ST. GODRIC*S SECRETARIAL COLLEGE for Administrative and Secretarial Careers Intensive Courses for Graduates for well-paid and responsible posts. Active Appoinments Department. Expert advice on careers and individual care. Resident and da/ students accepted . Special Courses in Administration and Hjnagement, Journalism, Advertising, Languages and Foreign Shorthands, Hospital, Library and Political work. Api>h'io: J-W. LOVERIDGE, M.A. (Cantab.) 2 Arkwright Koad, Hampstead N.W.3 Telephone: HAMPstead 5986 LiiiiRAttY n rer " for our love letters—Ed.) POST BAG squabbling and often sheer waste of time must be avoided if Union Meetings are to be useful. A typical example was last Friday, when a certain gentleman gave us a very humorous " oration " which lasted twenty minutes, then sat down, and very shortly afterwards challenged the Quorum, while there was still business to be discussed. Do not think that I am against' humorous discussion in Union-1 I merely feel that there is a place for it—at the end of the Agenda after serious matters have been discussed. Yours sincerely, john' m. goss. Keep the Ball Rolling Dear Sir, Might 1 venture to suggest that the title of the article by J.S.S. should have been " Behind the 8—Ball", as from his apparent condition, he was in no state to comment on the Commem. Ball. my friend E.J.T., who wanted to oppose my appointment as Senior Treasurer in the last A.G.M. I should have resigned then and there (before Union had confirmed my appointment) but I was not given a single opportunity to do so. Even at present all my colleagues criticize me, dump work on me, but never give me an opportunity to resign. I am going mad, mad, mad, and madder. I am sure this letter is no more pointless than most of those you print. Why shouldn't I get my name into Beaver by hook or b}' crook ? Yours, etc. .sldhash kamerkar. The Need for Sobriety? Dear Sir, There are many of the jear's freshers who, having sampled Union meetings, regard them as an excellent afternoon's entertainment, to be enjoyed when they have nothing better to do. In fact, the Private Busine.ss Section of Union ordinary meetings consists of matters dealing with the administration of the Union and Union Policy in student matters. What then is wrong with Union meetings? Surely some matters should be treated seriously when occasion demands ? Petty bickering. In fact, far from doing it justice, it is a disgrace that such material should be laid before the many (1 hope!) readers of Beaver—especially in other colleges, who might get the wrong impression, and so not buy tickets for next year's Ball. I hasten to point out that I do not lack a sense of humour, but ant afraid that some people do—and these will not buy tickets for next year's Ball, and so the Union might make a large loss next year on this function. This, apart from making a mockery of the hard work done by Ents. Comm., the cabaret artistes, and others involved, "^I'tiurs, etc., ii. ilkxdol'l'. February 16th, 1956. BEAVER 3 Evening Students There aren't many of them now. improved facilities for further education, correspondence colleges and the like have helped many a would-be evening student. But there are some left. They come in after most of you have left for home—they stay till the School closes. On some nights they have three hours non-stop of classes and lectures. They mostly take the same degree as you, though some are reading for diplomas, but they take five years over the B.Sc. Econ. ; A long time? Perhaps, but not RETURN by Marie Denham ,if you work all day, have about a 1 fortnight's holiday a year, and perhaps are married. You have to study during the w^eek-end if you want to get anywhere. One way and another there is very little time left for outside activities. Rerum Cognoscere Causas They come from all sorts of jobs -Civil Servants, teachers, business men, journalists, industrial workers, diplomats. Some are graduates, some study for pleasure, others for promotion. Mostly they stop work around 5—the earliest they can get to the School is 5.30; then a quick meal and work for the rest of the evening. One or two are lucky they manage either by scholarship or other means to become day students, the rest go on. Some study for pleasure and don't mind whether they take a degree or not. One said to me: "I won't get extra money or extra promotion if I get the degree. I am here for the pleasure of learning The age-range is between twenty-one and fifty-one. 1 expect some of the older students, and there aren't . many, are here to obtain what they were unable to have when younger [sfc]. Don't think it is easy, being an evening student. It's tiring coming in after a day's work—tempting to pack it in and go out for the evening instead. Many find it too hard and drop out oi the course— appearing only as figures in statistics. Poor Relations This isn't a belly-ache on behalf The Day is Past, But The Memory Lingers On ^ vvayoS of evening students, but sometimes 1 feel tliat many students seem to regard the evening student section as a rich man regards a poor relation—you know she exists but you don't mention the fact. Only when some candidate wants votes is much interest shown in their welfare, or in their existence. But evening students coming from so many walks of life, with much practical experience of life, are worth getting to know. Society Secretaries might find it rewarding to advertise on the noticc board. Some of those who THIS I HAVE LEARNT By the time she has reached the age of 17, a girl knows just a little more about men than that, in the Underground, they are the ones sitting down. With the passing of time and the falling of her arches, she accumulates a vast filing system of facts and experiences, of which the smug male is, thank heaven, blissfully unaware. The first tvpe a girl usually comes across is the Hunter. He is rather nondescript in appearance. His technique is simple: persistence and perseverance. He is unfailingly charming, punctual and attentive— and just will not be put off. He is always there, dogging your footsteps. Eventually he wears you down and you agree to go out with him. Little does he know it then in that moment of victory, but the end is in sight. A guaranteed method is to spend the entire evening prattling guilelessly and happily about your boy-friend. There is one thing to be said in favour of the hunter—once he has accepted his defeat, he can usually be relied upon to bccome a good and trusted SOMERSET RESTAURANT (151 STRAND) For luiccst prices and best value OPEN ALL DAY ally and he never minds being a stand-in escort if you are let down at the last minute. Sweet Kidding Then there is the Sweet Kid. You fall for him at first; he's so pleasant and charming, but then as you begin to tire of this steady even keel you discover his great fault. He will take all your insults sweetly, he is too nice to hurt, too boring to put up with, and too gentle to be got rid of. However you wriggle out of this problem, you still feel guilty, drat him! As for the (jreat Lover—he is one of the more common sorts. Easilv recognised by his immaculately combed hair and propensity for looking in ever)' passing mirror and glass window—he thinks he has the right to maul you after five minutes' acquaintance. He prefers the more public places, such as cinemas and pubs, for this demonstration of his affection, and if you refuse to co-operate he can't understand why, atid " cuts up nasty ". No Fate The Gold Digger is fortunately easy to recognise. His approach is simple—a mysterious telephone call during which he makes use of his one asset, an attractive voice. You'll know him at once, he says; he is 6ft. 2ins. and blond, he'll be carrying a newspaper. Heart thumping and high heels clicking, you hurry to meet this poor man's George Sanders—there is only one person carrying a newspaper—surely not him—short, portly and bald-—sorry but it is. He recognises you before you can make your escape, but reveals in his first five minutes' con- It is eight years since I left L.S.E. I had been back for the Graduates' Dinner, a nostalgic event, when the refectory looked unexpectedly stylish, and rather awesome. But this was the first time I had been back during the day in all the bustle of term time activity. It was while I was walking up Aldwych that the thought came to me, why not go back to the L.S.E. for lunch? I crossed over Kingsway and into Houghton Street, and then, feeling rather nervous and half expecting to be stopped and asked my business, I walked up the steps and through the swing doors. Even more notices and more people, more noise and more brief-cases than 1 remembered. I crossed the hall, the notices of advertised appointments were still there on the left. Why did I not think of applying for any of those exciting appointments, when I was job bunting in 1947? If I had the chance now . . But it was lunch I had come for, so I went up to what always seems the hub of L.S.E. life. And there it was, the third floor corridor. So many societies, the likes of some of which I had never heard. Latin America was represented, and the Scottish Covenant Movement; End there were the three Christian societies joining together in prayer for the unity of the Christian church. An improvement on some of my recollections. On down the corridor, and turning the corner, there was the queue for the refectory. The Powder Keg The refectory, I understand, is a delicate subject to discuss. I am not surprised. It always was a touchstone of trouble. Year after year I remember Union debates devoted to it. And so I queued to eat at what must be one of the most controversial canteens in the country. But the food was excellent: I was a post-war student, when there were scarcities, and diet was monotonous. Now it was luxurious by comparison. However, I paid 2/9 for it, whereas I allowed myself a maximum of 1/6 a day in 1946. Bourgeois Stronghold? 1 took a tray to a table by the wall where I could sit and observe. Opposite me there sat down a young man in a navy blue suit, a collar and tie, and a woollen have become day students are quite well known! So when you go out of the building, finished for the day, off to the girl- or boy-friend, theatre, film or Three Tuns, think of the evening student starting his lectures. They don't expect much, don't want much, but try to bring them into your student activities, give them a chance to participate—it will be worth it—and you also may be one after June! ! ! H. M. ilaftpum, Evening Student Liaison Officer. versation that he knows more about your father's affairs than even you do. Exit gold digger. Head of Clay 'The most disappointing kind are the Elusive Ones. For many a day you worship from afar. He is your god, your ideal—finally you get him. He is usually a great athlete and his conversation is full of victorious tales of how he captained the XI at school, and what he'll do when he gets his Purple, and, having finally got him, you just can't get rid of him—that is, unless he has a best friend. Best Friends are a type on their own—too lazy to find their own girl friends, they try to make passes while your boyfriend is washing the glasses. If he is attractive, go ahead; if not, get ready to shout—they're always cowards. The charming, witty bully is part of every girl's education. He is intelligent, well-read, sophisticated and charming. You really fall badly here, but never mind, the great day arrives when suddenly \ou couldn't care less, and your education is complete. Gentlemen (if you'll forgive the exaggeration), these are not rare blooms, selected blossoms from the overgrown garden of Life, but you and your friends in your more primitive element. One of these types, whether you realise it or not, you must be. If however you are convinced that you at least are a different tvne, the writer will be glad to meet you on our ground, no holds barred . . . but please leave vour best friend at home. gertrude weisrose. cardigan neatly buttoned up from top to bottom. In the L.S.E. re-fectoiy! 1 glanced down the table. There were three young men eaimg their meal and conversmg quietly. They ail had collars and ties on. Was I at L,S,E..' I looked about me, and for some time I could not see a single male without collar and tie. And then salvation came, an overseas student strolled by in a dark red polo necked sweater and a pipe in his mouth. I breathed again; after all I had come home. But even then I saw no corduroys. Is it my imagination to think that in general the students seemed more groomed, more conventional.' Has Bohemia really deserted Houghton Street ? On the counter when I took back my empty tray there had been left —accidentally perhaps—a notice of a Conservative Soc. meeting. T'he audacity of it! In 1945 someone would have torn it up. I collected my bag, and with a glance at the unfamiliar confectionery counter to my left, I emerged into the corridor again. The cafe tables in the small common room were new to me, but in the cloakroom the liquid soap still had the same smell. Someone gave me a card for a mass X-ray, and out of the window I saw the familiar clutter in the courtyard below. Why, when they have thought of so much, had no one yet thought of cleaning up the well? inspiration And then to my amazement someone wanted to sell me a copy of Beaver. But Beaver is a wall newspaper, the editor was a friend of mine. It was devoted to comic relief in the main. Not now—" That will be threepence, please", said the young man with a courteous smile. The " please" and the courtesy were faintly surprising. Somehow I think our 1946 manners were more brusque. It was while sitting in the tube, reading Beaver, that I thought of this contribution. Six printed pages, with photographs and advertisements complete, and the most exciting hints that the paper is considered—yes—¦" wicked " in some quarters—I just could not resist the idea of writing for it. LAB. SOC. DINNER Red Meat The most glittering occasion in the L.S.E. Calendar? The Labour Society's Annual Dinner of course, held in the Staff Dining Room on January 27th last, when Dr. Hugh Dalton, Prof. Tawney and Mrs, Tawney and Mrs. Harold Laski were the guests of honour of the Society. With some fifty members of Lab. Soc. present, ranging from Freshers to Post Graduate Students, with the wine flowing freely and a most festive board provided by Mrs. Ellis, we awaited the after-dinner speeches. With such an " Old Boy" influence among our guests, we were not surprised that the speeches dwelt somewhat on the past. Dr. Dalton, the principal speaker, especially took his Student and Lecturer days as his theme, illustrating his speech liberally with reminiscent tales. Prof. Tawney, who is Hon. President of the Society, made a speech perfect in both content and length for the occasion and Mrs. Laski, in her short address, dwelt on the changes that have taken plac •, especially in the Senior Common Room politics, since she knew the School. In view of the very festive spirit abroad, it s not surprising that I can't remember exactly what was said. The dinner was preceded by a reception in the Senior Common Room and ended with a rousing if somewhat off-key rendering of the Red Flag—a song heard rather less than of old within our walls to-day. s.s. 86 Kingsway, W.C.2 Holborn 2240 BI^AZEKl^ Outfitters to L. BAD€iES S. E. BEAVER February '16th, I9S6. AD FESTIAM YALENTINAM LOVE AND COLLEGE 'Tis said that women are forsooth Exacting, void of pitying ruth Delilah with deceitful smile The mighty Samson did beguile. My advice is crj'stal clear, Cupid's glance to men is dear, Don't ignore it, you may regret You weren't caught in the female net. There are some rascals puffed with pride; From out, t'would seem their hearts had died. No time for women, they're too slick, I cite one here Frere K*pp*st*ck. For not by robe the monk is made, Drink beer Bill, not lemonade. But don't be rash, don't date many Girls from Poland, or Kilkenny. Girls from Spain, and those from Poland Restrict your choice (like Monsieur R*l*nd). No matter what you say thereof I beg you not to scold or scoff Sooth, women's company enjoy For I extort you, be not coy. Your temper, college chores may rail But take some sport (like Maitre D*l*). A woman fair's a wondrous sight Like stars that gem the purple night; Ardent love makes men go hazy (Like Union's minion Seigneur P**s*y). Don't flash your wealth dear friends I prate, A mistress' heart to captivate. For fickle women's hearts are thrilled To see a good sized purse well filled. In final these few words I tend, " Love found, when young, your heart will mend." silenus. COFFEE HOUSES - A NEW STUDY E.L.S.V.S. What is it? The East Lanes. Student Vacation Society, of course! What does it do? It provides a means of satisfying the needs of all kinds of students from the Universities, colleges and institutes of higher education whose homes are in the north-east of Lancashire. The story of its existence and activity is of value to the vast majority of L.S.E. students because it provides a pattern which many of us could use to blaze a path of progress in our home areas. Work or Travel? To those who live outside the metropolis, the problems of vacation activities are often difficult ones. The lack of suitable amenities in our home areas tends to drive us to look overseas. Foreign travel, and indeed travel of most kinds, is beneficial to all, but an overemphasis on it by students can be unbalancing. In the first place our academic work, which is really the main purpose of the vacations, is interrupted. In the second, the cost of this travel often compels students to work for most of the rest of the vacations, and this in turn tends to spoil our vacation academic work completely. The general effect of all this is to make students work much harder in term time than they ought, which in turn prevents them from taking part in Union and society activities of all kinds and thus cuts down their chances of receiving the full benefits of a Llni-versity education. HAPPY VALENTINE PETER FLETCHER sends To all his lady friends A Valentine with lots of love and xxxxxx, And hopes they'll be returned By everyone concerned— It's your X he wants, not merely your best wishes. JAZZ SOCIETY Les Bradshaw and Colin Boulter wish to thank all members of the Jazz Society who voted for them in the Jazz Society elections and wish them all a happy Easter. A Possible Solution A possible answer to this problem of vacation activities is supplied by student vacation societies. There are now several in the country and one of the most flourishing is the E.L.S.V.S. The society was founded at Easter 1955 and already has over 100 members from practically every University in Great Britain. It draws its membership from seven tov/ns and their surrounding areas. A chairman, secretary, treasurer and three committee members are elected annually, as also are seven area representatives, one to serve each main town area. Its aim is to provide something for all the different tastes of its many members. There are two fixed society evenings each week during the vacations. The activities include choir, drama, play readings, lectures, visits and social activities of all kinds, including dances, hikes, revues and discussions. In the last vacation, for example, the societ--held two formal dances and several social evenings, during which the levue froup gave performances. A debate was held on the motion that '¦ This House wants a new year's RevolutionOur own External Affairs Vice-President was invited to be one of the principal speakers in the debate, and the House unanimously decided to have a new year's Revolution. The choir went " carolling" and raised several pounds for the Cancer Research Fund. A Sound Investment As a result of these activities many student friendships are formed, and members of various faculties and colleges were enabled to get to know something of each other's problems. The general result is a widening of the outlook of members and a decrease in the strain of adjustment between the environments of university and home, which proves fatal to so many students. Here we have the outline of a plan to revolutionise our vacations and happiness. It is a scheme which many enterprising L.S.E. students could carry to their home areas. It is a chance to prove that we are really progressive. For seven-and-six a year (the E.L.S.V.S. subscription) it is more than a sound investment, rill capstick. i should like to make it quite clear at the outset that I am well aware that Professor Robin Fox has already published the fruits of his extensive field work on Coffee Houses in a previous issue of this journal. Suffice to say that this study is meant neither as an amplification nor refutation of that classic, any overlapping being purely fortuitous. As most people are aware, there are three broad classes of Coffee Houses: the cool artistic, the purely utilitarian, and the escapist. Of the first class there are not many and they have the marked disadvantage of manufacturing on the vastly inferior Minimax machine. The purely utilitarian is really a development of the cafe and is confined to the area broadly known as Soho. It produces coffee from the Gaggia coffee machine or similar instrument; coffee invariably better than that sold in the first class. Its furniture, if it has any, is comfortable without being embarrassing, and the food is fresh and authentic. Escapism The third group is by far the most numerous and has spread from its Knightsbridge beginnings all over London. Here again the Gaggia machine or variants is employed but the coffee varies considerably. Quite often the raw coffee is of ,the wrong roast and grind, the milk is incorrectly frothed so that instead of the legitimate Cappucino with a rich head, white at the centre mellowing outwards to deep brown at the edp-es, a flat, insipid beverage is sold. In the more blatantly commercial establishments the milk is adulterated with a marshmallow substance in order to bolster its frothing qualities. Furniture and decor are, of course, the strong points of the escapist style. The creation of an SPOTLIGHT ON MIMI Regular readers of this column will no doubt be surprised to learn that there are a few personalities at L.S.E. who are not on Union Council, and a personality Mimi undoubtedly is. For those of you who don't know Miss Mimi Barnett, she is easily recognisable by her distinctive two-tone hairstyle and silver nails (for some rea.son lately unvarnished). She has been described as the Sally Bowles of L.S.E., a description she feels is most undesen'ed. Mimi comes from Liverpool and is studying law, but her previous career has covered a varied range of occuoations. P'or three years siie worked in a hospital and as secretary to a surgeon. She also spent a year at Glasgow taking a Domestic Science Course. Of that year all she says is " I didn't like laundering napkins ", but as a result she is an expert cook, her favourite dishes being risotto and spaghetti. She has been a scriptwriter for Radio Luxembourg's Penguin Parade (Kiddies' Corner) and a reporter for T.V, News in vacation time. Shake a Leg Her natural habitat here is the third floor bar, where you will find her talking shop, theatre and often philosophy; or the Three Tuns, where the room rocks to her " Spanish " dancing. " I wish I could shimmy like sister Mimi " is an oft heard remark. In addition to co-producing last term's Revue —The Dam' Beavers—she also appeared as Lady Robinson of Crusoe—a part which suited her talents admirably, but her preference is for production rather than acting. The theatre is one of her main interests but music, both classical and jazz, is another art in which she is both interested and knowledgeable. As she will tell you herself, Mimi loves people, and knows all the best ones! She also knows all the best restaurants in town, and is known to have a preference for the Savoy. In spite of superficial appearances, manv of her vounger friends have confided their troubles in Mimi and have cause to call her Granny Barnett. Mimi is a great feminist and has little patience with the trousered, Eton-crop type of girl. Her advice to them is be a woman while you're young enough to appreciate it. All these interests make Mimi a ver)' busy person but we understand that she does find time, amid all her other activities, to squeeze a boy-friend or two. No Lawless Love! You may by now be wondering what led Mimi to study law. For those of us who were surprised to find her in the law school she has explained; " I fell in love with a lawyer, came here to study law. He fell in love with my sister, and I'm now stuck with law." She takes her finals in the summer, after which she returns to the wider world. She is ambitious in her work and makes no bones about her wish to make money. These last years as a student on a small grant have made her resolve never to have to count pennies again. Mimi is not a member of any political society at L.S.E. but that does not prevent her from taking a lively interest in political affairs and in fact she frequently attends atmosphere, sometimes with coconut matting, by blocking up all means of ventilation, or low wattage light bulbs, is also important. Banjos, guitars and unaccompanied singing have become traditional in certain instances. The general impression created is sometimes 'V'ery good, occasionally fatuous, but usually imaginative and enjoyable. Suburbia There is a great variation in size, from converted coal cellars to spacious restaurants, and in conception from Hollywood romanticism to extensions of the Mother Hubbard Mixing Bowl theme. Location of course plays a major part in character forming. It is significant that as we move from the centre of town the only link remaining is the replacement by the Gaggia machine of the old chromium ship's boilers so essential, it seems, to the British catering scene, with nothing else changed except that the coffee is drinkable. A word about the history of the Coffee House. The first to appear was the " Coffee House," not inappropriately named, in Northumberland Avenue early in 1952. It produces from a British contraption but has maintained its unique character by regularly exhibiting ' paintings. The Gaggia machine itself was first installed in Britain at the Galeries Layfayette. From 195.3 onwards the spread of the new system has been enormous. From a combination of the Soho utilitarian—the Espresso machine and edible pastries, and the cool artistic clean lines, good colour schemes, and general unconven-tiality, has grown the escapist style with the addition of a general Latin flavour, imagined or otherwise, which has become fashionable since the Costa Brava and San Remo have replaced Bournemouth and Torquay as holiday centres. At the present time the novelty has worn a little thin; parakeets and wrought iron furniture no longer excite. A glimpse of the old order however, pink neon, chrome and plaster—still quite common—is enough to reassure the most hardened waverer. The exercise of a little blase opinion is of course an essential in the hard school of under-graduatemanship, but this little miracle in the British catering system can only be applauded. jim sharpe. the meetings of all the societies here. She believes that she gets a far better all round view by listening to what others are fanatical about. No fanatic herself, she leans a little to the left of centre, but is certainly no blind acceptor of " isms ". Her views of politics, as on any other topic, arc carefully considered views. But no one can come to know Mimi by reading a Spotlight. The real Mimi is too colourful a character to do justice to in print. Our best advice to you is to meet her yourself and see, or should we say pray ? autolyciis. LABOUR SOCIETY Chairman: Peter Fletcheh PUBLIC MEETING R. H. S. GROSSMAN on FOREIGN AFFAIRS Old Theatre, 4.15 p.m. MONDAY, MARCH 5th LIBERAL SOCIETY Chairman: W. C.\I'STick To-day, Feb. 16th, 1.10 p.m. OLIVER SMEDLEY (Lib. Candidate at W. Walthamstow) " Biinging down the cosl of Ih'tiit; " Vice-Chairman: Tom Dale Feb. 23rd JOHN ARLOTT Feb. 24th J. CRIMMOND, M.P. March 1st JEREMY THORPE These meetings are open to all and are in Room 301 BOARY 16TH, 1956. BEAVER L S.E. SOCIETIES No. 4 JAZZ ie years of effort of the Jazz iciety to foster an appreciation Jazz music in the L.S.E. seem have borne fruit at last. As mpared with last year's mem-4 rship of about fifty, the soci-I [now has well over a hundred inbers and new members are |)earing almost daily. This increase in enthusiasm has ;n reflected in the increased dvity by the Jazz Society and It main reason for this is the fact (at at last we have a Jazz Band, ipast attempts to form a band iie failed owing to a lack of Jisicians and of facilities for [actice. This year the band has a ill line up (plus reserves) and jiys every Friday to an enthusi-ac audience in the Three Tuns, (notable feature of the Friday '«ht Socials is the enthusiasm own for the folk music played by A Maddox and the skiffle group, •me people even say that the iiffle group is appreciated more iin the full Jazz Band and if so js is a good thing, because Jazz ;rings from American folk music ;d an appreciation of this can 3d to a better appreciation of Jazz slf. Leading Artists For the first time in the history (the L.S.E. Jazz Society the Old jkatre has been made available r Jazz Concerts in the lunch hour ¦id it is hoped that we shall be iile to bring along some of the ding British Jazz men to play at lese concerts. The Society also as meetings every Friday lunch :our in the Graham Wallas room nd here again prominent people in ie Jazz world come along to give SOCIETY talks and lectures illustrated by Jazz records. These sessions are always extremely popular and well attended. A full programme of such talks is being planned for the rest of the year and the Society hopes to obtain the services of some unusual and controversial figures. Though the past year has seen some great progress made by the Jazz Society, attemps are still being made to extend the appreciation and popularity of Jazz in the School. To do this the society needs even more members and even more facilities. Therefore the society will welcome any new members to help swell the ranks of the Society and help in its ambitious activities. LES. BRADSHAW. FREE CINEMA A fortnight during which the Dollar Almighty has thrust upon us teeming thousands of Mongols and Tartars and a Helen of Hollywood (all at fabulous expense) has mercifully provided a breath of fresh air with " Free Cinema" at the National Film Theatre. The rapid advance in cinematographic technique and presentation has unfortunately left considerations of artistry and intelligence far in its wake, and the more " colossal" the "epic", the more it is likely to be stifled by convention. The three films comprising " Free Cinema" were made for less than the cost of a T.V. News-reel, and thus unhindered by the " advantages " of commercial conditions, their directors have been GAZE AT YOllR MVEL kW CONTEMPLATE jke all Indian Yogis, I am ibout to ask this Union to self-ixamine its administrative and ^nancial structure. As a matter )f fact, this is another one of those articles in the current fashion of Council Members ibout other people's depart-nents, and I am sure this one s even more unwelcome than lie others. During the past few years this I'nion has produced literary genius-!S, excellent debaters, high-jrincipled agitators and impassion-:d fanatics. Each has tried in his jwn way to sway the Union on sues of AIESEC, COSEC, ISC, lUS and God alone knows what. !n my humble opinion, these matters Dmmand second place only, unless ire are to abide by the General IH'ill of Union meetings. These Meetings in fact constitute about jlO% of the total Union strength; :md apart from the Refectory boy-'cott meeting, I have yet to see a Union meeting truly " representing" the General Will of the entire strength. While members of mutual admiration societies, anti-•council societies and filibusters' ;clubs dominate union meetings, the administration of the Union is going to pieces. Efficiency is low, waste flagrant, and most officers do not know their jobs well enough. Union Services, which constitute the feature of the Union for the average member, are far below optimum effeciency. The Secondhand Bookstall Officer in '54-5, after a burglary, could neither state the exact sum of money stolen, nor estimate the outstanding liabilities of the Stall. New lines were un-lieard of imtil the Admin. Committee this )'ear started an investigation. Even now, only a primitive record is kept of daily sales of various articles on the Union Stall. Most other departments, too, are highly inefficient, mainly because of lack of adequate records and minutes. The Beaver staff, for instance, could not tell you the exact cost of a new issue, because they do not have a ready-reckoning record of costs. Waste is another characteristic of most departments. Last year, anyone opening the stationery cupboard in the Union office would be greeted by a debris of stationery, stamps and unposted letters. Stationery was purchased in dribs and drabs, and kept invitingly on open shelves for anyone to scribble on and waste. This year the situation has improved, thanks to an efficient permanent secretary and bulk purchase of stationery. But waste in other directions still swamps Union finances; the CMR and Handbook advertisements, for instance, are obtained through an agent who charges 25% commission. If these publications were to emulate Beaver, no issue of CMR would need a subsidy of more than £30. We await the results obtained by the new Advertising Department. Fundamentally, the cause of both inefficiency and waste can be traced back to the majority of officers who do not know their jobs well; and Council members are not necessarily an exception. One may feel sorry for the Junior Treasurer who did not realize that keeping £90 in a locker is inviting a burglary and contravening Standing Orders; but I have no sympathy at all for the Deputy President who remarked: " I can't attend the Finance Committee meeting; I am not a member" (June '55). SUBHASH KAMERKAR. SPANISH TRAGEDY LAW BOOKS \1-:ARLY 2,000 LATEST EDITIONS SECOND H.AND Special Announcement After 123 years at our present address, ue have now cxtentled our premises, which includc a Showroom of nearly 2,000 latest edition Text-bookvS; also a large collection of trials, Crimin- oloKv and Legal Biographies. Inspection invited — correspondence welcomed WILDY & SONS LTD. Law Bookseller.'? ant! Licensed Valuers since 1830 Lincoln's Inn Archway, London, W.C.2 Telephone.' Holborn 5160 Telegrams: Wilily's, Holbom, I^ndon The Dramatic Society are giving three performances of "Blood Wedding" by Federico Garcia Lorca on March 14th, 15th and 16th. " Blood Wedding" is a simple and violent drama, set in 1900 but in effect timeless. The people who play it out under the hot Spanish sun, tilling the dry earth, planting vineyards and bearing children are unsophisticated peasants. At the basis of the drama is the conflict between human beings and their destiny, unchangeable and inescapable. From the first it is dominated by the mother's dead husband and son, and from the first we know that it will end in death. The scene for this last tragedy of the bride and the two men who though fantastic seem as real and as integral a part of the play as any other character, the whole bound together by the power of the poetry. All the characters of the play are emotionally involved and because of this the whole audience and all humanity become involved as well. "Blood Wedding" has a tense and violent atmosphere, like that of a thunderstorm breaking, but with moments of great tenderness and simplicity, almost austerity. Most of Us are not prepared to accept as real any one who lives ruled by his passions, but to understand and come near to Lorca in this drama we must strip ourselves of all complacency and lukewarmness. The plajf's meaning is real and inevitable. JOAN BUDGON. free to express their personal viewpoints, which is reflected in the revealing clarity of all three. Funfair Background " O Dreamlanddirected by the co-producer of " Thursday's Children", Lindsay Anderson, is shot entirely in Margate's amusement paradise, the raucous noises of which provide the only sound. Punctuated by the maniacal laughter of a model policeman and various renderings of " I believe ", we see the commonplace sights of a glorified fairground—working models of gruesome tortures, Candy Floss, Housey-Housey with the monotonous chant of the caller, disillusioned charabanc, women overlapping small stools, and above all, the fascinated faces of wonder-struck children. This is a revolt against the visual platitudes of the usual documentary. Your critic being a " square", the merits of the second film, " Momma don't allow ", are evaluated by the more attuned ear of A.C. This is a film of an evening at the Wood Green Jazz Club which meets in the local, the " Fishmonger's Arms ". The aim of this film is to present on the screen a typical evening at a typical jazz club—which it does without condescension or comment. The essence of the film is simple and unpretentious and this is achieved by its being almost entirely unstaged. The camera has caught the spontaneous and uninhibited atmosphere of this club, portraying notably a Vv'hite-sweatered jiver who appears not to let up throughout the whole film. Both the photography and the idea of the film are completely unsensational. Traditional jazz lovers will be delighted to see and hear the music of Chris Barber's Band, the club's resident musicians. Poetic Treatment " Together" is a moving story of two deaf-mute labourers in the Dockland of London's East End. In the most ambitious of the three, Lorenza Mazetti, a young Italian artist studying at the Slade School, combines an essentially realistic approach with an almost poetic treatment of the drab greyness of the mean streets and factories of this bomb and poverty stricken area. The pathos of the mocking children is well restrained and they scurry over the bombed sites to the tunes of traditional English songs, which give way to a complete silence when the mutes " speakMichael Andrews, a painter, and Eduardo Paolozzi, a sculptor, play the main parts with feeling and sincerity, and the atmosphere of loneliness created by their condition more than atones for the lack of plot. The British Film Institute are to be thanked and congratulated for sponsoring the last two films, while the individuality of the directors of all three gave the hard-bitten Press Show audience the feeling of being present at the beginning of an era, and their applause was well earned. A.C. D.S.M. DRAM. see. A.G.M. The Dram Soc. held its A.G.M. on January 31st, a well attended meeting opening in some slight confusion. It was finally decided that the minutes of the last A.G.M. be read, the reason soon becoming apparent as they took only a quarter of a minute to read. At this point the President, Clive Bateson, announced that he was still open to suggestions. After a few suitable ones had been made, he went on to give his report (written by the secretaiy and vice-president), consisting of a review of the year's activities. The President was followed by the Treasurer, Barrie Radcliffe. Most of the non-paid up members seemed to be present, if the chorus of " Here! Here! " which greeted his remarks about them was any indication. Then the President presented a tasteful plaque to John Clemens as the member who had done most for the society in the past year. Summer Tour Any other business was called, and Roy Gardner dilated on the beauties of South Germany, both scenic and human, in talking about the projected tour for the summer. He also mentioned that in the present state of Union finances, there might be some difliculty over a subsidy for the tour. Other matters discussed were play readings and the possibility of Dram. Soc. taking over the Revue from Ents. Comm. The Chairman of Ents. Comm., who has a foot in both camps, strongly opposed any such move. Although this report covers a meeting which was very high spirited, the writer does not wish to give the impression that the members of Dram. Soc. are an irresponsible lot unfit to be entrusted with Union money. He only wishes that more societies would hold their meetings in the same spirit. A new Committee was elected. j.s.s. The Assistant Masters' Association THE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION OF ASSISTANT MASTERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS Founded 1891. Membership 18,500. Incorporated 1901. Membership of the Association is open to Assistant Masters teaching in Secondary and Public Schools. The Association is represented on the Burnham Committee, and on every important Educational Body. To INTENDING TEACHERS who enrol as STUDENT MEMBERS the Association offers CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and ADVICE on all conditions of service in secondary schools of types and many other benefits. The JOINT SCHOLASTIC AGENCY, the Appointments Board jointly controlled by the Headmasters' and Assistant Masters' Associations, offers special terms to Student Members of the I.A.A.M. The Association's works on the teaching of Science, Modern Languages, Geography, History, Commerce, English and Classics are available to members at reduced rates: other books in preparation. For full details write; SECRETARY, I.A.A.M., 29 GORDON SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.I. BEAVER February 16th, W LADIES AND GENTLEMEN BASKETBALL CLUB ON TOP hockey corne THE NEW PRESIDENT " The Most Difficult and Dangerous Problem of the A.U. is Apathy ..." — He writes Without the usual election campaign, John B. Elliott, a 2nd year B.Sc. (Econ.), walked in, as the only nominee, to succeed Lionel Simons as the President of the year-old Athletic Union. He walked in unnoticed to carry on the good work already begun by Simons. " Who is this Elliott from the blue? " some have asked. " Can he do the job? " others have inquired. Sportsman and Administrator Elliott, like any other sportsman, started his sports career in the Grammar School in Wales. lie left School and went to Germany for two years to make his contribution to the defence of Europe. During this time he became the idol of his Division, for he was a member of both the Divisional Boxing and Tennis Teams. He was one of the best XV in Rugby in his Division, and later became one of the B.A.O.R, (Germany) Rugby XV. With all these activities he was elected the Army Unit Athletics and Sports Organiser. He left the Force afterwards and had the opportunity of serving the country by representing Wales, along with others, at the Council for World Citizenship, You will agree with me, ladies and gentlemen, that in Elliott, the A.U. can look forward to a very bright future. For he packs in himself a great store of experience, both as a sportsman and an administrator. When interviewed by the Beaver, this is what John said; " I am fortunate to take over the Presidency of the A.U. after one of its most succcssful and enterprising years, which has had as its main feature the extra grant of £300 and the amendment (if approved) of the old constitution. These innovations will greatly facilitate the general running of the administrative machinery during my term of office, and I would like to express my gratitude to the retiring President. " The most difficult and dangerous problem of the A.U. is apathy, 'ot so much within the individual clubs, most of which are extremely well run, but in the general attitude towards the A,U, This does not imply that all members should take a keen interest in the A.U. as an administrative entity. But it does mean that members and especially executive members of the clubs should take an active part in the policy of the A.U. For instance, the pooling of information and ideas about trials and coaching at the beginning of the season particularly as regards freshers, some of whom find the way into first teams too late in the season, so that cup teams are necessarily disrupted. " One can ameliorate the position through tv/o important and correlated channels. "(1) The proposed increased space of the L.S.E,, where one could if the permission were forthcoming, feasibly install an A.U. lounge and library, table tennis and billiard rooms for general use, and another squash court which is badly needed in view of the popularity of this sport at the School. " (2) Via the next Quinquennium which begins in October, 1957, after my term of office is completed. But the next year will be implemented to keep the above issues and others to the foreground. " Complementary to these two main channels would be the arrangement of talks at the L.S.E. by leading sportsmen, and sport films, and improved coaching facilities, and a closer connection with the University Athletic Union, and its excellent facilities at the new Union Building. But it must be reiterated that the successful implementation of these schemes depends to an overwhelming extent on the support and enthusiasm of the clubs concerned." In the University League table L.S.E. are in a verj^ strong position at the top. Chelsea Poly, have already been defeated twice, as have U.C., who lie strategically in fifth place, whilst both Westminster College and Goldsmiths have been defeated once. Even if both of the J. B. ELLIOTT MATCH REPORTS L.S.E. 69—U.C. 30 The powerful, confident U.C. side, sporting their university stars, were given a nasty jolt and a devastating display of aggressive basketball by the L.S.E. "outcasts" with the solitar}^ university representative. The whole side played fine, fast and constructive ball, and however invidious it may seem to single out one player, Norman Dorsen must be mentioned. Not only was his play outstanding in the match, but the rest of the team benefited enormously from his coaching session of the previous evening. Team: L. Eplan, M. Schmeeple, A. Tite, N. Dorsen, B. Gifford, R. Romero, J. Trask, G. Boulby (Capt.). L.S.E. 68—Cardiff University 38 On Saturday, 21st January, the Celts from Cardiff invaded London, hoping not only to defeat England at Twickenham, but also the L.S.E. at U.L.U. Although successful at rugby, they failed at basketball. The home side were far too constructive for the robust Welshmen, and time and again finished a move with three L.S.E. men on two defenders. This resulted in an easy 68-38 victory. Team: L. Eplan, M. Schmeeple, A. Tite, B, Giflord, M. Villanueva, R. Romero, J. Trask, G. Boulby (Capt.). L.S.E. 47—Chelsea Poly. 24 This was a key match between the teams occupying the top two places in ihe League table. Consequently it was a dour struggle throughout, but fine refereeing kept the game well under control and faults were at a minimum, L.S.E. made many openings but failed to take advantage of them by slack shooting. This was probably due to the fact that a verj' light ball was being used, as everyone seemed BOAT CLUB REPORT Unaccustomed as I am to writing in learned journals it is with considerable trepidation that I take up my pen and begin this report of the Boat Club's recent activities. My predecessor, Dennis Bizeray, has a style so elegant, forceful and witty that I am disheartened by the comparison. First Class Firstly I must blow our trumpet. At the end of last term we entered for two events—the University Winter Eights Regatta and the Ibis Head. Our entries in the THE WORLD'S GREATEST BOOKSHOP POR. 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 Material and Tools. 119-125 CHARING CROSS ROAD LONDON WC2 Gerrard 5660 (20 lines) "k Open 9-6 (inc. Sat.) Two minutes from Tottenham Court Road Station Winter Eights were both scratch crews; however, the 2nd VIII performed remarkably well and gave their opponents, St. George's Hospital, a hard race. But they couldn't beat them, and St. George's went on to win the event. The 1st VIII won their way through to the semi-final but then went out to the eventual winners. But the most noteworthy achievement of last term was our performance in the Ibis Head, when, despite the absence of our four best oarsmen and despite the fact that more than half the crews had spent the night at the Annual Orgy in the Festival Hall, we were able to tie with the University A crew. Indeed, the University captain himself thought that we actually beat them! This truly magnificent performance, coming shortly after the much publicised occasion when we humbled the other University crew, sent our stock soaring and reinforced the conviction already strong in most people's minds that the L,S.E, 1st VIII is a really first class crew which can look forward to a very successful season. Gruelling Race Ahead This term the main event will be the A,R,A, Head-of-the-River race on Saturday, 24th March, This is a time race rowed over the same course as the University Boat Race; continued in column 5 return matches with these two sides were to be lost—which at the present time seems improbable— L.S.E. would still remain at the head of the table on points average. There are hopes that the League may be won without sustaining a defeat, however. Any wagers? affected. But sufficient of the chances were taken to give L.S.E. a respectable- victory by 47-24, thus consolidating their position as League leaders. Team: N. Dorsen, M. Schmeeple, A. Tite. B. Gifford, R. Romero, T, Mohammedamin, J, Trask, G. Boulby (Capt.). RUGBY NEWS L.S.E. XV 3 pts. Borough Rd. T.C. 0 At Berrylands on Saturday, 14th, L.S.E. XV kicked off, with the wind, against Borough Rd. Training College. The game immediately developed into a hard fought forward battle, and with the visitors' wing forward loitering with intent, the L.S.E. half backs kept play tight. Using the wind to advantage they worked the touch line well, getting into a strong position, only to be thwarted by a sound defence. However, the L,S.E. remained in the visitors' half, with the exception of occasional breakaways, during which period Borough Rd. missed an easy penalty. At half time neither side had scored. Against the wind, the game became a little more even, with neither side making much progress with three-quarter play. The L.S.E. foi-wards continued to play well against their heavier opponents. Good line-out play, and loose scrummaging, with D. Dwyer completely out-hooking his opponent, enabled the L.S.E. to dictate matters. During this half, both lines had narrow escapes, and after about twenty minutes, following a loose maul, John Cox went around the blind side, passed to D. Dwyer, who made the last few yards for a hard earned try. Honours for the game must go to the pack who played well against their zealous opponents, while good all round covering prevented dangerous situations; enabling L.S.E. to obtain a well deserved victory. Against" Wessex " On a dismal Saturday towards 4 end of January both L.S.E. teau journey to Southampton to playti University, or "Wessex", as iti commonly called. The retards arrival of the party, the murky ca ditions, and the fact that only ot pitch was available, soon made obvious to all four captains thati order to avoid playing in sem darkness it would be advisable i curtail playing time to forty minuti per match. The first eleven took precedenc in performing on a fairly green bi greasy pitch, and the game whic followed, though extremely closd contested, was slow and laborioit with few features of distinctio: and with little or nothing to com mend it to the non-partison spe tators. Up to half-time there was t score, and the second half turns out to be no more than a filthit repetition of the first, with tl difference that a " Wessex" fo: ward successfully placed the ba once in the roof of the L.S.E. netj ing. Beaver responded vigorous!;' were unfortunate in falling victic: to the offside trap, and left ft field having sustained yet anoth; defeat, A Fine Came The second XI proved to bee sterner stuff. Trundling at tim through patches in which a spaJ would have been an infinitely nto: useful instrument than a hocke stick, the defence held togetk tightly throughout and was beaK only by a flashing shot from Southampton inside-forward, whic goalkeeper Jones touched but coii. not clear. Thence forward L.SI pressed continuously. Brista, playing a remarkably fine gant chipped over the bar a sitter froi five yards; Bryan set the four mt' crowd alight with a forty yard so.| run which he just failed to ed,? past an advancing goalkeeper; am: then, a few minutes before the fin; whistle blew, Corbishley pusk home the equaliser from a penal; bullv. terence r. kemp. continued from foot of column 3 upwards of 230 crews take part ait it is a far more impressive spectae than the Boat Race. The 1st Vll" has been strengthend by the retui of our four trial caps, Mike Brevve our captain, Bert, d.wid ashbt. ATHLETICS-BRIGHT PROSPECTS University athletes are customarily among the season's earliest performers at this sport, and already L.S.E. men have been seen pounding the cinders at Paddington Recreation Ground, Parliament Hill, Tooting Bee and elsewhere. Outstanding among the club's new talent is Chris Suddaby, former Oxford Blue and Inter-Varsity 3 mile winner of 19SS. Chris's crosscountry performances, which have already earned him international selection this winter, give promise of great things when the track season gets into full swing. Trials are being held on 14th March to sort out other fresh talent, but we are still fortunate in possessing a large number of last season's top men. Chief among these is Tony Herron, who took both shot and discus in the U.L.A.C. winter meeting last term. John Millbrook, last year's Captain, and his successor, Howard Price, are both first-rate performers at a number of events, and each has already won representative honours, John for Tyrian A.C. and Howard as University Triple Jump Cham-[lion in 1954. A number of potentiall)' useful performers failed last season to find quite the form we hoped for, Jim Sharpe, for example, is quite [«¦ sibly the fastest man in the Uci versity, at least for 60 yards, might well approach even time i' he seriously attempted it. Join Sykes, despite his lack of inches, promises to become an outstanding middle distance runner, but las season failed to find form until th long vacation. Some interest is expected ti centre in the Mile Walk, where Keil Barber, of R.V.C., and Gus Moran of L.S.E,, keen rivals since theij school days, will be striving to beaj each other to the 7-minute milij achieved so far by only one othe' athlete in the country. j With individuals like thesJ L.S.E. hopes to have the nucleus( a really strong team. Last year w were third in the U.L.A.C. Chair pionships, and we are not withoc hope of improving on this. Especially encouraging is the fac that we still have with us oi brilliant 4 x 110 yards quartette o: last season—Tony Brown, Frd Brook, Jim Sharpe, and Mih Teitz. If these can more quicld; accustom themselves to passing tli; baton than they did last year, this team-in-miniature will undoubtedl) serve as a fine example for the club team as a whole. Annual General Meeting — February 23r