THE STUDENTS’ CARNIVAL.

Evening Star, Issue 19552, 10 May 1927, Page 3

THE STUDENTS’ CARNIVAL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The carnival and procession of Otago University students takes place early in July, the procession being one of the principal features, attracting largo ana enthusiastic crowds of spectators. Without doubt the fun provided by the students gives as _ much pleasure and enjoyment to the citizens of Dunedin as it does to those lively and enthusiastic individuals who for the .time being may be said have taken possession of the city. Up to the present time the people of Dunedin have beer, in the happy position of having one of the brightest and best entertainments provided for them free, gratis, and for nothing as the saying is. It has always been my opinion that all the effort put forth and the entertainment so lavishly provided might bo utilised as a means of securing money for the upkeep and relief of some worthy charity or association. This opinion has been strengthened by the report which has reached me from the city of Glasgow. The students of Glasgow University last year collected dining the day of their procession the sum 0f.£11,000. Last year they decided to aim at collecting £15,000, and actually collected the magnificent sum of £14,730, which was distributed amongst various infirmaries, hospitals, and’institutions in that city, including St. Andrew’s Ambuhnce Society. What Glasgow has accomplished Dunedin can do, although on a smaller scale". And .what an immense satisfaction would it bo to students and the people of the university city if at the end of “a perfect day ” a sum of from £3,000 to £5,000 were the tangible result of the students’ frolics!

I know that the students reimburse themselves from the sa'o of programmes and the entertainment in His Majesty’s. What I would suggest is that the students arm themselves with collecting boxes and bags and make a raid on u’l and sundry. Force, if necessary, some coin of the realm from everyone who is not in possession of an “immunity badge,” which badges could he sold previously at from Is io 5s each. It has been remarked that some of the students go mad on this particular day. Well, let there be “ a method in their madness ” and a reward for their efforts to amuse. There is one particular society which I have in mind desperately in need of help, and that is the St. John Ambulance Society. What first suggested this to my mind was a letter written to the daily papers some time ago by the Rev. ,G. E. Moretdn. In that letter ho not only appealed for help for the work and materials used by momuers of the ambulance associations in their labor of love and compassion, but he pointed out the need of a control building, with proper accommodation, to enable the work of the society to be efficiently carried out. Up to the present time that appeal has, I believe, brought little response, not because the public is unsympathetic, but to my mind because no thoroughly organised effort has been made to secure the financial support of the general public. I believe the quarters of the association are in an old building .at the back of the Town Hall, If I am correct in my surmise, a very short time must elapse era the association will be turned out of the present home. Where is it to find another? I do not think it necessary for me to speak of the good work performed by the members and by the head of the society, the Rev. Bryan King. This is well known to the public, and appreciated by all. What is wanted, however, is funds to provide a suitable building, another ambulance, and appliances used by the voluntary workers in the performance of their duties. I believe the public would be willing to contribute, and that very handsomely. The opportunity to do so can best be made available "to all and sundry, and will secure the best response by the means, I have I hope that the suggestion will appeal to those able to work on the- lines I have indicated. If so, let tlmrn take the matter in hand and get busy, and I am certain the result will be something of which Dunedin will have just reason to feel proud. —I am, etc., , C.A.M. Dunedin, May 9.