Silver Jubilee of Victoria University College

Victoria University College first opened its doors on the night of the 17th April, 1899, when two of the four pioneer professors delivered their inaugural addresses. The two further inaugural addresses were delivered at 5 p.m. on each of the following afternoons.

These inaugural addresses, however, were public ones, and it was on the night of the 18th April, 1899, that the real work of the College, i.e., lectures to students, actually began. The 25th anniversary of that important occasion will therefore fall on the 18th April, 1924. That happens to be next Hood Friday; and by what seems to be a most auspicious coincidence the University Tournament (which owes its birth to Victoria College) is again due to be held in Wellington next Easter.

Moreover, a Memorial Window to those who fell in the war is at present being made in Dunedin, and the College Council is being urged that, if at all possible, the official unveiling of the window should take place on the afternoon of next Cood Friday and be the first act in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the College. Would not such an act be in the highest degree appropriate both to the day and the occasion, and set a standard for the whole celebrations?

So with the triple event—Silver Jubilee, University Tournament, and unveiling of Memorial Window—there is presented a unique opportunity for past and present students to combine in a special effort to celebrate the occasion. There would thus be presented at one and the same time means whereby:—

1.	Fitting honour would be done to the memory of students who fell in the war;
2.	Tribute might be paid to the devoted services and enthusiasm of the pioneer Professors, and of other members of the staff' subsequently appointed;
3.	Many old friendships would be renewed, and new ones formed. So would past and present students be drawn into closer union and mayhap find opportunities of common service in the interests of future students among whom will, in many cases, be their own descendants;
4	Old memories would be revived in a hundred and one ways, possibly providing material of historic interest worthy of permanent record in "The Spike" and elsewhere;
5	The attention of the public and of the Government would be focussed on the position that Victoria University College has already attained in the community, and the still greater part it may be expected to play—more especially if provided with further endowments and benefactions;
6.	The gratitude of past and present students might be publicly expressed to (1) the lion. Sir Walter Buchanan for his recent munificent gift to the College; and (2) other benefactors;
7.	Increased interest might be stimulated in matters pertaining to the College, not only among past students but on the part of the public generally;
8.	The University Tournament might be made a bigger function and a greater success than even its four predecessors in Wellington have been. The University Ball in particular, one is justified in thinking, might be made a really splendid function, providing a fitting climax at the close of both; the Tournament and the Jubilee Celebrations.
9.	A special number of "The Spike" might be published to include:— page 54 (a) Special articles on the growth and development of V.U.C; (b) Special messages or articles from distinguished graduates now overseas, former lihodes Scholars, etc. (c) A reproduction in colours of the Memorial Window (copies of this to be sent to the next of kin of students commemorated in the window); (d) Plates showing V.U.C. as it is to-day, contrasted with one of the site as it was when excavations first began, and another showing the building before the recent additions were made, etc.; (e) If possible, a Jubilee Ode.
10.	An Annual Commemoration Day might be instituted.