UNIVERSITY DANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27384, 9 May 1950, Page 2

UNIVERSITY DANCE

This Year's Graduates Honoured Graduates of Otago University, who yesterday afternoon had . their degrees solemnly conferred upon them, last night started upon a three-days programme oi festivities. At a reception given in their honour at the Town Hall the vice-chan-cellor Dr R. S. Aitken, and Mrs Aitken greeted about 700 guests. The .new graduates themselves, with their partners, Dr H. R. liulme (who had given the graduation address) and Mrs Hulme, members of the University Council, members of the University staff and their wives, and friends of the University constituted a very large University family party.

The Town Hall had been decorated for the occasion with University shields amongst the flowering plants and greenery and everywhere the academic robes, with the brightly-coloured hoods donned for ceremonial functions, emphasised tire University connection. It was undoubtedly a very learned assembly, but learning did not seem to weigh heavily on the shoulders of those who enjoyed the dance that followed the reception and the vice - chancellor’s friendly, welcoming speech.

Graduates and their partners danced the first dance, general dancing followed and the academic robes were gradually thrown off, revealing the more familiar evening dress. Part of the Town Hall floor had been made into a lounge, where the older and less energetic members could sit and talk, perhaps reserving some of their energy for academic night at the capping concert this evening, or for the full vigours of the capping ball tomorrow.' During the evening an eightsome reel was performed by members of the School of Physical Education.

This year is the first occasion on which a University reception and dance has been given in honour of the graduates. Present undergraduates are now hoping that such a pleasant innovation will continue and become an integral part of the capping celebrations.