CONTROVERSY WELCOMED

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32903, 29 April 1972, Page 14

CONTROVERSY WELCOMED

“Shard,” —according to its editor a word meaning a fragment, perhaps a sliver of light, definitely something new—is the name given to the University of Canterbury’s capping mag., on sale throughout the province on Monday.

The name is appropriate, for the editorial staff say that their publication is dedicated to change. The content of previous publications, when the magazine was a paste-up of “other people’s rather tedious sense of humour," has gone, they say. Last year the students gave notice of a change when they put their annual magazine in a cardboard hexagonal folder, complete with pin-ups and a tabloid lift-out. This year they have taken the change further, in another direction.

“We have attempted to emphasise two things—quality and creativity,” says the editor (Mr Gary Langford). The usual spate of short smutty jokes has disappeared. Instead, these have been replaced by a short, smutty Victorian-style story, an anti-establishment view of society, one or two short stories, and a profile of six Cabinet Ministers. The content and layout of “Shard” bears a slight resemblance to the less-radical Underground publications, and to several of the literary magazines published by New Zealand student groups. However, it has a more professional look than capping magazines previously published by the Canterbury students. This can be attributed mainly to the lavish use of illustrations. GROSZ CARTOONS Cartoons are prominent. Here the students have employed an experienced cartoonist, Chris Grosz, to do

much of the work. Grosz’s cartoons, because of their subtlety and complexity, may have limited appeal. Although some readers may find the photographs of naked woman objectionable, both these and the scenic photographs seem to show an artistic, rather than a pornographic, intent Apart from the personal portraits of the “lesser men” of the Cabinet and the reference to Mount John, the publication has avoided any commentary on current affairs. Notable omissions are the vending machine issue of 1971 and the proposed Springbok tour. Because of the change to a more sophisticated style, this year’s magazine may have narrower appeal. Readers who previously liked to repeat the old capping mag. jokes in hotel bars and at parties, may find themselves lost for words. “ANY REACTION”

Mr Langford invites the reader to judge the quality and creativity of the issue. “We will have failed if you are bored,” he says. “Even if the magazine is disliked we hope for reaction, good and strong ...”

No doubt he will get his reaction.