STUDENTS MAKE MERRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19663, 15 June 1927, Page 14

STUDENTS MAKE MERRY.

GAY NIGHT IN TOWN HALL. GRADUATES CONGRATULATED f UNOFFICIAL CEREMONY. GOOD-NATURED BURLESQUES, The University students did n number of things last evening. Deprived of the usual capping ceremony this year, they held an unofficial one. They also filled the Town Ilall to capacity, kept the huge audience amused for more than two hours with topical burlesques and raised about £IOO for the Auckland City Mission. When the proceedings wero due to begin practically every seat in tho hall had been filled at the modest charge of one shilling, and dozens of people were standing. Even the top gallery was crowded. Tho first item was "Gaudeamus," sung by the students, with an added verse made tip entirely of local Maori names. Then came a "community sing," directed by the Rev. Jasper Calder and a student wigged and bearded like a professor of music from Poland or Russia. The songs went to current popular tunes and had many topical references. Disorderly Debate Recalled. The president of the Students' Association, Mr. D. H. Steen, had charge of the copping ceremony. In a short speech he explained that the new University Act made no provision for the public conferring of degrees, and owing to the conduct of certain students at the Easter tournament debate tho college council had refused to hold a ceremony for the congratulation of tho graduates. This, ho said, seemed unduly severe, bcause the graduates as a body were not to blame, and in any case the Students' Association had done its best to identify the offenders, although without success. The disturbance had been deprecated by the association and the committee in charge of the debate. Unfortunately the council had also declined to let the students hold an annual "rag" in aid of charity, sis was done in certain universities in Great Britain. Scholastic Achievements. Mr. Steen congratulated the college on securing 112 degrees and five diplomas last year—a further record—on winning all but two of the inter-collcgiate tournament trophies, and on getting six men in the nniversity football team which had visited New South Wales. The list of degrees was read out, and the graduates, a majority of whom were present in gowns and hoods, mounted the I>latform and were congratulated. The adies, as usual, received bouquets. After a topical song by Mr. A. H. Fryer-Raisher, a dozen "girls" from the "Consolidated Stammer Schools," in correct gymnasium dress, gave a lady-like haka and a fearful and wonderful display of eurythmics. A soloist in one of the new backless ballet-dresses imitated Pavlova, but was shot from the wings by a male person, doubtless a rejected lover, and was borne off dead. Professors Caricatured. Next a model graduation ceremony was presented by a dozen students robed and jpade up to represent the president, registrar and leading professors of the college. One caused much laughter by appearing in full mountaineering kit. Degrees were conferred b£ the "president," "without the authority of the senate," upon various well-known people, including Mr. E. 11. Northcroft, C.O D. (Controller of Dobate); Mr. Harold Schmidt, M.A. (Mayor of Auckland); Mr. T. Blood worth, A.S.S. (Al-so Started); and Commissioner McIlveney, the third degree of N.P. (Nosev Parker). Consolation birthday honours were also presented. Mr. Coates was awarded that of B.N.K. (Big Noise from the Ivaipara). Hopes ol a Procession. Mr. Calder in person received the order of G.F.S. (Good Fellow-ship), with a scroll consisting of a coloured comic supplement. In a little speech he thanked the students, saying that the entertainment showed that tbey knew how to make good fun without "going over the edge He hoped that the council and the police would now be convinced that the students were entitled ,to hold an annual procession He had been asked by someone who knew less about students than he to give a guarantee of their good behaviour that evening. He had done so, and ho was ready to give a similar guarantee respecting any procession they might hold. A number of prizes for athletics were presented. Mr. A. E. Ford, tramway manager, for tho three miles walk, was awarded a season ticket for a community bus. Professor Algie was given the prize for "algitude." This roused a strong protest from the impersonator of Professor Sperrin-Johnson, who declared that be had lately climbed to the top of the Andes, and produced a banner marned ."Excelsior" to prove it. One of the "Miss New Zealand screen triala was staged by three students, and the "lady" was awarded one single ticket to Waiknmete for self and cbaperone The evening wound up with the frothblowers' anthem, a series of hakas, and much cheering.