BEAVER NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS' UNION, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON) NOVEMBER 18th, 1954 THREEPENCE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY Hon. President's Address At a crowded Union meeting in the Old Theatre last Thursday, Mr. Bernard Braden delivered his address as Honorary President of the Students' Union for the current year. Mr. Braden was not ac-cotnpanied by his wife, a fact which was noted vociferously by the audience at the opening (" Anyone here seen Kelly? "), but she was not forgotten, especially at question-time. Mr. Braden, dressed in an apologetically transatlantic fashion in a brown drape suit, spoke without notes and brandishing continual cigarettes, which he found little time to smoke, but which seemed an essential part of the Braden make-up. He opened with several preliminary apologies and remarks. He referred to his student days— "Twenty years ago, when I was a young man and made it understood that he was not pursuing any serious theme, still less anything connected with the nature of the London School of Economics; " If I mention Marx I mean Groucho, if I mention Russell I mean Jane 11c claimed to know nothing whatever about economics, thus gaining the sympathy of his audience. On money, however, he was an authority: "Whether you're rich or poor, it's nice to have it Croucho and Gilbert llis topic was humour in general, expressed in many examples. He was intrigued by the number of people who said to him, " You have a peculiar sense of humour, just like mine ". Returning to Groucho ¦Marx, for whom he had a great admiration, he told the story of the dowager with a built-up hair style who once inquired of Groucho, "Excuse me, but aren't you Harpo Mar: Marx replied, " No, are Passing from Groucho to Gilbert Harding, Mr. Braden related that they were once having ham and eggs together at a quick lunch counter in I'oronto. Gilbert was a , little annoyed at the service and the dialogue with the manager went roughly as follows: " These plates aren't warm." "Are they supposed to be.' " " They certainly would be in any civiliscd country." " What's your idea of a civilised country? " " Well, England, for example." "Ah, yes, I've been there. Over here we warm the food." lie told of Bing Crosby leaving a taxi outside the Albany for two or three hours, the driver replying to his apologetic " Pretty wet night, isn't it? " with "Yes, ain't seen a bloomin butterfly all ev'ning ". Bernard Braden's favourite humorist was Mark Twain, and he kept his audience amused and attentive as L. SIMMONDS 16 FLEET STREET E.C.4 (opposite Chancery Lane) Hulchinson's University Library Statistics For Econonnists, Allen, 8/6 Labour, Sargant Thomson, 8,6. Government of Britain, Harrison, 8 6 Socialism, a Short History, 7/6 Government and Parliament, Morrison, 21/- he read, with unexpected ability in this field, extracts from Twain's " Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences Mark Twain, Mr. Braden claimed, represented the opposite to a present-day tendency to " be clever without proving one's point Contrasts in Humour The first question from the floor, or rather from a noisy and appreciative gallery, was on whether Mr. Braden considered the English have a sense of humour. Perhaps surprisingly, he felt that on the higher levels of literature—" Punch " and the "New Yorker" — the two countries were not dissimilar. This applied at least as far as the drawings were concerned; the writing in the "New Yorker" was better. In the mediums of radio and television, he felt that the two, we and America, were now growing more alike, as the B.B.C. realised increasingly that it was necessary to have writers trained to produce the sophisticated humour required for broadcasts, as compared with the " music-hall " type. One questioner complained that he always used to hear " Bedtime With Braden " at breakfast-time. Bernard Braden sympathised with him, and said that he had tried to persuade the B.B.O. to preface the morning " repeat" with " For those of you who stay up late, here's ' Bedtime With Braden ' Other points about the programme which emerged from questions included the fact it has been proved that without a studio audience, it is impossible to get high listening figures. Perhaps, as someone said, a radio audience consisted of a boy or girl by a radio feeling that they were sharing the programme with the studio audience. If there were both a boy and a girl, they would have something better to do than listen to the radio. It was also made clear that the ad libs are written into the script and that Charlie Katz is the man with the highest laugh—he sits behind the trombonist. American Jokes At the request of Ian Finch, our Honorary President essayed a " Brandy Mario " piece; a request later for Uncle Gabby did not produce results, fortunately for the amplifier system. Someone else wanted to know whether Ronald Fletcher was really funny. The reply was that Fletcher had been " assigned " to the show, been given a few lines and was developing a sens^ of humour. In the words of ]\|r. Braden, " Fletcher's idea of a big night is to go down to Piccadilly "tube station and watch the wind blow the girls' skirts up ". On a more serious note, Mr, Braden said that he had been forced to drop the jokes directed against America and Americans because the general British attitude was not one of appreciation of the humour, but rather " Go ahead and give the so-and-so's what for or words to that effect. On commercial television, he felt that it was the duty of the B.B.C. to protect minorities, especially people like Mr. Braden himself. If commercial TV took the responsibility for the majority of? the hands of the B.B.C., that was a Unniiclioord, ljTi|»ractii§^cl 99 by Kobin Fox A.M.O.V., III, ii, 160 On the 8th, 9th, and 10th December, the Dramatic Society will present "The Merchant of Venice" in the Old Theatre. This ambitious project has been made possible by an influx of histrionic freshers who provide nineteen of the cast of twenty. The odd one, that Dram. Soc> stalwart Jill Whittick, will play Jessica, and Francis McMahon —you remember his " Othello"? (No—Editor)—is in charge of production. The first-year talent is really exceptional. Peter Kraus, who plays Shylock, is a first-year LL.B. student. He came to England in good thing. He was in any case of the opinion that it was a bad thing for any organisation to exist as a monopoly. Undergraduate Humour The Braden autobiography has been written three times, but has been torn up; " Interesting things keep happening to me". Asked who he thought was the funniest man in Elngland, Mr. Braden admitted to a personal preference for A1 Read. Two definitions of our Honorary President are worthy of record. First, undergraduate humour, based on experience of Cambridge Union; " The purveyor usually attempts to show how clever he is and forgets to show how funny he is". Secondly, the upper class in society, " The class that still talks about the servant problem ". Hope's Charity He ended by answering a request by Ian Finch to tell a story about Bob Hope. Hope was once playing in cabaret in his tiome town of Cleveland, Ohio, and was persistently heckled. Eventually he walked across to the man's table and said, " You're very young, aren't you? " " Yes, I'm twenty-two.' " In that case you ought to be careful what you say. This is my home town and I might be your father." Those who did not hear our Honorary President missed an excellent speaker, who was never at a loss for words, who was always amusing, both in monologue and repartee, and yet provided us with an analysis of the " higher " brands of humour with which few would wish to disagree—except perhaps about " Punch " and tlie " New Yorker", 1939 from Czechoslovakia. He has always been a keen actor, so much so that he even contemplated turning professional—unfortunately Sir Kenneth Barnes' dog did not like him! He has done a considerable amount of amateur work in London, with London Artists' Theatre productions, as well as at school. Character acting rather than juvenile leads is his forte, which augurs well for our present production. Tinsel Fairy Jean Packman, who plays Portia, gave her first public performance at the age of six as a " tinsel fairy " in a Christmas play, graduating to masculine parts at high school, such as John Worthing in " The Importance of Being Ernest". She went up to Girton in 1951 to read History and, believing in variety, spent three years playing various parts for an assortment of companies. Nothing is too much for this girl—Cioldsmith, Fry, Beaumont and Fletcher, Gilbert and Sullivan and musical comedy—she takes them all as they come. She is only at L.S.E. for one year, more's the pity for Dram. Soc., so we suggest you make sure of seeing her. This production looks like hitting the heights, cast, as it is, with ex-R.A.D.A. students, actors and actresses of proved ability. The producer is working his cast hard (Antonio complains that he has lost his pound of flesh already) and the final product should be Dram. Soc.'s best ever. robin fox. Saying of the Week " Did you know that Tony Pel-ling is rvmning for President? " " Oh. Who else is there? " " Bob Weinberg." " Lord, I'll have to spoil vote." my "BEAVER" The final edition of this term will appear on or about December 9th. It will be primarily of lighter note than is usually forced on us. Contributions welcomed. SIR OSWALD MOSELEY At a meeting of the Students' Union on Friday, 12th November, the following motion was carried by 144 votes to 105 with 8 abstentions; — " That this Union is of the opinion that the proposed debate for Nov. 23rd organised by the Liberal Society is contrary to the spirit and interests of our Union and calls on the Liberal Society to refrain from giving a platform to acknowle ged Fascist speakers ". i\lGHTS k,. MADNESS^ A new venture by a society of the Students' Union will be made when the Motor Club organise theitufirst all-night rally on Friday-Saturday, November 19th-20th. It is hoped that this will become an annual event. Besides the entries from L.S.E. members and their friends, other clubs taking part include the motor clubs of Battersea Poly., University College, the City and Guilds and the Mons Officer Cadet School. The rally will cover 180 miles of road in Hertfordshire and will end at the Five Bells Restaurant at South Mimms in time for breakfast. The Editor is going along as a navigator and will retail his experiences in the next issue. There is still time for late entries, so if anyone wants to join in, .turn up at the start at the King's Arms Hotel, Stirling Corner (junction of A.55 and A.411, on O.S. map 160, Grid Reference 208952) about 10 p.m. tomorrow. The O.S. map 160 is essential; a good torch and good headlights are advised. HERE'S HEALTH! by Anthony Felling The Union's proposals for a Health Centre for staff and students at the School were accepted in principle by the Director at the last Staff-Student Committee meeting. The Director and the Secretary visited University College recently and were much impressed by the Health Centre there. Students at U.C. have easy access to a resident general practitioner, dentist, an ophthalmic surgeon and a psychiatric adviser. The Centre is complementary and not an alternative to the National Health Service. Its main virtue is that it provides medical services for students from the provinces or overseas who might not bother to register with a doctor. The Centre cannot be set up immediately because of lack of accommodation within the School, The School authorities are, however, to submit plans to the University Grants Committee that vi'ould enable the Health Centre to be set up during the quinquennium which commences next year. ST. GODRIC'S SECRETARIAL COLLEGE For Administrative and Secretarial Careers Intensive Courses for Graduates for well-paid and responsible posts. Expert advice on careers and individual care. Resident and day students accepted. Special Courses in Administration and Management, Journalism, Advertising. Languajies and Foreign Shorthands, Hospital, Library and Political work Apply to : J, W. Loverid^ie, M.A. (Cantab.), 2 Arkwright Road. Hampstead Road. Telephone: HAMPstead 5980 BEAVER November 18th, 1954 J Scholae Aekonomikae Londinivm a Donaldo Aldrigio )2euh'i»vs) (closed )¦/;• BEVH. Society)* (Secj'efy . 9(vMa^JS efen) TJRKA insping^ Society) POFPERIWVl il S»deh^) lNtt0XET£8 Crtii Ssciitn ©ftA^ 3*own *2omSn^ctfltment. Crrou^ rfunidentified clijectS found in What wasthe R-ErCtorttrUi. All impUmentS And bodies encased in Solidified volcanic du5t dnd moUen ftiHittiaeawny sout?. I^Aan Stoi^car\a f rem c(ebriX «n the tati tide fi£ cboJSWay- Vilttf ^dfunOion »ftl\i{»reciated. laust excava(ien(btj Filwtetiehy UnCt hat ancartKed a new arena, V. Mature, C.Rains, P U.StI«ov a casK o£ millions. m Shaviac f ^<*ic CtfmpoStft^n. " i One Foot found ir\ cToor « ! fLESTiStre^fc ^etiewd-tobe- ArcK awtoatcST^ £^0BVeM > The HougXton ^Fiartot. rm^rfSSlew in masoiry oi eithtr Ca) i^omdn senfinrl overtomt lnj V6icaiiic ^as($ Wl^vdS I'n tt\€ Mount Shavv Eru^nV^S 53 8 c rr b)Chdrioi€Cr f Iai4ert« U\Zt ci\iviofeerwa; a staii'fdtf ®»'eft Sen-hn*' J*-aer": " Same Old Story It seeks to discredit policies in Union, only because they are originated or supported by the Left, and makes no attempt to discuss them on their merits, using the criterion of what is in the students' interests. But such a writer can hardly discredit those policies, and therefore the writer implies two further allegations: — (I) that Union is misled by a small minority for sinister motives; (II) that " Left " equals " discredit " in the eyes of the writer. I believe that the latter is the case, and that " Beaver" is being used as the organ of Right-wing students to attack the Left. Clearly (I) is not the case; in any democratic organisation, any group or person has the right to propose policy, and urge its acceptance, solely on its merits. It so happens that, in the history of the Union, the Left has been the most consistent champion of student interests on all issues. However, this docs not mean that the Left should have a monopoly of student affairs. It is true that it is part of Left-wing ideology that the interests of students, as of others, must be fought for. That is why the Left-wing encourages its students to come to Union meetings, and why they champion higher grants, a vigorous grants policy, refectory reform, international friendship, and many other policies. Anybody concerned with student interests can and must have a policy based on their defence, and must put it democratically in Union, accepting the verdict of the majority. The Left supports a certain policy, not because it is Left, but because it is good. So do many "apolitical" students. To reject a policy because it is Left, or supported by Communists, is to engage in McCarthyism. Let us have no more McCarthyism in " Beaver ". If there are apparent groupings in Union, "Beaver" must not be the possession of one group which uses it to attack others. " Beaver " is the organ of all L.S.E. students. (/ wish all L.S.E. students would buy it, then—Editor.) Let its Editor cease publishing unscrupulous attacks on the Left. Let it publish articles from all sections. As a start, let it publish this letter from a Left-wing student. Yours sincerely, Marshall Harris. London School of Economics, To the Editor of " Beaver ". Sir, May I strongly disagree over your interpretation of the discussion on the composition of the N.U.S. delegation at the Union meeting of 28th October. The issue did not " turn on whether Mr. Sweet with his extreme political views was the best person to represent the Union at a national gathering". Our delegation had been cut from four to three and Union Council had decided that it was more important to send the President-elect who would be the elected choice of Union, rather than the non-representative N.U.S. Officer. If our delegation had remained at four the N.U.S. Officer would have automatically been given one of the places. The fact that Mr. Sweet is the N.U.S. Officer is irrelevant. There was nothing to stop Mr. Sweet being elected from the floor; he had been proposed and judging by his qualifications to fill the position I am convinced that he would have in fact been elected. Unfortunately our " left wing block " was unable or unwilling to distinguish between Mr. Sweet " in persona " and the office of N.U.S. Officer. The whole business was a regrettable demonstration of petty politicians arguing logically only when it suits their purpose. I would point out that next year, when the President will be going as a delegate to N.U.S. Council, if the N.U.S. Officer again goes as of right, it will not be possible to elect a delegate from " the floor ". As to the left wing block's constant refusal to allow either the President-elect or the Deputy President to go as delegates to N.U.S. Council, I can only interpret this as that they are fearing that for the second year in succession the President, although drawn from their ranks, will be so generally popular that he will not have to rely on their support in Union as Presidents have often been wont to do in the past. This is undoubtedly a most unpleasant prospect to face! Yours, charles a. r. pitt. London School of Economics, Dear Sir, The attack on Union meetings by " Special Correspondent " in your last issue does more harm to Union than to the mythical " Left Block " which is alleged to dominate its activities. The Left political societies, by encouraging their members to participate in Union, are strengthening rather than weakening its effectiveness. Those who consult tlie Labour Society notice-board, or who attend our general meetings, will know this to be our main object. It is more instructive to discuss liow Union can be made to work rather than why it does not. Those who go to Union determined to be clever with Standing Orders should be put in their place, preferably by CHARLIE'S BAR In preparation for the Christmas season, Charlie is laying in a stock of wines, etc., which will be sold at the most competitive prices in London. ' It is also announced that the | first three storeys of the ^ "Three Tuns" vjill be available for private parties, and ' Charlie will be on hand for the | catering. FIRST CLASS C.M.R. ' You—yes, you!—could get a first- j class honours degree if you take the trouble to " read, mark, learn and inwardly digest", the articles in the Michaelmas Term issue of " Clare Market Reviezoto be published shortly. Not only is this issue vital for Inter., Part I, Part II and Part III, it is also invaluable for those reading for a Ph.D. or higher (the sky's the limit!). There is something for everyone. For students of Law, Political Science, and International Relations. There is an article by the Lord Chancellor on " The Legal and Constitutional Position of Britain in the Making of Treaties with Foreign Powers". For the Economists and Economic Historians there is an article by Prof, E. A. G. Robinson, of Cambridge University, on " The Changing Structure of the British Economy And for the Sociologists an essay on the modern undergraduate; for the Colonial Student an article on Kenya. This issue also sees the start c/ two new serials—one by Lady Beveridge of reminiscences of the L.S.E. in days gone by, end one on the Russia of to-day . . . from the inside! Altogether there are 56 pages of articles, poems, book reviews, cartoons, and photographs ... all for Is. 6d. A first-class honours is a good investment . . . why not C.AI.R..? the President, but, failing that, by the " political nitwits". No one who had to endure the futility into which the "non-political wing" descended last year could fail to welcome the re-entry of the political societies on a large scale. Witli-out groups which are prepared seriously to discuss Union affairs, in short, without the political societies. Union meetings become dominated by dreary little people whose sole delight is to split hairs about precedents. Union was a healthy and respected body when it was most politically conscious. In my opinion it will only be so again when it welcomes serious discussion, if necessary on political issues. I can see no objection, therefore, to the action of the Left in publicising Union and trying to put some life into it. Yours faithfully, J. JUI'P, Chairman Labour Society,' London School of Economics, Dear Sir, We were more than somewhat appalled by the letter purporting to come from a Liberal in your last issue. The contents of that letter bore little resemblance to sane thinking; and we have taken this opportunit) to write a letter ourselves in ar. attempt to forestall any attacks or. Liberals based upon the arrant nonsense contained in Broder's letter. Incidentally, we wish to point out that " Stan's " tenure of office in the University of London Liberal Federation came to a rapid end in less than a week. Any wonder;' Yours sincerely, norman e. allen, Chairman wilfred e. h. pickard, Liberal Society, Vice-Chairman, November 18th, 1954 BEAVER 3 Where There^s a Will There^s a Weshit by J. K. Williams Equal rates of pay, parliamentary representation, the right to a university education—all these the female of the species has demanded and, to some extent, obtained; yet finding that to copy him in his institutions does not place her on heights of achievement parallel to those obtained by man, she must ape him in his dress. 6 a • How many of women's styles have been based on those of man it would be a forlorn task to enumerate. There is one particular of dress, however, in which the ladies can never hope to emulate the gentlemen, for nature has so decreed that woman shall consist in the main of curves, whilst it is the smooth, straight front of the waistcoat which is its essential being (why else does it consist simply of an elaborate front and a flimsy inconsequential back?). Put a woman into a waistcoat and it at once ceases to be a waistcoat—a blouse perhaps, or a bolero—call it what you will, but the essence of the waistcoat has disappeared. Let me commend to you gentlemen who wish to preserve or establish your manhood, the wearing of a waistcoat. Crave Consequences The wise man, realising that here is a line of defence which woman cannot penetrate, has set himself up with a store of waistcoats—from the elegant brocade to the all-wool everyday model. Waistcoat collecting has become a pastime with a following quite equal to that of philately, and one which has had grave social consequences, not only in so far as it has strengthened the hand of man in his fight to preserve his last few privileges from the all pervading influences of woman, but in otlier more subtle ways. For instance, there was the third year B.Sc.(Econ.) student who used as his regular line of approach, "Come up and see my gold-embroidered, black brocade waistcoat". What woman could resist this challenge to her sex.' But however impressive a wardrobe of waistcoats may appear, there is no comparison with the correct article worn on the correct occasion. The waistcoat in the wardrobe hangs limply; it is a collector's picce, obscured from the eyes of a would-be admiring public. Place it carefully around a manly chest and It assumes a new life, a new vigour, investing its wearer with a pride, a sense of the dignity of life. I have touched but lightly on the variety of types of waistcoat available to the intending weskiteer. The lover of the bright lights and gay spots will be particularly attracted to the smooth look of the silk-embroidered waistcoat which sits so neatly under the tuxedo. It is an invaluable aid in securing the respect of head waiters and the deference of doormen when one is entertaining on the grand scale and wishes to impress. The consequent saving in tips and gratuities which would otherwise be essential expenses make this waistcoat an attractive and economic proposition. Brewery Samplers But there are those who find their simple pleasures in beery Bacchanallties, and for these, too, there is a waitstcoat to suit the occasion. One famous exponent of the art of weskitry boasted that he had sampled the product of every brewery in these Isles, and many more outside. As evidence he wore a multi-coloured corduroy garment on which he claimed the connoisseur could distinguish one thousand and seventy-nine different beer stains. This garment I have often hesitated to call a genuine waistcoat, so disreputable was its state. Waistcoats exist, too, for the mundane routine affair's of life. There is the smart grey waistcoat, worn originally with morning coat, but now adapted by our versatile student to act as a background to his pi'oud blazer. There is the striped waistcoat, reminiscent of Regency wallpapers, worn under a lounge suit, the less formal check waistcoat, the leather jerkin-cum-waistcoat, worn by the lover of the Great Outdoors, and the leopard-skin waistcoat of the Nimrod. Last Buttress Woman is debarred from drinking to the full the pleasures enjoyed by man because she cannot wear a waistcoat. Man, therefore, prides himself on his waistcoat, the last buttress of his tottering prestige. He struts, he poses, he preens himself and finally relinquishing his masculinity, he strokes his hair and murmurs in effeminate tones, " My dear, have you seen my latest—a gorgeous dark blue with lots of little beavers? " In On The Ground Floor by Patricia Green 12 noon The first-years begin to drift in. Since the Bar was opened five weeks ago for our benefit, it is only right that we should be Charlie's assistant hosts. Who is here? One or two " odd bods ", reading the paper perhaps, or listening to the radio, propping up the bar or examining the latest shield or road sign that has been acquired; a group is probably near the piano, sitting comfortably in armchairs whilst they smoke and drink and hold a top-level discussion on the merits or demerits of the previous night's Jazz Club, hop or binge. 1 p.m. The " Three Tuns " suffers sacri-(continucd at column 4) THE WORLD'S GREATEST BOOKSHOP B o o K. 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 Gcrrard 5660 (16 Hues ^ Open 9-6 (inc. Sat J Two minutes from Tottenham Court Road Station VARIATIONS AND FUGUE A Young Person's Guide to N.U.S. by Roland Freeman Two vital issues will dominate the thoughts of the delegates assembling at Cardiff this week-end for the three-day meeting of the Council of the National Union of Students. For they will have read the report of the special N.U.S. Commission set up to recom- mend improvements in the structure and activities of the Union. They will also enter the debate on membership of the International Union of Students, having digested the highly controversial account of the N.U.S. delegation to Moscow this summer. Both issues will be considered against a background of successive disafliliations from N.U.S. by local Unions. Manchester, King's College, London, Southampton and now Stranmillis College have all broken away from the National Union, either through disapproval of the associate membership agreement with I.U.S. or as a result of discontent with the services provided by N.U.S. Possible Disintegration Imless these two problems can be resolved, it is no exaggeration to say that the N.U.S. is in serious danger of gradual disintegration. Rur^ours have it, for example, that a rival body, a loose federation of university colleges, is contemplated by some of the breakaway colleges. L.S.E.'s policy will be decided at to-night's meeting of the Union, in the Old T heatrc. Our delegation consists of the N.U.S. Officer, Colin Sweet, Brian Van Arkadie and myself, with the President, John Martyn, the President-elect and Miss Ruth Nixon as observers. Three motions have been submitted by the Union, calling for; (1) Consultative status with the Minister of Education. (2) A rise in the State Scale for grants. (3) A definition of N.U.S. membership which does not exclude part-time students as at present. 1 he report of the proceedings will be presented to a Union meeting towards the end of this term. FOX AND GRIPES COLIN CLARK Ian J. Finch's Double Bill Having tried to assimilate and digest the froth of imbecile puerility which " Beaver's " Editor allowed Pox to pour all over page two of the last edition of this newspaper, I found myself asking whether the coffee house habitues are odds and bods who do not fit into any category of society, or are they, as Mr. Fox rhapsodically claims, Bohemians, the noblest form of life in London. That is, are they greater than we are in that they can, and do, reject any category of society, any social pattern, and live their lives in consumptive defiance of the established order of the proles, the bourgeoisie, the City norms, the office girls, the diligent, the parentally conscious children at college, the genteel, the simple and the humble at heart. Desperate Beings Perhaps I go in the wrong spirit, by being sober, but I must profess to grave divergence of opinion from that of the literary Fox. It may be that I go in a critical capacity, whilst Robin goes in the aura of his guitar and good cheer, but instead of strange, nervous, intense Bohemians who sang, made music, made love, coffee after coffee, I found rather frustrated, dispirited, forsaken, desperate beings who sat for hours over an empty cup, nervously pulling a cigarette from a pocket—or scrounging one; pettishly snivelling about nothing; making forlorn efforts at rhythm and harmony, plaintively wailing, rhapsodising about Schoenberg (although when approached they seemed to lose interest after finding that one knew slightly more than that he invented a twelve note scale), raving about Impressionism, which, I was ecstatically told, began and ended with the Impressionist of Impressionists, Picasso. I left. Wrong Frame Again, perhaps I go at the wrong times; perhaps to the wrong coffee houses, perhaps in the wrong frame of mind; but far rather the Bar at Passfield on a Saturday night, to troll with beery breath inducements to the verger, or to roar the sad tale of the mare who lost her rnaidenity with a bunch of medics, in Guy's Med. School Bar. {Editor's Note.—We regret that Mr. Fox has not contributed to this issue. He is suffering from a mild fit of sulks, ¦which zee trust will have passed by in time for the Christmas issue.) Mr. Colin Clark, the well-known Oxford economist, spoke at a meeting held in Room 8 on 'Phursday, 4th November, He was invited by the Catholic Society to address what was feared would be a poorly attended meeting on the subject of World Population, but the numbers which poured into Room 8 more than justified the Society's ambition in inviting him up to address what was originally intended as a Cath. Soc. weekly meeting in the Graham Wallas Room. Widely Appreciated To the estimated 250 students, Mr. Clark admitted that the subject was too vast to deal with in an hour, yet nevertheless his succint-ness with regard to the aspects with which he dealt was widely appreciated. He reminded all that the academic world in this sphere had suffered great loss since Sir Alexander Carr-Saunders forsook it to cater for the interests of L.S.E. Mr. Clark, who is himself a Catholic, kept well, and sensibly, clear of the topic of birth control. That the meeting was a success there can be no doubt, and we can only hope that the Catholic Society will continue to provide such opportunities for the students of the School to participate in and consider what are to-day common problems to all creeds and races. (continued from column 2) lege. Room is quickly made for those who have been kept out by the chains of compulsory classes. But some are known to frequent the Bar at lunch-times simply and solely because it provides them with a cheap lunch. Aieanwhile the faithful try to maintain their air of relaxation. Diflncult in all lunch hours everywhere, this is made impossible by occasional efforts by the Jazz Club to practice home-made versions of " This Thing Called Love ", with which they assail ears accustomed to the intellectual harmony of Cy Laurie's and Mr. Lyttleton's bands. 2 p.m. Reason has returned to the Bar and quiet conversation is possible once more. It must not, however, be imagined that the regulars are a lethargic lot, for half-way through the " dry" afternoon they will probably be seen climbing two floors up to " A'Irs. Popper's", where they will " stir the world in a coffee cup " till Charlie returns at 5 o'clock. STATE OF THE INlOiV In the first of these articles this session, the present writer advocated that the time devoted to Public Business would be better spent continuing with private affairs. The Union meeting on the 4th November, however, did much to make him alter his opinion. Union members seemed more willing to get on with the business when they realised that the time for discussion was curtailed. In previous weeks, the absence of Public Business has tended to produce an attitude of " Who cares? There's all night to go." In Questions To and Announcements By Officers, "Beaver" was belatedly produced and 92 copies were sold during the meeting; Mr. Newfield inquired about the mustard situation in the Refectory, whatever that situation is; the topic of the N.U.S. Officer's action in sending a telegram to Moscow was raised once more and was again circumvented, and several members complained about the Liberal Society's action in inviting Sir Oswald Moseley as a guest speaker. Filibuster The rnain business commenced with an attempt at a filibuster by Messrs. Pitt and Thompson, the former in dazzling form. After this had been dealt with, the House proceeded to elect Mr. Brian Van Arkadie to accompany the N.U.S. Oflicer and the External Vice-President as our delegates at the Cardiff Council of N.U.S. and also Miss Ruth Nixon as one of our observers. Next came a Council Motion on U.L.U., seeking to provide for more meetings of Presidents' Council and the establishment of an executive committee to hold fortnightly meetings. This gained the support of the House without any trouble, as did another Council Motion on N.U.S., which desired that all full members of all affiliated students' unions should be ipso facto members of the N.U.S. public business. The preliminary round of the London section of the N.U.S.— " Observer " debating contest brought two teams from the School Debating Society against two teams from Queen Mary College on the motion " That, in the opinion of this House, Most Games Are Not Cricket". There was a good .attendance, Q.M.C. bringing many supporters. The debating was patchy, with several excellent speakers, including Miss Margaret Jenkins, for L.S.E. II, and several not so good. The motion was eventually defeated by a large majority, chiefly due to the persuasiveness of Aiiss Jenkins and the interjections of Mr. Terence Groome. The judges' decision meant that both L.S.E. teams go forward to the next round. c. i. j. S.E. Asia • Far East • Pacific An independent, impartial forum for free discussion, this mafiazine deals xvith the political, economic and social affairs of Asia and the Promotion of East-West relations. "... No student of Eastern affairs can afford to miss this rexnew ..." THE TIMES. Monthly 2s. Yearly 2Ss. (post-free) Obtainable at bookstalls or direct at: 58 PADDINGTON ST., LONDON, W.I. •••••••••••• BEAVER November 18th, 19: Koat Club UX.K.W. For sometime now it has been suspected that the boat club has been smuggling an unknown commodity from the brewery at Barnes to the ice-rink at Richmond. Needless to say, the suspicion has proved groundless—they only drink an unknown quantity in the boat-house bar. Another rumour recently current --was that Boat Club Transport Board was going to buy a taxi, and now, after viewing many venerable vehicles in various stages of dilapidation and ornamentation they have finally chosen the most dubious of the lot—but only because they were paid to push it away. On arrival in Houghton Street it caused quite a traffic jam by refusing to move in any direction whatever. Eventually, after ten people had clambered aboard, it gave up the unequal struggle and truculently moved out into the rush-hour traffic of Kingswa}'. pee L.S.E. lost to Cambridge Cutthroats 18-7 on Saturday, November 16th. Whilst Cambridge was the better team on the whole, the score was not indicative of tiie strength of tlie two teams. Some fights were of a good standard but others were inclined to be scrappy. The epee was fenced more thoughtfully than the foil and was therefore more enjoyable. On Tuesday, 9th November, L.S.E. Fencing Club lost to King's College Fencing Club 16-9. The ladies lost 6-3 to well-balanced opposition, but Miss Nicolle Grinstin was an asset to L.S.E., winning her three fights. The men lost 10-6 against very strong opposition. Robertson-Kcllie, fencing against his old club, won three of his four fights, beating Fisher of King's, British Junior Foil Champion. Brilliant won two fights against difficult left-handed fencers, and Clarke won one. The match was most enjoyable and the presence of Professor Rob-son, President of the Club, was greatly appreciated. -After the bad start to the season referred to above, the fencing team has steadily improved in every match fenced. Determination, high morale and team spirit, the latter a quality hard to obtain in fencing, brought just reward on Saturday, 13th November, when the team soundly defeated Southampton University 17-8. At foil, Robertson-Kellie won 4, Brilliant and Rocket 3 out of 4, and Power, a new member of the team, 8; the total score 11-S. At epee, each of the first three won 2; the result 6-3. The ladies, unfortunately with a weakened team, lost 2-7. It is hoped that the generally improving trend at judging and presiding, as well as at fighting, will continue as the season progresses. a. r. k. A.U. COLOUR SCHEME At the executive meeting on Thursday, 12th November, the Committee approved the awards of the following colours for the session 1953/54; CrickcL— Full Colour (re-award): B. M. Carnell. Full Colours: A. H. Pagan, (}. L. Harvey, J. A. Buttery. Half Colours: J. 'I'. Burrows. J. M. Maciejowski, AI. Samuel. Team Colours: G. Coe. Stvimming— Inill Colours: M. 11. Brecknell, J. Paunid, R. H, Smith. Half Colours: R. H. Burgess. Brawl with Policeman However, its aggressive tendencies were only fully realised outside Holborn Tube station when it became involved in a brawl with the policeman, who was astute enough to notice that it was only taxed until the 30th September. At this rate, carrying a full load, the running cost looks like being in the nature of five summonses to the mile. I have a sneaking suspicion that the police are trying to recoup the loss of revenue incurred by London students keeping the peace unusually intact on the first Friday of this month. An L.S.E. expeditionary force, consisting mainly of boat club members, made an epic journey to Lewes for the celebrations. On this occasion they managed to evade the attention of the local constabulary, which was just as well, because they did not come away empty-handed. Some of the more noble souls amongst them, after a night entirely devoid of sleep, went rowing on the Saturday morning and afternoon, and then went to the Mithras dance in the evening— which probably accounts for the reluctance to row on Sunday. Bumper Crop Down at sunny Chiswick-on-Thames the University boathouse seems to overflow with L.S.E. people on a Saturday morning. The number of people from the School on these occasions is probably more than sixty. Of course, what we really need is our own boathouse . . . This term's bumper crop of novices have now attained that degree of incompetency which justifies us letting them go out in eights. Although that is all that can be said for them at the present time we hope that by the beginning of December to have them fit to enter the Junior Division of the Winter Eights, even if they are not able to finish what they start. If there are still any people at L.S.E. who have not yet joined the Boat CHub, will they please get in touch with me through the pigeonholes. DENNIS BiZERAY. {Editor's Note.—This is zvhat the Editor considers good writing, especially in sports news, and we welcome^ further contributions concerning the misdoings of the .enfant terrible of the Athletic Union.) —And iha W.B.€ ! The women's Light IV travelled to Reading on Saturday to row against one of the women's crews. The opposition was very good, mainly because it had been expected that our crew would race there against a crew of the same standard as our women. However, the crew which went on the water against them was the Senior IV of Reading and therefore it is not surprising that the L.S.E. women were defeated by IJ lengths. The crew realised, though, that the experience of last Saturday's race will be very valuable this week when they take part in the W'omen's Winter IVs. Y.H.A. NEWS So far this term three outside events have been organised. In October a small but energetic party of ten disappeared to the wilds of Surrey for the week-end. Some members spent much of the first evening looking for the elusive hostel building at Holmsbury St. Mary. In future all members are advised to bring torches. Lunch on both Saturday and Sunday was taken in delightful country pubs at the historical villages of Ockley and Shere. 'i'he weather was surprisingly fine, but progress was hindered by a strong but exhilarating wind. Over several miles another enemy was the extremely damp terrain. This, some members of the Geography Dept. said, was the Weald Clay. I'hat strata has since had an especially significant meaning to members of the Club. One American member of the party got himself so submerged that he actually lost sight of his shoe when it left his foot. Fortunately it was safely recovered by use of deep dredging techniques. Enjoyable and Restful The second outing was a Sunday ramble in the Chess Valley area of Hertfordshire. L. S. E. members joined with the University group in a most enjoyable and restful day, although about 15 miles were covered. On Sunday last the newly reformed cycling section had their first run. This consisted of a small group which went up the Thames Valley as far as W'indsor and \^irginia W^ater. It is to be hoped that this section v\'ill obtain more support for their next event at the end of the month. Meetings are held at L.S.E. from time to time. The first meeting consisted of a series of talks, illustrated with epidiascope pictures, by members on their summer vacation experiences. Having achieved a moderate success it is hoped that more of the members' adventures will be related at another meeting of this type to be held next term, when holidays will again be in people's minds. A most important meeting for all members of the Y.H.A. is to be held to-day (18th November) at 6.15 p.m. in room 301, when the Chairman and Secretary will be among those of London Region Council coming to answer any questions in a " quiz " meeting. All members of the School interested in Y.H.A. afi^airs are invited to attend. Please bring along some questions, too. L.S.E. RUGBY FIRST XV Sports Results Rowing IVomen's Boat Club— L.S.E. Junior IV lost to Reading Senior IV by 11 lengths. Soccer U.L.U. Cup, \st Round— 1st XI V. Birkbeck (H) Won 2-0. Surrey Junior Cup, 2nd Round— 2nd XI V. Aquarius Reserves (H) Lost 4-2. 3rd XI V. Chelsea Poly 2nds (A) Drew 4-4. Rugby 1st XV V. University College (A) Drew 6-6. University Cup, 1st Round— L.S.E. 10 points, College of Estate Management nil. L.S.E. (A) 3 points, University College (A) 14 points. Swimming L.S.E. defeated U.C. in every event of their match. Water Polo—L.S.E. 7 goals. University College 2 goals. 10 Pts V College of Estate Management NIL This was a typical cup match, played in pouring rain on a muddy pitch. From start to finish the two packs waged war in a rough, relentless fashion. Beaver began witl). a rush, camping in their opponents' " 25 " for the first few minutes. Their backs attempted to open out the game, but soon found the slippery ball too elusive. Jones was injured and spent the rest of the match on the wing. For the rest of the first half Beaver found themselves fighting hard to keep on level terms. The forwards did not work together as a pack, while the backs tended to waste opportunities by bad kicking on the few occasions when they got possession. Several times C.E.M. went close with kick-and-rush, but at the interval neither side had scored. Herian Try After half-time the Beaver forwards really began to work together for the first time, and quickly took a grip on the game. Candlish was leading the pack well, while Burgess, at scrum-half, had his best game of the season. He dropped without hesitation at the feet of the opposing forwards and handled well when necessary. After about ten minutes of this half had gone, Herrian scored a fine try, receiving the fall fifteen yards out. Bullock converted. Play continued as before, even closer up and down the touch-lines, until nearly full time. Candlish picked up a loose ball near the line and forced his way over. Bullock again converted. In conditions totally unsuited to our customary type of play, the result was as favourable as could be expected. In the next round our opponents are University College. L.S.E. SWAMP U.C. In a swimming and water polo match on November 2nd the College team had its best result for tv^'o seasons. They beat U.C., who are joint University Swimming Champions with I.e. and Battersea and also runners-up in the University Water Polo Tourney. The L.S.E. team won every event. The backstroke event was won by Turner with Brecknell second; the free-style event went to Brecknell with Nicholls third, and Davies won the breaststroke. In both relays L.S.E. came home with a lead of half a length. In the Medley Relay after Turner and Davies had gained a slight advantage, a good swim by Smith on the butterfly stroke gave Brecknell an easy lead. The freestyle team of Nicholls, Smith, Tunicliffe and Brecknell was never threatened. Water Polo In the water polo, after winning the toss, L.S.E. netted three to U.C.'s one by half-time. The final score was seven-two, the goals being scored by Brecknell (3^ Turner (2) and Smith (2). The prospects of the team look very good this term. Winch, the new goal-keeper, played well in his first game. Burgess played better attack than last year and freshers Davies and Weston settled down quickly to strengthen mid-field play. 6 Pts University College 6 Pts For this traditionally tough mate with U.C., the L.S.E. team was cof siderably reorganised. The Un versity XV were without a match an this enabled Ray Bullock to come i at full-back. Captain, Malcoli Candlish, was away with the Uni versity Wanderers and certai changes were made amongst the fw wards with Cox playing his firs game as hooker. As soon as the game started U.C began to attack vigorously. Bein much faster than any other tear met with so far this season the quite often tested the defence to ii limits. Their efl^orts were soon k warded by a penalty goal. By now however, the L.S.E. team had set] tied down and the rest of the firs; half provided good, tough rugb:' with both sides often lookinj dangerous because of good threc-j quarter movements. ¦ Fine Try After half-time L.S.E. quickly; wiped out this three points deficit when centre G. G. Jones provided the highlight of the match. From an orthodox threequarter movement, " Gee-Gee " taking the ball at top speed, burst through a gap in the centre. He then ran through most] of the U.C. team before passing outi to Terry Ryan, 'who touched down! near the corner. Ray Bullock made a fine attempt to convert, his kick; falling just short. Both sides soon scored again] from penalty kicks. Tempers flaredj a little and Jones went off with an| injured head. Beaver played with renewed vigour during this period because of the hurt inflicted on a team-mate but Jones soon returned, refreshed anj revitalised by a glance at his girlv friend's photograph. Drop Kick In the closing minutes Ray Bullock just failed to make the game ? win for L.S.E., when a finely taken drop-kick from the touchline rebounded from the post. The Gentle Art Judo, the gentle art of self-defence, has at last come to L.S.E. This may set at rest those who have been alarmed at the thumping coming from the gymnasium on Thursday afternoons. From very humble origins at the end of the Summer Perm the club has grown considerably and its popularity has exceeded all expectations. Ihe club has been e.xtremely fortunate in having a Japanese postgraduate student at the School, Mr. Nakinishi, who is willing to instruct members. Mr. Nakinishi is a 4tli Dan of the Kodakon in Tokyo and is on the grading panel of the British Judo Association. As a result, L.S.E. has risen almost overnight to considerable status in the London University judo world and has arranged a weekly rendezvous of College Clubs at the Budokwai in Kensington. Grading Tests At the moment, most members are beginners, but progress is rapid, and the first grading tests for belts will be held in December and next term a fixture has been arranged with Imperial College. As a sport for everyone, of either sex, we feel that judo has few equals and, once breakfalling has been learnt, judo becomes not merely an art of self-defence, but an intriguing study in the balance of the human frame. Published by the Students' Union of the London School of Kconomics, and printed by Sales (Wright) Ltd., 3 Rectory Grove, London.'S.W.4.