STUDENT GAIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26769, 12 May 1948, Page 4

STUDENT GAIETY

PROCESSION TO-DAY SCOPE FOR BURLESQUE The even tenor of the city’s life will be interrupted this morning by the s.udenis’ annual capping procession, an occasion which usually draws Dunedin’s population to the centre of the city. Several innovations have been embodied this year and, according to the procession convener, Mr E. T. Lang, the procession is going to be “very good—if the weather holds.” The floats, 25 in number, will traverse a longer route than usual this year. Leaving the University at 11.30 a.m., the procession will proceed via Cumberland street, Hanover sireel, King street (past the Hospital), Frederick street and George and Princes streets to the Oval. It should reach the Octagon about mid-day. Later it will return from the Oval along Crawford street. The dispersal point will be in the region of the Queen’s Gardens. One of the features of the day will be the re-appearance of the Ned Kelly gang, and there was a rumour current yesterday that a certain wellknown personage was to be “ captured ” and later ransomed. The gang is to ride into town, if not with all guns blazing, at least at a furious gallop. The students’ burlesque otherwise will probably have a strong centennial flavour. Not the least spectacular part of the Capping procession is the capering of the individual students. Increasing attention has been devoted to this side and: some notable figures are likely to be in evidence.

The übiquitous pipe and brass capping bands have been seen and heard in the streets during the past few days, but it is confidently predicted that their musical accomplishments will reach new heights to-day. It is reported that the brass band of some 50 instrumentalists has been practising enthusiastically since Easter. _ Nevertheless, the pipe band may win most rounds on points. After the procession the students’ version of the John Wickliffe landing will be given. The. famous ship, which incidentally, will be launched about half an hour beforehand from the Otago rowing sheds, vyill sail .up the harbour basin for the landing party to set foot on shore in front of the Otago Harbour Board’s office. The voyage is expected to be extremely arduous. A record target of £IOOO for the collection to be made to-day in aid of the Crippled Children’s Fund has been set. The street collection will begin at 9 a.m., when women students w’ill sell “ immunity badges.” Some 12,000 capping books were sold in about half an hour in the city yesterday morning. Another 6000 had previously been distributed to bookshops, so that the record total of 18,000 copies was sold, and even then the demand did not appear to be satisfied. About 250 students used traditional methods of high-pressure salesmanship to dispose of the copies.