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Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11892, 16 May 1899, Page 6

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—lt Was with deep interest that I read Mr Cooper’a letter in your columns this morning. Judging by his effusion, I still would venture to maintain that there is no lack of literary ability wanting; for such rhetoric pomp of eloquence, such a brilliant rain of meteoric “ how s evers,” “ thereofsand “andgo’s,” must assuredly throw a dazzling splendour over even the most dull and gloomy periods. Like the strokes of the Titans of old, his sledgehammer strokes crush the Heptagons. But not entirely. Like a second Antaeus, our belief in our own undoubted capabilities arises, and wo individually defy Mr Cooper to bring forth one single example of literary ability in the College, outside the Heptagons. 1, however—notice, I pray you, the force of that "I”—can pity Mr Cooper, for he himself, not possessing a flim grasp upon the subtleties of the English language,, turns rather to studies that are worthy of great intellect—electricity and mathematics. In conclusion, let me assure the readers of your paper that a certain amount of esprit de corps is still existing amongst a certain portion of College students contained in that brotherhood known as the Heptagons. Hoping that yon will permit the insertion of this vindication in your valuable columns.—l am, etc., BABET. Canterbury College, May 15. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In my “ desire and unswering determination ” to preserve unsullied • the crimson skirts of Alma Mater, I, write to side with J. S. S. Cooper against the slanderous insinuations of “ Mont Parnasse." I think the Heptagons should shrink to “ absolute zero ” after the merciless mathematical logic of Mr Copper. Yet, in all its deadly precision and depth, that logic in its simple expositson could appeal to an average ; third standard primary scholar. For what novice in mathematics in general, and' the rule of three and probabilities in .particular, could not answer Mr Cooper’s question:—“ What are we to expect from | the whole College; if twenty flashes of poetic genius are the products of a small sect ?” Why, we could reasonably expect enough poems to fill an editorial w.p.b. of “cottage” dimensions. Again, I quite agree with the “ large numbers of students” in repudiating the title of Heptagons. Why should we—“the united, vigorous and living body of men and women’’.—identify ourselves with the Heptagons, a mere handful, a paltry seven of the, most brilliant albeit the laziest students? And, moreover, as Mr Cooper pointed out, they are a “ sect ’’—denomination unknown—and as such deserve'extermination. Is not the present sect a sufficient drag on the College P Do we want to saddle the stud. ass. with another ? Perish the thought, and all who differ from J. S. S. Cooper aud the other “ non-jelly-fish.”— I am, etc., PONTMERCY.