THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987


THE NEWSPAPER OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS UNION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Sherlock Holmes Centennial Page 6 Roy Jenkins
Kenneth Minogue
Page 8 Page 9
Divestment Takes Off
Anti-Apartheid Rally Success
Photo: Sunil Shah
By NICK MORENO
The Old Theatre was packed to capacity last Monday for the Student Union's Anti-Apartheid Rally. This alternative to the Open Debate Foriy^'i^lpvligti to the South Afri(iiH Anjbassailor ' included speakus fivin labour,-SWP and the ANC.	'
Chaired by the Rally was Wilcock, Gene said that the I t.i.'ii h ii1 Ijl ii i-m the verge t)f Iwng tlisgi.u-ed "The day a South AfriotB gov cw ment represerttaitvccomis. • s3j(f Pete, "is the	^feould <jU
decide to leave'. He wsnt on Js say thai the inflation Woi lolH had be( ii u^dlor pr(^i)ting potty carccis throtljdt plioncy pn.w conferences.. However, the iin.i-dcnt could be u^ed a starting point foi SJ«nedlmgi«ore positive' - a campaign for lSI; to sell its investmems in Sdufh \frica.
The lifsi OUtsidti speaker was Richard Balfc (Labour MEP and on the LSE CourTof Governors). He stated that the fight against apartheid had been going on within the LSE for a long time. At least ten years ago, the School had been shown by the Students' Union that they could invest outside South Africa without affecting profits.
Yet it has been difficult to rock the boat of the Court of Governors, Balfe added. Many of them come from financial institu-.,t)ons linked to South Africa It ^vas the same wich the British lipvernmcnt. I liatthcr, along West Germ.in\" iM'hi li.-l years blockid attempts by the ropean pai li.iinenf to ictions again^i §outh A!nc,«.
has been ni tjte face of ex'cn iUS admiiiistrafjon jmposfng ions. Balk- askfid why hai'i US Consiuss taken'suth i. Because ho said, ihcrefead 1 pressuic trom betev. :e could only be rtchicved In .mssAction from	not
Tfce most enioUoRal ipeeth £rom Amanda jKwatte. the LSB South African scholarship •Jtadcnt. She said that Ortty thwi. vfho had*, vperieneed aparthuid at Srst Nand could aodcrstdod hc»v\ jtleh. Apai theid was^'pful, evil "7aW°"'llpoitative. Sevcnty-ffvc thousand children had died last year because of malnutrition and twenty-five thousand were in jail, many of them students.
Amanda affirmed that many people were prepared to lay down their lives to see the end of
apartheid. All they were asking us was to give them support in their effort to change the system. At LSE, a broad front was needetl. By "jowmg hands" and formini» a 6roacl stadt nt front, we could develop the cohesion aiwl capatitv needed to^eliicve divestment, shti^rgaed.
' Ne\i sptvkc Bruce George,-"8t studeni who C88fJC Irom Soulh Africa m 1976- aod $ member <jf till. SWP, tie said that apartheid w,is till, most hJghjy refined .ni ot i.iiiaj Of>prC,4i08 <ind this was unqin.sBon<»bty to capuj^> jstn. 1 tiiopean asd Amciii.<»B cympamesinvestetilfi South \iri-ca but.aus<i of the tow wages .md <»n ab^l.^cc ol unions. The same people who pK^tttd from this wer^ tilOSc dwrt 'WCr? responsible for ttneidi^lo^^i and povc ' hue KamltSJR is found in tanv, Oeo^C iSajd. Hjough not os| the Sdtne scaIc <js IB SoutTi Africa it Stili had to be opposed.
StuafflH^roft^^^bour Front Bench Spokesman for Overseas Aid and Development, said he was glad that the Students' Union had seen Worrell off. Fie argued that South Africa's system was essentially the same system as ours. This was a system based on
the exploitation of class, sex and race by which global capitalism weakens labour in search of profit.
The only way to change South Africa was one man one vote - no other solution was acceptable. If the present government wouldn't act then the next Labour government would, up to the extent of direct support for the ANC, PAC and SWAPO.
The Rally ended with George Johannes of the African National Congress. He congratulated LSE students for making sure no representative of the South Africa regime put a foot in the LSE.
Worrall, Johannes said, was painted as a liberal by the media as he was going to stand as an independent against Botha. But how could he be independent standing for election in the apartheid system. Worrall was one of the architects of the new constitution which still left 24 million people without the right to vote.
The ANC had been struggling against apartheid for 75 years, he said. Apartheid had responded to the "35 Freedom Charter by arresting many of the ANC's k4dcrry-lji '6i>, jttci .i show trial, the/ were scBt<nced id Ions; prison semenciis in an t to defeat the Congresi forever. Afttr the Prewdent of ihtj ANC received vi^eMobel Pca^e Prize m i''6I it all pi-ai-eful t>ptjoTis had S^g-^xhausted. "Thal'was when .fe;3(iL^IC' had decided to turn to Orleans. As Johannes put it, were no more cheeks to
> ; Id&e time, he said, was growing near. Imperialists were getting ¦WfiTtetl, with companies going to tbis ANC and asking for guarantees. Biit what	the '^ever givea^^^f Meagre WLii not ANC II siuileatS }OHied'in the tihen victory coold be
I he Rally was an unqualified success. £130 was raised for the ANC through a collection. The staff and students who were present went away confident that their actions could affect South Africa and that apartheid could be defeated.
RAG 87 Starts Friday
By STAVllOS MMCKfS

United Student Front:
Friday, 13th February, sees laTmcb <»_f the I.SK Rag WwK 1987. Iliis year's events wiii. m run for'ten days, from rrid,!>: the I3tb to Sandijy. 22nd FcbruV ary,
*fh& ycar'i main beneficiary ts MENCAP Royal Socicty for Mem^ily Htrndicapptd Cb!ldret> and Adults), which witl receive 711% of the proceeds, while the SdUHji-related fund.s are ihose «»f the Nursery and the S£>nth Alri: can Scholafsliip AppcaK which: wiU both reeeivc }5"'<. of the proceeds.
fhc R;ig Comnuttee has het-n vi-orkitig hard vmee last term orgn-ni/ing evunts, eo-ordinatia^ Die effoii of individuals to that o! HalH of Rewdcnec and sodcfies while defining a new lifjproach to the problem of raising money
Acairding to Ni?cl Gutitey, RAG CwTiiitr, "Oje CSK » sjdty apathetic. Last year's campaign', fbt»ugh it broke the pre\'ious y^ear's lectwd. 'siill t>nly managed £A,WH». In effect what thdt means is that the average Cfjntribution per member ol the LSkF was only il (». The LSE has. the capabiluy to raise funds in the region <>f £2(',0fW>, it only the common elfott IS. tocu.%d and supported by the Ntudcnt body and the Schoi)! as :t whole."
This year's Rtig C'ommiitct ha"! had an open door policy, which in effcct meant cacb aiKi'every student had the n^ht, at)d "were welcome, to contrtbutc during the initial se,ssions of brain- stfumine. the peijod of plannuig and now the time of acti£m. StilL sadly few botheied to donat«f a little ortheii innc or some of their idea.s. Will the rest now find the wnlf and strength u* show their cc>mpas,sion by digging deep in their pockety to match the valiant efforts of the few? It itmains to be seen, fliere have l)ecn those eager to eritiei^e aiul object fit»w at the twelfth hour, without hawnc the courage t>r the conviction ot their ideas; those who, althottgb tltey have coHtributed nofeing, can object and demftad g^aarantecs or a "well-behaved" Rag. SKK i» xci-; 3
Countdown to February 25th
By MELINDA HAM and NICK MORENO
On Thursday, a motion was passed by the Student Union restating LSE's unanimous commitment to divestment. The new characteristics of this motion were that LSE should call upon a reputable outside organisation such as EYRIS to research into LSE's investments in South African related companies. This would shift the onus away from the students and provide statistics to the Court of Governors.
Another new aspect of the motion was to set a deadline for the next meeting of the Court of Governors on February 25. At this meeting they must agree to divest according to the Union's criteria. These are to divest in companies with 5()0 employees or more in South Africa instead of the school's criteria of 5% assets
in South Africa which was difficult to verify. If a decision supporting divestment is not reached then the Union will use Thursday's unanimous mandate to take action.
At the second meeting of the United Student Front For Divestment (USF), the new coalition of student societies and clubs interested in participating in the campaign, there was discussion about the forms of action that could be taken. Amongst the ideas put forward was a referendum, which would determine the extent of the support on this issue. But in view of the nearly unanimous support for divestment voiced at every student gathering, many of those present felt that a referendum would not introduce a significant new factor into the campaign and would only
be a misdirection of student energy-
Another idea was the building of a permanent shant^ town in Houghton Street to highlight the segregated townships where
blacks are forced to live in South Africa. The suggestion of a boycott of student services - such as the Brunch Bowl - was also put forward.
SHQENT M SI6N PEN), "DIVEST NOW.",
VELL/fTERW.L THE BOLLOQSfflE
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lUS Fff EXCUSES..
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It was decided that a banner would be displayed to countdown the number of days left until the Court of Governors meet. Demonstrations may also be planned.
The first opportunity students will have to participate in the Divestment Campaign will be to sign a petition, which will be presented to the Governors on the 25th February. This will show the widespread commitment of LSE students.
The USF ended with thirty or forty societies pledging that they will encourage participation of their members in further divestment action. The next meeting of the USF on Wednesday promises an even broader representation of student groups and an even more productive outcome.
©'
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987
NEWS
BEAVER
We must say No to vileness
On Monday, five hundred people turn up to an anti-apartheid rally that is the biggest political demonstration in most students' living memory. On Wednesday, thirty representatives of different clubs and political groups get together for a meeting of the United Student Front on Divestment. On Thursday, the Student Union's Divestment Charter is passed nearly unanimously by a packed UGM. Few can deny that the divestment movement has virtually exploded into action over the past two weeks. Divestment is already proving to be the political issue of this year and, if North American universities are anything to go by, it will continue to over-shadow all else until fiill divestment is achieved.
Divestment has the potential to grow into the largest student movement since the 1960's. Here is a political and moral issue which calls forth deep convictions from the mass of students of all different nationalities and backgrounds. What makes the divestment issue even more inflammable is that we are not dealing with the forces of an abstract and distant establishment, but with our very own school's collusion with the barbarism of apartheid.
The LSE supporting apartheid'? The idea is almost unthinkable. Yet we have some £1.7 million invested in companies with close links to South Africa. The Court of Governors has already stated that investments are not merely an economic decision and are thus subject to some moral guidelines. How does this square with our investment in South African related firms'? Look more closely and you will see that the unthinkable is true.
The LSE was intended by its founders to be an institution dedicated to social progress; it is now one of the pillars of support for what is probably the most reactionary and racist regime in the world. The LSE prides itself on being a training ground for future administrators of countries around the world; it is now furtively subsidising a regime that has been condemned by virtually every nation on the globe.
Is everything the LSE aims to instill in its students me hypocritical junk? Are we to go forth into life with the same cynical opportunism the LSE reveals in its investment policy?
Are we learning economics only to skillfully exploit?
Are we learning social administration to more effectively oppress?
Are we learning history in order to deceive people about the past?
Are we learning accountancy only in order to cook the books?
Surely not! Let us leave such baseness and corruption to others. We refuse to let our time at the LSE be an initiation into moral degeneracy of the most complacent sort.
The Court of Governors can get away with its despicable investment policy only because people are silent. Like a backstreet bully, the Court fears the public eye and it fears exposure. It prefers to implement its policy in darkness and in silence.
But we shall not be silent. We shall drag the investments policy of the school into the open and we shall shout and we shall protest and wc shall point the finger. When we intervene in the management of the school - and this only in the most extreme of cases such as over investments in Apartheid - our views must carry weight.
Our intervention and our activism would not have been necessary if the school had taken the decent course on its own initiative, but since they continue to adhere to their insidious investments policy, it has fallen to us to drag them out like a rat from a hole.
The Court of Governors will not be able to find the arguments to actually justify their investments in South Africa. The Court has no 'solid ground on which to stand; the only thing supporting the status quo is silence. The administration's only reaction can be to stonewall and to shrink from the publicity we will throw on the subject. If we expose them forcefully enough, they will eventually agree to change their investments policy.
The divestment movement inside the LSE is not the product of some student fringe group. It is an expression of the deep convictions held by students, faculty, and indeed by virtually all the people of the world. The heat on investments in the apartheid regime is growing and full divestment is only a matter of time. Therefore, we say to the Court of Governors: the days of silence and passive acceptance are over. You can run but you cannot hide.
Apartheid Whitewash
Dear Beaver:
Why has "The Beaver" seriously neglected its duty in exposing the real motives of those who invited the Ambassador? The invitation was NOT a question of free speech as they would like us to think, but one of simple opportunism and careerism.
There is a holocaust going on in South Africa. Every year thousands of black women and children die of malnutrition in a country rich in gold and uranium. Every year thousands of blacks are tortured, imprisoned and shot down in the streets simply because they want the right to vote in their own country. The South African government's atrocities are no less sordid than those of the Third Reich.
It is unthinkable, however, that anyone in the LSE would invite a former official of the Nazi government to defend the Jewish holocaust. Yet, the only difference between what is happening in South Africa today and what happened to the Jewish people earlier is that in South Africa.

BLACK people are dying. 1 am ashamed that some, in my own college, should find this notional difference significant. It is abhorrent that a small group of self-interested LSE students should enter the South Africail Embassy and talk to officials of the Apartheid regime, simply to promote their own careers at the expense of the liberation struggle. Politics at the LSE has recently become a game that mainly those with political ambitions and over-extended egos play. But until now, that game was always governed by some sense of morality. These rules were nonchalantly flouted last week by Iain Crawford, et al, for the sake of their own egos.
In a further twist to the political game, Iain Crawford wrote a letter to "the Beaver" a couple of weeks ago calling himself "the forgotten student" and complaining that there was too much political opportunism and massaging of egos at the LSE. We don't expect "great things" from our forgotten student, but how about some consistency?
Yours in disgust,
Avi-nash Persaud
Alliance and Worrall
Dear Editor:
There has been some confusion as to the attitude of the Alliance parties at LSE to any invitations issued to Dr. Dennis Worrall, the former South African Ambassador to speak or debate at LSE. At our meeting on 4 February the following statement was adopted as policy on the issue, and I hope clarifies our position.
1.	Each and every individual or group has the right to hold opinions and to discuss these freely, subject only to the constraints of laws against incitement.
2.	Free speech is a defensive policy, to protect liberties from oppression from the right or the left, and it is not a toy with which to play politics against anybody.
3.	Apartheid is obscene, and all actions short of the curtailment of legitimate rights and liberties are justified in seeking to end it.
4.	Dr. Dennis Worrall has, for many years, been the chief overseas apologist for the evils of apartheid and has systematically opposed all world pressure to force the pace of change in South Africa.
5.	The "reforms" which Dr. Worrall wishes to see would merely entrench racism in new constitutional forms and would do nothing to end the violence and injustice in South Africa.
6.	Thus, whilst any individual or group has the right to invite Dr. Worrall to speak or debate at LSE, we, the Alliance group, would not wish to do so, as his views are abhorent to the principles of liberalism and social democracy and we disassociate ourselves from any unauthorised uses of our name on any such invitations.
4th February 1987
Yours,
Malcolm Lowe
Hypocritical O'Driscoll?
Dear Editor
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the organisers, the speakers and those who came to the Anti-Apartheid rally on Monday 2 February.
I did notice the absence of some who claimed to support Anti- Aprtheid, such as our Senior Treasurer, Rory O'Driscoll.
On Thursday 29 January he spoke in favour of inviting the man who helped to write the South African racist constitution, Dr Worrall. Rory was willing to thus risk and greatly undermine the students" divestment campaign. He ignored the fact that we really ought to respect their wishes and not invite a representative of the racist Pretoria regime. He refused to see that allowing Dr Worrall to come and speak at the LSE would be an insult to the Anti-Apartheid movement and the people of South Africa who are alying down their lives to end apartheid.
Yet Rory claims that he is a strong supporter of Anti-Apartheid and the ANC! Why then did he not SHOW his support and attend the rally?
Was he ashamed of his anti-apartheid views and feared repercussions from his fellow right-wingers? Was dinner at the Brunch Bowl more important or can it be that he does not carc about the struggle against apar-
theid but lied to get himself out of a sticky situation?
Hypocrisy like that will not change the deplorable situation in South Africa - active support is what is needed frorn everyone regardless of political beliefs. I beg all of you to get involved and x;ontribute to bringing apartheid to an end.
Yours sincerely Helene Pickford-Gordon
Dear Editor
The UGM two weeks ago provided an excellent example of the Senior Treasurer's legendary ability to obscure issues by cloaking them in heavy rhetoric. It was interesting, however, that his undeniable talent for twisting language and manipulating people failed for once. And even his inspired speeches, interjecting strategic words at strategic points for example "free speech . . . ramble ramble . . . free speech . . . blah blah" failed to achieve the desired effect! I'd like to congratulate everyone at that meeting who saw through the rhetoric to the real issues that lay below, and voted to pass the two motions.
Yours sincerely Farah Ghuznavi
Overseas Neglect
Dear Editor:
The observation that overseas students - 45% of the LSE student population - are neglected and at the same time are not keen at all on LSE SU political and social life is a sad but undisput-able one.
But what can one feel when, after all, some overseas students decide to inform their British counterparts about their specific problems - and thus an effort is made to bridge the gap between British and international politics-and the columnist doesn't even manage to write a simple paragraph of a complete sentence on the matter!
I refer specifically to the Cyprus case, which surely deserved a better treatment "At the Union." After all, for those students who don't go to the Union meetings, the relevant column is a valuable means of information.
1 hope that in the future, overseas students will be more lucky than Cypriots were.
Yours respectfully,
C. Kazakos
Accounting and Finance Department
Examination Reform
Dear Editor:
I read with interest Professor Minogue's letter in issue 225 of The Beaver. Perhaps, having had the doubtful pleasure of sitting 15 exams at LSE both as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I might be permitted to add some personal comments?
Despite a very real interest in my chosen subjects, I have always bitterly resented spending my Easter vacation and all of the summer term reviewing for examinations which will inevitably be something of a gamble anyway. We do not, as Professor Minogue says, have "a whole year" to master our subjects - we have two terms of ten weeks each. Does Professor Minogue really believe it is possible to master four subjects with more than the most superficial veneer of understanding in that length of time, let alone to indulge in "creative thinking"?
I have, naturally, forgotten almost everything I have ever been examined on at LSE. What remains is far more important - I know where to look for relevant information, how to apply it, and who to ask for advice when all else fails. 1 have no quarrel with the teaching system here - on the contrary, my lecturers and supervisors over five years have been unfailingly helpful. My quarrel is with an examination system that exacts ten weeks of pointless revision from me in the name of academic understanding.
A sensible solution would surely be continuous assessment and "open book" exams. This might even encourage people to turn up to lecturers after the second week of term. No one would be at a disadvantage from a necessarily selective revision programme. Furthermore, with the time thus released, a motivated student might actually profit (instead of being penalised) by taking the time to read non-essential course material.
Such a system would not be perfect, but the present system of parrot-fashion learning as a sheer waste of time.
Yours sincerely,
Claire Davey Secretary, H302
A
lExccutivc Editor: Paul Klebnikov INcws Editors: Brian Boyd, Nick Moreno ¦Features Editor: Alexander Crawford ISoeietics Editor: Stavros V.S. Makris lArts Editor: Ann Henry ¦Music Editor: Dougal Hare ¦Sports Editor: Hendrik Meesman ¦Photography Editors: Sivan Lewin, Mark Moore ICopy Editoi-s: Ann Henry, Marita O'Brien Istaff: Nico Macdonald. Johanna Eigen, Paul Wood, Fiona Chester. Sunil Shah. | Julian Ozanne, Aaron Chassy, Nic Cicutti. Kazuko. Laurie, Greg Lane, Justin Jones, Ross Broadstock, Elisabeth Botsford, James Reeves, Mark Moore, Kate | iMeyrick. Mark Guest, Shirin Diamond. Kfir Yeffet, Chris Philipsborn. Sarah iBronzite.
Ispecial Thanks to: Alex. Judith and Lorcn for typing.
iKazuko and Laurie for layout.
lEdgar Whitley for his computer program.
lAndy Blakeman for managing the issue.
lOther contributors as credited.
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THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9,1987
COLLEGE SCENE
©
At The Union
By Elizabeth Botsford
Pete went on a freebee to Brixton to buy us a house. Mrs. Thatcher's dream of a home-owning nation is progressing leftward I see. Pete had the first of the last words on South Afn-ca. "The ANC - the great God, the only way" - that was not Mandela's message last time he was free.
Last week Phil Evans said we should not invite the South African
Ambassador to debate with us because "we already know what he's going to say". Perhaps the events snowed that he may have aired yet another viewpoint (albeit no more liberal) which would have helped us towards a clearer, more knowledgeable stance. Phil Evans did not show his face this week.
Socially-aware Sasha (who still appears to be going out with, (or staying in with!) Liz Wheatley - and don't they make a lovely couple!, and Sarah "Oh Mummy, look, I'm a wommin now, too) Pybus voted against Babs' parachute jump for MEN-CAP.
And talking of Sarah Pybus, Pat Hayes, one of the great public-school unwashed, has used daddy's connections to get a £20,000 city analyst job, despite failing his degree.
Somehow Hazel Smith got onto the executive She was not voted in - democracy is vindicated to fight another election campaign. When Ms. Hazel (surnames are a product of our paternalistic society, something Ms. Margaret is fighting to liberate us from) was on Lambeth Council, she was known as the "heavy" who used tactics other than intellectual arguments to win votes for Black,
Melinda Ham of the USF introduces the Dive.stment motion
The Vice-president of communications for Sussex University Union (sounds like rather a hierarchical system) complained about ninety job cuts which the university is planning. Another complaint was the Sussex move from small tutorials to large lectures. The students do not realize the marked increase in booze which can be consumed in such circumstances. Lectures can be slept through much more subtly than tutorials. Perhaps in years to come, Sussex students will be capable of challenging us to the Tequila drinking title.
The building which the sus-sex students occupied contained a fax machine which was used so extravagantly to send press releases around Europe that the. Union is being asked to foot a £17,000 bill. And they have the cheek to ask us to bail them out?
Nicarguan, Lesbian cripples. But that is to state the obvious. Ms. Hazel would never stoop to such methods as she would not be so cruel as to cause anyone any brain strain. For example, today she said something imminently forgettable.
Next week Nigel Guerney (Mr. Rag) will mandate Hazel (Let's be really radical and do away with titles - in fact, let's forget the whole name concept. Individual identity is so bourgeous. In socialism we all blend peacefully with the rest of humankind, the peaceful blending of Hazel Smith with JJ is a frightening prospect) to jump out of an aeroplane without a parachute.
Anthea Burton is sporting a very provocative hair-style now. She feels safe doing this now that Deidre has left. Personnel problems, my foot, she left because of unrequitted love for . . .
Anthea, whose cronies were notable by their absence from the Rag open committee, wanted guarantees of a non-racist, non-sexist, non-humourous rag-mag. Bit late, luv. If you had helped with some of the graft you would have known the rag-mag is already at the printers.
Nick Randell, the best General Secretary we never had, announced a 50th birthday celebration attended by Tony Benn, showing us what we'll look like in another fifty years. Now that he has managed to get contacts in the legal firm of the TUC, Nic "Legal Eagle" Randell has decided not to run for sabbatical.
Who is David Silk? He tried to beat Nigel Kilby in the Three Tuns and was banned. Colin feels lonely and not assertive enough to commit such thuggery alone.
A Canadian JAP with a nose job prioritized a motion of divestment. What's the most pre-velant disease among JAPs? MAIDS - die if you haven't got one.
The homosexual revolutionary communists then com-
f)lained of working class unen-ightenment on AIDS. Alex
"J'
"The Tory" ("He'll be a great speaker when his voice breaks," said J.J.) disagreed with him. As did Sasha, who exposed SWSS as anti-homosexual. The arguments majored on whether the Russian revolution was good or bad for gays.
George complained that the government spent more money on British Gas than AIDS. This is because more people have gas than AIDS.
Finally, ever such a sweet little doctor from the left-wing bank has started an "apoliticm charity" to help Palestinian individuals in their medical needs. This charity happends to be a sub-branch of the Red Crescent run by Fahti Arafat, Yassar's brother (Yes, P.S., I realize it was a wind-up). Her mature poise put all those student egotists to shame. The Jewish Society invited Friends of Palestine to a series of debates on the West Bank issue. Catherine Bruce, the great feminist now taking up the most sexist cause in the world, Islam, angrily shouted that this should not lave been a public invitation. 1 iloubt that she is the "political genius" which the doctor hoped for, who will come to save the Middle East. And the name of that Messiah was . . .
Rory has been beautifying his bureau. Beauty is in the eye of the office-holder. The 3 books on his reading list for this term are Machiavelli's "The Prince", a new biography of Thatcher and "First Among Equals", by Jeffrey Archer. In fact, the whole image is being changed. His Swatch watch has the legend "Arthur Anderson" written on it. So will he be joining his ex-colleague in LSE Tories, Andrew Tinney in the Big People's World? Anyway, Rory was the next person to have the last word on South Africa. "Dialogue, not death," he said, looking into the eyes of Liberal -i CND. A rumour of censureship ^ of O'Driscoll run by Malcolm = "Cradle-Snatcher" Lowe was ^ thereby quashed.	|
Why We Must Oppose Student Loans
By NICK RANDELL NUS and External Affairs Officer
This week is a week of action by the N.U.S. on the question of the introduction of government loans to replace the present system of student grants. The purpose of this week of action is to increase the awareness of students on the loans issue in order to build up support for the national demonstration on the 21st of February.
The reasons why students should oppose the introduction of loans are many and varied. The N.U.S., in conjunction with the National Westminster Bank, conducted a very thorough examination of the loans question in its report, "Student Loans, The Costs and Consequences", which was published in 1985. The report studied the systems currently in operation in Denmark, Sweden, the USA and Canada and came up with the following conclusions:
1.	Loans discriminate against working class, women, mature and ethnic minority students -groups already underrepre-sented in further and higher education.
2.	Loans penalize those going into higher education, despite the fact that society as a whole benefits from an educated and skilled population. (Graduates already pay society back for their education through the tax system.)
3.	Loans are far more complex and costly to administer than grants.
4.	Loans will force students to choose courses for the wrong reasons. They will have to concentrate on financial considerations rather than on what is best for them and society.
5.	Loans will cost the taxpayer more than grants.
6.	Where loans operate, students take far longer to qualify. (In this country. Industry would be starved of the talent it needs.)
7.	The banks are not prepared to underwrite a student loans system.
8.	There is little evidence that companies are willing to sponsor students as the Government suggests.
9.	A mixed grants/loans sys-, tem would simply compound the
worst aspects of both systems.
The final statement of the report was as follows:
'In light of the experience of the four countries studied, we consider that an education policy which maintains the highest quality of education, is efficient in the throughput of students, both in terms of the lengths of course and the percentage completing their course, offers equality of access, enables students to choose a course for academic reasons rather than be swayed by the need for later financial reward, and provides adults with financial independence from their parents, is best met through a system of non-means-tested grant aid. Whilst accepting that this option could be more costly, we consider it to be both cost-effective and an essential investment in the country's future."
Finally, we can say that loans don't work, and they have little support outside the current government. so how can we prevent the introduction of the loans system? The answer is simple -we must have mass support for the national demonstration on 21st February. So keep the date free and offer your support for a decent education system.
RAG Week
FROM PAGE 1
A well-behaved Rag - that is what the School wants. Every time the Student Body comes into conflict with the Connaught House, it has been apparent that while the School goes through the pretence of considering and making appropriate noises, they have finally stood their ground firmly. This is also true as far as Rag Week is concerned.
Following an incident a few years ago during which a Hit Squad member was injured, the School has banned Hit Squads. As a result, a very popular means of raising money has been denied the Rag Committee. It is true that Rag Hit Squads disrupt School either by attacking individual students or popular lecturers. This has always been so and it has come to be accepted by the authorities of the higher education system over the years. This is a tradition that is tolerated for ten days a year.
Rag Hit Squads arc an integral part of any Rag Week; they are a source of raising funds a means of amusement and an excuse to indulge in juvenile practices which should have been eradicated at primary school. But no student of the LSE will dare participate in one. Gone arc the days when the students of the school stood by their word. Where are all you Heroes?
So, just like all the previous years, this year's Rag will be carried by the heroic effort of the few; some are even prepared to jump out of an aeroplane in order to raise money - needless to say, they will be supplied with parachutes. But more of that later.
It is not too late to join the activities. Hall Social Secretaries are soliciting all the help they can get from their residents. Official forms are still available for those wishing to participate; as for the rest, all it takes is to dive into the depths of the tight pocket and come up with a contribution.
This is the time for action . . .
Friday, 13th February sees the "Saunders Rag Disco" kicking off the Week (hopefully without any horrors).
Monday, 16th February Question Time in the Old Theatre at 12 noon with a panel made up of John Walters (of the John Peel Producer fame), Polly Toynbee (of Guardian fame", Jeffrey Bernard (of Private Eye fame), one more guest "star" is to be confirmed.
Tuesday, 17th February International Food Fayre & Rag Revue. One ticket guarantees you entry to both - feast your stomach and your brain.
Wednesday, 18th February All Day Three Tuns "I Drunk the World" with the appearance of a Mystery Big Name Band about to be confirmed.
Thursday, 19th February is devoted to Hall events.
Friday, 20th February The Rosebery Rag Disco and official Pub Crawl of the Rag Committee. Anyone else interested in a Pub Crawl should contact the committee for the assignment of a route - some still left, but hurry!
Saturday, 21st February The Rag Ball with Boggic Brothers Blues Band and support.
Sunday, 22nd February 6-a-side football competition. No one team can include more than two AU footballers.
Other events organized during the week are: Street performances by the LSE Drama Society, Groups of Buskers attacking underground stations and city commuters, big assault on the City (Bank Tube Station) and the rumour of the return of Pirate Radio . . . And then there are those who will be making sponsored parachute drops. MEN-CAP can arrange the training, any more interested potential suicidical samaritans should contact Nigel Gurney.
©
THE BEAVER. ISSUE 257. FEBRUARY 9. 1987
COLLEGE SCENE
SOCIETIES CORNER
By Stavros Makris
Hot news, concerning one of the largest and most active societies •of the LSE, the Malaysia-Singapore Society. In celebration of the Chinese New Year a gastronomic extravaganza is being staged at the Empire Suite (Tottenham Court Road) on Tuesday, 10th February at 7.30 pm. The Programme for the night includes: 8 course Chinese Meal (Peking Roast -Barbecued Duck, Chicken 'Satay', Sweet and Sour Pork, Peking Style Spare Ribs, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Shaolin Monastery Dish, Egg Fried Rice, Singapore Style Rice and noodles). Afterwards there will be a Lion Dance (QMC), a Martial Arts Performance (Imperial College), a Cultural Performance (UCDL), and a Disco (LSE). Tickets: £8 members, £12 non-members, and you can still join the MSS! Tickets from Committee members or Paul Chong (President MSS, S3, Passfield Hall, Phone 387 7743).
And while on the subject of extravaganzas, my inside sources inform me of another big cultural offer to come. The Annual Variety Show and International Food Festival in the Old Theatre and A85 and A86, in the Old Building, on Saturday 28th February, which will include a Variety Show from 7.30pm to 8.45pm and the Dinner from 8.45pm to 10.30pm.
The Programme includes: cultural dances from the far-east and China, Africa, Europe, the Americas; musical solos from talented musicians and vocalists; sketches; comedy; fashion-show; lucky draw (the prize is an air ticket to France and book vouchers).
More than 40 dishes are to be tried. Food from China, Japan, Malaysia, SingaMre, Scotland, Britain, Italy, Cyprus, India, Pakistan, the West Indies, and lots more . ..
pro^ammes
Variety show r „ and food are prepared by members of the MSS and also members of all the other major
societies at the LSE, all contributing to this grand annual affair.
Now, to a more sober note, the LSE CND group present Rebecca Johnstone from Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. She is coming to talk to us at 5.30pm on Tuesday 10th (venue probably A506). Rebecca planned to come last term, but was prevented on account of being under arrest at the time!!! Everyone is welcome.
A Week of Action Against The War Preparations is sponsored by LSE Anti-War Society, LSE CND, and LSE Greens. The Programme is as follows:
Monday, Feb 16th in S600 at 1pm - Public Meeting: "The Danger of Nuclear War". Speaker from CND.
Tuesday Feb 17th in A40 at 5.30pm - Public Meeting: "The Nuclear Power Industry is Inseparable from the Nuclear Weapons industry".
Wednesday Feb 18th in S75 at 1pm - Public Meeting: "War Research in Universities". Speaker from C.A.M.R.O.C.. In A85 at 5.30pm - Feature Film: "Defence of the Realm". Thursday Feb 19th in A85 at 5.30pm a TV documentary; "The four Horsemen".
Friday Feb 20th in S421 at 1pm - Public Meeting: "The U.S. military domination of Britain". Speaker from Anti-War Society.
A meeting of the LSE Jewish Society in S017 from 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday, 10th February. Be there and be prompt. A highly recommended film will be screened "The Wave"; it is all about an educational experiment that went tragically wrong.
An educational experience that will not go wrong can be gained by joining the Parachute Club which is about to be formed. A course is being arranged from 23rd Frebruary and 25th (Monday and Wednesday evenings). The cost is dependent on the number of people attracted and it should be
1

about £65.00. Each subsequent jump is then £10 to £15. If interested, contact Lily Lysan at 487 4870.
The Jazz Society meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 5.15pm in L52 and the next meeting is Tuesday 18th Feb, when a talk will be given on Duke Ellington (with musical excerpts) and there will be a general jazz round up.
The Wine Society have a wonderful selection of "French Reds", which awaits your appreciation in the Graham Wallis Room, 5.30 to 7.00.
EGEE London colloques. During 4th to 6th March colloquia will be held simultaneously in 13 EGEE cities. London can send three people to each city. Representatives are expected to arrive in the evening of Tuesday 3rd March. Accommodation will be provided up to Monday 9th March. It is therefore possible to stay the whole weekend to explore the city.
Each city has its own topic to discuss. Amsterdam: "Defence Workshop". Barcelona: "Europe and its culture". Bruxelles: "How do we, the young, envisage the future of the EEC?". Delft: "Genetic Engineering in Ejirope".	Luxembourg
"Europe's position in the concert of nations". Cologne "European multinational companies and European Business Schools" (starting Sunday 1st March with Cologne carnival). Kiel: "Europe between East and West". Madrid; "European forests under threat from acid rain and forest fires". Milan: "A technological strategy for Europe?" Paris: "Political marketing in Europe". Strasbourg: "Business - which ajyjroach for Europe?". LSE E(iEE meets every Tuesday in S75 at 6.00pm — if unable to attend all interested can call Anne- Marie in M2-8 (Carr Saunders) 580 6338/9, or look out for the EGEE stall in the lobby of the Old Building.
The LSE Women's Group has already started preparing for the Internationm Women's Week (2nd to 8th March). The aim is to support two main themes. One of these is the role of South African and Namibian women in the struggle against apartheid, the other deals with the portrayal of women in the media. These will be promoted through exhibitions held during the week. Contributions of newspapers/ magazine cuttings are welcome and can be left at the designated place in the Women's Room. If you want to become more actively involved why not attend regular meetings on Tuesdays at 1.00pm. Examples of exploitation of women in the media at all levels are especially welcome.
In connection with the 'Women Against Apartheid' exhibition, clothes, shoes and tinned food collected will be sent to South Africa. Collections will be • held during Women's Week and there is a collection point in the Women's Room and in the Student Union offices. It is also lossible to meet the group on 'uesdays 12-1pm. This invitation is also extended to any societies which would like to help in organising the events of the week.
Ti:
Vox Pop
Divestment — What the School Should Do
By BRIAN BOYD and MARK GUEST
The LSE has over £1.7 million invested in companies with South African connections. Should the LSE continue the foundations of apartheid's economy? Or, should it divest? "The Beaver" sought your opinions.
Nigel Banner man,
thought that the School should divest and students should "put as much pressure as possible on the Court of Governors." He asked, "How can we allow ourselves to make money out of South Africa?" Nigel added that students should use any means necessary to persuade the Court of Governors to divest -"Occupation, the lot."
Ron Beadle, a third
year Government and History student, agreed that the LSE should divest and advocated that "The Student Union should attempt to gain widespread support for the divestment campaign." He added, "It appears so far that Rory's British Gas Scheme has been ineffective. If enough support can be buildt, the only option .worth considering is occupying the School." On the question of whether divestment is an effective form of action - "Yes, certainly. If the ANC think so, then who am I to question it?" However, he suggested that economic pressure on the South Africa was only an initial step. "I really don't know what option thej have apart from revolution."
Rachael Bray also
agreed that the School should divest and advocated "writing to the directors" but didn't agree with occupations and sit-ins, preferring to see "a great deal more student solidarity." Rachael doubted the use of economic sanctions against South Africa - "I don't think sanctions are the answer; it will cause a lot of hardship to Blacks."
Robert Storrie, a third
year anthropology student thought the LSE should divest, but he was not sure how students could put pressure on the School. "There's not a whole heap we can do! The School seems to be too financially oriented." He was not sure if divestment would help to improve the situation in South Africa, but he suggested that "Increasing internal violence ..." with more support within the country would help to bring down the regime.

Haider Ali, a second year Monetary Economics student, thought the LSE should divest and that "Avinash's actions so far have been entirely correct." He said he would ". . . pledge my moral support" to any action that would help to persuade the School to divest. On the whole, he agreed that economic pressure was a good starting point regarding pressure on South Africa.
CAPSCAN Ltd
Part time work, flexible hours
on Computer terminals (iood Pay in a Pleasant atmosphere
Contact Lynda on 828-2355 Assets House 17 Elverton St LONDONSWIP2QG Photo captions:
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987
COLLEGE SCENE
0
L'S'E'
By J.J.
"I know you think you know what you said, but are you sure you know what you meant?"
Just when I thought the old LSE as I knew it was getting ready for its wooden overcoat, the rectal muscles of the corose twitched, and shit hit the fan. The shit was South African, the fan was the Left.
The outcome is by now history, but before it starts to collect dust, a few interesting after thoughts. Looking back, do you remember the wise words of Phil Evans, who asked in the UGM the point of inviting a man whose views we already know. Well, well, so Phil knew on Thursday the S.A. Ambassador was going to defect. Maybe Gypsy Lee Evans will predict your exam results next .. . that's of course once he's removed his feet from his mouth!! Also, if Phil did know of his defection why did he still want to stop him? Equally ridiculous (in retrospect) were the Swizzo posters calling for a picket of "Botha's Apologist".
However, every flock of headless chickens has to have a cockrel to lead them. Cometh the hour . . . cometh the Wil-cockl! Two O'clock the UGM ends, 15 minutes and a read of the Constitution later, in comes the claim form for two forests worth of paper to launch the campaign to stop Mr. Worrall (possibly) announcing his resignation at the LSE on the
Monday; can't have him making speeches like that, can we?
Following the England cricket team's revival, surprising early morning news is nothing new ... but Friday morning's announcement of resignation was something else. Was it a set up? Peter asked. While Peter and the Left wondered and worried over revenge attacks by tree-lovers, and what to do with thousands of picket-less pickets, Ian "I've got an ego and I'm going to use it" Crawford, and the Scottish Super Scab went to "Botha's" for elevenses. Meanwhile in the "Beaver office" the old kulak re- wrote another front page.
After a quick chat and arranging an expenses paid trip to Jo'burg, the LSE's two favourite jocks returned, bringing news of a 4pm "Press Conference", unique in LSE history if only for the lack of "press"!! By 3:45pm, Peter had clearly had enough, and busily checked his diary to see if it was April 1st after all. At 3:50pm he cracked and said to Steve Bantoft (Quote), "If you've called it off, there's going to be trouble." So
you did want him to come after all Peter? When 4pm did arrive, Peter placed his other foot by his molars, accusing Super Scab of wasting everybody's time and (Quote), "pretending to invite" Mr. Worrel. Point one - he didn't waste everybody's time Peter, only yours! Point two - it appears Peter was only upset because when the Right visit a foreign embassy, the ambassador resigns and the PM calls an election; when Peter writes to an embassy, they screw up his letter and put it in the bin.
One final item of news totally unconnected with Dennis Worrall. Chariz Gonorrhea gets January's "Popular as a dose of Clap" Award for services to the LSE. Master-debator Gonorrhea, or V.D. as he likes to be known, was horrified to find Jonathan Putsman entered in a Debating Competition representing the LSE. Inflamed, V.D. tried to have J.P. thrown out of the competition, despite Jon paying the entrance fee out of his own pocket. Quite rightly V.D. was told where to go (the Clinic?). Sadly however, V.D.'s irritation wasn't over, being knocked out early on by the team from the Vanessa Redgrave College for Ridiculously Slow Learners. Luckily though J.P. wasn't ejected by V.D., as J.P.'s team beat the field and won the competition for the LSE.
P.S. Dawson Uber Alles!! P.P.S. Has anyone noticed that Imogen Tarantula looks like Elizabeth Botsford (or vice versa)?
The Delegated Rosebery Hall
Report
Another Rosobery week fades into obscurity - it lived down to expectations admirably. Rumour has it a library somewhere near Portugal St. has brainwashed our residents into regular attendance and worship. Connections between The Library of Economic and Pohtical Scientology, and the Unification church are being investigated. The bar was rumoured to have sold a drink on Thursday, though by Saturday more than 3 students had rejected the teachings of Lionel Robbins -the Tequila party had stirred the usual over-indulgent rumblings -Lascivious Wassails are not near to these alcoholic degeneracies. Chris Redman, aspiring Hall president, was back on form, found under a lampost on Roscb-ery Avenue. The Salvation Army was contacted, before the notorious vagrant was recognised. He was carried back to a warm hall to introduce us to the contents of his bowels - a rc-cycled Tequila party was held later. Raj, (officious, arrogant and hugely popular) was on hand to show Kerry and Eric how to clean up sick on their hands and knees, while he supervised.
Perhaps if our own bar was to stock alcohol the problem could be contained. Two botles of Pale Ale were spotted on Saturday, but couldn't be sold anyway, as there was no change in the till. Hmm. work on it. Brian! ... .
Does anyone know the West Ham score last monday - Steve and Kay seemed very upset, but surely 6-0 was a fabrication. "Who is Ken Davenport, anyway?"
A strange girl with a boy's name met me excitedly tonight. Valentines Day approaches and she seems determined to make as much of it as possible, perhaps Dodgy Con-man ("it's really love this time") Hanby will provide

the lewd and disgusting details after his secret valentine game. Valentines are asked to submit to regular sexual harrassment for a week, with the possibility of a free drink if they can guess who their slimey assailant is. Possibilities are limited - "apply to Con-man Horny" is a sure fire deterrent to his desired female participants, and anyway, where will they buy the drinks? Is IVlr. Handy perhaps hoping to live off immoral earnings?
On the subject of value for money, where-did Graeme get his perm? A friend of the author's can recommend a very cheap R.C.P., hair stylists.
Election campaigns are moving fast as we go to press. Did you know: Miranda has an "A" in maths and economics? Steve Base is universally loved? All postgraduates think Marko and Kuria are unfit to govern? Lucy was head prefect of her school? Jane is the most unblemished candidate in hall history, but likes to see more clean shaven ankles. Michael D. has decided not to
honour us with his fine political acumen in the coming year - is he instead concentrating on his superior snooker ability?
Incidentally, where are Lucy and Diccon these late nights? How did Sean (Panda-boy) Con-noly fall down the stairs anyway, and who chose his pool partner? Was Rob really seen not wearing black? Why does Steve Base have women's underwear adverts on his wall? Does Teddy really like talking about sex? Does Kay like West Ham? Does Syd Matherson like the Smiths? Why did Katie have black roots put in her "naturally blond" hair? Why did Andy Peebles become a probation officcr?
These questions and many more still remain unanswered. The Ministers of Information N.B. Chris Bunting is ill . . . Ha ... . please stay in your room. N.B.(2) The Rosebery rag busking band (inc. Syd) is ready and waiting, are you?
N.B. (3) Willing 1st years needed to waste time slagging people off in future reports . . . apply 643.
THE
PASSFIELD
HALL
REPORT
Surprise, surprise, a male first year's hall report has actually found its way to the Beaver's office without being "lost" on the way!
Shock of the year! "Pinnoc-chio" Tim has started taking showers much to Buzz's delight - Who's the lucky female, Tim? (Sweet revenge, Timothy, eh!?) Planning permission for a bath to be installed in the kitchen has been turned down by Morris on the CTounds that the continuing late night revelry may disturb the residents of the main building!! (However, it might at last give them something to talk about!) Megalomaniac Chris "Blackleg action slacks" Marspen has finally achieved his goal with a position on the Exec (look to your laurels, Rory!).
The term has also brought about various clothing transformations: Kev's new trainers (about time, too!); Red Ed's yuppie cords; and amazingly "Vogue-Boy" Ben's purchase of another new suit. (No wonder we never see you in the bar!) Not to mention Chas'appear-ance at the limelight of Nigel's cricket trousers (tres chic?) and last, but certainly not least Grandmaster Greavsie, who gets bags more Buzz at Burton's! (What a well-dressed chappie! But we're sure we've seen that shirt somewhere before!)
Henders arrived "at the top" in style, christening the toilets, not to mention outside five floors of the annexe! Whilst "at
the top" there was a fifty pound Lagernauts win for Spike (Wordsworth eat your heart out!)
Just in, the confirmed alcho-hoUc of '86 has spent the whole of '87 to date on the wagon! (There's hope for us all!) The rumours about Marion have intrigued the authors, not to mention said female!?! Legendary rock star "Milly" has been spotted on the front row of all first year maths lectures to date! (We're sure Mick Jagger wasn't this keen!) And our sympathies go out to Dave! Any abnormalities of character may be accredited to Pete "Boring Bob Dylan" Rose's gating guitar solos! (Earplugs for Dave would be a nice gesture, Pete!)
In the authors' opinion, however, the highlight of the week was George Michael's much-belated reappearance on the box, or was it the appearance of "El Presidente" in the common room! And a hot outsider for all you punters out there is Paul Smith for the pool competition, Minnesota Matt's jinx player; as long as Paul keeps on drowning his booze with orange juice! (Are you sure you can taste the vodka. Smithy?)
On a serious note, two of our American friends were involved in an unsavoury incident at the Marlborough Arms. So still remain vigilant in all the local pubs!!
Anyway, would Pete the American refrain from wearing that goofy hat at breakfast, and does anybody out there actually read Canadian Ken's odes to life! And Eton rifle Josh; one doesn't go t'mine, one goes t'pit! We'll "have yer talkin' proper" by the end of the year!
Happy supping . . .
Lots of love! (It's that time of year, y'know)
George and Andy, Young Guns '87!
Carr-Saunders Hall Report
A predictable odour has once again descended upon our little community, a symptom of election fever. It is better termed "bullshit". The sight of candidates pleading the altruistic spirit as their motive for standing was very touching. It couldn't be that the guaranteed place in Hall or Flats next year had anything whatsoever to do with their standing? Of course not.
Nevertheless, all would-be social climbers struggled desperately to out-bullshit their opponents with ever-increasing electoral promises. But surely Henry must nave been constipated when offering everyone trips to Amsterdam for £15 a head!
The battle for Hall President reached new heights of condescension when Ross complimented "nice" Lucy on her clean campaign. It remains to be seen if Ross's idea to increase interaction amongst postgraduates by organizing Trivial Pursuits tournaments in the bar will appeal to their superior intellects. Meanwhile, Paul Wakefield secured his place in Hall without having to excrete at all, through lack of opposition. Well, at least Jo will have somewhere to stay overnight next year.
"Steady" Eddie Barber lost the election for Treasurer to Angela by a mere whisker (pun), despite the considerable efforts of John "Snotty" Watson, who could be seen stalking around the Hall during election week with his shrunken cardigan, bicycle clips and ulterior motive. Eddie, Rob, Snotty and Fish-Flaps were last seen heading in the direction of
the LSE Accommodation Office. Good luck lads.
"Birmingham" Bob's victor as V/P of the Flats should soon double glazing and hot showers installed in the aforementioned buildings. You've "Bob" Hope. Upset of the week was caused by Rob and Jose's election as Social Sec. Did Jose's absence from the campaign have anything to do with this result, we ask ourselves?
By now, we are up to our knees in that unmentionable substance, so now for the gossip column. Several interesting questions have arisen.
Who was Paul "The Schnozzel" seen chatting up outside the "yorkshire Grey last Monday night? Does Kate Harris really fancy Nick Moreno? Will the Monday night saxophonist ever get to meet Alison?
Is it true that Mr. Pool has announced his engagement to a certain female, vital statistics 6 ft. by 3 ft., green with 4 legs? And are the rumours true that Shippo will only get his flute out for Lucy?
Is Abigail really seeing Tory O'Drunkard, or will Ray "The Brother" Bradley make his move? Furthermore, will Ray be amused by the fact that he is banned from the C/S complex?
Can Harold ever be more than just an undertaker or Zac's sidekick? And finally, will Eddies-tone EVER leave Carr-Saunders and go out into the REAL world, or will he be wrapped in cotton wool for the rest of his life?
Geoff Dykes
Room 103
(I can handle the stick)
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987
©
FEATURES
Sherlock Holmes
By SAM MITHA
1987 marks the centenary of the publication of "A Study in Scarlet" in which Sherlock Holmes made his first public appearance. This feature shifts the spotlight from Holmes to his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
What were one described as "chilling shockers" will ensure that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is remembered long after the other famous writers who have lived in this century are forgotten. His literary output was prodigious, even by the standards of his age. He wrote more than fifty books and hundreds of short stories and articles. But even he knew that it would be for the four novels and fifty-six short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes that he would be remembered.
Most writers would have been content to have created a character half as popular and durable as Sherlock Holmes, but not Conan Doyle. There were times when he loathed the literary creation that had brought him celebrity and fortune. Conan Doyle's antipathy towards Sherlock Holmes was due to his feeling that his detective stories diverted attention from his more important work. His novels "Micah Clark" and "The White Company" had led critics to hail Conan Doyle as the finest historical novelist since Sir Walter Scott. These novels became more successful after Sherlock Holmes made him famous, but they never achieved the fame of the detective stories.
Conan Doyle's father, Charles Doyle, was an unsuccessful civil servant who had become an alcoholic and suffered from mental illness. His wife, Mary, raised their seven children on her own. She was known to her children as "The Ma'am". Sur Arthur, her eldest son, recalled "The Ma'am" as having the bearing of a duchess, but the hands of a char-* woman. Many Doyle was well-read, and such a good story-teller that Conan Doyle claimed that he owed his talent to her example.
It was at Edinburgh University while studying medicine that Conan Doyle came across the man who was to serve as the model for Sherlock Holmes: Joseph Bell, his professor of Anatomy. Conan Doyle said that Bell "was extraordinarily quick at detective work. He would look at the patient; he would hardly allow the patient to open his mouth, but he would make his diagnosis of the disease and also very often of the patient's nationality and occupation and other points, entirely by his power of observation." Conan ' Doylebecame an expert at applying Bell's methods and at following his reasoning.
Conan Doyle went into private medical practice in Portsmouth after getting his degree. It was a risky venture, given his lack of capital, and it failed. He was only able to survive because of his true vocation, writing. Among the novels he wrote at this time was "A Study in Scarlet": Sherlock
Holmes and Dr. Watson were born. It wasn't immediately successful; Conan Doyle had difficulty in finding a publisher for it. It was eventually published in "The Beaton's Christmas Annual" of 1887. He received £25 for it. Sherlock Holmes became famous after the short stories featuring him started being published by "The Strand Magazine". With Sydney Paget's inimitable sketches, the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr Watson captured the imagination.
The publicity generated by Sherlock Holmes stories guaranteed success for his other work. He tried (by raising the price) to' stop writing the detective stories to concentrate on work he considered more worthy. But the stories were so popular thai editors were prepared to pay whatever he demanded. Conan Doyle soon became wealthv.
In 1893, at the end the second series of the hugely successful series, Conan Doyle tried to murder Sherlock Holmes. In "The Final Problem", Holmes fell over Reichenbach Falls to what was implied to be his death while wrestling with his mortal enemy. Professor Moriarty. His fans were outraged. Many wrote angry letters to Conan Doyle. Young men in the City went to their offices with mourning bands tied round their hats. Foreign correspondents based in London reported Holmes' disappearance as a real event. But Conan Doyle was an uncomplicated man; he couldn't understand what the fuss was all about.
His family life was precious to him. When his first wife, Louise, was found in 1893 to have consumption and given only months
to live, Conan Doyle rushed her to Switzerland for treatment. He built a house in Hindhead because he was told that the air there would be good for his wife. His care prolonged her life, for she lived until 1906. Because she was an invalid, he had to take care of their two children on his own. Conan Doyle had been in love with Jean Leckie since 1897 and he married her the year after he was widowed. But his code had not allowed him to abandon his ailing wife or to make the womsn he loved his mistress.
At the age of forty, Conan Doyle volunteered for service with the British army fighting the Boer War. When the army put him on the waiting list, he went to South Africa at his own expense and served as a doctor. On his return to England, he wrote a controversial book about the war. He aslo defended Britain's conduct of the war after the publication of pamphlet condemning alleged British atrocities.
He wrote several novels, and the popular Brigadier Gerard stories, before he finally gave in to demands for the revival of Sherlock Holmes. But he made it clear that the new Sherlock Holmes adventure preceded the tragic events in "1 he Final Problem". "The Hound of the Baskcr-villes" became Conan Doyle's best known novel. When it was serialised in "The Strand Magazine" in 1901, there were queuesat its offices and bookstalls; and bribes were offered by readers who wanted advance copies.
In 1903, the newly-inspired Conan Doyle received an offer of $5000 per Sherlock Holmes story from an American publisher -provided that he could explain away the incident at the Reichenbach Falls. He replied with a postcard saying "Very well, ACD." The public response to the serialisation of "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" was staggering; the scenes at the railway stalls were worse than anything at the bargain sales, and the queues at "The Strand Magazine'"s offices were longer than those at any theatre. Conan Doyle never tried to suppress Sherlock Holmes again.
As the "biographer" of the world's greatest detective, Conan Doyle was often approached by people in trouble who wanted him to get Holmes to intercede on their behalf. He investigated some criminal cases where he thought there had been a miscarriage of justice. By applying Sherlock Holmes' methods and using his own public stature and literary skills to publicise his results, he obtained the release of two men, one of whom had been convicted of a murder he hadn't committed.
On the outbreak of the First World War, Conan Doyle founded a civilian defence force. This was so successful that twelve hundred towns and villages asked for copies of its rules to set up similar bodies. The volunteer force wasn't exciting enough for Conan Doyle and so, at the age of fifty-five, he applied to join the army. He couldn't get into the army, so he served his country as a propagandist.
Conan Doyle announced his conversion to spiritualism in 1916. The loss of his son and brother during the war, and the death of his mother in 1921, led him to intensify his psychic experiments. He spent £250,(XK) in advancing the spiritualist cause. His lecture tours in America and Britain attracted large audiences. People wanted to see the creator of Sherlock Holmes - even if they had to hear him talk about spiritualism to do so. Conan Doyle's advocacy of spiritualism eroded his public stature. The public lost its respect for him after he published a book called "The Coming of the Fairies" on the basis of a manifestly fake photograph of "fairies" at the bottom of a suburban garden.
He kept writing until he died, mainly about spiritualism, but also an occasional Sherlock Holmes story. He was superseded as a writer by those who had a less straightforward view of morality and a different attitude to the Empire. Although he lived in 1930, he remained a Victorian at heart; and the world passed him by. He mellowed towards the end, and admitted that Sherlock Holmes had not prevented him from doing better things. Just so, because Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, with the game afoot, are the most wonderful testimonials to a writer imaginable.
"The European Gay Review"
by ALEX CRAWFORD
A new quarterly review has made its appearance on the literary scene. One would think that all important cultural minorities are widely represented through specialised publications; it therefore does come as a surprise that no english-language literary review devoted to homosexual writers existed until now. However, this void has now been filled with the founding of the "European Gay Review", the first issue of which has just been published.
In an interview for the Beaver, the editor and publisher of the European Gay Review (EGR), Salvatore Santagati (who is currently a post-graduate student at LSE), developed his views on what the EGR should be: "It is an English-language European gay arts and current affairs publication which publishes articles of the highest standard by leading European and other writers. We are confident that our readership will be broad-ranging and will include both gays and non-gays alike."
The contribution of homosexuals to European art and literature cannot be ignored. Leonardo, Caravaggio, Proust, Wilde, Gide, Genet and many others are not known as gay artists, but simply as artists. One of the reasons why their homosexuality is so often minimised is because the artists themselves chose to refer to it in very allusive terms. They often preferred to be seen as representatives of the cultural mainstream of their time, and their homosexuality was frequently very difficult to admit.
Today's generation of gay artists and writers look at their homosexuality in a different light. After the Gay Liberation Movement of the 1960s, complexes and the fear of gay ghettos were abandoned. But some countries (such as Britain) have not adapted themselves to these new circumstances, and still live under archaic legal systems. "One of the aims of the EGR, says Santagati, is to expose current gay issues through investigative journalism of literary quality." The second volume, to be published in April, will include a feature on "Amnesty International's refusal to take the Human Rights of Homosexuals seriously". AIDS and attitudes towards the disease will also be explored in the near future.
C
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987
FEATURES
By NIGEL KILBY
It couldn't have been further from a church - the warm, comfortable hotel room contrasted very favourably with the typical image of a cold draughty chuch, half full on a rainy Sunday morning. As one entered the room, nametags were issued, red for guests (i.e. myself) and black for those people who had already completed their course of "The lif!g,^|:a^^|^^,one of the
ner telkfesas. Now dpa't me wrottg. I'm not taJkiog about or'scii-iitoJogtsU or aiJ^hiapf that bnf li no Ihe have l)ecoin? far
' The eveuang I attended was 'pmeA «po» the concept of Dra-Dsfi's.^etejaniner (head vicar) hisleeture in traditional •Aiximkm style - a rapid entry #3m rear to huge and rap-The English
middle classes whooped and cheered. John (first names only, folks) proceeded to inform the congregation of his theories on the drama's. Apparently, people live 4 types of drama - either Blaming, Pleasing, Conniving, or Avoiding. He then proceeded to pull people form the audience who define themselves as any of the above. The audience seemed shocked at how he was able to tell them about themselves; no mean feat, you might think, but hardly any different from telling « lirenaan that h# puts out fi»^ rides in a fire Tlje	proceed^ aiOBg
Ibw thm does it work? My enj;^srife& ^tablished that one b^sic induction eOuisse of 1-3 dsty weekend at a liftftdon hot^. undergo S 8«S?i0ttS of	Each ontfe laste
tft ISin whicli yott aife cfejoed alcohol, cigarettes " *"	' crutches Uie.
process is alarmu.^^ IJBF 56 techniques
the interrogation of suspects by the police. They are persuaded to believe that they have huge personality problems and are encouraged to break down their problems by a series of processes (which involve the analysis of personal problems). The trainee is then informed that he or she can use these processes to make themselves happier and more satisfied with life.
The technical details, however, are no more than a good combination of deprivation com-bipied witfe. suggestion (both of cause, and cure), anyone to make lEWraliMlgments on the validity of Ibw or the many other similar available. However, consider !3ie following: Most pe^le now accept the death of ireiigiofi let its church-based sense; itaiinply doesn't conform to	lifestyle and plays a
}kaiite4 foJo in modern society. There is, however, still a great a crutch - the gap /filled at the more
extreme ends by groups such as the scientologists and now world famous moonies. These groups, however, are too extreme to appeal to the larger population, nence the establishment of such groups as life training, etc. To knock life training merely for being a religion substitute is not valid. All people need some type of crutch in life, be it cigarettes, alcohol, football; the main criticism must be of the methods it employs.
, The- Li£e;T^aiaed mdividual aeems cabn. almost comatose. At any criticiam they retreat into	<}f
and seem mtabfe tO «ven accept the possil^l^ Uiafc they have been canned. Th^ trot out key words - "narid-taJk, process, THE life	etc. This
phenomer^ is '^sat0 easily explained by Otd Iriend, Pavlov. Key	Inserted into people's taiads send used as escape rqsatoS. real problems often the fami-
lies and loved ones who can feel a sense of loss as the individual completely changes in character, seeming to develop a costly obsession with Life Training (initial course cost - £250, exclusive of food or accomodation). Futher courses are available (for a fee, of course). As a parting note I relate the sales pitch of the Life Trainer. "I'd really like you to come on this next weekend (cost £80)," reminds me of my favourite teacher at school asking us on a school trip. Well,children giggledi'V«a^%r'^b^ >Skccess potted
sol«t*«ji ~ m risk, vs^nries. Just d& ytm processes Bs-
to ,3?e«|^^ainen feat wlwt^ver do, listen any tm-lile-trajawsd person you meet. It'U	<^fcnd them).
$0tnew1>0r« in Galilee, a star rose SibOTO old city. It wasn't the ho^jr «taa"* It was the Coca-cola holy star whidbi-oaly cost £5 an hour ia look at. Makes you think.
Scientology '- A Sinister Organisation
Tfee otheif I was walking inf " "
Court ibad aR«P a ss^on In Senate	wissai a Bendish
but deceivingly pleasant voice whispered "personality test" in my ear. I was immediately dragged into a shop and sat down with a piece of paper and a ridiculously long questionnaire.
Other victims sat nearby, humbled and worried, struggling with the mind-boggling questions. Occasionally one would raise his hand, and a strident female voice would demand to know what he wanted. With the pretence of helping, she would rush to the victim's aid with a pencil and fill in a few questions for him.
I told them I thought the
qu^tS.O»S -VPere ridioijioas Bttid pointai <Hit some of tbe more basic	to IHS itind of
survey, f stili	know the
sinister reality of who these people were. I thought they were doing a survey on depression, or something.
The questions were presented in such a way that it would have been very difficult to honestly tick any but a single option on each question - varying degrees of yes or no. How could anyone answer "no" to questions like "Do you ever feel depressed, even occasionally?" or "Are you wearing clothes?" or "Do you smile at people?"
In a dictatorial tone which put me in my place like an obnoxious child, the woman
said, *I
^Qu must. be. a

' ki$''

*
' *¦

Photo: Joe Pfeitfer
sstttden.t or sojse-
aaswer tae
1 meekly bowed my head and completed the incredibly boring and repetitive questionnaire. Having completed it, I triumphantly shouted "Finished!" and got up to leave.
But No! they hadn't finished with me yet! 'They wanted my name. I lied. They told me to go and sit in that little room over there while they drew up a "personality graph" for me from my questionnaire. I started to say would they be long because really, I had to go, but I was firmly propelled into the room and told to sit down and watch the film
I saw a man undergoing some kind of teaching whereby he learned to say what he had always secretly wanted to say and thereby become a fuller person and had a better life. 1 wondered politely what they meant by "fuller person" and "better life". He claimed he had acquired the ability to control others and be on top, not to feel that he was always doing what other people wanted against his wishes.
How he achieved this, I didn't understand at all, but he assured me it was all available to me, too, if I simply sold my soul to the Church of Scientolo-
g.y-
I began to understand what was going on. This wasn't a survey! I was being brainwashed! No wonder they were so nasty! Had I been American I would have known they were Commies, but I used to be a Russian spy, so I recognise them when I see them.
I came out, dazed and only half a person. They told me in reassuring, honeyed tones that they had analysed my test and the interviewer would see me now. 1 sat down in front of a man who informed me that I was basically a good person but I was a victim of manic depression in some areas of my personality. The Church of Scientology could help me to become a better person and lead a fuller life.
Obviously these two are interchangeable and reversable. I was learning fast. I told him I had lied on the personality test and I had never once written anything that could possibly lead him to think I was depressed, ever.
Shocked, he demanded to
know if I was a pMosophy student or soiDjetliittg. I attempted to ask hifia a few questions in return for	him my
answers but ne ahsolutely refused to discuss the validity of the test, the methods of conversion, and the Church of Scientology itself. He hastily lead me out of the interview room and to the freedom of the street.
On my way out I saw some poor, deluded sod forking out ten quid for a bible marked "Dianetics". His face bore the expression of an enlightened one coming out of the wilderness.
I couldn't even feel sorry for him. I was wateful to get out alive. The black man who had interviewed me, who was sup-
posed to be able- tc people and «ituati<^ and calmly" w^ leokiftgai me xvith fear attd feathmgK
I extracted a copy of Nietzsche's "The Anti-(Jhrist" from somewhere in the depths of my bag and strongly recommended it to him. He looked as if he was going to spit at me, and I ran for the shelter of Goodge Street tube.
This horrible experience left me feeling I had a mission to warn all students who frequent Goodge Street tube to beware of those Soul Snatchers, the Evil Cult on the corner, the Scientologists. DON'T LET THEM GET TO YOU!
Lots and lots of love,
Anna


^	i-M
Photo: Joe Ptciffcr
©
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987
FEATURES
Roy Jenkins; The SDP and the Ugly Sisters
Interview by CHRIS PHILIPSBORN
Mr. Jenkins, 66, is one of the four original founder members of tlie SDP which was established in 1981. It was from him that the idea for a centre party originated in the late 1970's. He was elected as leader of the party in 1982 but stood down in favour of David Owen in 1983. He was president of the EEC Commission from 1977 to 1981 and held a number of senior posts in the course of his career with the Labour Party, including Deputy Leader of the Party 1970-72, Home Secretary 1974-76 and 1965-67 and Chancellor of the Exchequer 1967-70. Mr Jenkins has represented Glasgow, Hillhead since 1982. He was educated at Abersychan Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford.
is the outstanding example .. . I think Private Secretaries and
Press Officers very much get put into the front line of partisan battles which they should not be engaged in. She expends the reputation of other people in a dangerous way. I think West-land and MI5 have gone together as far as that is concerned. The .. . most important light which it shines on her methods is that there is in both cases a feeling of disimilation of the whole truth not comong out .. . you do have this combination of leaving behind this trail of disimilation accompanied bu an assertion of great self-righteousness. She is a very self-righteous Prime Minister."
Mr Jenkins' small but comfortable office is approachcd via a very busy - chaotic may be a better word - room containing three overworked looking people going about SDP business. Mr Jenkins himself appeared busy bu unruffled in a dark suit. He is a genial and approachable man with a soft drawling and distinctive voice.
I began by asking him what light the Westland and MIS affairs cast on Mrs. Thatcher's style of government.
"Westland and MIS are not exactly similar events obviously but I think there are certain features in common between them. The MIS case, cumulatively with Westland, does shine a considerable .. . and in my view a very critical light on Mrs Thatcher's methods of... running a government. I think that they indicate that she is very careless of other people's repu-tatuions."
I asked if Mr Jenkins was thinking of the civil servants involved.
"Yes, thougn 1 am to some extent thinking about ministers too, I am in a sense more concerned about civil servants. I think she is a very dangerous person to be too close to. I think Mr Leon Brittain found that, whether he'll admit it or not and obviously Sir Robert Armstrong
Secrets in Government
Were there too many secrets in British Government?
"There are far too many secrets which people try to keep, they don't always succeed. That you do have, which I think is particularly undesirable, is that you have leaks from the top or from very near to the top -undoubted calculated leads -accompanied by prosecutions of people who may be technically guily [or] who don't behave in a particularly desirable way. You have prosecutions lower down for things on the whole . . . more menial than what is done high up. This is a particularly undesirable hypocrisy."
Britain and the EEC
Mr Jenkins is uniquely qualified to speak on EEC matters, having spent four years as president of the Community. I wondered what his views on the EEC were. What were the arguments against Britain's withdrawal?
"I still beleive it was overwhelmingly right to go in. At any rate we are in. It would not begin to make sense to come out for three reasons. Firstly, almost
S9% of our trade goes either to the Community itself or to the ¦ countries around it ... with which the Comrnunity has free trade arrangements, all of ' which would have to be re-negociated. So we would temporarily put at risk 59% of our trade. We could renegociate some things but we would have to start a bit from scratch. Secondly you could absolutely say goodbye to most inward investment. Not that that comes from the Community, it comes from Japan and the United States, but it comes to the United Kingdom - in so far that it does which is quite substantial - because we're insede the Community and if we were outside there'd be no question of a non- European coming here. Thirdly and much more importantly is that by coming out we would take responsibility for striking a really very severe blow at the whole balance of Western Europe which has been about the most dangerous area of the world for the hundred years up to 1945 and which has been an area of great stability for the last forty years. To start disentangling this would seem to me an immensely dangerous and irres-ponsibe thing to do. All the arrangements are to some extent interlocking . . . You can't totally separate the Community form NATO. You can at the edges . . . but broadly speaking, so far as the main countries are concerned, the arrangements - as Spain realised very early - are interlocking.
European Leadership
I put it to Mr Jenkins that there did not seem to have been an occasion when all the member countries had ever unanimously agreed on anything. As the writers of "Yes Minister' put it; "The EEC is just like the United Nations. The more members it has, the more arguments you can stir up and the more futile and impotent it becomes.'
"I think that the statistics are a bit better than that. I don't think political cooperation has maintained its momentum, it may even have receeded somewhat. Certainly, while I think that it is overwhelmingly in our interest that we should stay in, nobody could say that the Community has had a particularly glorious record in the recent past. There really hasn't been any significant move forward in Europe since the European Monetary System (introduced 8 years ago) which we're not fully part of anyway. The move towards the completion of the 'internal market', if it comes off, will be a significant move forward but still very much something which has to be achieved.
"1 think Europe very much suffers from a lack of effective leadership at the present time. The first wave was really based on the 'three men offhe frontiers' : De Gasperi of Italy, Adanauer of Germany and Schuman of France. Later, in my day as president, there was an effective axis of leadership which was Franco-German, the Schmitt-Giscard partnership. Since that has gone there has in my view been no effective leadership. Mrs
Thatcher doesn't know - I'm not even sure how much she wants to - but in any event, she doesn't really know how to provide the leadership for Europe. I wouldn't accuse her of lack of leadership qualities in relation to this country. I don't think she is in the marrow of her bones a European. Her method of leadership is essentially one of haranguing Europe for not doing what Britain thinks to be right or what she thinks to be right ... The Franco-German axis still exists to some extent. . . but the French government is divided with 'cohabitation and Kohl is not exactly the figure that Schmitt was. Europe suffers terribly from a lack of leadership at the present time. Europe is rather like a bicycle in the sense that it has to go forward or there is a danger of it losing momentum. The European performance which in the sixties and early seventies was superb compared with anywhere in the world including the US and Japan has been rather disappointing in recent years."
The SDP, six years on
Looking back to the period immediately after having given the Dimbleby lecture in 1980 which was to herald the founding of the SDP in 1981. Roy Jenkins has said: "I thought I had condemned myself to loneliness and a hopeless enterprise." How did he feel about the SDP now, six years on?
"It did look fairly hazardous. Then, from the moment we got the 'Gang of Four' [Owen, Jenkins, Rogers and Williams I and the SDP going in 1981 it went really far beyond by expectatins . . . everything was rather successful. Including the two by-elections I fought!a near miss in the Labout stronghold of Warrington, Cheshire and a victory over Mr Carmichael, former Labour Minister in the Hillhead constituency!. Indeed I would say, though it wasn't quite up to one's 1981 expectations, the result of the 1983 General election was a very solid achievement : nearly 26% of the vote. I still think that the Alliance - because it is the challenging third force, the SDP on i's own can't do it -can break through the pattern of politics. I would never attempt to deny that the Alliance has had a bad Summer and Autumn. I think we suffer from self-inflicted wounds and I beleive that the fault lies with both parties and not exclusively with the Liberals ... we now have to recover — and recover jolly quickly."
What separates the SDP from the likes of Francis Pym and other so-called Tory 'Wets'?
"Francis Pym in particular -for whom I have a high personal regard and a number of whose views I would agree with - be-leives essentially in the historic destiny of the Conservative Party as such. Everything must be done within the framework of the party. I have never believed that and I have no intention ever, ever of beleiving it. I think indeed this has proved to be the absolutely fundamental weak-
ness in the thesis of the Tory Wets. The Wets have been ineffective. They have failed to prevent the onward rush of Thatcherism. They have been ineffective, not because their views are wrong, not because they can't comrnand respect as individuals, but so long as they chosse to fight solely within the arena of the Conservative Party — as has been shown over and over again — they will lose."
Labour
Why not fight from within the Labour Party? After all, it had been done before. Hugh Gaits-kcll had successfully waged war on the left wing of the Party. Why give up the fight?
"I have never beleived in the sanctity of party organisations. I don't beleive political parties are or ought to be religions. I think they ought to be useful vehicles for the attainment of ends in which one beleives. One must fight for things one beleives in. Had I stayed in the Labour Party I would have had to urge the electorate in 1983 to vote for a series of policies, not on minor issues but on absolutely major central issues with all of which I disagreed. Labour Party policy in 1983 was to come out of Europe, wreck NATO, have massive	further	re-
nationalization, turn this country into a sort of siege economy and have complete abolition of any private education and private health-care - which I don't regard as the best things in the world, though I think the fact that people ought to be allowed to do it is a fundamental human liberty. On a whole range of issues one would have been fighting for things which were the reverse of what one believed . . . Hugh Gaitskell fought the Left within the Labour Party, and fought them very effectively but in a position in which the balance o f power in the Labour Party haa not shifted. What had happened as a result of a pair of weak leaders [by 19831 was that the Left had got inside the citadel and had effectively captured it, so the position was quite different."
Mr Jenkins had one thing left to say on the subject of the SDP ;
"What I want to do is to overturn the two party duopoly of British politics. I think the country has suffered far too long from having these two fairly unwanted ugly sisters in control of the political system."
What was Mr Jenkins' forecast for the next general election?
"I never forecast elections! I beleive that the outcome of this election can be and should be the most unpredictable which I have seen in my political lifetime."
1 asked Mr Jenkins what he was proudest of having acheived. He leaned back in his chair, thought for a moment, and then broke into a wide grin, powerfully reminiscent of an extremely content cat.
"Founding the SDP."
THE BEAVER. ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9. 1987
PARIS ON THE THAMES
London has a large French-speaking community. Consequently, there exists an extensive and varied infrastructure to cater for all their needs. Not surprisingly, the main centre of French activity in London is concentrated in the vicinity of the French School in South Kensington. The Lycee Charles de Gaulle is owned and run by the French government, and it is specially noteworthy for being the only school in Britain whose restaurant is listed in Egon Ronay. Just behind the school, in a brick building of strange architecture, is the French Institute (17 Queens-berry Place, London SW7 2DT. Tel.: 589 6211). The French Institute is of considerable interest not only to French and French-speaking people but also for those just interested in France and current French issues. It runs a range of activities.
The Institute regularly shows French films, both recent (it sometimes runs previews of the latest French productions that cross, or sometimes do not cross the Channel) and repertory. As it has access to the national French distribution network and even the Paris cinematheque, it can present some gems of French cinema. Theatre-wise, some French companies come to London and are of particular interest to those who want to keep up with the theatre scene on the continent. Talks are regularly held on a variety of subjects, and prominent intellectuals lecture on issues of concern to France of the 1980s.
Probably the greatest asset of the French Institute is its extensive library. Located on the first floor, it houses over 70,000 volumes and 400 periodicals. Most of the social science books can be found at the LSE library, but its collection of reference books, biographies and especially literature is very complete and up to date. If you wish to use your spare time to read Proust or Balzac, it can all be found there. Most of the books can be borrowed for up to three weeks. There is one major difference from most British libraries; almost all books are stored away and can only be given to you by the librarians (who are very helpful). No browsing here. The periodicals, ranging from daily newspapers ("Le Monde" and "Le Figaro") to highly specialized reviews, are on display.
On the ground floor, the institute operates a cafe/snack bar and an area for exhibits which present everything from the works of the latest "en vogue" artist to displays of French space technology. To be able to use all these facilities, you must join the French Institute; special rates are applicable for students, and it is possible to sul" scribe for the library only.
by ALEX
The LSE Nursery has vacancies available NOW for children aged between 2 - 5 years. Please contact the matron on Ext 2865 or pop into the Parish Hall
An Extremist in the Defence of Theory
In the first of our profiles of academics at the LSE, Paul Wood meets Professor Kenneth Minogue.
"Academically he's good, but he has rather odd views"
He's just a grey figure to me" He's not such a bastard as he seems on telly"
"I think that he's intelligent, articulate, and incisive - but he's got very dangerous views."
"He's a very good dancer" "A strange mixture of Hobbesian and Machiavellian views"
"An odd dress sense with loud ties which do not help your hangover"
"A brilliant lecturer"
The inspiration for these diverse comments is Professor Kenneth Minogue of the Government Department. He is to be found in his office on the third floor of the Old Building, sitting surrounded by copies of Encounter and Radical Philosophy which spill off the packed shelves, also bearing (at a glance) the names of JK Gai-braith. Nozick, Arendt and Oakeshott.
An office in the Old Building is a rare prize, but Kenneth Minogue has been here long enough to know the wiles by which such things are obtained. If you ask him he will tell you that he has been here since 1956, but this is actually the year in which he joined the staff (as an Assistant lecturer). He left Australia in 1951 with a pass BA from Sydney University and worked his way to England as a cabin boy on a tramp steamer. He attended his first lecture here as a BSc.Econ. student in October 1952 and apart from a brief period after he graduated, has been here ever since.
Resisting the banalities of the student mind is the important task of the University in the '80s.
He was here when the SCR still contained quite "tangible links" with the past of Laski and the Webbs, when you could go to a lecture given by Popper, Oakeshott, Hayek or Milliband, and when the LSE first achieved notoriety as a centre of student "troubles".
"The question nobody ever asks about the Great Days of LSE is, how have they lasted'? Who reads Laski now'? Hayek, whose delivery was quite boring and unexciting - not a teacher, is read and taken more seriously than Laski now. A few issues ago the Beaver front page re-greted the passing of the days when academics like Ralph Milliband would get involved in student politics. Yes, the period '67-'69 was exciting in an involving kind of way. But the excitement was meretricious. There was a lot of speech making and manoeuvering but it was all fairly pointless, it amounted to nothing."
"What do you think is wrong with student politics?"
"To go into a Union meeting here is to go into a timewarp into the '60s. There is endless talk about politics, but the only language used is Marxist. No Plato, no Hobbes, no Mill, not even any Machiavelli. The reason for the triviality of student life here is the paucity of input. It is anaemic, under- intellectual-ised, drawing only on a single tradition: all you get is a diet of Marxist stodge used only for
abuse and aggression."
"SWSS, for instance, say that if we mobilise students we could effectively fight such things as the Fowler reforms and Improve student living standards."
"Students pretending they have clout is a political fantasy; and students mobilising would be a pure gift to Conservative Central Office." He continued, "Undergraduates concern themselves with the hot issues of the moment - but a university should distance you from these things. You should develop an interest in things which are not vital to life."
The infiuencc of Michael Oakeshott was apparent here, as in much else Professor Minoguc says. 1 asked him what he meant by 'vital to life". "Well, War and Life, survival or non- survival." I wondered if that meant that the International Relations Department couldn't study wars - "No; the IR department should study the history and general character of society. What the IR department cannot seriously do is tell world statesmen what to do."
"If academics can't offer useful practical advice why do we maintain them at such large expense?"
"Mrs. Thatcher wants to close down or reduce things like philosophy departments which make no economic contribution or have no economic purpose as she defines it. I'm against that. Universities are a crucial part of the whole cultural environment within which purposes are pursued. To ask about their purpose in this direct way is a categorical mistake. We are idea keepers, without us people would sink into Barbarism: the kind of mood where people judge things in terms of contributions."
Professor Minogue and Mrs. Thatcher would perhaps disagree about University funding, but the Channel 4 television series he has recently presented - "The New Enlightenment" - certainly advocated Thatcherite free market solutions, economic liberalism and even Libertarianism.
We should privatise and pluralise the sources of welfare.
"Libertarianism is the belief that markets and free exchange are the basis of our free society and I think that some transactions ought to be controlled but the onus of proof is always on people who want to restrict it."
Iwondered how much of a libertarian Professor Minoguc was. Would he legalise heroin? "No, I'm more of a fellow traveller, than a pure libertarian."
"What about the strange rumours concerning the funding of the programme. It's been said that some money came from the CIA, some from the far-right Reason Foundation."
"These are the kind of idiotic notions which ignite spontaneously in left wing circles. There was some money from the Reason Foundation — people who are anti-statist anarcho capitalists, and with whom I disagree about many things. But there is nothing sinister about them. The left tend to avoid actual arguments. They prefer to focus attention elsewhere. So this thing about the funding is a red, very Red, herring."
The first episode of the programme looked at the case of unemployed single mothers. It implied that because there is state support for single mothers, their numbers must inevitably increase. Charles Murry, one of the major inspiraions for the series, was interviewed on it. He thought that Welfare support encourages dependency on the state. The view that people have babies because of anticipated welfare payments seemed to me a pretty poor and simplistic view of human nature. Was the series saying that such support should, be discontinued?
"Murry has no solution. Nor does he say there is a straight causal connection. He thinks that nobody should starve, but he does maintain that we should rethink our welfare policies. That single parents shouldn't starve is agreed by everyone. When you suggest changing the system of benefits people accuse you of fiaving a hard hearted vicious attitude to life. These are ad hominum objections. The real issues are, what alternative arrangements are there'? I think we should privatise and pluralise the sources of welfare."
"You mean private charity?"
"Private charity perhaps combined with governmental action."
"What about in poor areas, or where better off individuals neglect their duty. Wouldn't the State have an obligation to care for the unemployed and poor there?"
The present generation is very resistant to new ideas.
"Murry doesn't have a complete solution. He just says that Welfare must be rethought, that we have created a class of dependent proles. 80% of the critics treat the Welfare State as a sacred cow. I was just the mouthpiece of the series - an opportunity for Gilder, Murry, etc. to shock the pieties of the present generation, which is very resistant to new ideas."
Shocking the pious is something Professor Minogue is good at, and enjoys. He has written a number of articles and books of
Photo: Siviin
varying controversy. He is best known for his books "The Liberal Mind", "Nationalism", "The Concept of a University" and most rcccntly "Alien Powers" which deals with a subject he is
very pre-occupied with - Ideology-
1 asked him which of all the books in the library no undergraduate should leave without having read. He thought there were two - Hobbes' Leviathan and Plato's Republic.
Had he ever considered leaving the LSE for somewhere like Oxford or Cambridge "No, I don't like provincial universities. I like the LSE's closeness to the London Opera Houses. I'm a great opera lover."
Before 1 left, our conversation turned to the recent debate on academic standards in The Beaver, which he had commented on by letter.
The reason for the triviality of student life here is the paucity of input.
"I think academic standards should be one of Beaver's legitimate interests, but the kind of mournful dirge describing LSE as an academic wasteland isn't witty, isn't true, and isn't helpful. Many students seem to think that in order to have a critical frame of mind all you need is to be sour and discontented. Talking to people, they are either dissatisfied about the lack of direct relevance in courses, or they think the real questions are never addressed. You know, the deep ones like why are we here? Well, to talk about 'Why are we here?' you go to church. As to the other objection - universities are. free and creative because they aren't practical; as long as there is no rhetoric or element of practicality. Students arrive here and they don't wish to learn. They are stuffed full of ideas about oppression." (In "My LSE" he recalls that he too had this ideological frame of mind.)
"What then is the task of the University, of the LSE?"
"Resisting the banalities of the student mind is the important task of the University in the '80s."
ARTS
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9,1987
Jazz Column
Last Wednesday saw the appearance of the Jan Gar-barek Quartet as part of the Arts Council's Contemporary Music Network spring presentations. Appearing a week this Wednesday (18th Feb.) at the Logan Hall will be the Samul Nori Korean Master Drummers (also part of the festival), and if they're half as good as Garbarek, go and see them, "all virtuoso percussionists", according to the "New York Times".
But back to the quartet. It comprises the Norwegian, Garbarek (alto and tenor sax); German, Ebehard Weber (bass); Brazilian, Nana Vasconcelos (percussion); and Swede, Lars Jansson (keyboards). They're a striking group in so many ways. Even in their physical arrangement — a line across the stage — one immediately senses the collaborative nature of the performance; it's not a platform for a star up front, but rather an opportunity for all four to shine, and three of them certainly do that.
Again, it's a Brazilian who shows the world which nation has the greatest percussionists. Under Garbarek's guiding conception, Vasconcelos takes us through an orgy of sound -beads, bells, shakers, rattles, cymbals, booms of the bass drum, flick-flack of the conga, and the cUcks and whirrs of the human voice itself. From exuberance to majesty.
On another but tightly linked level, bassist Weber accompanies Garbarek's beautifully sonorous calls with such instinct that their sounds fuse as one - tranquil, but in their
slight divergences maintaining a contrasting tension that keeps us moving forward. At times Weber makes a complete break and wings away, circles and holds solo stage. Indeed, Garbarek is nowhere to be seen. And when he does return, it's not to show Weber's or Vasconcelos' virtuoso-like flourishes but to explore the sounds within a sax. These range from the harsh mass (when the instrument resonates on several pitches) to what is a note of such purity that one could ie forgiven for imagining that it was distilled. Indeed, all the sf/unds are of such an intense purity that it would be hard to bear them were they not part of an overall musical structure that's best described as symphonic. But instead of being a chore, it's a joy to listen to. Each note is called for and has its place; and because of this something adventurous (the exploration of sound) is made very accessible to the ear.
That notion of musical necessity applies as much to the composer's use of electronics as it does to his sax. Instead of being a substitute for ideas, synthesizers and echoes become a vehicle for them. Electronics are made to do what acoustics can't - extend notes indefinitely, and then harmonize, and layer over these. Here, it's a man with plenty of ideas who dominates the machines and makes it really work for him. don't get me wrong, he's not a "great" in the mould of an Ellington or an Armstrong (composer and musician), but he's clearly one of a handful of people that are showing real ways forward that a "great" may be able to combine with the ideas of others and his/her own inspiration. In the meantime, we can enjoy Garbarek. His concert was a unique mix of styles - Middle Eastern, African, Southeast Asian, Indian, South American — and forms, classical, avant garde, and even folk. A lot of it comes out on his new solo album. All Those Born With Wings (available E.C.M. label code 1324). I'm sure you've go the hint by now.
P.S. JAZZ SOC meets fortnightly on Tuesdays L52 at 5.15. Next meeting, talk on Duke Ellington and general jazz round-up. Tuesday, 18 Giorgio Meszaros
Microdisney
Not so much "truck, train, trac-" tor" as tube, bus, cab, tube was the order of the day when attempting to find the elusive Microdisney gig last week at King's, but get there we did . . . eventually. In fact, we arrived half way through the first support band, "Camouflage", who were not, as you might expect from the name, a dodgy HM band, rather a re-jigged Wah!. Heat, with that same knack of presenting fairly epic four-minute songs. However, despite clothes so hip they must have been made that afternoon, they did seem a bit in need of an image.
The same cannot be said for The Wishing Stones. I'm sure that they are all really nice people, but if you're going to blatently wear your influences, try to cover the entire Velvet Underground repetoire, and not just the first LP! Luckily, one of them obviously had a copy of "Texas Garage Psychedelia vol. 37" or whatever, which provided some relief. Please, please broaden your range before appearing before
my ears again (and the Mary Chain don't count).
At last, Microdisney came on stage after their rather incongruous supports. Anyone expecting a fairly mellow laid back evening was in for a shock, as Cathal Coughlan led them into a set which found more and more energy with each song (sometimes like an Irish Triffids).,
You could dance to it and dance we did!
Energy, yes, and passion too - the final song of the set, "Begging Bowl", stands out in this respect. Funny and perceptive, their songs such as "Harmony Time" and "Genius" work because they are based on observation, on people and places, not on the dreams of power and consumption thrown at us from all sides. When Microdisney play, and you are there, you really do feel that there are at least vague possibilities of things getting better.
Microdisney know what's what and it shows. Take note and enjoy yourselves. Doog
"LET'S GO NAKED TO THE DENTISTS" SHOCK!
Rock Around the Medway! Another Beaver Exclusive
With the premature demise of the Half Man, Half Biscuit, the award for the band with the most ludicrous song titles must, I feel. Go To The Dentists, who boast such ditties as "Tony Bastable versus John Noakes" and the moving "Where's my chicken. You Bastard." "Who are the Dentists?" you're saying to yourselves. "And do they wear white coats?" ( -Couldn't care less - ED.)
They do not, but they do come from Kent.
You may be forgiven for thinking that Kent is just a county a bit to the right of London with no talent to its credit (almost as bad as Swindon), but it is in fact the seat of some truly great R & B and pop bands. Take a look and you'll find that The Prisoners, the Mighty Caesars and the (much missed) Milkshakes all hail
from round there. The Dentists are the best of the current
hnnrb
Forget your student pretentiousness; throw away your anorak and revel in the purest pop sound this side of Chatham. Melodies, delightful songs - I know a manic pop thrill when I hear one - these wonderful people sing about gardens and looking up into the sky, wear second-hand clothes (second-hand people?) and could get mistaken for roadies or punters. A wee bit gormless on the outside, thus ensuring they'll never be truly hip, but hearts of gold and guitars that twang and jingle in all the right places. Now is the time to see them for a good time, a good bop and maybe even to remember what being young (and from Kent) is all about.
The Medway band phenomenon is a many-splendoured thing. "Let's Go Naked" also deserves a mention as we saw them this same night at The Timebox (the back room of the Bull and Gate -cheap and friendly, so if you live in North London, there's no excuse to miss out). This lot have uniform haircuts and lot a bit 'ard to me, but have some good hooks. Don't much go for their version of "(Ain't Gonna Work On) Maggie's Farm" - bit of an acid hipper, that one - but otherwise, a good rock/pop band: smart guitars and intel-ligable lyrics (is that wise?). Be happy you can dance, I say.
"The "Timebox - highly recommended for a night out, especially in view of the lack of entertainment put on at the
LSE this year.	gQ
+
More Random Reviews
Why does this review column almost always feature records on independent labels, you may ask? Well, I daresay that someone somewhere in this august establishment has examined the inverse relationship between major multinational labels' profits and their willingness to give us review copies. (Any more of this chaps and ¦The Beaver names names . . . )
The Smiths new single "Shoplifters of the World Unite" (courtesy of Rough Trade) is a bit of a surprise, as it sounds rather like a Smiths B-side, with Morrisey's call for a revolution of petty theft being sledgehammered down by Johnny Marr's histrionic guitar playing and lumpy tune. Ironically, the B-side "Half a Person" is wonderful, a real play-it-four-times-in-a-row Smiths song, recounting the six-second story of Morrisey at 16.
About a year or so ago, 1000 Violins released "Halycon
Days" (with the aptly named song "like 1000 Violins" on it), after which they were rather quiet. Their latest release is "Please Don't Sandblast My House" (Dreamworld) which is rather different, a bit more in the rough and terrible of the world. Within the current independent scene, 1000 Violins do seem pretty full of musical ideas, even if the lyrics remain as accusatory as ever (loss of innocence really is the thing nowadays).
Now that a 12" single costs about £3.25, if you can afford that, find an extra 74p, and buy what is surely the best compilation around at the moment, "Ideal Guest House" (Shelter records), a cassette featuring The June Brides, Soup Dragons, Shop Assistants, The Creepers, Wedding Present, The Legend! and quite a few more. All the profits go to Shelter who are having to cope with the increasing numbers of
young homeless (64,000-1-) as a result of the government's board and lodgings regulations affecting those under 26. (Get on yer bike and look for work, they say - in MacDonald's for 50p an hour as part of the "Service" Revolution, not bloody hkely!). Most of the songs on this tape are either new or performed live, and it really is brilliant: "Mr. Hammond has Breakfast in Bed" by Rob Grant with Yeah Yeah Nah, "Sharper and Wider" by The Creepers and The June Brides' accoustic version of "This Town" will serve as the stand out tracks for this review, though 1 only say that for effect, as all are good. And as for Chumbawumba's contribution . . . buy it today or have you sold your soul to the CD devil already?
Doog
(What will next week bring?)
LUCIA Dl LAMMERMOOR
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
"Lucia di Lammermoor"
presents the bitter plight of a young Scottish lady, married against her will to suit her family's ambitions. She, of course, is madly in love with another man who is totally unacceptable to Lucia's family. He is sent to fight in France. When he returns, it is only to find his beloved married. She goes mad, kills her husband and dies. He, not wanting to be separated from her, kills himself.
As one can see, the libretto is not a model of originality. Neither is the music. But the opera hangs together nicely and the music, when well performed as is the case at Covent Garden, is highly enjoyable.
Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor", without being a masterpiece of lyrical art, invaluably enriches the repertoire of the operas where it is shown. It does so for one main reason - Lucia. It is not by accident that several exceptional sopranos have launched their careers through this role. Thus in 1960, on the same stage of Covent Garden, Jo^n Sutherland started her career as Lucia in what is regarded as a historic performance.
Was 1987 to provide us with a similar event when the American soprano, June Anderson, tackled the role? Not having
been there in 1960, I cannot compare the two. However, only with difficulty could it have been much better, and Anderson's performance sent shivers even through the traditionally quiet audience of the Royal Opera.
And rightly so. In the third act, when Lucia bursts onto the stage, soaked in the blood of her husband, and begins an incredible solo, with at one point a long dialogue with the flute in the orchestra, not a breath was heard from the au-
dience. And at the end of this aria, everybody burst out in wild cheerings, even before the orchestra had finished. Even those dressed out as penguins in the £50 seats, whose snoring has sometimes been overpowering, were on the edge of their expensive seats.
Alex Crawford
CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEAVER
THE BEAVER, ISSUE 257, FEBRUARY 9, 1987

ARTS

Otello
This famous opera, composed by Guiseppe Verdi and first performed at La Scala in Milan in 1887, has been well received at The Royal Opera House in Coven Garden. Not only are opera enthusiasts willing to pay up to £200 a ticket, but also some impoverished student opera enthusiasts spent nights with brandy, walkmen and tramps on the pavements of London in the faint hope of being able to purchase a highly valued ticket.
Not only has The Royal managed to bring together some of the greatest names in the world of operat (Placido domingo, Katia Ricciarelli, and Justino Diaz), a new production by Eli-sah Moshinsky, and well-honed orchestra under the direction of Carlos Kleiber, but they have also succeeded in combining all those elements into an artistically successful production.
Perhaps the highUght of the performance is when the two great talents are combined in singing the powerful, dramatic and emotionally moving scene at the end of Act II, Othello (Placido Domingo) and lago (Justino Diaz) combine their different obsessions, and Othello is given the final confirmation of Desdemona's guilt. The two men kneel and swear vengeance: "Si, pel ciela mar-moreo giuro!" (Yes, I swear by yonder marble heaven!)
Domingo enthralls the afi-cionadoes with his vocal excellence, and the remainder of the audience with his theatrical talents. he sings with ardour and unflagging ease, showing great care for the legato line and ample tenderness in the lyrical passages. Undoubtedly, Justino Diaz has an excellent operatic voice; hoewver, the audience cannot fail to realise that Domingo, with both his vocal strength and acting skill is the virtuoso in opera.
Katia Ricciarelli plays a poignant Desdemona. She sang gloriously, with a sweetness and purity of tone which reflected well Desdemona's angelic character.
Having both ZeffireUi's film, "Otello", and the stage performance, one cannot help but feel that Moshinsky must have enjoyed the film immensely. This new production does not give way to any original theatrical interpretations of Arrigo Boito's libretto. At the end of the day, the enthusiast did not go to see the performance as such, but, rather, to see Domingo, Diaz, and Ricciarelli, and did not come away disappointed.
Don Basilio
School for Wives
National Theatre
1662 Paris, and Moliere was creating a scandal at the court of Louis XIV with his personal life and his new play, School for Wives. He had just married young Armande Bejart, many years his junior and, as rumour had it, the daughter of a previous lover. The whispered accusations of incest grew stronger with Moliere's increasing popularity. The marriage was not a happy one. Moliere seems to have been a jealous husband, but his success as a writer of comedy provided an outlet for his exasperation at this time, as a few months after his marriage he produced a new play ridiculing the lengths to which a gentleman was prepared to go in order to obtain a wife who would never be unfaithful.
The story tells of the pompous, but endearing Arnolphe, a well- to-do country bachelor who is so disgusted by the infidelity of the wives of his friends that he decides to take matters into his own hands. He adopts an orphan infant girl and has her educated in a convent to be innocent, naive, and, as he thinks, so utterly ignorant that she will be incapable of marital infidelity. But Arnol-phe's plan backfires as he underestimates the natural in-
telligence of Agnes, his bride-to-be, who succeeds in outwitting her protector to marry the rn^-i whom she loves.
Tne court loved the play, spiced as it was with gossip about Moliere's own marital situation, and full of the wit, cynical humour and sexual in-uendo beloved of those at the racy, cosmopolitan Baroque court of the Sun King. However, many were infuriated at the loose morals shown, and Moliere was subjected to a strong verbal attack by a combined force of nobility and heads of the Catholic Church. Eventually, the king had to step in to defend his favourite playwright.
_Fiona Chester
The Assassin
This is a psychological drama about a young communist assassin, who, after serving two years for his crime, tries to understand his motives. Hugo, an intellectual frustrated at his easy life, is placed as "secretary" to out-of-favour Hoederer, but finds himself unable to pull the trigger. However, when Hugo discovers his "trivial", bourgeois wife, Jessica, embracing the victime, he completes the task in a fit of anger. Thus, a political assassination is camouflaged as a "crime pas-sionel".
Such an intense plot is inevitably difficult, so despite good performances by Shehryar Sar-war as the hero-victime, and attractive Tasmia power as the coquettish Jessica, it is perhaps not surprising that the audience never really became involved. Tony Maggs, trying too hard in the taxing lead role, occasionally produced titters from the half-full Old Theatre.
The performers were not helped by a stage with no exit on the left, and we were continually aware of a stray actor
L V
(or actress) turning his (or her) back on the audience in a pretence of being in the next room. Also, the EXIT signs over the doors had not been covered (for some reason) so that the occasional black-outs were totally ineffective, leaving the rubbish at the back of the stage fully visible.
This was an ambitious project, which despite heroic efforts, the Drama Society sadly failed to bring off.
WHEN THE WIND BLOWS
The Story of the Bloggs and the Bomb
"When The Wind Blows ..." is a tender, comic but disturbing fable on a subject that is very much present in the pubhc debate. It is the story, based on the book by Raymond Briggs, of the encounter of Jim and Hilda Bloggs with The Bomb. The Bloggs are retired and live in an isolated cottage in Sussex.
War is breaking out. "We survived the Blitz!" Hilda says. Raymond assures her though that this will be different. He comes home from town one day with the bad news that "the Government is talking of a possible pre-emptive strike by the enemy." "Oh no, not another strike," cries Hilda. Unfortunately, the Bomb goes off, and despite scrupulously following the official instructions by building a small shelter in their sitting-room, the Bloggs are badly affected by the fallout, and their souls eventually go to Heaven.
A new animation process was used to make "When The Wind Blows", involving
nate with impressive outside scenes. The rest of it, however, showing the plight of the Bloggs suffering from the effects of radiation is a bit tedious.
This monotony, and the fact that the film is very short (barely one and a half hours long) are important weaknesses in what is otherwise a powerful film. Also, it does not seem to know to whom it is addressed: as an animated film, some would associate it with children; as a story about nuclear war, it is a "serious film". The production team did not seem to want to solve this dilemma, and the result seems to fall between two chairs.
Should we or should we not think about The Bomb? In this country, in America and in quite a few other countries, the choice has been made; let's not talk about it. But in some other cases, people have gotten together, movements have grown to oppose this way of looking at it. It is, or should be, something so much more important than all our usual wor-
'y V
190,000 hand-drawn frames and a scale model of the cottage, enabling the animators to draw Jim and Hilda walking around in a room full of real rubble. However, the effect, stunning at first, becomes a bit monotonous. In the first half, scenes from the cottage alter-
ries; it should trascend all political differences, because it concerns us all. Who are the "Good Guys"? Who are the "Bad Guys"? These questions
should seem totally irrelevant. The day the wind blows, it won't matter from which direction it comes. Alex Crawford
Escalier C
Premier Cinema
It is not often that one gets to know much about the individuals with whom one is hving in an apartment complex; however, when the right circumstances and the right people come together at the same time, interesting and unexpected situations begin to arise. This is exactly what occurs in Escalier C, the new French film by Jean-Charles Tacchella, the director of the highly successful "Cousin, Cousine".
Taken from the novel by Elvine Murail, Escalier C offers a glimpse into the world of the inhabitants of a small apartment building in one of the arrondisements of Paris. Assembled here are a lonely old woman, an endearing alcoholic, a gay illustrator, a constantly battUng young couple, a continually unemployed worker, a young woman and here precocious daughter, and the hero of our tale, an acid-tongued art critic.
The interaction between these characters, most notably that of Foster LaFont, with his judgemental and sometime condescending opinions, gives an insight into just how important it is to reach out to people and to listen to what they have
to say. While solitude is certainly neccessary to everyone there comes a time when lonli-ness sets in, and he realises that he needs someone else to make
his life more complete. There is something valuable in each person, and through bitter experience, Foster comes to realise that his haughty attitude toward people whom he pre viously considered unworthy of his attention may have, in fact, cost the life of one of the inhabitants of Escalier C. How wever, as is the way with all heroes, Foster sees the error of his ways and manages to cast off his sanctimonious de meanour and begins to emerge as a rather decent person after all.
Although the film lacks the light-hearted good humour of
Cousin, Cousine, it nonetheless provides some comical and heartfelt perceptions of the day-to-day business of dealing with one's fellow man and with the small irritants of life. The performances are uniformly good, with a notable portrayal by Robin Renucci (looking deceptively hke Rupert Everett) as Foster LaFont. The film is in French with subtitles.
Ann Henrv
Basketball


Photo: Joe Pfeiffcr
Last weekend the LSE basket-ball team represented England's South East region at the University Athletics Union championships in Swansea, Wales. The LSE trounced Bath University 95-50 in the tournament's opening round on Friday. Mike Swell led the LSE scorers with 24 points while Rob Farmer added 16 and Patrick Shannon, 14.
Saturday morning, the LSE faced its second opponent, Nottingham University. Nottingham got off to an early lead
which it never lost. The LSE trailed by 9 points at the half but pulled close in the second half before falling by one, 65-63. Swell again led the LSE scorers with 26.
Saturday afternoon, the team ¦ faced Loughborough University, a team it defeated by 10 points early in the season, the team found itself down by 4 points at the intermission despite Swell and Shannon's 24 combined first half points. The LSE took the lead early in tht second half behind a tenacious team defense led by Rob Farmer. The team was crippled, however, by 14 second half fouls while Loughborough was charged with one. The LSE ended up losing 82-72 and was eliminated from the tournament. Two LSe players, Mike Swell and Patrick Shannon, make the all-tournament team.
By Kevin Koga
THE BEAVER CROSSWORD
Across
I.	Talk about us in computer stores (7)
5. Basic food seems to be produced (5)
10. Alert sending-off party (5)
II.	A little short (5)
13.	Able to do half of the dance (3)
14.	Found guilty in candid itinerary (3,2)
15.	Point pistol each time (5)
18.	On and on about one until it makes one cry (5)
19.	Kin change colour and seem to die (3)
20.	Tell about wound leading to promiscuity (8)
22. Happening during the seventeenth (5)
25. Tremulously points after snake (5)
28. State-owned race? (8)
30. "Oh, no!" (or thereabouts)
(1,1,1)
32.	R and B and a gaudy tie, what a strange bunch (5)
33.	Plane crashes into mountainous terrain (5)
36 and 37. Four collections left high and dry (5,3)
37.	See 36
38.	Put me in and make it better (5)
40.	Headless lizard gets the goat (5)
41.	Fruit very quietly immersed in ale (5)
42.	Wicked lie followed by cunning ruse to gain free time (7)
Down
2.	Stupid, flustered Annie (5)
3.	Break off number in case (5)
4.	"Yes," Ed stammered. "It's shabby." (5)
6.	Wood found in helm of ship (3)
7.	Poultry puts head down (5)
8.	Awful din inside might herald the start of a new day (8)
9.	Plans about alien bodies (7)
11.	Mixed set alright for fuel (5)
12.	Raise a veil to become clear-witted (5)
16.	Nothing in vice, I give my opinion (5)
17.	Newspaper material (sexist/ racist etc.) (3)
21. Change rating on being inexperienced (8)
23.	Place for 22 at end of the avenue (5)
24.	Warlike marital bust-up (7)
26.	Arrogant vanity of lions (5)
27.	Limitless, like Columbus's world (2,3)
29. Sick till the end (3)
31. "Ho ho ho, what a card!" (5)
33.	A face shown only to the audience? (5)
34.	Prepares designs (5)
35.	You can't get any lower than a dirty drain (5)
39. Cold pop (3)
Compiled by Katrina Kalishnikov
Men's Hockey: LSE Firsts 3 Goldsmiths 1
In a display of wit, virtuosity, verve and sheer good fortune, LSE overcame early rustiness to enthrall a crowd of sparrows, blackbirds and the occasional passing ladies hockey player.
The threat to the firsts' unbeaten (well, almost) record stemmed more from a latent capacity to shoot themselves in their collective foot than from the stumbling, if intermittently aggressive, efforts of the Goldsmiths attack. The first ten minutes were dominated by the LSE defence, with a succession of missed tackles, poorly placed passes and feeble clearances. Despite a fine effort at an own-goal by the out-of-position Chris Aikens, LSE rallied to force a succession of shot corners. Sustained pressure eventually resulted in LSE taking a merited lead. The ball found itself at the crooked end of Raoul Chlabbra's stick on the edge of the wide and was dispatched to the bottom corner for LSE's best goal.
The 1-0 half-time lead had looked a fragile one as the marking was uncertain (absent) and Goldsmiths threatened to make a game of it. However, following a brace of notable misses by Orville "lean spell" Addis and Jory Decressen, LSE stretched their lead with a scrappy goal by John Stoker and a disputed, deflected effort by man-of-the-match Paul Low-code. Mention must also be made of Adrian Cartwright who abandoned his goalkeeping kit in search of a goal and was almost rewarded, his flick into the roof of the net being disallowed for "dangerous play".
As the game degenerated into farce, numerous chances were created at both ends but LSE had to be content merely to concede one. How is it that the attack can play so well and score so few, while the midfield - "a mystery, wrapped in an enigma" - can be so anonymous yet create so many chances? A little something to ponder on, if the talk of accountancy firms, investment banks, management consultants, exams . . . should wane (please, God!) in the coming weeks.
Robin Levine
Indoor Cricket
LSE 77-4 Washington 78-4
The LSE indoor cricket tear played their final indoor league match last Saturday, and with seven wins out of nine matches, are guaranteed promotion to the Premier Division next winter.
LSE was at an immediate disadvantage when asked to bat first against a side just returned from an Australian tour. They were looking to set a target of around a hundred, but with opener Derek Smith struggling to find his form, it was left to simon Bexon (22) to take the early initiative.
His dismissal in the fifth over was followed rapidly by Saeed Khowaja and Simon Eckersley, and it was left to a flamboyant inning from Justin Jones (21 N.O.) helped by Smith (18) and Stewart Robertson (6 N.O.) to see LSE through to 77-4 in their 12 overs.
Despite their best fielding performance of the competition, and accurate bowling from Khowaja (3 overs, 2 for 15) and Bexon (3 overs for 16), LSE were beaten with just one ball remaining.
Team: Simon Bexon, Simon Eckersley, Saeed kawaja, Justin Jones, Stewart Robertson, Derek Smith. Scorer: Kate Meyrick
F ootball
LSE 2nd XI 4 Royal Holloway 1
The score at half-time was 0-0, and Roayl Holloway had had the better of the match with many chances going their way, only to have them ably saved by LSE's veteran goal-keeper, Marco "the cat" Gioannini. LSE lacked confidence, and all they needed was a goal. It came shortly into the second half when Andy Shringler/Metgod powered in a header from a corner. The second goal from Nick Ball was a curling free-kick round the wall into the top left-hand corner of the goal, reminiscent of Michael Platini.
The captain, Rob Easton, knocked in 2 more for good measure and took his tally for the season to 15. God performances also came from Matt Williams, Crispin Leyser and Nick Price.
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