ROWDY STUDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20619, 18 July 1930, Page 10

ROWDY STUDENTS.

CAPPING DAY " HUMOUR." DISTURBANCE IN DUNEDIN. SPEAKERS SHOUTED DOWN. [by TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUNEDIN, Thursday, The annual ceremony of conferring degrees on graduates of the University of Otago was held in the Town Hall this afternoon under more than usually difficult circumstances. The display 0 f rowdyism and explosive humour given by the massed attendance of undergraduates at the back of the hall and in the dress circle surpassed anything that has been heard for some years and made it impossible for the audience of about 2000 people to hear more than a few fragmentary sentences of the two addresses delivered. The vice-chancellor, Mr. W. J. Morrell, presided and the other speaker was the Rev. D. C. Herron. From the outset, it was obvious that the chairman was not to be allowed to speak without interruption and as the duration of his speech increased from a quarter of an hour to half an hour and more the noise of shouting, singing and stamping grew steadily in volume until it reached a roar. No amount of remonstrance availed to diminish the noise, which was frequently punctuated by the explosions of fireworks. Tho noisy element allowed the Rev. 11. C. Herron a few minutes' grace in which to introduce himself, after whfch the interruptions commenced again. At an early stage of his address the vice-chancellor lost patience. He said that perhaps they would rather have him declare tho proceedings closed and simply confer the degrees. This was greeted with renewed shouting. "I would ask you to consider whether such a course is likely to be for the good of tho reputation of this university," ho said. "I appeal to you to allow me to proceed. It is incumbent upon you all, if you could only realise it, to make due recognition of the work of the professors and the generosity of the benefactors who have done so much for the university." The only reply he received was a chorus of demands that he should sit down. Mr. Morrell concluded his address amid difficulties and after Mr. Herron had spoken briefly the degrees were conferred.