a dozen points next Easter. Now, what has enabled our representatives in the past to attain those positions in athletics of which we collegians generally are all truly proud? Was it by setting still and watching the other man do the hard graft? Was it by merely hoping to win and making no effort: No; there is only one answer. It is the same in the whole realm of human endeavour. What is worth having is worth working for. Surely not one of the 200 Victoria College men students can afford to neglect his duty to the institution which is fitting him for the eventualities of his lifetime.

"Ye Olde Clay Patch on Salamanca" is situated centrally. Beyond its massive portals stretches the verdant sward of Kelburne Park, which is placed at the disposal of those in pursuit of health, strength and trophies. Students have no excuse. Constant training will enable them to obtain all. More than this: if we are to do justice to the opportunities afforded, if we are to become "compleat" students, if we are to rise above the ordinary ruck, then we must have our heart and soul in the work before us. No one can become insignificant easier than by living a life of ease and luxury. Therefore let us squarely face this question of gaining athletic trophies for our College and lie deter- mined to put forth the best efforts in us and win the coveted shield. There is no other way to succeed, but if we should fail—spare the word—having all trained, then ours should be an honourable defeat.