UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24325, 15 June 1940, Page 7

UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES

International Affairs Society A number of students, believing that insufficient time was being devoted to the study of international affairs within the Otago University, recently decided to form an association for the investigation of the problems facing the world to-day. Last term a meeting was held, and a constitution was drawn up. On Friday, June 7, a meeting was called in the O.U.S.A. canteen. There was a good attendance and Mr A. Paterson was in the chair. The following committee was elected: —Patron. Mr W. Downie Stewart; president, Mr A. Paterson; vice-president. Mr J. E. Stewart; secretary, the Rev. Harold Turner; treasurer. Mr Paterson; committee. Miss N. Neave and Messrs Rbss, Auld and Ballin. Mr Downie Stewart was present at the meeting, and he gave an address on “ The Study of International Affairs.” He offered to help the new association in every way he could. A vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. Society -for Health Education Allen Hall was packed on Monday evening, when a lecture was given under the auspices of the Science Students’ Association. The speakers, Mr A. Blanc and Dr lan Whitehead, represented the Society for Health Education, and their subject was " Medicirie and Democracy.” Both speakers were well received by an enthusiastic audience of students of all faculties. At the close of the meeting several questions were answered, and a vote of confidence in the work of the society was passed unanimously. This society, of which Mr Blanc is president and Dr Malcolm vice-president, will hold meetings from time to time. Its objects are to promote the health education of the public, to investigate health problems, and make public information regarding “ quackery ” and allied subjects. Tramping Club A general meeting of the Tramping Club was held recently for the purpose of discussion of the term’s activities and the election of a new president. Mr Bruce Jones, who has filled this office till recently, has graduated. It was decided to elect an additional member to the committee, and several interesting trips for the future have been arranged. At the meeting the club placed on record its unanimous disapproval of stone-rolling on the hills, which is a very definite danger to life and property.’ The constitution is being amended to include this new regulation. Last week-end there was a large attendance of members. The party made its way up the Leith Valley and the Pineapple Cone track. At first the day was bright and sunny, but later mists enveloped the Flagstaff Ridge, and the trip was abandoned, and the party made its way to the road by descending a long ridge. Although the mist was by now very thick, the tramners reached the old hut on the far side of Flagstaff without mishap. After lunch parties made their own time home along the road. nterfaculty Debate The Law Debating Society succeeded in defeating the Arts team by a margin of four points at the second interfaculty debate last Wednesday. The teams were as follows: —Law; Messrs Gibson and Hewart. Arts: Messrs Titchener and Rosevcar. “ That the distortion of truth in war-time is justifiable ” was the subject chosen. Law, in supporting the motion, stressed that expediency justified distortion. The Arts team, on the other hand, pointed out that moral values hold for all times. Dean Cruickshank gave the decision in favour of the affirmative, and placed Mr Hewat as the best speaker. The dean said that he had been much impressed by both sides, although some humour might have proved refreshing. Alpine Club Evening A large number of members of the Otago section of the New Zealand Alpine Club was addressed by Mr A. P. Harper on Wednesday evening. Mr Harper, a popular figure in mountaineering circles, was secretary of the club when it was founded in 1891. He had many interesting stories to relate about the early days in tire New Zealand mountains. “Early Identities in New Zealand Exploration ” was the centra] theme of the talk. Later in the evening Mr Ellis screened some excellent colour films, which included shots taken at the recent camp in the Matukituki. Mr J. Giikison, the president, thanked the speakers.