CONQivlii NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS' UNION, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON) MARCH 3rd, 1955 THREEPENCE FREEMA]%['S TRIUMPH Apology Before this paper can return to reporting Union affairs in its usual sincere and accurate manner, it must repudiate the article which appeared under the heading The State of the Union in the last issue. This article, which did much to harm the reputation of Beaver, was mainly the outcome of changing Editors almost in mid-stream. In penance however we print the following corrections: The statement that " The Constitution and Standing Orders have been further amended to render them intelligible to the few and more incomprehensible to the many " was inexact, for only one has been amended. There follows the assertion that the forming of an Administration Committee would merely re-allocate responsibility from one member of Council to another. This is inaccurate for at the moment the responsibility is divided among members of Council with the attendant dangers of division meaning no responsibility. It is further claimed that the diaiige was initiated because one member of Council disliked having responsibility. It must be pointed out that the suggestion originated from the Secretary of the Constitution Committee and that the member of Council concerned will not he in office when the charge is made. The section ends with the unpardonable assertion that the reforms were adopted after three recounts, when in fact the motion failed to be passed. Editor. Evening student has Jew spare Dress Circle tickets at 10 — Jar Second House at Adelphi Theatre fEdwards Prof, and Hancock, A.A.S. (2jj on Tuesdaj, March 8. Interested persons invited to write to D. R. Scott, cjo Student Pigeon Elole, L.S.t. indicating number ojtickets required. SIMMONDS University Bool TIIK ATOM by Ian Finch On Thursday, March 3rd, at 7.30 p.m. in the Old Theatre, the Union offers an airing for the representative viewpoints of the School's Religious Societies on the contention that " God is mightier than the Atom ". The long-felt need for such an event has been made possible by the co-operation of the Religious Societies, the President, and the Public Business Officer—a further manifestation of the President's election promise to organise more interesting Union Public Business Meetings. This symposium of prominent religious representatives will be attended by the Director, who has accepted the Union's invitation to introduce the topic and the main speakers. The members of the panel, who have been nominated by the principal Religious Societies within L.S.E., will be the Dean of St. Paul's, Dr. W. E. Mathews Jobs for the Vac ! Interesting and remunerative jobs available for male and female undergraduates. Apply Application Forms to : Vacation Employments Li.MrrivD Lloyds Bank Chambers Aldershot Surrey (S.C.M.); the Director of the Science Museum, Dr. Sherwood-Taylor (Catholic Society); Rabbi Jacobs (Jewish Society); and Professor Anderson, of the School of African and Oriental Studies (L.F.C.U.). The topic will be presented by the main speakers from the platform, and then thrown open to the floor to either qualify, accept or reject, according to their own theological or philosophical concepts. Obviously the issue will provoke comment and controversy, and such indeed is the reason for affording the Religious Societies an opportunity to state their cases in such a manner. Its essentially non-political nature will, it is hoped, draw forth stimulating and genuinely intellectual contributions from the floor of the Union, for this sphere of thought in L.S.E. is so rarely given a public audition as to be practically non-existent. Here however is the occasion when the forces of religious or materialistic beliefs can be asserted, and for the Religious Societies to both justify and strengthen their places in L.S.E. life. ACH TUNG On Saturday, March 5th, a party of 28 German students from Erlan-gan University are presenting a play in German in The Old Theatre. The title is " Puss in Boots ", and all that is known at present is that it is not a pantomime. Robin Fox has strong grounds for believing that fourteen performing seals may be in the cast. Admission may be free, so at least the Scots may be expected to turn up in force. FRISTRATEI) CRITIC Whilst appreciating the dilemma ol an editor who is faced with the task of filling a University newspaper with eight pages of readable copy, Seiinet's choice of a critic for the London University Dramatic Society's latest production, " The Tempestwas singularly regrettable. Instead of sending along a clear minded person to see and hear the play, and judge it on its merits, bearing in mind the obvious difficulties of a dramatic society without its own theatre and working with undergraduates whose academic responsibilities can never be far from mind, we have supercilious appreciation of the presentation, lack of effects, two co-called clumsy boxes, paucity of physical mtnernent, and disappointment at only seeing a luminous Ariel on one occasion. Miranda, we are told, was " charming". The clowns " worked hard ", but to no avail. Mr. Kauffman's Caliban " an interesting attempt ". Miss Elizabeth Williams as Ariel is not up to Miss Margery Westbury's standard on the radio. According to the critic's interpretation, Shakespeare's " Last Phase " should be " fantastic ", not merely a fantasy based upon planes of reality. Nevertheless, as the Director himself said, " I enjoyed it very much and found it a novel experience in arena production". Miranda, played by Anthea Murdoch (Kings), was considerably more than charming; she was lovely and gave an inspiring performance. Compared with the toneless Ferdinand she literally moved in ? dream world of love and fantasy. Prospero, as K. Martin-Brown, the Director of the British Drama League, was first class, in spite of a tendency to sing his lines. The clowns, played by our own Michael Bernstein and John Bevis (Goldsmiths) were magnificent, a riotous shamble of frolic, whilst Caliban, though lacking subservience, proved extremely entertaining. A startling reflection upon the nature of the Sennet review was the omission of any mention of the music provided by Eric Thompson and a section of the London University Orchestral Society. Eric's achievement in this respect, though incidental in nature, was extremely well done; the singing, although hampered by lack of good voices, proved, thanks to Robin Fox, effective if a trifle wobbly. Taken on the whole though, the producer, Tom Dale, has done an excellent job. If this is his first production for L.U.D.S. it bodes v^-ell for the future of that Society, and for its ambition to establish a standard of Drama in London which will stand on equal terms with that of the two older Universities. ST. GODRIC'S SECRETARIAL COLLEGE For Administrative and Secretarial Careers Intensive Courses for Graduates for well-paid and responsible posts. Active Appointments Department. Expert advice on careers and individual care. Resident and day students accepted. Special Courses in Administration and Management, Journalism, Advertising, Languages and Foreign Shorthands, Hospital, Library and Political v/ork. Ap^ly to: I. W. LOVERIDGE, M.A. (Cantab.) 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead N.W.3 Telephone: HAMPstead 5986 2 BEAVER March 3rd, 195! I This Week's Deliberate Mistake Malcolm Ross, the new Editor of Beaver, is a short, sharp Scot, born in England and lives in the Isle of Man. His worldly lore was learned in the Royal Navy, which, he insists on good authority (his own) was run single-handed from 1951 to 1953 by one Malcolm Ross. He has a disconcerting habit of knowing or appearing to know everything about every story from the inside, which he imparts on all and sundry in a ceaseless flow of native eloquence. As his staff has already discovered, his outward blend of aggressive and forceful behaviour is basically, well, aggressive. In the far off days of his school life his pugnacious tendencies resulted in his being established as a boxing champion, an accomplishment which the Irish at Passfield have experienced to their woe. However, would-be contributors will be welcomed by a friendly if slightly apprehensive smile. They should find him true to the tradition of Beaver editors, either gazing at Charleston Rehearsals or huddled in a corner of the Bar over a tattered copy of Rogets Thesaurus. UDAVER LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS HOUGHTON STREET ALDWYCH - LONDON - W.C.2 Zrd Series J'oL 3 No. 5 ¦ Kditor: Malcolm R. Ross .\ssociiite Kditor; Ian J. Finch Sports Editor: Gethin H. Williams liu.siness jranager: Patricia N. Green Sales jMaiiager: Rodi Okorodudu StaiT: Robin Fox, Tony Laugaii, Kaymond Green Salvete! Fortuity and that delicate flattery which led me into your Editorial chair, although pleasant enough, are no support to me in my infirmity. My shortcomings have convinced me of the hollow pretence that a square peg may fill a round hole. I feel myself shrinking and shrivelling like Alice in Wonderland and I panic. But soon comes inspiration and hope, I realise that I have the unchallenged succession to the use of the noble editorial plural, and after a shot from this hypodermic needle 1 feel new life in my veins; " Richard is himself again ". We like to use the royal and editorial plural. It is comforting and most reassuring. It gives such a sense of security in its suggestion of ample strategic reserves. We feel like a man with a bank balance in his favour, ready and able to meet his enemy within the gate. And what more gallant and mettlesome reserves are there than those found in L.S.E. We see them arranged and equipped, in echelon, rank after rank, like an army with banners, on which we can never call in vain. Let us salute with a special and punctilious respect those indefatigable secretaries of the various societies of L.S.E. Their services are unfailing and continuous and merit an appreciation at this time of year, like that deep deference which the Royal Navy especially reserves for its quarter deck. And now doffing my bonnet I make a special appeal for future contributions to Beaver from the mettlesome reserves I have just mentioned. Your ability acclaims itself. Do not " waste your sweetness on the desert air ". Come forward and support your own journal with your own devoted attention. Tend it with care so that it shall blossom and burgeon as never before, Do you desire anonymity— then rely upon your Editor as you would rely upon the integrity of your Father Confessor. Are there no cartoonists to enliven our publication? Can they find no panjandrum in the world outside to be put into the pillory? Have we no humorist with laughter holding both his sides? And who will build for us the lofty rhyme? In view of the long overdue report on monopolies is it possible that some economics student may be stirred into re-writing "The Walrus and the Carpenter", 1955 version. Where is the budding journalist who will flay all the flim flam and debunk all the debunkable? Who will illustrate the Beaver's unmistakable dam ? ! ! ! In making our appeal we embrace (strictly in the editorial sense) the v.'omen as well as the men. Give us your effusions. If they do not offend good taste or transgress the law of libel we will print them. May we suggest that any article you submit should be controversial or disruptive; if it is fissionable it is fashionable. Lastly, is there any long suffering student who could use an Agony Column vv'here he or she may fetch the hollow groan? If so, we will throw it open ! ! ! I I GIBSON LETTER The Editor, Beaver. Sir, I was interested to read in Beaver (February 15th) that I am, in fact, the Pacifist Society. This news item is particularly quaint as it is now some time since I retired from the committee at the A.G.M. Your columnist is to be congratulated on his assured future on the gutter press of Fleet Street; his disregard for easily obtainable facts, his brash eagerness to propose solutions for situations which do not exist, should assure him a warm welcome in that quarter. The Pacifist Society has had an elected committee of four executive officers ever since I have been associated with it. The Secretar}'-, Mr. Derek Walker, is always pleased to give information to anyone requiring it, even putative journalists. I am, Sir, Yours truly, Tony Gibson. * * * * ' BEAVER ' VAC. WORK The Editor, Beaver. Sir, In an attempt to rectify the hitherto unsatisfactory Vac. Work position, the ^'ac. Work committee and myself are contacting likely firms and details of good positions will be displayed for two days after being received on the External Affairs notice board. Job hunters should also watch the board on the ground floor of "The Three Tuns", where details of vacancies known to the N.U.S, Vac. Work department are displayed, a new series of lists going up every Friday. These jobs necessitate the use of the special N.U.S. application forms, which can be obtained from ine on Friday at 1.30 to 2 p.m. (1 am also available at the same time on Tuesday. Please note the change from 1 to 1.30 p.m.; it seems to be more convenient for most people). It is essential that applicants for N.L\S. sponsored jobs apply to N.U.S. at 3, Endsleigh Place, before 10 o'clock on the Tuesday following the Friday. I have decided that from the 8th March until the end of term, there will be either a Vac. Work committee member or myself in the Union Offices from 1.30 to 2 p.m. every day, in order to cope with last minute applications for jobs. Graham Norton, VJV. Officer. 4! OVERSEAS STUDENTS The liditor. Beaver. Sir, After a lapse of almost a year we have now reconstituted a truly representative Overseas Students' Committee with members drawn from as far afield as India and British Honduras. We have also included amongst its members a British student, feeling that the advantages of doing so will far outweigh the mere fact that she does not really represent Overseas interests. This term we are continuing the experiment of having an Inquiry Bureau available to all Overseas Students and it will be open every Tuesday from 1.15 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Union Offices. Some of the problems facing the Overseas Students cannot be tackled by us. But we are in a position to help by giving information of organisations or societies which best help them. We have also had inquiries regarding introductions to British families. In Life With Charlie Bar socials on two successive Fridays have kept Mr. and Mrs. Charlie happily busy. Charlie has cause to be a happy man these days. The good drinking habits of L.S.E. students (helped, no doubt, by a liberal distribution of Fremlin's matches), have led to increased sales and meant, consequently, a greater variety of drinks. A cellar dear to the heart of every barman is being constructed and'real PUMPS will be installed over the vacation, when Charlie, as usual, will be open till 2 p.m. RUBENSTIEN REPLIES In a Union meeting held on Monday, 21st February, the new editor of Beaver suggested (or rather challenged) that I should write an article for the paper, a challenge which I hasten to accept. The Labour Society is the largest and most active Political Society, and has a wide range of activities which can appeal to many groups. On Mondays at 1 p.m. we hold a discussion group, led by Rodi Okorodudu, devoted to discussions of current political problems. On Wednesdays there is a Colonial Discussion Group, led by Kwasi Hackman, which discusses all facets of Colonial problems. The Open Meetings of the Labour Society are well known to the School at large; this session we have had many prominent Labourites to speak, including Herbert Morrison, Harold Wilson, R. H. S. Crossman. The Executive Committee of the Society meets each Tuesday to discuss matters of importance, and its meetings are open to all members of the Society to attend. In addition. Labour Society arranges socials, visits (led by Sid Kolo), publishes Labour Forum, and takes an active part in other socialist activity. We hope to play a large part in L.C.C. elections to be held this spring. Among certain misinformed elements in the School the opinion is abroad that the Left plays a sinister role in the Union, trying to dominate it for selfish ends. The absurdity of this opinion (even confusion!) often prevails. Brian Van Arkadie, however, has for long been one of the Society's most prominent members, and many of our members, both on the E.C. and off, have taken an active part in his campaign. The Labour Society is sincerely and seriously devoted to the ideal of a Socialist Commonwealth and believes that students can take an active part in attaining this ideal. We naturally welcome the aid of all students in the School. Also naturally, along with other left-wing groups we have resented what we have regarded as misleading and spurious propaganda in Beaver on behalf of the more conservative elements at L.S.E. We hope that under its new editorship the newspaper will adopt a more impartial, yet more imaginative line, and open its columns to serious and controversial discussions, thereby raising the standard of Beaver and of the entire School. D.R. Chairman of the Labour Society. * * * * (continued from previous column) such cases, we usually refer the student to Mrs. Nina Cooper, The Student Welfare Dept. of the British Council (Private Hospitality Unit). During the past few days we have had information regarding British students who would like to invite students from overseas to their homes for an evening. The Committee requests the co-operation of all in making this scheme a success. Dudley Fkrnand, O.S.O. POINTS OF INFORMATION I by the pre.siden't Much will be made of the fact tha; I next year's President of the Unioi, I is a Conservative. Both inside anc 1 outside the School, and inside ano \ outside some political organizations, there have been and will continut ^ to be comments, both approving oi « disapproving, on Mr. Roland Free- 1 man's political affiliations. I hopi ' that such discussions, interesting as J they may be, will not obscure the | fact, (already well known tc Roland) that one's political opinions ^ such can have virtually no influ- j ence upon one's conduct of the , Presidential office. In my opinion, and judging from my experiencs, " the tN'pe of decisions which a Presi- j dent is called upon to make in his j official capacity are simply not thosf < in which party political opinioni ¦ can prove germane. I think tha; anyone who reads through thf minutes of Council decisions will bf inclined to agree. It is of course another matter whether a President j uses his office to fulfil any external obligations or ambitions in the party-political field. But there is no | reason to suppose that merely being a Conservative incurs particular susceptibility in this respect, or to dout that the Unions could and ' should always curb such abuse of office. President's Politics As to the old argument that a President's politics are a clue to his personality, and hence to the type of job he will do, surely this applies much less to whether he chooses to belong to any particular party thar. to whether he becomes a " fore-thinker " or a " party liner", a " rebel " or a " bureaucrat withir the party of his choice. Nor should Roland's election move anyone to jump to conclusions about changes in the political spectrum of L.S.E. One can almosi imagine the learned professors of political science, who reasonably enough interpret the Conservative Party's 1951 victory as a product of the social content arising from the Labour Government's Welfare State blaming Roland's victory or. the complacency induced in the L.S.E. Student class by many years of Labour - dominated Unior. Councils! Complacency may be common enough in Council and in fact, of course, Roland won less because of, than in spite of, being) Conservative; and in spite of the most enthusiastic and successlul efforts on Brian Van Arkardie's be half by those prominent in thi Labour Society, It is very common for a " Labour candidate" to get a smaller per centage of the vote than Van did, but on previous occasions the " non-Labour vote " has been more easily split amongst other candidates. Roland won, I think, because he was a good man with a great deal of experience inside and outside the Union, and I for one expect that he will do a good and not a conservative job. i It was interesting to note hov many campaign promises wen made to do things that have already been done, on such matten as academic reform, evening students, pressing for a higher Unioi grant, etc. That the hustings meeting exidently accepted these promises as something new seem evidence of the regrettably poor communications that exist betweei Council and Union members. Boti parties should do something about this, and I appreciate the nen editor's instituting a regular "President's Column " as a step in tha; direction. Bob Weinberg, DO NOT FORGET ! ! ! ! MASS X-RAY MARCH 15th to 18th March 3rd, 1955. BEAVER Roiind the Partieis \o. 1 TOE LIBERAL SOCIETY You may have noticed that Sennet has been running a series of portraits of prominent members of U.L.U. recently. We thought it might be an idea to try the same thing here—though of course the portraits will have to be of the political societies if they are to have similar significance. Here then is the first of a specially commissioned series of articles designed to give the societies a chance to see themselves as others see 'em and the rest of the Union an idea of what really goes on between those earnest groups propping up the wall near the pigeon-holes. Considerable concern is periodically expressed (i.e. whenever there is an election campaign on) about the intervention of the political societies in Union politics, and will perhaps surprise some readers that it was the Liberal Society which first came out with the decision to support candidates for Union Office. This was immediately copied by Lab. Soc. who have been blamed for the whole thing ever since. This seems slightly unfair, but Lib. Soc. has long been the real home for the political opportunist in this College. It is even more of 1 self-perpetuating oligarchy than :he Debating Society—this latter ance had a contested election. It would be rash to assume, however, that Lib. Soc. only has enough members to stafiF its executive. The President-elect at least could testify to the support which it can give when it is so minded, and the stock of the late Secretary to the Constitution Committee rose considerably when it was recently discovered that he virtually decided how the Society would vote: now he is Secretary of the Liberal Society instead. Election Result This situation is the result of the ^ election of a Chairman who has apparently decided to keep his ^ hands as clear of Union politics as ' possible. This, allied to the fact that the Assistant Secretary of the Liberal Society does the work done by the Secretary in any other Society, has enabled Mr. Thompson to concentrate on directing his Society's Union policy. One suspects, therefore, that he is behind the successful coalition which secured the first non-socialist President since that great Liberal, Sir .\rnold Plant—which reminds one that Lib. Soc. must be one of the very few Societies with members of the staff on their Executive Committee—though we are assured that Professor Plant never attends now. Talking of alliances arranged by Mrs. Thompson also brings to mind the recent Liberal-Labour alliance at the University Mock Parliament. This is said to have been imposed on the University Liberal Federation by the L.S.E. Society, and one gathers that King's at least have resented this domination. This is a contrast with last year, when the President, the Tours Organiser and the Public Relations Officer all came from L.S.E., and Messrs. Linfoot and Thompson together ran the Federation for their own amusement. Returning to our own college, it is difficult to estimate the extent of the influence of the Liberal Society on the running of the Union. Mr. Burrows seems hardly to press the Society's line on Council, and the left-wing sympathies of the Chairman, the Secretary, and various other officers frequently parts them from the many Catholic and right-wing members of the Society. The Liberal Society always boasts of being a " left-wing " society, but it seems hard to include Messrs. Linfoot and Woollacott under this heading. Last term the Society exerted its main influence through its control of the Union Constitution Committee, but Council has taken care to give the new Committee a considerably more socialistic flavour and the reply of the Society to this is awaited with interest—or could that have been the true reason for the election of Mr. Freeman? Writing in the middle of the Union elections, it is perhaps inevitable that anyone surveying our political societies should look closely for the stars of the future. Mere the Liberal Society is well supplied. The most prominent first year member is the Vice-Chairman, Tom Dale. He is well known as the Producer of the recent L.li.D.S. production of " The Tempest " and is accounted a most efficient organiser. Another first year administrator is the Assistant Secretary, Gus Moran, who is doubtless also going to have a noticeable impact on the Union in the near future. How near that will be, will, we expect, depend on the elections, so, like Asquith's supporters, we will have to wait and see. apoliticus. HORS D'OEUVRES THE FREE EUROPE SOCIETY The Free Europe Society seems to have taken offence to what was written in the last issue of " Beaver". They can be assured that there is no inherent wish to disband this society, but merely to impress upon them the need for some reorganisation. This society stands for Freedom and Democracy ... let them be Democratic and elect some Officers. The original Officers were B. Powell as President, P. T. G. Woollacott as Vice-President, Z. Falewshewski and L, Harlett as Treasurers. Two of these Officers left the College at ' the end of 1953-54, and their successors have not been elected— Woollacott ascending to the Presidency, Hartlett remaining as Treasurer, and a Fresher, Gus Moran, being appointed to the Secretaryship. Admittedly the society has had some very successful meetings, but even this cannot excuse this gross disregard of the normal procedure for the replacement of Officers. THE UNITED NATIONS SOCIETY One must congratulate the United Nations Society for its vigour nowadays. Starting a couple of years back as a revival of a defunct society, it has gone from strength to strength under a succession of able officers and become one of L.S.E.'s strongest societies. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for that other worthy proponent of World Government, the society of that name. In 1953 it was flourishing and had a large membership—look at it now! THE PACIFISTS Far from being pacific, the Pacifists seem to have had their ire aroused by a previous mention in this noteworthy column. It appears that I'ony Gibson was the only member fbr only about six months —now the Pacifists have four 1 ! elected officers plus about a half dozen members. The main point remains, however, and that is that during Gibson's solo he sat on the Political Societies Committee of Union, and even to-day the Pacifist Society has the same voting power as Lab. Soc., Lib. Soc. or Con. Soc. THE ELECTIONS Some peculiar line-ups are noted in the various elections, and particularly so in the Deputy Presidential—this Union Jack Club which was publicising itself as a new block which the String Pullers will have to cope with ! ! The State of the Union For the last thirty years all the Presidents of the Union have come from the left, but the assumption that the Presidency was in the gift of Lab. Soc. has at last been disproved. Our next President, Cod and examiners willing, will be a prominent Conservative. -At the time of writing this is the main source of discussion in the Union. What the effect will be on the political line-up is hotly disputed, but one thing is clear; Mr. Judd is going to have to explain away very quickly the fact that he proposed Mr. Freeman in the last Vice-Presidential elections. Elections or no elections, the Union goes on, and on Thursday it tackled an agenda of nearly twenty items. The absence of any Public Business made it possible to have gone through this, and this would probably have occurred save for the determination of a group of Conservatives to stop the passing of N.U.S. mandates by a Union meeting which had become in-quorate. This means that these will be left to Council, and the Tories will have even less influence if the meeting had discussed them. It also means that the three Constitutional Amendments designed to limit the power of Council vis-avis the Union will reappear on the Agenda. Well, they have been on for about four months now, so a few more days can hardly matter much one way or the other. The most entertaining part of the evening was undoubtedly the discussion of an amendment to the motion on N.U.-I.U.S. moved by Mr. Ilipkin. The experts on N.U.S. were so surprised at his doing anything other than oppose the motion outright that this was let through. We understand, however, that the part added to the motion by the Conservative spokesman was ruled out of order at a previous N.U.S. Council and that this may well secure the defeat of the whole L.S.E. motion. "Beaver" Wonders . . . If the cat that attends Prof. Smellie's lectures is the reincarnation of his predecessor? V\'ho is John Buttery? \\'hy the Union doesn't give the Director Beaver as a leaving present, and keep Colin Sweet as its mascot? \'ice versa. Has Bob Weinberg returned from Wandsworth Jail? What is the Bank Rate? What the Union congratulated Norman Allen on ? If the Editor of " Sennet " exists? Vi'ho does own the Penguin? If the Union will ever finish its Agenda? Whether Terence Groome's shoes fit Graham Norton? FAST AND LOOSE The Old Theatre will be crammed to capacity next week when, for two nights only, the Ents. Comm. will present its annual outpouring of wit, satire, and obscenity, the 1955 Revue. Like spring, this is a little late this year, but it retains the glamorous and exotic qualities so aptly reflected in the title, " Fast and Loose ". Many sketches, some original, others reliably reported to be funny, will be enacted by a cast of thousands, including oarsman Griffiths, actor Barron, ubiquitous Fox, and the self-styled genius Stern. Miss Julie Easton, deserting the Union Office with all its cares and responsibilities, will make a brief and sensational appearance. The chorus girls this year are said to be the best troupe within living memory. Of last year's quartet Mary Hicks and Jenny Evans remain. For the rest, Jack Maddox may have original songs to sing, and Tony Edwards may have an original act to present. Nadia Cartousse will sing calypsos; icecream will be found on the seats; anyone wearing sun glasses and a bowler hat v/ill be immediately arrested. There will be no jokes about Godfrey Winn, the Social V.P. will be unusually sober, and Miss Margaret Jenkins v/ill not appear. All seats are bookable, but demand will be enormous. John si'arroii'. u THE OBSERVER is essentially a newspaper for students of all ages. It is written by people who are not ashamed to call themselves students after many years of study ; in fact, they cheerfully face the prospects of being students for life. Let's face it—we don't cater for all tastes. There are no strip cartoons, no startling revelations of " private lives no dabbling in crime and sex for the fun of it. What you will find in the OBSERVER is a reliable news service, first-rate book reviews, outspoken comments on the week's events, and a Political Diary that is frequently irritating but never dull. You will find Edward Crankshaw writing on Russian Affairs, Eric Blom on Music, C. A. Lejeune on Films, and Kenneth Tynan on Drama. If you are a gardener, a naturalist, or a sportsman, if you like chess, bridge or crosswords ; even if none of these subjects interests you, and all you want is to hear one single, independent voice above the clamour of the axe-grinders, LOOK IN NEXT SUNDAY'S I. OBSERVER J'/tis advertisement u<2.« rrritten />v A. A Dui'.mug, cf Ruskm Ccflc^e, Oxford, and d(six>*ed by Ann of (,atnbcrweH School of Arts end Ctofts^ 4 BEAVER March 3rd, 195: H.E.C. RUGBY CLUB VISIT SUCCESS B.U.S.B. Appeal BOAT CLUB HONK! There was little need for the meeting the 5.30 p.m. boat train discover the whereabouts of the sooner had the train jolted to a stop than the eighteen members of the Hautes Etudes Com-merciales Rugby Club literally poured out of a number of carriages in the front part of the train. Wearing colourful pom-pom caps and singing loudly they proceeded to follow the L.S.E. officials through the rush-hour crowd with gay abandon. Indifferent to the jostling throng, they were the cause of much annoyance to hurrj'ing-home travellers when on one occasion they stopped in line on an escalator to admire and comment upon a " passing distraction Despite some amusing incidents the N.U.S. hostel was soon reached and luggage safely deposited with the porter. In the evening the party were taken to an hotel on Ludgate Hill and from there to the Lyceum to meet Oscar Rabin and his band. (An account of the remainder of the evening's happenings is omitted as it would require a special edition of Beaver in itself.) The arrival of the H.E.C. students in L.S.E. on Wednesday morning enabled both teams to get well acquainted before the match in the afternoon. It also enabled the L.S.E. team to become familiar with the stirring, if unharmonious, blasts of Michel Regard's trumpet. This " instrument of inspiration " was used throughout the game in the afternoon to great effect, for each time the French forwards began taking the ball down-field they were spurred on like hounds by Regard's fanfares. Clean and Hard iJespite the unfavourable conditions, the match played at Berry-lands on Wednesday afternoon proved to be a good, clean and hard game. The heavier French pack, in New A.U. Officers President Lionel Simons Vice-Presidents Vic Tilley Mike Whatmore General Sec. Peter J. Miller Asst. General See. J. C. Cox Senior Treasurer Norman Lee Junior Treasurer Alec Tite Minutes Sec. Ann Lewis four L.S.E. Rugby Club officials, at Victoria, to strain their eyes to anxiously-awaited H.E.C. team. No which prop-forward and captain Dentraygues was outstanding, were well held by the lighter L.S.E. " eight ". The fast French backs made little headway against the quick-breaking L.S.E. back row and the sound defence of G. G. Jones and Miller in the centre— " G.G." in particular tackling very well with characteristic Welsh vigour. Gimat, the H.E.C. outside-half handled remarkably well and collected the ball cleanly from whatever angle it came from the competent Jalvy. Both scores came in the second half. The first was an unconverted try scored by Irvine after the French defence had failed to minor a loose ball on their line. The second, which justly drew H.E.C. level, was a penalty kicked by Dachary late in the game. It would have been unfair if either of the sides had won for the centre of play moved throughout the game from one end of the field to the other. The 3 points draw was a " tres ban " result. Teams h.e.c.: Labrunie; Golden, Dachary, Capitain, Perrin; Gimat, Jalvy; Dentraygues (Capt.), Bourguignon, Celerier, Thoral, Hervet, Lahalle, Espargilliere, Rougier. l.s.f,.: G. H. Williams; Irvine, Miller, G. G. Jones, D. McCulloch; Maclntyre, W. Burgess; J. Cox, Dw}'er, Weatherhogg, K. Pover, T. Heyes, J. M. Harries, M. Candlish (Capt.), T. Ryan. Guests of Director In the evening the H.E.C. and L.S.E. rugby teams dined with the Director and his daughter, Miss Carr-Saunders. Also present at the dinner were the Honorary' President and Vice-President of the Athletic Union and the Registrar. An excellent meal was followed by warm expressions of gratitude, and of the pleasure received from the visit, by both Captains. The close of the H.E.C. Captain's speech was the signal for the French team to begin singing a round of French student songs, in which everybody joined on becoming vaguely familiar with the choruses. The singing of the French team was matched only by the valiant attempt of the Welsh section of the L.S.E. team to give a stirring rendering of " Saspan Fach ". The H.E.C. Rugby Club left the metropolis on Sunday morning. May we return their thanks by saying " merci beaucoup " H.E.C. THE WORLD'S GREATEST BOOKSHOP BOOK.S** 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 Materials and Tools. 119-125 CHARING CROSS ROAD LONDON WC2 Gerrard 5660 (16 lines) ? Open 9-6 (inc. Sat.J Two minutes from Tottenham Court Road Station The British Universities Sports Board is making a great effort this year to raise funds which will enable it to send a team of British students to the International Uni-\ersit}' (James held in Spain during the summer vacation. The bulk of the money is to be raised during an .Anneal Week (A'larch 14th-20th). The [..S.E. Athletic Union has taken an active part in organising activities to raise funds during the Appeal Week. On Wednesday, 16th March, the L.S.E. Athletic Championships will be held at the Parliament Hill Fields Sports Ground. On Thursday, 17th, a grand film show is to be given in the Old Theatre of the 1936, 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. This is an outstanding show and will give all interested athletes a wonderful opportunity for seeing the great Jesse Owens, the phenomenal Glen Davies, Harrison Dillard, Arthur Wint, Zatopek and many other world famous athletes, past and present. It is hoped that a well known athlete will attend the Social Evening given by the Athletic Union in the " Three Tuns " on the evening of Friday, 18th. During the evening the guest will hand out medals and other prizes to those successful in Wednesday's sports and also discuss any topic which members present would like his advice on. All the various clubs and sports enthusiasts should give their wholehearted support to the Athletic Union during the Appeal Week, thus enabling L.S.E. to send an outstanding contribution to the B.U.S.B. BLOTTO CUP On Saturday next, March Sth, a grand soccer match will be held between the Athletic Union and the Porters at Berrylands. The match will be followed by tea and a darts match in the bar. In the evening the Athletic Union is holding a [•"ree Dance at Berrylands, to which ever)body is invited. Spot prizes will be given and other competitions have also been arranged. Those wishing to have a good night's merriment would be well advised to attend the free dance, held in such excellent surroundings. SPORTS RESULTS Soccer Feb. 19th—All matches cancelled. Feb. 23rd—1st XI v. Westminster Won 4 - 3 2nd XI v. University College III Lost 2-5 Rugby Feb. 19th—All matches cancelled, Feb. 23rd—1st XV v. H.E.C. (Paris) Drawn 3-3 2nd XV v. Royal School of Mines Won 9 - 3 Water Polo Feb. 17th—V. N.E.C. Won 14 - 3 Feb. 24th—v. St. Mary's 11 Won 14-1 Women's Hockey U.L.U. Cup. Royal Holloway 2, L.S.H I. Your 1st VIM has re-equipped itself with a large electric horn—not because they can't blow their own horn loud enough, but to prevent any recurrence of the events of last Saturday week. Then they were rowing in a time trial over four and a half miles, and after they had gone about a mile or so they caught up with six of the \'nrs that had started earlier (they start at ten-second intervals), and these VIII's were''8trung out across the river, fighting to overtake each other. Now this must have presented an enthralling picture to the occasional spectator on the to\v-path, but your 1st VHI regarded it with some irritation; for having caught with these wretched craft, they found to their annoyance that they couldn't get past them, because there wasn't room. When a gap opened up, your VIII spurted towards it, only to find it close up as they arrived. They had to stop several times before they eventually and quite literally scraped through. This is not a good thing in a time trial, and for the Head of the River, which is the grand-de-luxe-jack-pot time trial in which some 250 VIII's take part, your VIII are not going to take any chances. So they have got an electric horn on the front of their boat. I do so hope that this courageous optimism will be justified. Aqua-Union Activity The Boat Club seem to be as active on land as they are on the water these days. Van Arkadie tried to become President of the S.U., but alas, the reactionary factions prevailed; no doubt this is another indication of the decadence of the Union. Van's own propaganda campaign, with pamphlets and jazz-man, was a little out of the ordinary. The moot point i whether it won or lost him an; \ otes. No doubt it has long ag; occurred to you that the Boat CM is (let us be charitable) mad. On; of them wanted to be President d the S.U., another wanted to 1* President of the A.U., another ok is a vice-president of the S.U., i group of them bought an old tas that wants to pass its old age ii peace, etc., etc. One of them to mad enough to write this article but he has the consoling thougt that if you have read as far as tte you must be cuckoo too. Club Dance The Boat Club Annual Dance was once more an annual socii success. The Boat Club again lost the: annual beer race (traditional Boa Club courtesy) and welcomed int: their midst a host of French rugb players. What they were doing ai a Boat Club dance beats me: te who cares! Fabulous spot prizs were given away—including t\v( conch shells, two really beautifc pictures, a delightful, garishl) ornate vase; in fact, the Caledonia: market was thoroughly combed fo: these immensely valuable objeli d'art. The funny thing was tk the recipients of the gifts actual!; seemed pleased. The Cabaret included a clos harmony group who regularly appear on T.V., and of course a member of the Boat Club sang will the Cabaret. It was a pity that tk " Mike " was not as sensitive asi should have been—still, everyois seemed to enjoy it! The band W£ good, the dancing well-intentioned but alas, the fateful hour soa came, and the dance ended. Dennis Bizeray. 1954-55 SEASON IN RETROSPECT Clubs Bring Out Reports The annual reports of the clubs, which appeared last week, gives clear indication that the Winter season 1954-55 has on the wholi been a very successful one. The RUGBY CLUB has again had a highly successful season. Throughout, the football played has been of the highest standard and this is reflected in the 1st XV's playing record: Won 15, Drawn 2 and Lost 4—244 points having been scored for and 86 against. Ln-fortunately they were defeated in the second round of the University Cup by University College (who seem likel)' winners of this competition). The Club was represented in the University X^' by Ray Bullock, who pla3'ed regularly at full-back or centre. Although the achievements of the .soccer club this season have been satisfactory, they appear as an anticlimax after last season's success. Five players appeared in the University XI, however, and all three teams occupy good positions in their respective leagues. A noteworthy feature has been the increased keenness and team spirit and it augurs well that the majority of the players will again be available next season. The standard of play in the men^s hockey club has shown a marked improvement from last season and the second round of the University Cup was reached. Bad weather, however, has resulted in a loss of enthusiasm among potential players and there has been difficulty in fielding two elevens. Last year the swimming club had a highly successful season, being unbeaten and gaining one first place in the University Championships. This season the water polo club are unbeaten in the second division of the University League and seems likely to gain promotion. The most successful of the women's clubs this season hav. been the netball club and tk women's table tennis club. Til-, Xetball Club has played regular!; throughout the season and sufferei only one defeat. The Table Tennis Team is as ye unbeaten. The lack of new meinben in the Club, however is indicated b| the poor record of the second teair, which has yet to win a match. Both the badminton and squase clubs have had reasonably successful seasons. The membership o: the Squash Club exceeds 100 anc despite the lack of any outstanding players their playing record is quit good, five matches out of nine having been won. The lack of a suitable court for more matches and practice is felt acutely by the Badminton Club. Despite such a grea' disadvantage, however, Mendall hi played regularly for the University while F. Griffiths, a Welsh Inte:-national, acquitted himself well i the European Championships. Freshers' interest Meets were held this season b; the mountaineering club in Nort; Wales, Cornwall and Sussex; whit the Alpine Meet was at Zinal an: Saas Fee. In a season of ba: weather the main achievement WJ the ascent of the north ridge o: Weissmeiss twice. The enthusiast!: interest of freshers in the Club ha; been encouraging. Enthusiasm of freshers has als: been most encouraging in t!ii cross-country club, despite tlil fact that only one match has beci won. B. K. ^Vard has represented the University on several occasion while J. B. Herring was selected reserve for the University in tl* U.-'V.U, Championships. hv thp .StiiHents* Union of thp T.ondnn Srhnnl nf Kconf)mics. and orinted bv Sales (Wricht^ Ltd.. 3 Rectorv' Grove. London, S.W.4.