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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, 1939

Weir House

page 56

Weir House

The year started with the usual influx of new residents, approximately forty taking the places of those who had left us, voluntarily or involuntarily, at the end of last year. Victims of the annual purge were not numerous—mainly old-timers who had outlived their sphere of usefulness in the eyes of the management committee. Financial considerations affected many. The doubtful attractions of Wellington's boarding-houses and flats were more supportable than the rising boarding fee at Weir—and this despite the valiant efforts of the special committee to browbeat the management—efforts, indeed, crowned with a commendable amount of success.

We were glad to welcome back our last year's President, and to be able to congratulate him on attaining the Vice-Presidency of the Students' Association. Associated with him in guiding the destiny of the House this year has been an energetic and well-meaning committee whose activities, however, have been negatived somewhat by the apathy of many residents towards social events. In sport, on the other hand, the House has entered wholeheartedly and with marked success. Again, indications are that, contrary to the principles of the old regime, there are fewer of those blithe spirits to whom examinations are either non-existent or non-attainable.

Weir was unusually well represented at the Graduation ceremony this year—both on the platform and in the audience it might be noted. An even larger quota helped the Capping Ball on its way. Congratulations go to T. C. Larkin for his winning of the John Tinline Scholarship, and R. L. Meek for gaining the Strathcona Research Scholarship at Oxford. Among the younger members of the House there are several scholarship winners in embryo, as can be judged from last year's exam, results.

Deservedly or not, sport has always been Weir's pride. This year the standard has definitely been "onward and upward. "Varsity clubs have all been well supported, and members from the House despite their inferiority in experience and age have acquitted themselves well in leading teams of each of these clubs. Mention must here be made of the original Weir House hockey team, founded this year and captained by Rutherford. Besides setting an example to the rest of the club in the matter of training, the team became runner-up in its grade and conquered Victoria House in two classic encounters.

Football has flourished at Weir. Representatives played in every grade, although the general attitude towards training is still in keeping with the 'Varsity tradition. This is a matter in which the House could give a definite lead to the 'Varsity—in all of whose teams lack of training is the greatest fault. I he Weir House team performed well in its two matches. By defeating Massey 11—0 we retained the Turnbull Trophy—presented lately by un ex-resident. In the Ruru Shield game the team went down 8—3 in a hard-fought game against a particularly strong side—the best indeed that the Rest could field. A little luck and . . . Nevertheless visions of the Shield hanging in the Weir common-room are not far distant.

Sporting activities within the House have been as popular as ever. Tennis, table tennis and billiard championships (among other less renowned pastimes) have been played. The two North v. South games resulted in a win apiece. The cricket match provided a pleasant outing for all, South romping home by a wide margin. In the football several newcomers to the game put up sterling performances and North retained the Kelburn Keg by 22 to 15.

During the year at one of the house meetings the question of a house platoon was brought up. The motion favouring it was defeated overwhelmingly on the reasoning that as Victoria College was not exactly martial in outlook. Weir House being the real voice, centre and leader of the 'Varsity should be the first to uphold its principles. The growth of such feeling is to be commended. There are spheres in

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Nightfall G. A. Eiby

Nightfall G. A. Eiby

page 57

which Weir does lead the 'Varsity—in their contributions to sport and to the 'Varsity Capping and Extravaganza shows. In the cultural life of the 'Varsity Weir has little representation however and it is our hope that next year will see Weir attaining some importance in this sphere also.

On Sunday evenings there has been several addresses by visiting speakers—the highlight being the resumé of European affairs given by Dr. Lipson. Many of his prophecies have since proved astoundingly true. A new creation in the House "The Free Discussion Meeting" has held sway on the other Sunday evenings and has proved successful. A wide range of subjects have been advanced and many residents have taken the opportunity of airing their views.

With the end of term drawing near Weir can look back at a good year—successful and devoid of any unpleasant incidents. Looking ahead there are still two social events on the Weir calendar, the annual "At Home" and the "Dinner." Each is eagerly awaited and their success of last year will, we hope, be emulated this year.