“THOU SHALT NOT”

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1935, Page 7

“THOU SHALT NOT”

ON EVERY OXFORD NOTICE BOARD COMPLAINT OF UNDERGRADUATES. Is Oxford turning out mothers “who will thrust Mrs. Grundy and the gooseberry bush on their children at every turn?” Miss Edith Shawcross, who, with her friend, Lady Katharine Cairns, was "sent down” from St. Hilda’s Hall, Oxford, acks this question in an article under her name, “Venus Asks Recognition,” in an issue of “The Cherwell,” the undergraduate publication. “That a woman should wish to enjoy the social side of Oxford is a failing which must, according to the authorities, be sternly suppressed,” says Miss Shawcross. “The authorities must realise that they are dealing with women—not school children—women who in a few years will be the mothers of a generation which will be called on to play a vital part in an anxious world. “ ‘Thou shalt not,' ” says Miss Shawcross, “is inscribed in large letters on every notice board. “At present it is difficult for the average girt to feel at ease in the presence of young men, for at any moment she is affaid of being made a fool of by the authorities. “Under no circumstances may she stay until the end of an Eights Week dance—she must leave her partner stranded at midnight, even though the dance continue until two. "She may not partake of a cup of tea alone with a male —in spite of the obvious importance of learning to feel, at ease in the company of the other sex.” Oxford undergraduates are revolting against “nursery government” methods of the ’university authorities. One undergraduate said: “It seems ludicrous that the authorities should have to resort to the methods of a concentration camp in order to preserve their kindergarten discipline. “We are denied the rights of free speech and free Press. We are even forbidden to communicate matters of interest to the public Press. “The authorities have sent notices to the undergraduate publications forbidding them to mention the St. Hildas sending-down incidents. Also we have been given to understand that any graduate who communicates with the Press about the matter will be severely dealt With. . -X J “This type of discipline is more suited to a detention school than the most famous university in the world, It is not by any means a proper preparation for life when we leave the university. "It is making the women into repressed spinsters. Men, instead of being turned out as sane and useful members of society, are being sent away full of a schoolboy spirit of revolt against stupid rules—ripe for any sort of absurd or even dangerous mischief. We are being given a training of suppression and all that suppression leads to, “It is not fair to the undergraduates, and it is not fair to the reputation of the university. Its character-moulding influence has been totally destroyed.”

Before their departure last week for their new home at the Hutt Miss Ena and Mr, Alec Longbottom, two popular and active members of the Inglewood Badminton Club, were entertained at supper at the Adams Bruce tea rooms. Mr. J. K. Hammonds, the president, presented Miss Longbottom with a silver vase and Mr. Longbottom with a silver cigarette case.