STUDENTS' ZEAL

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 94, 22 April 1931, Page 8

STUDENTS' ZEAL

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I 'wish to make some answer to the remarks of "Artistic" and of yourself in your sub-leader of 20th April, anent the advertising methods adopted by students of the Victoria University Collego. Much, is said of unsightly markings in public, places. I contend' that those markings arc no more unsightly than many of the posters which _ decorate the town, and to which "Artistic" does not seem to object. They have,' indeed, one advantage—the first shower will remove them. Most of the chalkings are on pavements or walls, where even _ Fellow of the Royal Academy could not object to them. In one or two cases, it is true, student zeal has exceeded discretion, bui these instances are frowiied on by the executive of the Students' Association. Should the whole student body be condemned for the actions of a few"irresponsible spirits? I agree with ".Indicia" that students, when let loose, arc rather like schoolboys, but I would restrict the remarks to some students. , May I say; in conclusion, that the means chosen by the Victoria College students of "letting off steam" and bringing themselves before the public eye are less detractive and disfiguring that those adopted by the students of Otago, University, with whom you seem, to be so much in sympathy. —I am, etc., .WILLUM. (To the Editor.) Sir,—The references in your Newspaper to the chalking campaign by students' of Victoria University College have caused Home concern to the executive of the Students' Association, which' in. matters of this kind is in the position of a parent with one unruly child amongst a large family of -well-behaved offspring. If any students ■ have exceeded the bounds of good taste, or annoyed owners of property, the association does not Stand as their advocate. But at the same time we feel constrained to point out that scrawling the name of the annual students' extravaganza in soft chalk on pavements arid concrete walls, indulged in only once a year, is probably the most harmless student prank ever invented. To extend the operations to fences and garage doors is to' carry a practical joke a -little too far; but it is sheer exaggeration to describe is as destruction of private property. It is in. most cases merely a temporary disfigurement. ' To any private owner whose property has been disfigured by student- of this college, on their behalf and on behalf of the association I offer. a sincere apology. If any owner will give them the opportunity, the students responsible for the chalking will apologise to him in person, and will make. amends by cleaning off the disfigurement. If any person who has suffered and wishes the objectionable markings removed will leave a note at the college for the secretary of the Students' Association the executive will see that this undertaking is honoured. If _ after tliis apology and offer any person is dissatisfied and carries the matter further, then the students concerned will manfully accept whatever befalls them.—l am, VT. P. KOLtiTNGS. President, V.U.C.S.A.