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Books You Must Have Relax on Bright Books — AND — WE HAVE THEM— Books You Would Like Wise and Otherwise I are all lo be had from A. McLEOD, mjier flatfat A. McLEOD, "Brisbane's Best Bookstore," "Brisbane's Best Bookstore," 107 Elizabeth St., BRISBANE 107 Elizabeth St., BRISBANr

Tol. VI., No. 22 Thursday, Znd September, 1937 RcKislereil at G.V.O., Brisbane, Ior *5 . 5/- per Annum tninsuiisglon by post os Q periodical. FriCe 3d. per copy Hie-Hockey UNION BUFFET ALMOST A FIASCO INTER-FACULTy ROWING. Views Tapped THE UNIVERSITY, Tuesday. Comestible Counter Installed Interest In University sport appears to Asked by "Semper" what he thought of be at a low ebb when an inter-faculty Brisbane one Melbourne man's first im­ competition can attract only two entrants, pulse was to remark cheerfully, "Bloody Cafe, Cafetaria, Refectory, Bevary and yet such was the position disclosed at awful." Then realising that the Inter­ a committee meeting of the Boat Club viewer was a woman he changed it to which was held to-day. The Meds. and "Excellent spot," and added cryptically, or Buffet? Vets, (two of the youngest faculties) were ""You come out of the bath salted and apparently the only ones prepared to carry then shale it off." Another remarked cyni­ The establishment of the Union Buffet has marked this week on the old tradition and naturally the cally that Brisbane compared favourably attitude of the other faculties aroused a with the minor provincial towns of Vic­ as an important one in the history of the Union development. deal of discussion. However, apart from toria. The interviewer retired in great A sum of about £65 has been spent on and altera­ displaying notices on all the official notice indignation and sought solace WKh vne tions to that part of the Men's Outer Common previously boards, the secretary had also approached enthusiast whose opinion was: "The wea­ occupied by the Union storeroom and . This space individiial m?mber,s of the other faculties ther is wonderful and so are the wo­ —but his efforts were of no avail! men" This led to a philosophical discus­ has been equipped with a counter, showcases, benches, shelves, sion on women's dross: "Women dress all cupboards and cafe heating apparatus. Scant Appreciation, Apparently it has been forgotten that round-er-all round. . . . Well they dress Small tables and chairs have been plac­ all round." The interviewer is still won­ No Sex Restrictions. the winning of the boat race carries with ed in the Common Room. A refrigerator The Buffet is open to all students and it valuable points in the Inter-faculty dering vaguely what she for one dresses will probably be installed within a few all round. The Melbourne boys all members of the University, teaching and competition for the Steele Cup. Moreover days. Light refreshments of all kinds office staffs, both men and women. The this neglect surely shows scant apprecia­ think our trains are a joy to behold—they (pies, rolls, cakes, sandwiches, etc.), con­ have real engines! "What does it matter ji leading to the Men's Lounge are to tion of the efforts of the members of the fectionary, drinks, tobacco, and cig.jrettes be papered lo ensure privacy there. Boat Club who have in previous years they can't move? They volunteer;>d the may be obtained there. The catering is in information that the monogram on their Evening Students. unselfishly shouldered the burden of man­ the capable hands of the proprietors of It is hoped that the Buffet will be of aging this e-C'ent despite the difficulty of pocltcts represented a lady in a nightie the Gardens' Kiosk. playing skittles. This called forth a especial service to Evening Students. As securing the necessary boats. This year startling admission from the captain—he The Buffet is open on week days from a considerable improvement to the stud­ the problem would have been more acute confessed he didn't know whether ladies 10 ajn. to 2.30 pjn. and from 4 p.m.to 8 ents' quarters, providing them with an at­ than usual (had a full quota of entries wore nighties! Good old "shop!" That's pjn,, and also on special occasions outside tractive meeting place, the Union. Buffet been received) due to the increa.'^ed num- the way to train 'em! these hours, e,g., University dance and should greatly stimulate the corporate life bnr cf faculties, and that was the reason La Cucaracha. large evening meetings. of the University. why notices of the race plainly stated as the last day for the receipt of entries, a Sydney men mostly cursed the weather: date four weeks before '.he event. As al­ ^'Filthy climate—too damned hot. . . .All ready mentioned, only two faculties weve •dying of silicocls. . . . Surf's too far away BLASTED HOPB CANADIAN TOUR OFFERED sufficiently interested to nominate an en­ . .. There's one thing this heat is conducive try for the event which will be rowed to thirst." The first thing they saw when The Secretary of the National Union of over a course on the Bridge Reach on they arrived at their hotel was a cock­ HOCKEY WOMEN LAMENT. Australian University Students has re­ Wednesday, September 1st, at 3.30 p.m. roach, which unnerved them. They think ceived an invitation from the Canadian "Brisbane people are like children with The Women's Hockey Team have decid­ Federation of University Students for an Nciv Regulations. their cars, they blow their horns at every ed that Life is Lousy. Full of giriish Australian University debating team of These two crews will' also be the corner. The peacemaker among them giggles of anlicipatjon and their customary two to tour Canada. first to compete imder the new regulations thought It was time to remark: "Brisbane joie de vivre and even discussing whose The date of the tour will be September, which have been formulated by the Boat is a very nice place. I'd like to come suitcase would carry back the Cup, ihey 1938. The expenses of the team while in Club as a protective measure against the back." However, they thought the wo­ were quite unprepared for Fate's dirty Canada are guaranteed and also a grant of excessive damage to material which has men were charming—Varsity women in trick. On the eve of their departure for up to 30(t dollars (£60 appiox.) towards in the past been caused by inexperienced particular. The interviewer was thrilled. Hobart they received a telegram saying the steamsh'p fare. oarsmen. No crew may now use a "four" Nevertheless she had the misfortune to that the Jntt'r-Varsity Carnival had befti\ Nominatitn?. ave iv\vi\^ Svtsm sVvidftTiSs unless every member of the crew has had •seek an opinion of Queensland beer from cancelled. Noises indicative of agonising desirous of making the tour. sufficient rowing experience to justify -a teetotlar. despair, torturing sorrows and soul-split­ the as^mptlon that he will not cause ting lamentations rent the air. Brisbane -:o;- damage to material through ignorance of Brisbane Bccr. bowed its head before such tragic grief. Ihe correct manner in v.'hich to use it. Adelaide's views were nothing of not Firmly convinced that Shakespeare VARSin CAPTAIN LEADS Responsibility for the carrying out of this colourful: "Awful ground.'?, awful climatel should have written a tragedy about hoc­ rule rests on the stroke of the crew. Evei-ything's lousy and atrocious!" flow- key women in the toils of fate, they de­ AUSTRALIA Another rule for training crews, ;s that ever the beeCi had the saving grace of be­ cided to go to the pictures instead of Ho­ as a result of a recent instruction received ing the nearest ^hat could be expected to bart, Unfortunately the picture was call­ J. J, Mahoney added further laurels to from the Harbour and Marine Board (fol­ Adelaide beer. Asked their op'nion of Bris­ ed "College Holiday," which is the same his already considerable collection when lowing an accident in which a University bane women they replied with a reminis­ as "University Vacatfon," and which was he was chosen to captain the Australian boat was involved), all crews rowing on cent gleam In their eyes adding insult to injviry. Sighs and sobs Hockey Team against New Zealand, In the river after sunset must carry a light They were quite from grief-stricken females filled the this team as well as in many other teams visible all round the horizon. theatre every time a boat, train or 'plane in which he has played, he again proved sm-prised to know they had arrived in the bulwark of the side and the Univer­ Brisbane—they thought the Interstate appeared on the screen. -:o:- railway station was a country siding. One NB.—Warning: (a) Low and feeble sity extends Its heartiest congratulations unfortunate complained that he had just jokes about infantile paralysis will defini­ on his attaining the pinnacle of his sport­ about bought a taxi since he had been in tely not be appreciated. (b> Don't be so ing career. Brisbane. indiscreet as to ask any of them if they have had a good vac. They are still Maiden hockey women and, therefore, burly. £80 PEACE PRIZES. • :o: A first prize of £40 and a second prize of £20 is offered by the London Peace FRYER LIBRARY Society, In co-operation with the Legion of E%ht STOP PRESS Christian Youth, for an essay entitled "A OPENED Programme of Constructive Peace Action," The London Peace Society further offers BOAT CLUB DECISION. MED. WINS in conjunction with the Peace and Arbitra­ AOSTRAUAN UTERATURE. tion Committee of the National Council THE UNIVERSITY,-Tuesday. BOAT RACE of Women a first prize of £20 and a sec­ As an offset to the disappointment A representative collection of Austra­ caused to many rowers by the failure of lian literatiure is now available to students ond prize of £5 for a Peace Day competi­ THE UNIVERSITY, Wednesday. tion. most of the faculties to enter for the inter­ of all faculties in the Fryer Library. The faculty race it has been decided taht the Rowing at full strength past the cheer­ Library will be open on Tuesdays and The last day on which entries will be ing throngs who lined the river bank the Thursdays firom 2 p.m. io 5 pjn., and is received by the London Peace Society at University should boat a Maiden Eight this Med. crew with a splendid final spurt won approached through Dr. Robinson's . its offices (Room 110, 20 Martin Place, year. Such an eight would have to start the Inter-Faculty Boat Race this after­ No books can be taken away as it Is a Sydney) Is September 30, 1937. The training Immediately, as the first regatta noon. The other faculty crews tied for reading library only. The aim of the Lib­ Essay Competition is open to residents of will be held In a few weeks' thne. The second place. rary is io give students some idea of the Australia of thirty-five years of age and last regatta for which the eight will en­ -;o;- genius (^ Australian literature. under. There Is no age limit to the Play ter is to be held three weeks before the Competition. Essays are not to exceed two November Exams., and it is thought that STEELE CUP WON thousand five hundred words. Plavs may this should suit the needs of those who be three, two, or one act plays.. The en- have already entered for that event. By winning the Inter-Faculty contests EPIDEIBIC" AFFECTS bies are to be type written, double soaced, Rowing In the Long Vac. in Rowing and Tennis, the faculty of one side of ihe paper only being used, %vlth It has also been decided that to revive Medicine have won Uic Steele Cup for UNVERSIHES nom-de-plume of the author appearing on interest In rowing, the University should Inter-Faculty sport, which Is at present the ti'Ie page and the author's name and be represented throughout the Long Vac", held by Arts. mTER-VARsmr CANCELLED. nom-de-plume in a sealed envelope at­ by various "fours" and "tub" crews. y^ tached. No competitor may submit more All those who are Interested in either The infantile paralysis epidemic in Mel­ than one entry and each competitor must "SEMPER" FORTNIGHTLY. bourne led to the cancelling of ihe Inter- the Maiden Eight, or who wish to row supply two copies of his entry. No entry during the Long Vac. are advised to get In" Varsity" activities there. The Women's will be returned and the winning essays THE UNIVERSITY, Wednesday. Hockey Team and the Debating Team touch with any of the following members win become the property of the Society. of the Boat Club Committee:— J - t>5i ••Semper Floreat" will be puMished on weieunable to go to Melbourne. The The Society reserves the right to reduce three occasions during thh-d term. It will The Inier-Varslty Debating may jtist pos-^ J. Clarke, Vice-Captain (Dentlstry.-IViy! the values of the prizes should ihe entries G. Fewster, Secretary (Vet, Sclwjce IXiV/ appear at fortnightly Intervals as the re- sibly be held in Brisbane In December if received not reach a sufficiently bi^ •suit of a last-minute.decision-to-day by ihis suggestion is adopted by the aiitlwrir F. Coaldrake (Arts III.). --•..•M"^^ standard of merit. I E. F. Shaw (Med. IL). ' ' -^"* "•^ the Union Executive. ties..'' •••••, • '':-,'',• • SEMPER FLOREAT Thursday, 2nd September, 1937

WATCH THESE DATES. WATCH THESE DATES. >iqjrr ^bmt | g^^p , Bar, or Thursday, September 2nd.—. Editor: FRANK W. COALDRAKE. I v^ x^ wwj-*- -•.•*.A fc.^w* ^^t>^ --^ wv y 1,10 p.m.: Gramophone Rtcitdl, Scnicr Sub-Editors: \V, E, CUPPAIDGE, P. W. Chem. Room, HENDERSON. 1,20 p,m.: W.E.S, "Modern Art." Mr. W, bocial Editress: JOAN CHADWICK. J. , Geol, Theatre. Buffet ? Friday, September 3rd.— Sub-Editress: ELIZABETH COWAN. 1,20 p.m.: I.R.C, "Tariff." Mr, Gifford, Business Manager: J. K. NEWMAN. Geol. Theatre. Assistant Manager; P. WYCHE, cMystery Solved Saturday, September 4th,— Exchange Editor: W. R. PECHEY. 8 p,m.: Fancy Dress Ball, Main . "What's in a name?" As the immortal ously out of place for we not only alloWf Union Free Dance. gardener hau it, "A hose by any other but encourage the presence of ladies. Monday, Scpicmbcr 6th— Vol. VI. No. 22 iiumc would smell of feet." 1.20 p.m.: "Christian Socialism." Rev. A Pick-me-up, XHURSDAY, 2nd SEPTEMBER, 1<)37, "With the brewing of beverages in the Wal Pratt. A.S,CM. Philosophy bevary of the Union there has brewed also With a wail of despair wc shy off the Room, the proverbial storm in a tea-cup. SjJecu- brew of the Cheery Presence, for we must lation was rife weeks ago as to how the Keep a clear neaa lor this crisis. Relec- REVOLUTION Union was to make provisions in the barn tory. cafe, cafetaria, restaurant, dining- which has for years borne the name ol the room ana saHe-u-manger iiave ail proved- Booh Review Men's Common Room. It seemed thut as doiicient i;s the food that the Union The advocacy of an upheaval is not students' oats of the wild variety were sells is nutritive. What can we call ihe our part—at least not on this occa­ the only provender likely to be found in place? BuUetted from pillar to post and "WE AREIOT ALONE" sion. We simmer, in fact we boil, un­ such a Bar,'n we chewed the rag that good back to the table—Did we say "Bullet"? der the urge to change many things money should be wasted in such profligate RaDying in the style of the traditional (By JAMES HILTON,) which constantly oppress us. Who manner. At lost it was announced that "Buffalos" of radio lame, we essay the has not said, "If only I were in power the Union would open a "Refectory." use of tJie term, CD, tells us thai it is. "The little doctor" (so he was affection­ Caught napping, we had recourse to oui- a sidedoard or a recessed cupboard. Obvi­ ately called by nearly all who knew him) "? What student does not struggle old siabje male, the Oxford Dictionary. ously not our word. Despair; Drink more "was finally hanged for the miu-dcr of his desperately this week as the fog of Alonastic Mastication. cotiee no matter what its source. Re­ wife. A young woman was charged with "Work" term settles over him? The Hot on the scent of food, we find that freshed. Mightily. Source must have him, and she too was sentenced to death." dreary atmosphere of library and the term is a survival from the days when been tomato. Thus, on the second page of his prologue, common room enfolds him in a grey the Queensland University, or its predeces­ does James Hilton throw all his cards on sor, was run on the same monastic lines When the Cow Jumps Over the Moonl the table and give his readers the de­ pall. He glides through the cease­ as the first Universities of old England, Ready once more for the buffetmgs of nouement of his story. It js a bold de­ less monotony of textual study to the tor a retectory is "a room used for meals fate. That word again- It was as lull of parture, and one we should like to be examinations like an aviator "flying in monasteries." In monastic use the ac­ nope ana promise as any egg is ol meat.. able to justify. But we cannot It must blind" through a iog to make a forced cent is placed on the first syllable, but Is it Quite hopeless'.' Our ej-cj-ignt is be admitted that in plot construction landmg in a marsh. there is little doubt that the use intended clearer, ior now we see a second mean­ "We Are Not Alone" Is exceedingly weak. by our Union is not the monastic use. ing. First there must be a different pro­ STet we read the book with unflagginc In the less oppressive moments of But if it is not to have the monastic use nunciation. Before, it was pronounced in. interest, partly because of the beauty of there is no use left for it. What then'.' the obvious anglicised manner. But if its language—much may be forgiven in an "Social" term he had squirmed un­ In despair we turn to Roget's Thesaurus. pronounced "boo-fa" as m the im-can author who writes with the charm of der the thimibscrew which compelled This informs \is that a retectory may also language ("oo" as in cook; "a" as m cake) James Hilton, a charm due to his ability his attendance at lectures, but now bo described as a "dining-room" and a it has. a different meaning. With avid to paint vivid pictures in the simpjest and his long hours of feverish study serve '*salle-a-manger." Knowing what a din­ haste we devour the line and mop up most direct words. ing-room is as a result of long years in the crumos. We have it! "a refreshment as an opiate to dull bis senses to anv , „ bar." Sui-ely a "Bar" is good and the The chief interest, however, lies in the narticular irritarinn Manv otViPrl^'*^^fi'^'"^•^ ^^"^"^^ ^^^'P'^''^^^ °^ ^"'°" masterly character analysis. The little particular irritation. IViany octicr j^^^ ^^^ perpea-ated such an outrage, we Union assures us that refresnments, albeit doctor, his wife, Lrni, are all so skilfully matters have from time to time ^rn hopefully to repair our deficiency in light, are purveyed. Reference to Roget drown that we feel we know them in- stirred him from the lethargy of ac- Greek by reference to the Ox.Dy. on the shall decide. timntoly. whilst the minor characters ore quiescence in a hostile or unfavour- subject of "s-a-m." The information that witness lo the rare power of depicting able environment. As a student lie ii ^^ a dinrng-room or coffee-room leaves Satisfaction Guaranteed. vcjil individuals in a few well-chosen finds that he is forced to attend tlie us strandea nigh and dry. The treasm-e-chest is sprung. We have woids. A particularly striking example is Laudanable Misnomer. the prison chaplain. Umversity at an age when he is iar the word. The Union, "ijemper," every­ We tliereupon repair to the Ref—! (skip one will be salislied with "Buffet" (pro- It i.s a depressing theme, this tragedy too young to reap the full benefit to it!) and partake ot the excellent collw nounut-a alter tne lierinan), lor it co\-ers in which an inexorable fate brings disas­ be gained from such an institution. that is dispensed to fagged students. Thor­ the whole range of possiDilities. E\-L-ry ter to two innocent and undeserving peo­ As a citizen he finds that vaunted oughly revived by the potent brew ana taste will be catered lor, philologically as ple, another "pair of star-crossed lovers." freedom extends little fiu'ther than tho Cheei-j" Presence behind the barrit-i', well as gastronomically. A "Buil'ef but wcj-e it only foi- the privilege of get­ wc feci sure that the Union is worthy in ting to know "du kleine Dobtor" the book the right to grant a group of men (mind the "-cool; and cake" vowels in the its intentions but mistaken in its turms. pronunciation) is a synonym for an as­ would well rcoav the reading. (Our copy the power to govern by regulation his By Any Other Name? frrm McLeod's, 7/6). sembly , auditornmi, coliseum (not every act, even his public utterances, Convinced now of the Union's dire sure a' that is desirable), meeting-house,, we reaas m nis paper—a paper which straits, we set out to examine the various pump-room, spa, watering-place (no profit -:o:- can boast of its "Freedom" no longer, other terms we have heard suggested for' lor the Union in tliai;, anil hall csh!), for it is fettered by the purse strings this brewery. "Cafe" is popular, but ouv gymnasium (Shades of olden days), church 0 THOSE WOMEN! new establishment is more than a "coffee­ (•/), inn, hostel, hostelry (getting more to of its owners—in this paper he reaas house" and not dignified enough to bear oi the madness of mea in Spain and oui lasic), hold, itiva-n iiompiett; wLih Melbourne. the title of restaurant," which is the other brawls), caravansary, klian (don't know An enlightened "Farrago" (Melbourne China, K he has been able to pene­ meanuig given for "cafe" in the O.D. Current "Escapism." that one), hospidc, public-house, ale-house,, University Newspaper) correspondent trate the mass of imreliable and dis­ pot-house, mug-house (looks lute the end divides women into these categories;— torted opinion which has shrouded the "Cafetaria" is popular with those who of our prohibition rule), gin-palace, gin- (1) Ingenue— cables Irom overseas he wiU realise seek to escape from the monotonous dull­ mill (not the abo. variety), coffee-nouse^ (a) Natural. ness of life by eating in gory coloured canteen, restaurant, rotisserie (this will be that his own countrymen, his own surroundings. It is possible that some (b) Sweet, fellows, will be embroiled along with nanay \o mean anything thaVs missing),, (c) Just dumb. such idea might be a useful antidote for cafetaria, grill-room (only on a hot sum­ (2) Pseudo-sophisticated— himseii in an equally maa, and that expression by escape literature which mer afternoon), safe, estaminet (should, (a) Intellectual, equally disastrous affray unless he has been worrj'ing the Editors of "Gal­ sell wine, beer, and coffee In French and (b) Psuedo-intellectual. and his frioids can impress their de­ mahra" and its satelite the "Courier-Mail." in a cottage), posada (meant to be a poser (c) Nit-Wit, But we cannot believe that the Union will anywayl ), bodega (the Union will like sires upon the officials who control countenance any escaping where this ven­ (3) Sophisticated— the movements of the very razor that that one for it is supposed to be a cellar (1) By experience. ture is concerned, for they urge us to stocking wine; the Union hopes to sell its (2) By instinct. shaves Imn. give it its due and slake parched throats stocks but reserves the wme for private (a) Intelligent. with the soft dew of divine nectar. Per­ haps that is the context which led to their consumption), bar, saloon, speakeasy, or^ (b) Intellectual. The desire to improve his state is last of all, shebeen. "Sheebeen" settles (c) Hot stuff. by its very magnitude rendered im­ favouring the monadic term mentioned above, so we will change the theme im­ it for it gives the ladles right of entry potent. He sees so much to do that and is Irish in origin and therefore able ;o:- mediately. he is bewildered and takes refuge in Butchering the Language. to mean the opposite to what it does not. say. Any word which covers this wide •WEST AUSTRALUN DURIMIES. the first task that falls to his hand. With the plaintive wail, "What can I "Bevary" is the name Sydney Univer­ range of tastes and finishes up with "she­ sity gives to a somewhat similar institu­ been" is obviously the etymological answer Perth's Paper, the "Pelican," classifies do?" he joins the myriad throng of tion run by its Union. Perhaps that would to our hitherto fruitless quest. West Australian women as follows:— those who have sunk before him into do. But there is a grub in the bevary "Classification of women, amended so as the mire of indifference or despair. salad! A "Bevary" is tabu to women. No The Union Buffet. to cover aU types at the University is as dame may cross the hallowed portals of We now reture in good order to ova follows:— We believe that is a fair statement Sydney's sanctuarj-—hence the name "Buffet" (pronounced "boo-fay"), baptise (1) Josi dumb. of the average case. And we believe "Bevary," from "bevy," a company of it in the tears shed by the Union over its. (2) Dumb. ladies, and "ary," from " 'urry away "refectory" and proceed to remove all (3) Just dumb. that such a course is foimded on a from." To be perfectly honest we must traces of anything which is likely to make (4) Damn dumb. lack of vision, a lack of dynamic. If admit that there Is some doubt as to this it difficult to apply at least one of the oiur Union affairs do not go as we de­ derivation. Some hold that the word de­ meanings of our rich treasure—"BUFFET" sire we can have them altered by rives from "bovis" a bull. Any use of (pronounced always remember it, "boo- raising our voice in the right quarter. the name for our barn or stable is obvi- fay."), At least we do not lie down under (N,B,—All references to standard works the bm- of Union tyranny without mentioned above are vouched for. That ^rintin^ come if otw country, our civilisation, the inferences are valid we also asserts making some impression upon it. If is to survive. The saner intellectual "Semper" will discuss the matter further,. /e find our fellows in sympathy with elements of the community must en­ .iiy in the Union BUFFET.) (problems 's there is nothing we can not do sure that the act of "revolution" is a with our Union. Let us take heart slow and steady swinging about an Let Ua Solve and try to take our part in the shap­ axis of solidity instead of a violent Them for You ing of the destiny of this University. change which will be more faithfully Such an experience should serve described as an effervescence. Ring B1729 for our Representative, to whet our appetites for the There lies our task, a task which Mathematics or call at greater task which we shall be must be and can be tackled effectively Br a Priest Memorial Frixeman. be able to tackle later. Entering the by a community of individuals. The Moderate Fees. Shipping Newspapers (Q.) Ltd world from a University will give us first step, we must take is to effect Printers of "Semper Floreat" an outstanding initial advantage in that inner revolution necessary to es­ CITY COACHING COLLEGE, Ryan House, Eagle Street, many matters and it will be not tablish us in our ovra eyes as men and Strand Bulldinrs (Hunter's Corner), 130 Queen Street. Brisbane. merely a duty but a privilege to take women capable of shaping our ends, part in the revolution which miist} "rough-hew then how we will. Thursday, 2nd September, 1937. SEMPER FLOREAT READERS' OPINIONS Officials dissected (To the Editor.) (AH communications must bear the name of the Contributor, Congestion in Upper Regions though a pen-name may be used for publication.)

Operations on Individual Basis Needed COLLEGE MEN-OF-THE- LIBRARY FACIUTY WANTED J THE UNIVERSITY, Tuesday. WORLD. Dear Sir,—It is gaierally recognised that An cxhausttve and exitausting analysis of the lists of offices and offic­ a knowledge of the proper use of books ers within the student organisations cf this University has placed "Sem­ Sir,—May I be permitted to criticise Mr. is an essential part of the equipment ot a per" in a ttssitton to disclose some startling and illuminatins figures to ihe Parker's reply to the "Courier-Mail" con­ good student. I submit that, under the student corpus. A study of the figures below will reveal the eft suspect­ cerning the students' literary tastes. It present library conditions in this Univer­ ed fact that a great majority of the oITicbl pcsitions in student societies was a pity that otherwise sound statements sity, that knowledge is denied to the and councils arc held by a few of the students. There arc four hundred should have been spoilt by a few point­ average student. That the importance of and four day students and four hundred and twenty-six evening students less remarks. He says tliat college men free access to the bookstacks is realised on the membership rolls of the UnIo:i. In order to control ihe affairs oi are 'more of the man-of-the-world type by the teaching staff we know, for such a this body there arc in existence some forty-sfai committees or council;. than those who live at .' His reason prh'ilege is specially accorded to Honours The total number of officiil positions thus created is two hundred and for introducing such a remark is prob students, but the ordinary student Is com­ Ecventy-nhie. The manner in which iliese offrccs are dSstributefl among ably justifiable to himself. It seems that pelled to rely on the recommendations of the riudcnt public is shown below. It Is indicative of the state of afttiirs a slur, intentional or othenvise has been others and has no opportunity to do inde­ that thirty-four students hold one hundred and twenty-eight of those cast on '.he virility of extra-collegiate men. pendent research. cfflces. Docs a man have to live in college before Since open access for all students has he can be freed from the stigma of "pansi- proved impracticable, could there not be a We do not publish these figures in or­ The figures are reprinted for purposes of ncss,'—^^Vours, etc,, cat-aloguc or a card index to which all der to condemn those students who hold comparison. EXTRA, might readily refer? It would also be several offices. On the contrary we are 1 Student held 7 offices, -:o:- valuable if, at the same time, the rudi­ ments of the numbering system cpuld be filled with admiration for their unflagging 2 Students held 6 offices each. MYSTERY OR SPICE. zeal and public spirit What we do want 2 Students held 5 offices each. made known to students. Some such mea­ to do is to convince the average student 8 Students held 4 offices each. sure, I feel, is necessary if the University that it is time he (or she) availed him­ 10 Students held 3 offices each. Sir,—I desire to criticise Mr, C. J. of Queensland is to produce graduates self of the opportunity to gain some ex­ 8 Students held 2 offices each. Parker's statement to the Press concern­ whose intellectual attainment is more than perience in the handling of public affairs. 49 Students held 1 office each. ing the students' taste in literature. Asked might be gained in a sort of higher high The compilation has necessarily been a Dissections from this table revealed that whether students read mystery and detec­ school,—^^Sfours faithfully, tedious and exacting business, and it is 5 Students held a total of 29 offices. tive stores he said; "They haven't sunk "BIBLIOPHILE." possible that there are minor inaccuracies. 13 Students held a total of 61 offices. as low as that, and while it is difficult to The error which probably eiusts in one or 29 Students held a total of 115 offices. generalise, I have noticed a marked inter­ UNION BLUNDERS BADLY. two cases cannot alter the fact that the 78 Students held a total of 164 offices. est in spicy books and American maga­ zines." It seems to me that Mr. Parker's position, if substantially as set out, is more Dear Sir,— than serious. At that time there were only 350 mem­ scale of values in literature needs read­ bers of the Union. It is difficult to draw justing. Surely there is more "sinking" in The Union has made a fatal blunder in the arrangements for the buf­ The Facts in Fitrures. any valid or accurate conclusions from the the reading of "spicy boolcs and American comparison because the (otal number of Magazines" where feV^ients 'can satisfy fet in the Men's Common Room, a blunder A dissection of all Union and Sports offices included in this year's analysis is their rabidly lascivious tastes, than mys­ so obvious that it is a serious reflection on Union, as well as miscellaneous, bodies much greater. 279 as opposed to 164. tery and detective stories which besides the self-respect of the undergrads that reveals ihe following figures;— It does not however seem that any startl­ being clean give them an opportunity to not even the whisper of a protest has been 1 Student holds 7 offices. ing improvement has occurred. exercise their Ingenuity in the unravelVng mode It is not that the food' has proved 3 Students hold 6 offices each. poisonous Far from it But that the un­ Present Action. of plots. It Is surprising that Mr, Parker 4 Students hold 5 offices each. has stopped at American magazines—he dergrads should submit to the presence fl Students hold 4 offices each. If officials now in office weer to con­ should have F>n-ely have mentioned French of two females in the Common Room of 21 Students hold 3 offices each. centrate thc"r efforts for the next few magazines',—Yours, etc, all places, the admitted sanctuary' for the 35 Students hold 2 offices each. weeks upon finding people .ivilling to take male all his works and words—and words 81 Students hold 1 office each. office nc.\t year they should b.c able to 'STRUTH. especially! Thus, 150 ."Jtiidonts hold 279 offices. make an imporvemcnt. Every student re­ "Submit" is scarcely the word for it. At Dissecting from the above table we find alises that he should be prepared to take tho best it has been a tame and abject thr.t 4 students hold 25 offices between at least one office and not more than one submission. In providing for the bodies them. 8 hold 45 offices, and 13 students office. He .should be prepaicd to make who attend Annu.nl General Meetings ot tho students, the Union is destroying hold 65. The remaining 215 oflices are in himself Icnown to tho committee of that should be prepared to ask a nominee how their souls. The influence of these females the hands cf 1,37 students. The really ser­ club in which he is most interested in or­ many positions he has already been nom­ was obvious at the outset. A sense of ious iispcct IK i-evenled by the fact that der thftt they may have him duly nom­ inated or elected to fill. depression and enforced quiet stifled the 34 students out of the total membership inated for office. If each student nominated to a posi­ little vigour that remains in 3rd term. of 830 hold 128 out of the total of 279 The present is no time for bashful solf- tion were rcf|«ired to slate to the Since the University was founded, the offices ava.ilab!e. rffaccment. This Uni'vcr.sity needs the meeting bow many positions he al­ Common Room has been acknowledged How it Happens. help of student."; who arc interested in its ready held and for how many posi­ as a close preserve where the undergrads The old adage about the willing horse affairs. A willing muddler is more lisc tions he had been nominated the stu­ can find an outlet tor whatever thoughts does no: apply in this instance for in than 0 man who has been coerced and dent citizens could be trusted to act in tlicy choose to harbour. Yet in the last practically no case does the student will­ does nothing.: The muddler can soon an enlightened manner. few days, some of the brightest spirits in ingly accept such a crushing burden. It is learn and many of the tasks offering re There still remains the Imperative the place have been obliged to rei^ress the experience of any student who takes quire little in the way of experience or duty of starting immediately to find their thoughts because of the presence of an active part in e.xtra-acadcmic life that ability. Tiie basic requisite is willingness nomfnees for the 280 positions which these fpmnlps. he is rushed by the officials of one year to spend some time and energy on mat­ have to be filled. "The opening of this buffet will mark the with urgent requests to take office for the ters in which he is interested final stage of the decline and fall of the following year. BODIES DISSECTED. undergrad unless the Union officials take steps toy rectify this error. The language A recent instance of this is ihe fact ^VHAT OF COLLEGE MONOPOLT? For the information of those who are interested we publish herewith a list of in the Common Room, which, after all, ihat one oC lost year's freshers who' It was revealed in the letter in last shows the essential virility of the under­ had shown an interest i-n the affairs of year's "Semper" that one of the Colleges those executive bodies whose member­ ship was taken into account in compiling grad, has been clean enough to be unin­ the University was asked io accept held an amazing proportion of the offices spiring. To import females as permanent nomJnafion for no less than 16 dif­ available. It has appeared in this year's the above figures. As far as possible of­ fices which are held strictly and consti­ fixtures into the Men's Common Room is, ferent official positions. analysis that one College in which there surely contraband by the law of nature. Only his heartless refusal to be bullied are 25 members of the Union plays a tutionally ex-officio were not counted, e.g. The Union President is an ex-officio If, Mr. Editor, we are to have women and into such an impasse saved him from be­ major part in the affairs of tlie University song in the Common Room, we cannot in ing snowed under. It is probable that Of those 25 men, 13 hold a total of 37 member of some ten or fifteen other ex­ ecutives, but he has been credited with all logic be denied the tijird member of. many other students were similarly as­ positions. Of these men five hold the posi­ the unholy trinity—wine.—I am, saulted. tion of President on University executives, only three positions, viz.. President of the and one is the Editor of a Union Publi­ Union, Member of the Committee of the THE VIRILE MALE. t^HAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? cation Debating Society, and member of the How can he, or anyone else In their right' Committee of the Football Club. mind "find an outlet for whatever thoughts- At about this time last year an analysis The 46 executive bodies counted are as they choose to harbour"?—^Ed.J. of the figures for last year was publish­ It is ofien asserted by those who know less of CoHe?e outlook Iban follows:— The Union Council, Men's ed In the Correspondence of Club, Women Students' Club, Debating "Semper." ihey think they do thai such a state of affaiis is due io undue and unfair Society, Dramatic Society, Evening and Influence at the elections of officials External Students' Association, I.R.C., The Mostl at Annual General Mcctmirs. An in­ W.E,S., Musical Society, Gramophone So­ terview with any of the students con­ ciety, 7 Faculty Associations, Radical Personal (Distinctive cerned win reveal the fact that while Club, Combined Advisory, Finance Advis­ ihey are all willing to do iheir share ory, Dinner and Dance, Procession, En­ of all in the woric of the TIniversiiy, they do tertainments Control and S,BJ', Commit­ Evening Wear not seek the burdens of a mnliipUc- tees, "Galmahra," "Song Book," and ity of oBices. In addHtion io the Uni­ "Semper Floreat" staffs. Miscellaneous for all Formal Occasions versity offfces there are some fifteen Officers, Sports Union Council, 7 Sports pLOTIIES tAitorcd Itj- offices wilbln the College, and these Committees, The Women's Sports Union Gifts *^ rike Brothtri bear • Committee, 3 Women's Sports Commit­ porvoDnUtjr tbat dcflnci fan mainly on the shoulders of those (llatlncllon nnd qvatlty. who are working in University circles. tees, 3 Women Students' Committees, the and one that only you can give is It« taUortd by Plkn ond McmberB of the College in question S.CJVI,, and the E.U. feel conndcnt th«t jotu have expressed ihe hope that next dreaK 1* correct lor oil We were unable to discover in time Your Photograph Kuclni {onctlon*. year ^^•m not find the main burden of the names of some six of the newly elect­ Erenlnr Bre**: the Unlversiiy upon iheir shoulders. ed "Fresher" members of Committees. The Regent vsrill make a (Tallured (0 ileararc) Sports Union Council could not supply portrait you will be pleased to from £10/10/- The introduction of "Fresher" members ihe names of the Tennis Club Committee. exchange with Varsity friends, Dinner 6nll: to the Committee of many student clubs Non-student members of the Union have (TnUored to Veaiara) durbig this year should help with the sel­ as far as possible been omitted, though and so preserve the memory of from £8/8/- ection of officers for next year. Not the this has proved a difficult feature of the many happy days. least valuable part of the work of these survey. The Men's and Women's Sport­ Dinner Suit: "Fresher" members can be the finding of ing Blues Committees were omitted. No (itendr-to-lVear) other "Fresher" memberm<>mhpr=s fotni>r nex ««»t • year'...>..,«