155 ST, GODRIC'S SECRETARIAL COLLEGE For Administrative and Secretarial Careers Intensive Courses for Graduates for woli-paid and responsible posts. Active Appointments Department. Expert advice on rcareers and individual care, .¦w. Resident and day students accepted. Special Courses in Administration and Management, journalism, Advertising, Languages and Foreign Shorthands, Hospital, Library and Poiitical work. Apply to : ]. W. LOVERIDGE, M.A. (Cantab.) 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead N.W.3 Telephone: HAMpstcad 5986 BRmSH LfBBARY ? aiMt1356 D /V srp MO jj ouut4'- NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS' UNION, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON) JANUARY 19th, 1956 THREEPENCE SIMMONDS Univer$fty Pooksellers Our shop is not the biggest in London, but it is amongst the best. And it's a place where you will obtain individual attention. We stock most of the books on your syllabus, and we are five minutes from L.S.E. 16 Fleet Street, London, E.C.4 (Opposite Chancery Lane) OH, WHAT A WICKED PAPER! If all else fails blame the press ! This convenient way out of difficulties seems to find growing support. From the hysterical condemnations of Dr. Charles Hill to the august pronouncements of Mr. Kingsley Martin, a whole chorus grows in discord. We never expected to find, however, " Beaver " being cast as the sinister originator of unrest. , At the moment most students : would give this the horse laugh it .deserves, but, as in many things, time often clouds the issue. It has slowly percolated down to us that some high quarters regard this paper as having CREATED discontent with the academic system and the refectory; in fact the story goes that " Beaver" inspired the (boycott. Let us get just a few of ithe facts straight for a start. The first " Beaver " heard and pubhsh-ed about the boycott was one sentence saying that an amendment to this effect was being proposed at the next Union meeting. Its pages contained no support for this until it had become official Union Policy. If it had said anything, it would no ' doubt have reflected Council's attitude, which was to advise against a boycott. Honesty On another page of this issue the i Deputy President has gently slid into a discussion of some of the trickier relationships which beset the paper, but this is not the present point at issue. Recently I" Beaver" lias "dared" to sa)' what students think about some of the more important problems which beset them. Keeping quiet about these problems does not remove them, and what is " Beaver " for if not to air these publicly? Following the appearance of an article on the academic system and tiie Part I results, wc were for the first time to our knowledge given statistics concerning exam results. By this means, as in other cases, the publishing of information hitherto unknown has been brought about. Integrity The vital function of a college newspaper is to air the views of the students concerned. It is inevitable that these should sometimes be critical, and if wc are to censor these we can only produce a lifeless rag, a poor imitation of Comic Cuts. No press at all is better than an intimidated or a muzzled one! We realise that we are far from perfect, but we intend to continue to report on affairs with all the integrity we can muster. Poor Us Despite all our efforts, we have turned out to be such a wicked paper, and so unrepresentative that our circulation has increased by 50%; so misguiding and onesided that we regularly give the front page to critics of what has previously been printed. Let it be said that we will continue to print what students are thinking and feeling. k. c. pearmain. STOLEN On January 2nd the wireless in the Three Tuns Bar was removed. As a result, the Union building was closed for the rest of the vacation after 2 p.m. The most assiduous investigation has failed to secure the return of the radio or the culprit. Anyone having seen the radio is requested to ring HOLborn 4872. The enquiry continues. BEATRICE WEBB HOUSE, opened in 1947 by the then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. C. R. Attlee, M.P., in memory of Beatrice Webb, will be the setting for the Jubilee Conference to be held next month. LS.E. HEADS THE LIST More daily newspapers are read or looked at by students of L.S.E. than of any other college, with the Daily Telegraph as the most frequently read daily newspaper. The Observer heads the list of most frequently read Sunday papers. These, and many other interesting facts are revealed in a sur- vey of newspaper reading habits of London University students conducted by statistics students at L.S.E. under the direction of Professor R. G. D. Allen and Mr. H. S. Booker. Questionnaires to all the Colleges were sent in November and December, 1954, Compared with the normal response-to postal questionnaires the result was quite good— 77%. For every 100 students in London University 224 papers are regularly " read " or " looked at ". Behind the Telegraph come the Times, Manchester Guardian and Daily Express. The Guardian readers seem to be an unusually faithful lot. Most students who read it also pay for it. The Times is the paper that is most frequently looked at but not read, though the Telegraph is not far behind. Comparisons between term-time and vacation reading show that term-time reading of the Times is 41% higher than in the vacation; of the Guardian it is 28% higher, and of the Telegraph 15%. The Daily Mail, Express and News Chroniclc readers drop by approximately 10% during term. Seventeen Daily IVorkers are read per thousand students in term-time, compared with four in vacation time. The most striking feature of L.S.E. reading habits is the popularity of the Manchester Guardian. Two-thirds of the students read or look at it regularly, and one-third purchase the paper. Imperial College, with 179 papers read or looked at per 100 students, is at the bottom of the College list. At the other end of the scale, 259 papers per 100 students are read at L.S.E. The Mail is a popular paper for purchase at U.C., and the Express at I.C., but very few copies of the Herald, Mirror, Sketch or Worker are bought. This 50-page booklet (available at the Economist's Bookshop) is packed with interesting facts and figures, including what students look for in their papers, and how University life has altered their reading tastes. Jubilee Celebrations at Beatrice Webb House A few miles south of Dorking, among beautifully wooded Surrey hills, lies the Beatrice Webb Home. Opened in 1947 as a Residential Conference House, it will welcome next month a hundred L.S.E. students attending the Union's Week-end Conference—the highlight of this term's Diamond Jubilee activities. On the evening of Friday, 17th, it will be officially opened by the Director (who has given great assistance to us in planning the event) and the first address will be by a famous former member of the School staff — Professor R. H. Tawney. He will describe some of the great personalities in the history of the School as a background to the main theme of the Conference: what part the Social Sciences play in the modern world. Professor Robson will give what is expected to be a highly controversial lecture on some recent trends in the Social Sciences, and Professor Asa Briggs, from Leeds University, will discuss Social History^ Several discussion periods are arranged and the School ends on Sunday afternoon with a Symposium including (as we go to' press) Dr. Hatton, Mr. Chapman and Mr. R. T. Mackenzie, A social, dance and Celebration Dinner are arranged in the programme, together with guided walks, tennis, table tennis and a gramophone recital. All this for only £2 a head will mean a big rush for tickets (on sale at the Union stall now). Remember, the Jubilee Commemoration Ball sold out fast. Book early and avoid disappointment. See you all at Dorking! r.f. A prospect of advancement To assist young men and women in search of advancement and emplo}'-ers in search of intelligent recruits, the Manchester Guardian is again planning a series of whole-page careers announcements. On each weekday between January 23 and March 9, leading industries and business concerns will in turn present the various advantages of a career with them. Prospective employers will give a full account of their organisation, together with details of qualifications required and training offered. As happened last year, demand for the Manchester Guardian will be heavier than usual during this period. For the excellence of its editorial matter is rivalled by the rich opportunity of its advertising columns. A regular order with your newsagent is advisable. MANCHESTER GUARDIAN BEAVER January I9th, 1956 NEW LAMPS FOR OLD * BY THE PRESIDENT This term we welcome three new Vice Presidents of the Union. Bill Capstick (External Affairs), David Rubinstein (Welfare) and Dudley Fernando (Social), and we all wish them well in their work during the next tv/o terms. Later this term next year's President, Deputy President and General Secretary will be elected and I hope the riscord poll in the recent V.P. elections will be comfortably exceeded. A V/orthy Legacy Let us not forget however the services of those members who have recently retired from office. Roy Gardner had probably the liveliest time; of all culminating in the refectory boycott. I doubt whether the minimum amount of work he accomplished in two terms (covering his part one exam.) was ever truly appreciated by Union members. A more flamboyant personality might have secured greater credit for much less work; and few members know of the vigorous and thorough way in which Roy advocated the Union's case on the staff-student Refectory Committee. In future reports and minutes of this committee's activities the work of our spokesmen on it will be widely published. Of Roy's period of office one might say that justice was done; but not always manifestly seen to be done. Champion of I.S.C. Graham Norton had the startling experience of presiding over one of the most dramatic changes in Union policy since the war. When he took office we were the foremost supporters of the Communist dominated International Union of Students, and still refused to recognise its much larger rival, the International Students' Conference (CO-SEC) as an international Union at all. In two terms a largely new body of students and a different approach from Council have brought us round to the opposite position of regarding the I.S.C. as the " best method of achieving world student unity ". The conversion of L.S.E. had a sensational effect at N.U.S. Council and Graham had the satisfaction of seeing during his term of office much greater respect for L.S.E. among other British Unions POST BAG Refectory Officer Dear Sir, Some of Council's criticisms of my work as Refectory Officer may be valid, but this does not excuse the way in which the criticisms have been expressed and the procedure followed. To suggest (as was done in the Union) that I had done nothirig was absurd, for together with many others, I worked hard in gi\'ing the necessary expression to ;he students' discontent with the Refectory—the policy which recei'/ed overwhelming support from the students. If Council's case rested largely on the suggestion made that Mr. Hall would be a better officer, why the need for the report on my dismissal and highly personal attacks made.' At the end of last term Union passed an urgency motion that the circumstances be discussed by Union, not the reasons. I would have been happy to resign but was given no opportunity to do so; on Thursday 1 was interviewed by Council, on Friday—Boycott Day— I received a notice of dismissal. We are assured by Council that this is in no way a repudiation of the Boycott Policy. This being so, I would like to wish Mr. Hall and his colleagues i.'very success in their ensuing negotiations for a better Refectory. Yours, etc., ruth nixo.n. Pkts and Plans Dear Sir, Among the opponents and critics of last term's boycott was a peculiar group that came to the conclusion that the bojcott was (a) a Red plot, (b) a " Beaver " plot, (c) a Red plot organised by " Beaver(d) a " Beaver" plot organised by the Communists. These notions are not only unfounded, they are also grossly unfair to the organisers of the boycott. It has become the habit nowadays to attribute any significant movement for social reform to " Communist inspired sources I'm sure that the Com. Soc. at L.S.E. would be heartened if they thought that they could command such a unanimous following throughout the College. However, they cannot muster such support; neither, come to that, can " Beaver ". The organisation of the boycott was the work, not of irresponsible trouble-makers, but of a group of students sincerely perturbed at the state of affairs. Let's give credit where credit's due, and hear no more of this " Red scare " nonsense. Yours, etc., ian woolf. Sir. Deep Waters Although pleased to see the general improvement in your newspaper, we were aghast to find gross inaccuracies in a report on your Sports page. We refer, of course, to the article on the Sailing Club Barbecue. The audacity of your contributor is only fully exposed when it is known that the young lady in question spent most of her time in the R.A.F. Club house and was therefore not present at most of the events she so luridly describes, ^^'e would remark here tliat, pleased as we arc at any attempt to improve the liaision QUOTE NOTES You'll find me on the nursery slopes "—Mimi Barnett. Subash, in consideration of your attitude towards the fairer sex—will you marry me? "—Janet Boland. There's quite a lot going on in this field "—Alan Jenkinson, giving a paper on reproduction rates. There's nothing wrong with the Catholic Society—except that it isn't Methodist"—John W^h-liam.son. 1 can imagine Roland Freeman and his cronies on Union Council saying ' What would I do for an issue? 'John IIipkin. than had hitherto been the case for many years. The Ball of the Year The Jubilee Commemoration Ball, which will no doubt be regarded as the outstanding success of the year, was the culmination of Peter Mitchell's period as Social V.P. Together with Cyril Trupp (the most able Ents. Comm. Chairman for some time, whose resignation we all regret) and a first class committee, Peter improvised a publicity programme which has set an exacting standard for his successors. The Ball itself brought widespread praise. My own post-bag including many letters of congratulation from Presidents of other colleges—some of which are larger and most wealthier than ourselves. A Worthy Team In recent weeks Peter has specialised increasingly in International Student controversies and has become an outspoken advocate of cooperation with the International Student Conference. All these ex-V.P.'s intend to take an active part in Union meetings and can be relied on to raise the standard (and frequently the temperature) of Union debating. L.S.E. Union depends for its success on the unselfish service of its voluntary officers; we have every cause to be grateful to the three who have just been elected to the role of " elder statesmen ". roland freeman. between the clubs, we do not think it was necessary to go quite so far. It reflects little credit on you. Sir, or the member of Council responsible for publications, that such gross distortions should appear in your pages. Therefore, Sir, both the brewers concerned and ourselves have taken legal advice and demand a correction in your next issue and the payment of a fair amount of damages, which will be put into the funds of the Sailing Club. We are in fact deeply hurt by the allegation concerning the beer. We did not put WATER in it! Yours, etc., KENNETH W. HARRY. liRIAN SMITH. KENNETH C. PEARMAIN. Reminder Postbag invites your contrihutions to "Beaver", either commenting on articles which have appeared or on original subjects. Please limit your letters to 250 words and we shall be happy to put you on print. BEAVE)R LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS HOUGHTON STREET ALDWYCH ¦ LONDON - W.C.2 Vol, IV No. 6 Editor: John S. Sidle Assistant Editors: Ian ^\¦oolf, David Tackley Business Manager: Peter Holwell Sales Manager: David Howell-Jones Sports Editor: Alao Aka Bashorun Staff: Sally Shulman, Shirley Smith, Barbara Lever STANDING ROOM ONLY Probably the -first thing which strikes anyone in L.S.E. is the overcrowding in the School buildings. One hears stories of people taking half an hour to make their way from the main entrance up the steps to the clock. And though one may perhaps doubt if this happens very often, there can be no denying that it is very difficult to get through the crush in the area stretching from the entrance to the librarv side of the pigeon holes at certain times of the day. But this, though the most obvious, is the least serious result of the overcrowding at L.S.E. The library is already uncomfortably full, and by the time the examinations come round in June it will be necessary to get in within a quarter of an hour of the doors opening to secure a place. It is impossible to ventilate lecture and class rooms adequately between lectures, and it has been found necessary to continue these functions later in the evenings to accommodate everyone. Classes are too large. It is impossible to obtain the maximum benefit from a tutorial at which there are fifteen to twenty people present. In the older universities the normal number for a tutorial is two or three. More Students In spite of these conditions the number of regular students at L.S.E. continues to climb steadily from 2,187 in 1952-3 to 2251 the year after and 2,293 last year. The figures for this year are not yet available, though they are expec- ted to show another increase. The School authorities calculate that an additional 55,000 square feet of floor space is required if the present work of the School is to be carried out adequately even with the present number of staff and students. To meet this urgent demand the college will, acquire possession of the Holborn Estate Charity Oflice in September, 1956. This building has only 3,869 square feet of floor space, but it will enable the new building to be completed, and that will allow a more efficient use of the area the School already owns to the East of Houghton Street. We will acquire the lease of the St. Clement's Press 37,000 square feet in 1959, though it will require internal reconstruction before it can be brought into use. This year forty-four extra places were added to the library by the inclusion of the Smith Memorial Hall. What Next? However, these additions will be insufficient to meet the current needs of L.S.E., and there is every prospect that the number of students will continue to grow annually apart from the fact that the bulge in the birth rate will reach the Universities in the early 1960's. Drastic government action will be necessary to prevent the swamping of L.S.E. by large numbers of prospective students during those years. The Editorial Board cannot take responsibility for expressions of opinion in signed articles appearing in " Beaver SEMINAR IN W. GERMANY During the vacation Brian Van Arkadie attended an International Student Socialist Seminar, held in the Rhur area of West Germany, as one of the two British guests of the German Socialist student organisation. The seminar, which lasted ten days and was concerned with the problems of European unity and of economic democracy, included delegates from seven different national student socialist organisations. It was surprising for the British and Swedish delegations that the main body of the seminar enthusiastically supported the objective of STATE OF THE Mim We have good news for our readers! This is the last in the present series of articles under this heading which will be written by the present author. We understand that a prominent 3rd year statistician is now collecting quotations from " The Winter's Tale " in preparation for the start of a series of personal articles. Stocktaking Before the new management takes over, a little stocktaking may be in order. The main issue before the Union is, of course, its relation with the School. This has been particularly evident over the Refectory issue—which has already been sufficiently discussed for any further comment here to be superfluous. The Refectory has taken the limelight away from the other major cpiestion (A I.L^S./N.U.S. relations. The Union has moved far in the direction of support for I.S.C. against I.U.S., and it seems likely to move further. Other possible issues which may arouse contention are the state of the L'niversity Union and our own Presidential Elections. It is now clearly time for L.S.E, to take the initiative over U,L.U. (thanks to the good work of our President in obtaining goodwill on President's Council); and we suspect that U.L.U. may even be a live issue in the elections. Miss Nixon The main event so far this term has been the Union's approval for Council's wish to dismiss the Refectory Officer. Perhaps the most surprising feature was one not stressed in the debate, however, for the Council motion also asked Union to approve the appointment of another Refectory Officer—before lie had been officially appointeil, too. This seems a dangerous precedent. a, roLiTicus. full European union, with on); minor reservations about the form such a union was to take. Although the British Labour attitud; towards British participation ii such a union was accepted without comment (and also withou: enthusiasm) by the majority of the delegates there was at least one attack on the alleged national ansi parochial attitude of the Labour party, and there was a general scepticism about the possibility of| tlie socialists in Britain progressing a great deal further within the confines of national boundaries. The discussion of economit problems was of more interest tc the British delegation. In particular, the discussion of " co-determination in the German coal am iron and steel industries over thi apjiointment of personnel manager: and the general increase in consul tntion has met with some succes within its limited sphere of objec tive and operation. This discus, sion was particularly interesting sj an opportunity was provided ! visit a large steel mill and a ca| mine. There was also a discussion c the Swedish co-operative mov ment and on Dutch economic plai ning. During the discussion on tl; problems which occurred duringtli British experiments in nationalise tion there was a considerable ii terest in the solutions which hai been adopted to such problems i compensation on take-over priciE policies and difficulties of dem cratic control. BILL CAPSTICK Bill Capstick wishes all memberst the Union a Happy New Yearai] thanks them for their support; the V.P. elections. I BEAVER____ ON THE BALL ?6 llANUARY I 9th, 1956 Inside Story A form in evening dress, minus tie, staggers into the room. Charred forms are prised from the typewriters. Manuscripts flutter like falling leaves and beer stained layouts are rituaily curscd over. Another edition of " Beaver " is in the making. Following the recent practise of Council Members I am using the pages of " Beaver " to throw some light on one of my departments, ^uite unwelcome light, I am assured in this case. There is always a certain glamour and chaos which surrounds the production of a newspaper. I never can convince myself however, Jiat a paper will ever appear from ihe vortex of papers, screams, blasphemy and urgent confused telephone calls which lays waste the ynion offices for several days each i'ortnight, ' P0NTRE3INA Many students spent the winter vacation ski-ing in the Swiss mountains. By courtesy of the Swiss National Tourist Office we reproduce this typical scene. Clueless On one delightful occasion the ;Editor had to give the captions of |ihe photographs as the printers 'described the faces on the block. This was only rivalled when the first crossword was produced. The block of the puzzle was set up at the printers and the Editor then ost the clues. We found him vhimpering in a corner trjing to leconstruct the clues from memory. He had even more difficulty with the solution. Despite these misgivings, and in some uncanny fashion, editions continue to appear. Editions which have recently become an integral part of our college life, informing :.ind amusing many. Until the end 'of the last (academic) year sales neraged about 500. This year they have not fallen below 750 on any of the six issues and at the moment circulation seems to have settled down at about 800-850 copies. Production of a newspaper by students is a difficult task at any level. Just acquiring copy and setting it up is bad enough but when is added the problem of covering matters of real concern to the student body without becoming the mouthpiece of a faction or hindering the work of the Union, by an unfortunate approach, ulcers are in the offing. Dilemma Relations with the Union organisation are particularly trick)' for without the right to speak freely and criticise, the paper is worthless; on the other hand it must be I What was your favourite bugbear this Christmas? Mine was threefold: the G.P.O., the weather and human nature in general. But then, who can see life through rose tinted spectacles while getting up at 6 a.m. every morning for 8 days? This would be enough in itself to embitter a better man than I, without taking the frivolities of the climate into account. Well do I remember my first day at the Post Office. A scene of unique chaos met my eyes, but m}' consternation was not complete until I discovered that I was supposed to sort out some of it, then deliver it. I envied Tantalus his task. At least his efforts did move the stone, but mine had no noticeable effect. Soon it was my turn to set out on a delivery. This was no pleasant prospect, for the district was a rural one. Last year one chap lost himself, and had to be searched for by a van. Pie was discovered after two hours, wandering along a lane,*"singing " Happy Wanderer " in a slurred voice and apparently acting as if in a paper chase. Cave Canem That day I made two bitter enemies; stiff cards that are too wide to go through any letterbox, and a little brown dog. The latter realised that '' lieaver " can often make or break an event organised by the Union. The recent criticism of the popular press by the " Times" condemning its basic " radicalism" is in my opinion, very mistaken; a critical press is of vital importance in a democracy. " Beaver's" problem is greatly complicated by the fact that whilst it must remain critical it is also the Union's paper and must give support to this organisation. Money is another of the problems which confront the staff. Under present market conditions the more papers we sell the more it costs. So every increase in circulation, which is a good means of judging the paper's success, means the increasing likelihood of asking for a bigger Union grant. So as the result of printing six successful issues last term " Beaver " has only enough money left to bring out three or four issues for the rest of the academic year. iiad an insatiable appetite and a keen taste for tweed overcoats— especially mine. He was a sweet little dog—our Eido. With saliva gently dripping from his lips he would invite me to open the gate and deliver the letters, then he would fight a rearguard action. He was ver)' good at it—my rear suffered no end. But this was not all. There is no limit to a postman's misfortune. (}ates that collapse if opened, electric bells that don't work, knockers , that come off in one's hand, ail these fell to my lot. But the greatest curse of all.' Little letter-boxes. T fear that in older houses letter-boxes-'were fitted only as an unwilling*-.concession to the " modern " idea of .the penny post. Or perhaps they were designed to keep out big bills.' Anyway, the idea that " the Englishman's home is his castle " was taken much too far, and many houses were made impregnable to large Christmas cards at least. Crooked Script And there are many more interesting stories than mine to hear. Stories of parcels addressed to houses still under construction, and even to plots of land, and once I heard of a case when a postman got the signature of a noted biu-g-lar, when he delivered a registered Friday, 9th December, dawned bright and clear, and everything in the garden seemed fine. Twelve noon—sudden realisation T hadn't arranged to meet my partner anywhere at any time. 1- Close Co-operation Although one can find little complacency, the Editor with, for the first time a properly appointed staff, has gone a long way to meeting these problems. We have a team which works, and works exceptionally well together. (Did I not see the Editor taking a fond farewell of one of the members outside a certain tavern in Tottenham Court Road?) Also of importance is sympathy and understanding on the part of Union Council. The President as an ex-Editor, and myself as a one edition stop-gap Editor with some knowledge of the press, I hope have played our parts. Nevertheless when we come down to it the success of the paper rests with you, not only as a consumer but as a contributor and gleaner of information. As I have said before it is vour Newspaper and will be v.'hat you make it. k. c. pearmain. parcel to a house where that gentleman was practising his art. All these incidents go to make a temporary postman's job a little more pleasant, while at the same time serving to convince the student that Christmas can bring adventure, as well as money and frustration. d. c. tackley. GILBERT MURRAY TO ADDRESS LIB. SOC. Tom Dale, the Vice-Chairman of the Liberal Society, tells us that Professor Gilbert Murray, O.M., the 90 years old " grand old man " of international co-operation, the Greek scholar, and eminent member of the Liberal Party, has accepted the invitation of the L.S.E. Liberal Society to speak at the Society's Annual Dinner on March 13th. The Society seems to be becoming even more international in flavour, with Salvador de Madari-aga as its Hon. President. Professor Murray is a great scoop for the Society. They hope to hold the Dinner at the National Liberal Club, and a limited ruimber of tickets will be available for non-members. They expect the national press will be in attendance, though Beaver will, of coui'se, expect some exclusive rights! 6 p.m. spent in frantic search for her. 7.30 rang her up. She was ill and was not going to the Com-mem. Ball. Could I find another partner? Immediate panic set in. She finally agreed to come, though she would " probably sleep all the time." Arranged to meet train. Met train—she was not on it— more panic. Had she fallen asleep again? Rang up again to be informed she had just left to catcli the next train, having been told off for keeping me waiting. 1 cunningly concealed the fact I was late in meeting the first train. 9.25— arrival of train with partner awake. in Like a Lion . . . 9.45 p.m.—arrival 45 minutes late at Pi-esident's reception introductions and polite conversation. 10.00—it suddenly dawned there was a wide range of free drinks. 10.55—offer of introduction to Benny Lee. 1 said fortissimo; "Who the hell is Benny Lee? " The answer was " Shut up you damned idiot; he's on the Braden show." The light then dawned. There was then the fortunate interruption of the announcement that the coach was ready to take the President to the Festival Hall. I saw a vision of Roland and his partner driving off in the state coach, but the romance was very localised, for this was a horseless carriage. We arrived at the Festival Hall, found our table, secured some more drink, and ventured on to the floor. Unaccountably it seemed vei3^ crowded and slippery, far too much like the deck of a ship in a storm at sea. Ten minutes and many bumps later we retired some- So I'm coming back for another dose! As I drag myself along Kingsway, shivering in the icy blasts of morning wind, I reflect on the prospects of the sccond term. What now catches my memory and fancy as 1 think back over the mad Autumn days? Certainly it's not work. How many times did 1 rush into the building, coat and scarf flying, books falling and dropping, panting, at the very latest and last minute, into a back seat in the Old Theatre, disturbing would-be workers and slackers in all directions. Black looks from both sides, growls from behind as the pearls of wisdom from the lips of the gentleman on the platform fall v/asted and unheard. " The Slings and Arrows . . . Naturally there is always time afterwards for coffee—that's it— now we're getting down to it. This is how I spend hours every week, in the bars and the cafes, chatting to all other whilers-of-time. Unconcerned and unhurried, sipping and smoking, wonderful hours of leisure and talk, but no more of that, there's hard work ahead for you. So I hopefully ponder. The real business of getting down to a couple of evenings' work is not so distasteful. There is so much else to do. What offers to be sociable! where safer. After a time a certain prominent Union Councillor appeared and implored us to restrain him from assaulting Jeffery Thomas. W'e did our best, but it was hard going. Later he claimed he had introduced me to Jeff Thomas, but this is certainly not true. . . . Out Like a Light I can remember eating and watching the cabaret. I am told it was good, but it looked like a kaleidoscope to me. The bar closed, and soon after I was accosted by a female with a baby in a shawl. She v/as accompaniecl by a chap with a shot gun. This nightmare soon passed, and the baby was revealed as a bottle of brandy smuggled in. (What the doorman at the Royal F~estival Hall thought of the baby is not recorded.) The brandy was good. I have heard that a conga was danced along the bar about this time, but I must have been somewhere else. At 4.30 a.m. we again ventured on to the floor. It still seemed slipper}', but the rocking motion had ceased. W'e tried to jive— there may still be some bruised ankles to prove this. We danced a last (and first) waltz, and that was it. A most enjoyable night. After certain delays, which it would be tedious to describe, I arrived back at Passfield at midday on Saturday. But perhaps the most fitting remarks were made the following Monday morning. Self; "Hallo, D-n-s-! were you at the Commem. on Friday?" "Of course I was. I sat talking to you for half an hour." j.s.s. What opportunities to meet new people and places! At the start much caution was exercised in the choice of activity; but as tim.e progressed, so evidently did discretion fade. Each morning seemed colder and the last evening rosier as 1 crawled, unwilling, out of the warm bed into which I had thankfully sunk some short while before. If only they didn't start at such an unreasonable hour. Small wonder you arrive at all. Of Outrageous Fortune" Not: everything is carried on inside L.S.E. It's attractions find their centres in every obscure part of London and her suburbs. W'e search out the mock sea breezes on the Welsh Harp, are sworn at and coaxed alternately by exasperated helmsmen, risk the icy waters and finish in front of the roaring fire in the boathouse. Lincolns Inn Field has its merits besides, where I happily chase a ball up and down a court and end with scarcely enough energy to stagger to the evening dance, where I hobble painfully to the wail and blare of toiling instrumentalists. Such is the food of my contentment. The other sex I here ignore. As I turn in at the front cloor I am prepared. shirley smith. eon 86 Kingsway, W.C.2 Holborn 2240 KLAZERN UAD4>;F.^ Quitters to L. S. E. POSTMAN'S KNOCK BRIEF RETROSPECT 4 BEAVER January 19th, 195t SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIALISM It was fitting that last year's Laski Memorial debate should have developed as an exposition of the philosophies of the two great political parties. Held on December 8th in the presence of Mrs. Laski, it proved a stimulating expi^rience despite the dual disadvantage of following an extremely gruelling session of private business and being held in Room 8. The thought which brought Jinoch Powell and Dick Grossman together on this question was a happy one, for such was the level of argument that (having heard that very morning Professor Oakshott's lecture on Epicureans and Stoics) I felt that 1 could with confidence recognise '1 ransport House and the Central Office as the modern centres for the propagation of these two philosophies. Which does which 3'ou must judge. Good Reception On excellent debating form, IDick Grossman opened the debate with an original angle on the application of Socialism to world affairs. lie suggested that the rich trading nation, in using its superior bargaining position to drive a hard deal with the under-developed countries, is just as much a capitalist as the most hardened American business chief of the left-wing propagandist. Among the cosmopolitan audience present this concept was popular .... and Mr. Grossman's exposition of Socialist morality that followed seemed to be well received. No less masterly was Enoch Powell's analysis of ' Conservative philosophy", stemming from an ethically based argument, his argument left little doubt that all honourable citizens must be Tories .... At this stage 1 began to feel some resentment at the Union Authorities for getting speakers who were likely to demolish the political complacency of the audience—what would happen at Union CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK From January 18th to January 25th, the Religious Societies of L.S.E. are observing the Octave of Prayer for the Union of Christians. During this week, there is a full programme of lectures, prayers and social events which is given in detail below. As Christian Unity has been so much discussed in recent years, it seems only fitting that L.S.E. should take an active interest in means to promote an end which all agree is desirable, although so many opinions exist as to the right method. Only good can come from a real study of the matter, and prayer about it. All the members of the Religious Societies are urged to participate and are very welcome at all the events. Tues., 17th, afternoon—London Religious Societies' Forum at Kings. Wed., 18th, 9.30 a.m.—L.S.E. Morning Service. 8.30 a.m.—Catholic Society—Mass at St. Etheldreda's, Ely Place, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. 6. p.m.—Benediction Sermon by Rev. Fr. Kildany. Thurs., 19th, 1 p.m.—LIFCU A^^-nosticismTalk by Mr. Lcith Samuel. 4.30 p.m.—Catholic Society—" The Theo!ogy of Unity Talk by Rev. Fr. Carter. I'ri., 20th, 1.30 p.m.—S.C.M. and Catholic Society—Prayers. 7.30 p.m.—Joint Social. Sun., 22nd, 9.30 a.m.—University Catholic Society—High Mass. Mon., 23rd, 4.30 p.m.—S.C.M. Symposium—speakers include Prof. F. Harold Roberts, Miss Hella Georgi-adis. Tues., 24th, 9 a.m.—Catholic Society Dialogue Mass, St. Anselm's, Kings-way. Wed., 25th, 6 p.m.—Catholic Society —High Mass, St. Etheldreda's. Sermon by Mgr. Ronald Knox. lesley jackson. meetings if matters were discussed on rational consideration. L.S.E. Speakers It was with impatience therefore that I waited for the supporting speakers to re-establish my political prejudices. David Rubinstein was very happy with the idealistic tone of the debate, and his contribution was not the usual isolated plea amidst a torrent of hard-backed expediency, but a natural development of Dick Grossman's theme. Richard White-house was unfortunately not so well suited and his style, based on typical student debating technique, though of considerable success in the past, was here completely out of place. In opening the meeting. Ken Pearmain had announced the topic as " That socialist justice can only be achieved in a socialist society ", a slip of the tongue not inappropriate as in summing up. Mr. Cross-man used this tautology as his summing up theme, asking the audience to decide that the only " social justice" was, in fact, " Socialist justice ". At this stage in the proceedings a large number of suspicious characters in evening dress appeared, though they were, it appears, eager to vote; despite their influence, however, the motion was passed by a substantial majority. f. holwell. THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM Opening on Thursday, 12th, at the Odeon Theatre, Leicester Square, Otto Preminger's production of a harrowing story of drug addiction will stimulate much interest in this most insidious of evils, and will perhaps shock the social complacency of many. Grim Setting Few punches are" pulled in this vivid portrayal of the soul-destroying craving for " one last shot with Frank Sinatra in the title role, driven to despair by his neurotic wife, played by Eleanor Parker. She is most convincing as a wife crazed with the fear of losing her husband to the waiting arms of the luscious Kim Novak, whose main function is to look glamorous, in which role she is notably successful. The uninspired story is played in a setting of dingy tenement flats, bars and a gambling den, between which Sinatra drags his tormented body. The vocabulary of the frequenters of these places is at first incomprehensible, and the writer found the going hard when confronted with " dealers," " fixes," " punk" and " slot" in rapid succession. However, such picturesque expressions as " kicking the monkey" and " taking the cold turkey" resolve themselves inlo| scenes of stark torment, and cnej feels almost guilty for not immediately understanding such vital phrases. Supreme Plot Sinatra's performance is com-petentf and it is hard not to admire, this ex-crooner for adapting himself so successfully to the exacting medium of dramatic acting. In this role he is not quite capable of maintaining the necessary tension, but the film's excessive length of two, hours is partly to blame, though he' cannot truthfully be said to have fulfilled the outstanding promise he showed in "From Here tOi Eternity Mention must be made of the ""goon-worthy " performance of I Arnold Stang, who provided the' much-needed light relief: his antics and expressions were superb. The success of the film is due almost entirely to the morbid fascination the subject has, and the characters and plot sink into insignificance compared to the all-important struggle of the victim,; The pulse of the film is admirably! denoted by an unusual background! of jazz music by Shorty Rogers,] the tempo and volume of which is} closely matched to the struggles ofj the hero. d.s.m., DAVY CROCKETT-FACT & FICTION It is said that history is what really happened and folk-lore is what people think happened. When folklore is subjected to the treatment of a Walt Disney hammer, history takes a back seat. This point is nowhere shown more clearly than in the case of that recent phenomenon, Davy Crockett, who is shown up to be the very epitome of the young American nation " fighting for liberty ". SPOTLIGHT ON DUDLEY FERNANDO As the returning officer droned on and on calling out the names of the candidates who had received votes in the Vice-Presidential elections, one name seemed to be called out more than any other, and sure enough, when the result was announced Dudley Fernando was top of the poll: this was his second attempt. At the previous election held in iVIarch of last year, Dudley came fifth behind Norton, Mitchell, Gardner and Sharp. His hard and conscientious work for the Union between elections has paid dividends at last! Dudley is well known for his work for the Overseas Students. Coming from Ceylon himself, he is particularly well suited for this job. A member of the Labour Society, Dudley often pours oil on somewhat troubled waters. Unfortunately until now we have not heard Dudley ven' much in Union; this is, 1 am told, because he is rather shy about his slight accent. This of course is quite unfounded, as Union will no doubt find out about that during the next few weeks. Last tern Dudley was largely responsible for the Freshers' Conference, and its success is mainly due to him. « Cark Horse? In casting around for spicy formation about our new Vice-President, one really startling event came to light. Dudley is a very dark horse. He seems to be an absolute angel, Xobody knew anything ! Dudlev visits the Bar in the Three Tuns at frequent intervals, but never seems to take too much. Perhaps that is because of his course. He is in the Social Science Department taking the Mental Health Course, and is in his third year. The University has realised the hard work that i)udley puts in, and he is a member of the University of London Union Welfare Committee. Dudley Afloat It is in the field of sport that Dudley really shines. His prowess in the Boat Club is famed. 1 le was awarded his Team Colours in the Season 1954-5 and though he is not so active now as he was, he still seems to find time to go down to the river. The University have got their fingers on him again in that field, and he has been Cox of the University Trials Eight since October. For his first two years at L.S.E, Dudley lived at Passfield Hall, where, according to all reports, he was a very active member of the House. But though hurried glances have been made at old House Books by the co-authors of this article, we have not found one little piece of scandal. Not even an " overheard in the lounge . . . etc." Looking Ahead Following his election, Dudley took over the office of Social Vice-President from Peter Mitchell, and we wish him every success in all his plans—the Weekend Conference, Usikugoma, and all the other functions. In particular we wish him well on Council, where, together with the other new Vice-Presidents, he joins Roland Freeman, Ken Pearmain, Tom Dale and " Subash" Kamakar in what looks like being a really splendid Lhiion year. autolycus. This would doubtless have made old Davy chuckle to himself for he was in fact a humorous, shiftless old rogue, ready at any time to " sell his soul for a penny roll ". Fake Glamour His place of origin is uncertain, both Tennessee and Kentucky claiming him as a native son. His early youth was marked not by prodigious hunting feats but by glutton)'—his morning meal consisting of a half of a bear ham, 2 ribs, a loaf of bread, and a quart of Wliisky (according to his biographer). When he attained maturity he became one of the half-hunter, half-farmer shifting tvne of frontiersman so typical of the time, I le was despised by the Indians for his wholesale slaughter of bears and other animals (Indians killing only what they needed), Davy, however, killed for fun and to " keep his eye in ", He did fight in the Indian War (1813) and he did stand for Congress, where he was elected every term till 1835, when he was defeated at the polls by Adam Huntsman. It is interesting here to note that he I was put forward by the Whigs as>, genuine frontiersman in opposition i to Jackson and his " democracy". Final Irony On losing his seat in Congress, Davy deserted his wife and famili and drifted down to Texas. Hen the war and the prospect of loot and Mexican land led him to the Alamo, where he died in battle (6th March, 1836). It was ironical that he who had opposed " Jacksonian Democracy' for so long should die in an effort to extend it to new territories. On the credit side for Davy ii must be said that he was one of the really great humorists, a verv| siirewd politician and a brave inaii.i Indeed, I believe he is preferable as he was rather than as he now is., The pre-Disney Crockett is a mucli| more human and wholesome I character. He was definitely not the type to take home to show mother, but then, their types never' built America into a great nation-Davy's type did. j. maddox. Tlie l^air Halcl of Perth In this Jubilee year, the Choir and Orchestra are offering a unique opportunity both to those who perform and those who listen. An English version of Bizet's opera " La Jolie Fille de Perth " is being produced here for the first time in London, It is a work full of delightful music, half sentimental, half comic, but with its travesty of Scott's characters and outlandish conception of Perth at carnival time, it is almost bound to set a modern audience laughing in the wrong places. Somehow Sir Thomas Beecham overcame this in the Covent Garden revival of 1917. Perhaps audiences at that time accepted " moustache-twirling ducal seducers ", honest artisans and unjustly suspected maidens who lose their reason in the last act, A very recent translation by Professor Westrup has salvaged the music and accommodated the unwanted laughter by softly guying the whole opera. He has done for this frolic what Sandy Wilson has, done for the old-style nuisica! comedy. Wanted Wc have been lucky enough tf| get this translation for our produci tion, together with the help o!| several professional singers, wh; will take the more difficult parts There are still, however, somt minor male parts to be filled and both male and female chorus could use more voices to bring it up to the standard we want for out Jubilee production. Where are the male voices—Welsh and otherwise —we hear so clearly in the Three Tuns? There is a drinking chorus just waiting for you! If you can! use your voice watch the Music | Society board for notice of practices, and if you cannot, come and listen in the Shaw Library at the end of term. | shirley griffiths. llm'ary 19th, 1956 BEAVER PUBLIC BUSINESS Union meetings are now being held on Fridays as an experiment in grder to take advantage of the earlier time available (4.15 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Fewer public business sessions liave been booked owing to the frequently disappointing response to last term's programme. Highlight of the term is Sym-[osium on "Youth Astray". A leam of five has been chosen including Mr. Kenneth Younger, M.P., barrister, former Labour I'nder-Secretary to the Home Office; Dr. Reginald Rennel, Tory M.P. and psychiatrist; Claud Mlins, the magistrate; Dr. Mann-leim, from the Social Science De-jjartment, and the Rev. Douglas :Griffiths, a Methodist minister who ipened the first club for " Teddy Boys" in South London. Discussions are proceeding with the B.B.C. regarding a possible broadcast of excerpts from the pro-srammc. Debates I On January 26th the N.U.S. f' Observer" Debating Tournament semi-finals take place, and an L.S.E. team (Dick Whitehouse and jill Baker) are competing. Two American debaters visiting England in March will challenge the Union to a debate on March 9th, probably on U.S. foreign policy. In February, as an experiment, the Clare Market Parliament will ;meet to debate a Bill. 1 hope it may be possible, if this meeting succeeds, to set up the Parliament on a permanent footing. Finally, the LU.S. have at last informed us of the dates of the forthcoming visit to L.S.E. of two Chinese students, and some time between February 17th and March 9th a Public Business session will be arranged to enable Union Members to hear them and put questions to them. Summer term fixtures include the postponed visit of Sir David Eccles, M.P., Minister of Education, provisionally fixed for May 4th, and the address on " Prospects for Space Travel ", by the Chairman of the Inter-Planetary Society. Free Film Show A joint Union Geog. Society meeting is planned for February 27th at 4.15, Old Theatre, to see films and hear a short talk by N.U.S. Travel Department speakers on their Summer programme. Further details in our next issue. roland freeman. L S.£. SOCIETIES No. 3 DEBATING SOCIETY For this Society, the year opened rather unfortunately with a cut in the Union grant and the resignation of the President and Secretary. However, with the help of some enthusiastic freshers, reorganisation soon got under way. An extraordinary General Meeting was held, during which new members were elected to fill the vacancies on the committee. The new committee immediately got down to the task of presenting to Union Council a programme of debates for the session. This programme was to the satisfaction of Council, and it has now been put into operation, so that UNHERALDED HELP Whilst there is no doubt a serious criticism to be made of the Union's lack of independence resulting from the present framework and its lack of funds, the help which we receive from many departments of the School all too often goes unheralded. One of the major results of the School's help has been the construction and opening of the Three Tuns Bar. After some years of negotiation we were provided with a well equipped and pleasant club bar. The recent redecoration of the Union lounge was planned in close consultation with the Union and although financial considerations prevented the realisation of all our dreams, every possible consideration was given to our suggestions. One extremely important outcome of the School's help has been that the Union is now enabled to employ an.efficient permanent staff, a full-time Secretary and a part-time Copy Typist. This only to mention a few of our major debts of gratitude; just as important is the willingness of the administrative staff to help us, from Mr. Kidd to our old friends the porters. The Director is always willing to see us and discuss our problems and Mr. Kidd gives many hours of his valuable time to our troubles. Whilst it is impossible to record all the people to whom we owe thanks, Mr. Godfrey must be included, for as Maintenance Officer he bears the brunt of arranging special facilities for student functions. Students should remember that accommodation and often staff have to be provided to meet the requirements of student organisations, and that if sufficient notice is given the authorities have always been found very willing to help with the arrangements. K. C. Pearmain, Deputy President. Student Co-operation At the end of last term there was some discussion on various aspects of student co-operation. Perhaps one of the last New Year resolutions members of this Union could make would be to start off 1956 with a spirit of goodwill towards our fellow-students, especially those close at hand. U.N.S.A. A.G.C. 1956 the was bal-and The conference, held in Mary Ward Settlement, this year notable for the ance between formality friendliness which characterised its proceedings; this was due to the skill of Frank Judd, the retiring president—and was yet another example of his skill and efficiency while in that office. This year's president is Ivor Kennington, of Cambridge, but L.S.E.'s connection was being maintained by election of Susanne Steen and myself as the Association's Vice-Presidents. Another member of our society, John Flower, has been appointed Business Manager of the "* proposed U.N.S.A. national magazine. P. Holwell. Chairman U.N. Society. APOLOGIA We were informed by someone disguised as Geoff. Stern that the music at the Revue was provided hy the L.S.E. Orchestra. We now wisli to correct this " libel"— the Colin Boulter Trio was to blame, and we hasten to give credit where it is due. So often in the past, students have professed an attachment to the sentiment of student cooperation, and yet have failed to produce practical results. Sentiment alone is not enough. It must be coupled with intelligent and purposeful action. G. K. Chesterton, that grand old Englishman, sums up the situation succinctly in his poem " The World State ". " This compromise has long been known, The scheme of partial pardons, In ethical societies And small suburban gardens. The villas and the Chapel, where I learned with little labour, The way to love my fellow-man And hate my next-door neighbour." A very practical resolution which would help to revolutionise our student relationships would be to start " fraternising " (and perhaps '' sororising") in that lion's den across the Strand—" King's Col-lece". Then, too, there is the " Godless College of Gower Street ", as the grgat Duke of Wellington and bis friends termed University College. This, however, need only be the preliminary to the great assault. Beavers into Battle For one of the best ways to help the student community would be to liven up U.L.U. as a whole. (Believe it or not, L.S.E. is actually a part of U.L.U.) What is needed is a really practicable and worthwhile attack on the awful frigidity of student relations in U.L.U. L.S.E. must build up a beachhead in the new U.L.U. building—even before the swimming pool is com-[ileted! This palatial building, which cost over £600,000, needs livening up— populating. Here is a change for eager beavers to meet the lesser blessed of the student community on neutral ground. The use of the bar will make students at L.S.E. count their blessings in the Three Tuns. The refectory will give hungry students food for thought —and should the effort of thinking cause headaches, then coffee can be had at the usual student prices. All Mod. Cons. Then there is a music room where refreshment fit for keen minds and weary souls may be discovered. T.V. is provided for entertainment; table tennis for the more active; a writing-room where contacts with distant sweethearts may be manufactured. An automatic lift raises students to the heights (ad astra sine arduis) and then, of course, there is a gymnasium, where student antics of the right kind can be performed. The lounge, which must be seen to be believed, provides a place of rest when one is tired with all the rest. There it is; wine, food and song! And the tune to sing is practical student co-operation. Members of the L.S.E. Union ought to help to revolutionise U.L.U. The thing to do is to call a conference at L.S.E. to discuss ways and means of wakening up U.L.U. The idealists can have practical student co-operation within reach of everybody's purse. The way is clear for New Year's Revolution in the field of student co-operation. W^hat is wanted is co-operation, not agitation. Charity begins at home. Our home is London ITnion. Students Unite. bill capstick. the society is now functioning normally. In a college where the Union is not a debating society, as is the case at Oxford and Cambridge, it is essential that there should be a separate society to provide a training ground for people who may eventually represent the college in debating competitions at other Unions and who may eventually find it a great asset to themselves in subsequent careers. In order to provide this, regular debates are not sufficient. Tuition by someone accomplished in the art is imperative so that the intricacies of true debating can be fully comprehended and made practical use of. " Speakmanship " Consequently Mr. Chapman has kindly undertaken to give the Society a series of four public speaking classes, starting on Monday, 30th January. These classes will be open to all members of the society and those non-members who are interested in such training should contact any member of the committee, when full details will be given. If we turn the spotlight upon the realm of outside debating we can say that despite the internal difficulties extant in the early weeks of last term, the society has successfully upheld the prestige of L.S.E. In one of last term's issues of Beaver it was reported that the two teams that L.S.E. had entered for the 1st round of the N.U.S. Debating Competition against Goldsmiths College on Friday, November 4th, were successful in reaching the next round. The fol- lowing round proved to be the London regional finals, which were held at Q.M.C. on December 2nd, in which the two L.S.E. teams competed aganist Wye College and the hosts. The L.S.E. " B " team, consisting of A'liss Jill Baker and Richard W'hitehouse, were surprisingly victorious, as the "A" team seemed the better L.S.E. team. At Home It is now the national semi-finals of this competition that these two debaters have qualified for. L.S.E. have the honour of being the hosts for this debate, which will be held in the Old Theatre on Thursday, 26th January, at 6.30 p.m. Oxford, Bristol, Westfield College and L.S.E. are the semi-finalists. Still, concerning outside debates we were also successful in the first round of U.L. Competition. In this a team of four, Richard Whitehouse, Bill Capstick, Ken Pearmain and Robin Fox, representing L.S.E. soundly defeated the opposition which was provided by Woolwich Polytechnic. It seems likely this team has every possibility of carrying off U.L.U. honours. It is the wish of the new committee to raise the general standard of debating in L.S.E. during this session and that the attendance at our meetings will increase by leaps and bounds. In conclusion, there is one piece of advice we would hand to all non-debaters, this being that it is surprising how very useful some debating experience can be, not only in University but also in the club, committee room and in ordinary everyday conversation. r.w. NIGHT MUST FAll A highly talented cast drawn from the Dramatic Society's inexhaustible supply of Fervent Freshers, together with two members of the triumphant German Touring Party, regaled regrettably small Old Theatre audiences with three polished performances of this Emiyn Williams thriller, culminating in an Oration Day triumph before the Director and many distinguished guests. Excellent Detail Clive Bateson was the catalytic producer who assembled a well-balanced cast who excelled in a play of little intrinsic merit, though this was concealed by his smooth direction. The opening speech by Burgess' Lord Chief Justice characterised an unusual feature of this production, the surprising standard of the minor-role players. Peggy and Gillian Owen achieved near perfection in their humorous domestic parts as Mrs. Terence and Dora Parkoe, while Inspector Tom Dale and Nurse Elizabeth Crook were more than adequate. It was no surprise when these smaller gems proved to be a setting for jewels of exceptional lustre, and the main characters delighted us with their confident ability. Capable Leads The curtain rises on Michael Bernstein and Jean Elding, the former an experienced player of humorous roles, the latter soon to prove herself a fine dramatic actress of great promise. The as at Bernstein brand of humour Hubert soon put the audience ease and provided a stark contrast for the grim drama unfolded by Tony Battishill as Dan, Cecelia Smith as Mrs. Bramson and Jean Elding as Olivia Grayne. Cecelia Smith played the longest part with remarkable poise and assurance, and being centrally positioned for most of the play, provided a sound axis about which the drama revolved. The complexity of Dan's role, involving a manner of speech which must convey simplicity, insanity and lurking menace, was quite ably managed by Tony Battishill, whose scenes with Olivia were most convincing, as was his preoccupation with the fall of night. All Round Merit The tendency of Michael Bernstein, who was completely at home in his part, to over-act slightly, proved most effective when contrasted to the clipped incisive style of Jean Elding. The character of Olivia is one of deep emotions and though for such a vital role she had comparatively few lines, Jean was most impressive. The cast performed on a set which was ample testimony to the long and inspired efforts of the back-stage team, and was well lighted. Though the traditionally embittered critic can never be wholly satisfied, protest must be made at the choice of this done-to-death play; the cast deserved much better. david s. morris. Liberal Society Hon. Prendent—Don Salvador de Madariaga Thurs., Jan. 26th Thurs., Jan. 19th Room 301 1.10 p.m. Room 301 1.10 p.m. Dr. Roy Douglas Desmond Banks on {Chairman N.L.Y.L.) on "LIBERALS & RADICALISM" LAND VALUE TAXATION TO-DAY 6 BEAVER January 19th, 195( A.U. FINANCES FULL REPORT SCIIOOI'S ATTITUDE EMCOlRiCliVG " The key to this problem lies in the hands of A.l. members"—Simons says The Union started at the beginning of last term with every appearance of a depressing time ahead, at least financially speaking, and this in spite of the much needed and refreshing spring cleaning of the A.U. oifiGes (some of the odd items discovered had been lying about for many years). The discussion of the budget revealed that the need of A.U. cUibs was far in excess of A.U. income. The bleak prospect held out was the cancellation of many attractive away fixtures, and of the visit of the II.E.C. soccer team, and the serious pruning of equipment requirements. This was particularly unfortunate in view of the good response of freshers at the Freshers' Conference, Fortunes Changed The turning point in our fortunes was the decision by the School Authorities to grant us an extra £300, which went a long way to smoothing out our difficulties. Even then this did nothing to alleviate our anxieties about the state of the Union during the next session, until the Director informed us that the School would grant us £300 in addition to our normal allocation for 1956-7. This I regard as a good illustration of the interest the Director and School Authorities take in the welfare of the students, a fact which a number of students fail to appreciate and at times abuse. But given that we can now rehix a little from our financial burdens. I feel that now is the time when attention can be turned to considering how best to use the money we have and how we can generally improve the standing of sport in the College. I'he key to this problem lies in the hands of A.U. members in the coming weeks. Very shortly, the recommendations of the A.U. Constitution Committee will be put forward and this will provide an opportunity of re-organising the A.U. so as to make it as effective an organ as possible in promoting the interests of sport at L.S.E. The opinion and suggestions of all members can be voiced, and I hope will be voiced, at a General Meeting arranged for the purpose. The other point to be brought out is the coming in a month's time of A.U. electiors. It has been very unfortunate that in the past little interest has been taken in these elections. T!ie course of events over the year and the success or otherwise of the A.U. administration depends on the result of these elections. Vluch consideration should be gi'/en to this point and 1 hope that all A.U. members will take a part in choosing those best suited to make the most of the opportunities that offer themselves in the very important year that is ahead. Apathy at election time can only result in apathy during the year following and will not produce the keenness necessary to revise the constitution and put it into action. So keep the elections in mind! BASKETBALL The Michaelmas Term having proved the most successful in the history of the club, the Lent Term is being approached with a feeling of hope and confidence. Apart from a defeat at the hands of Cambridge University in the first week of the session, the 1st Team is, at the time of going to press, undefeated, and is to be found at the top of the University League. As the semi-final of the U.L. Cup has also been reached, in which Goldsmiths will be the opponents, it is quite possible that honours may be brought to L.S.E. by the end of the season. In the League the crucial match is to be played on Friday, January 13th, against U.C., who will be fielding 4 University players—what must be a very powerful side. Other teams who are also expected to prove hard to beat are Chelsea Poly, and Woolwich Poly. Friendly matches against Cambridge and Cardiff Universities may be played, we hope, on the new University court at U.L.U., as the club has no home court of its own and plays all matches on opponents' courts. For the first time ever a second team is being fielded, and although they cannot claim the achievements of the senior side, it is certain that they will end the season by winning more matches than they have lost. The prospects for this term are undoubtedly bright, and if the same standard of play is produced as last term, a creditable record should be achieved. BANG! BANG! BANG!! Startling Soccer Win For this 2nd Round Cup-tie at Berrylands, U.C. were hot favourites to win. Their confidence boosted by an earlier victory, their side reinforced by seven University players, U.C. seemed certain of success. But such is cup-tie football that form, once again, was upset. The School's team with University players Crawshaw and Carter on the wings, Thompson at inside-left and Jones in goal, proved too strong a combination for the redoubtable U.C. team. Firm Crip The game started on time, and U.C. with the wind behind them, immediately went into the attack. But it soon became obvious that this star-studded forward line held no terrors for the home defence. Both full-backs dealt competently with their wingers, while the School's half-back line had a firm grip on tlie situation in the middle. Jones in goal had little to do and this he did safely. The play in the first half swung from goal to goal. Don Thompson in the forward line worked magnificently in attack, and the whole line clicked as never before. But in the 2Sth minute it was U.C. that scored first—though rather against the run of play. This, however, did not unsettle THE WORLD'S GREATEST BOOKSHOP BOOK.S-V* All new Books available on day of publication. Second-hand and rare Books on every subject. Stocks of over 3 million volumes. Subscriptions taken for British, American and Continental magazines. Foyles have Departments for Music, Records, Stationery, Handicraft Material and Tools. 119-125 CHARING CROSS ROAD LONDON Gerrard 5660 (16 lines) Open 9-6 (inc. Sat.) Two minutes from Tottenham Court Road Station WC2 the home team and a stream of attacks were launched on their opponent's goal. Finally, with a minute to go, Harris, as a result of some clever teamwork, gave the School fresh hope when he scored an excellent goal. A draw at half-time, and no one had cause to grumble; both sides were giving of their best, and the play was of high standard. L.S.E. Seized Chance U.C. began the second half with their left back slightly injured. The School, taking full advantage of this bad luck, took the initiative. The defence, with less to worry about, improved on their passing. Harris continued to chase every chance, and was rewarded by another goal in the 20th minute. Ten minutes later Thompson scored a third goal for the School and it was by this margin of three goals to one that the School eventually ran out winners. WTERNATIOMAL In March we once more welcome the Hautes Etudes Com-merciales Soccer Club from Paris. Last season L.S.E. were beaten 3-1 in Paris. This season we intend to avenge that defeat. Our internationals are fought very keenly, but in the friendliest of atmospheres. These fixtures are an important feature in the life of the School, and we hope that next March we shall have plenty of vocal support. SPORTS ROUND-UP A close study of the reports from the clubs points to a sure steady progress. The future is definitely bright, and the year maj yet prove to be the best in the career of the Athletic Union. A looli into the progress of some of the clubs may be illuminating. The Soccer Club which perhaps caters for the greatest number of members, can boast of almost equal progress for its four teams within the last term. The 1st Team has recorded about 75% wins, and is now for the semi-final of the U.L.U. Cup I'ie. 'J,'he 2nd XI is not far behind and' it has only Kings to beat to have a sure lead in the League Table. The 3rd XI has made its lead in the University League a certainty, though it had to forego a very bright prospect of winning the Club's First Cup, for the year when a team could not be fielded for the semi-final of the Novetts Cup. The Cricket Club is up and doing and has indicated that it would not be outpaced in this race. The Rugby boys are pulling their way through. Up to date they have won ten out of fifteen games played. L^nfortunately the Club's extra "A" team, as expected, is not fairing well. This could be understood, since the extra team is an experiment. It seems all is not well with the Hockey Club. Some of their matches have been lost because members, for one reason or the other, could not turn up. Apart from such occasional set-backs, the Club had pulled successfully through the last term. Many matches were won and the Club hopes to come out with a trophy. The Boultbyball Club, oh! bej your pardon, I mean the Basketball, has what appears to be the finest record of all. Both the 1st and 2n(l teams followed victory with victory, The "A" had won all the matches except a friendly one against Cambridge University. The team is now on top in the University League Table and hopes to make its position safer by recording a win at Friday's (13th January) match against University College. The Youth Hostel Association rounded up its last term's programme v/ith a conference at Tanners Hatch, the report of whid will appear in the next issue of Beaver. After the revelling at the newly opened U.L.S.C. Boat House the Sailing Club ended the term successfully with a victory at the Welsh Harp. The club really has something up its sleeves and I wish them a successful future. Appeal I Finally, I wish to remind Club| Secretaries as well as Captains j that the sports page of the Becwei is meant mainly and solel}- for the .'\thletic Union. As Secretaries or Captains it is your duty to send to the Beaver reports, not only of your matches but also your meetings, and even articles on the Ath-i letic Union. A.A.B., WELSH HARP In one of the most exciting duels ever fought, the Sailing Club recorded a close victory over Bristol L'niversity. The team, with G. Cobham, P. Etheridge and R. Voors (captain), like shrewd competitors, conceded the first race to Bristol. This gave the Bristol team a comfortable points lead and a wrong impression about the School's strength. Confident The second race saw confidence written on Bristol University helmsman's face, but to their disappointment, L.S.E. was on top. They tried frantically to snatch off the decider, but it was too late, and L.S.E., in a keen and sporting race into which they had to put everything they knew, came up victorious by one quarter point. L.S.E. 381 Bristol University 38] Beaver V. Folies Bergerei All members of the Rugby Club; are looking forward to this term's toiu" of Paris where it is proposed to play two fixtures. The team will be entertained by H.E.C., the counterpart of L.S.E. in Paris; University. No doubt time will be| found for other occupations than| playing rugger. Nevertheless wej shall endeavour to uphold the rc-i putation of L.S.E. in the realm ofj sport. Now, back to the phrase-book. Contributors Note! Would contributors for the next edition of "Beaver" please ensure that their legible coti' tributions arrive in good time please. CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY Chairman : Grahame Gooding TUESDAY, JANUARY 24th at 4.15 p.m. Book this date to hear The Rt. Hon. JOHN BOYD-CARPENTER, M.P. Minister of Pensions and National Insurance In the Old Theatre All are Welcome THREE TUNS CLUB for Service Whatever yon leant Charlie can get it Socials In comfort as ever Every Friday M. FRICi: RISE FOR 1« MOi\THS Published by the Students' Union of the London School of Economics, and printed by Sales (Wright) Ltd.. 3 Rectory Grove, London, S.W.4.