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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1936

"Estoilles Argent"

"Estoilles Argent"

A delegate to be appointed by the Executive of the Students' Association is now, thanks to the District Court of Convocation, eligible to attend meetings of the College Council. Spike renders thanks to those responsible for the gaining of this valuable right, long overdue, of student representation. One vote does not amount to much, but it is expected that the result of this move will be increased liaison between the students and the controlling body, which must be to the welfare of all. It is strange that it was not hitherto acknowledged that students had a right to sit on the council responsible for their own affairs.

* * *

Apropos of the above, felicitations are due to Mr. C. S. Plank. who has been rewarded by the student body for his constant efforts on its behalf by being elected a life member of the Students' Association. Mr. Plank, whose achievements include the drafting of a foolproof constitution for the Students' Association, and the student control of the student stomach (i.e., the Cafeteria) also had a hand in the move for student representation. It is good to see that Mr. Plank has now achieved recognition as well as success.

* * *

Spike joins with the writer of the Weir House article (quod vide) in extending good wishes to Max Brown, who, besides gaining a post-graduate scholarship and proceeding to Cambridge University, has had the added distinction of being a sub-editor on the 1935 Spike.

* * *

Another Committee-man of last year's Spike, Alfred Katz, left in June for a tour of Europe, before returning to New York, after which he intends to gain a doctorate of Philosophy in Social Psychology at Yale University.

page 53

In regard to this issue of Spike, thanks are due to Mr. O. A. E. Hughan for his constant and willing assistance. Mr. Hughan, who is associated with the Camera Club, took care of the photographic side of Spike, arranging for the adjudication of the entries. It is suggested that the precedent thus formed should be followed by future Spike. The co-operation between the Camera Club and Spike is of recent origin, but has given a great stimulus to the Club, and has supplied Spike, which has always lacked black and white artists, with the illustrations it has needed.

* * *

Perhaps T.C. may be able to do something in the way of black and white illustrations next year?

* * *

The literary prize of £1/1/- offered by the Executive has been won this year by Mr. O. A. E. Hughan, who wrote "Footsteps." The photographic prize goes to Mr. C. H. Smythe, who produced the photograph opposite page 24.

* * *

Our thanks are extended to Messrs. Gretton and McLean who undertook all the proofreading for this issue of Spike.

* * *

Good wishes will go with our two Rhodes Scholarship nominees for this year, Mr. H. L. Baker, B.A., and Mr. G. E. Wilson, M.A. with Honours. Or rather, felicitations for having received the honour of nomination and wishes that they will succeed in bringing the coveted scholarship to themselves and to V.U.C.

* * *

Some little disappointment has perhaps been felt that the Training College has as yet shown little influence upon Victoria College Club life. The "T.C." (as it will become when familiarity has finished breeding contempt) does not seem to have found its feet, and some of its members are of the opinion that it should emphasize its entity, even at the expense of V.U.C. This would be regrettable, as the clubs already suffer from anaemia, and no good purpose is served by making two anaemic clubs grow where but one grew before.

In the N.Z.U. Football Tour to Japan this College was represented by S. G. Eade, E. R. Chesterman, W. Tricklebank, G. G. Rae and H. R. C. Wild. The team left Auckland on 24th December and returned to Wellington on 16th March, the trip being made via Sydney, Brisbane, Thursday Island, Davao, Manila, and Hong Kong. Of the seven games played in Japan six were won and the last (the Second Test) was drawn. There were two games against the Hong Kong Club, both of which were won handsomely.

The Japanese proved themselves splendid hosts: they treated the team to the finest hospitality and showered gifts on them all through the tour. At football they were keen and able players and it was found that their natural elusiveness largely made up for their lack of height and weight. Towards the end of the tour, indeed, the New Zealanders were finding the physical fitness of the Japanese on the field and their generous hospitality off the field, almost too much for them.

A return visit by the Japanese in 1938 is already mooted and should this eventuate it will be the duty of New Zealand students to do all they can to repay the debt of gratitude we owe to the Japanese.

* * *

Following an illness early this year. Miss Ellen Pigott, lecturer in Botany, obtained leave of absence for the remainder of the session. We extend our sympathy to Miss Pigott and hope she will be able to resume her lectures in 1937. Meanwhile the teaching of Botany in the College has been carried on by Miss Ella Campbell, of Otago.

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Spike would like to take this opportunity of welcoming back to Victoria one of its former editors, namely Mr. D. J. Donald. At present assisting Professor Hunter, Mr. Donald was editor of Spike in 1927 and for the first issue in 1928. (Spike was issued twice a year in the pre-Smad days.) With former Spikes and extravaganzas for reference we are well aware of Mr. Donald's literary ability, and his facile pen is now being wielded once again for the enjoyment of the student body.