AVE
NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS' UNION, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE. (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.)
____________________J
JANUARY, 1953.
BRITISH LIBRARY

STEPHEN POE^^eBICCEPTS
3d.—FORTNIGHTLY
MISSING MASCOT
LSE
Union's wooden carved mascot. Beaver — missing from the School since it was removed from the Porter's Lodge by two unknown girls during the outbreak of mascot-stealing last November—may soon be back again.
In a brief statement at the first Union meeting of Term, the Social Vice-President, Mr. Percy Hoskins, said the Union was in possession of certain articles belonging to the College of Estate Management which it was hoped to barter for Beaver.
Such a statement would seem to indicate that Beaver is still in London and has not, as rumour suggested, been sent to either President Eisenhower or Lord Beaverbrook in Jamaica.
Until such time as the mascot is returned, however. Union has unanimously agreed to a proposal of Mr. Van der Goot, that all members of Union Council, whether male or female, should wear beards at Union meetings. (See " Readers Write," page 3.)
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UNION PRESIDENCY
"ONE-UP" TO LSE
I^TEPHEN POTTER was thrust, protestingly, into this world nearly fifty three years ago. He was subsequently educated at Westminster School and Merton College, Oxford, where he won a second class honours in English Language and Literature, and in 1926, he became a lecturer in English Literature at London University. He began writing for the B.B.C. in 1936 and joined the stalf in 1938 as a feature writer. In 1942 he was editor of the B.B.C. literary features and poetry and the following year he became chairman of the Literary Committee.
Post-war years have seen Stephen Potter variously engaged as the Drama Critic of the " New Statesman and Nation," Book Critic of the " News Chronicle " and Editor of the " Leader."
It is during the last few years that some of his best-known works have been published; "Gamesmanship" in 1947, " Lifesmanship " in 1950 and now '• One-Upmanship." It is through the medium of these books that Stephen Potter has gained the popularity which has earned him the well deserved position or Honorary President of LSE Students' Union.
Here is his presidential message to members of the Union :
I should like first of all to congratulate " The Beaver" on its happy revival under such capable control. I wish its staff success ; but as one of the least celebrated personalities of Fleet Street—during the year of my recent editorship of a weekly, the paper lost a thousand pounds an issue—I should like to remind them that failure too has its own excitements and even satisfactions.
LIFEMANSHIP AND LSE
I feel of course that it is a special kind of honour, and it gives me a : special kind of pleasure, to have been | elected your president. Though I myself, as publicly announced, am in j retirement, and although, or I would say, rather, particularly because, t Gamesmanship and Lifemanship have been temporarily forced underground by public persecution and prejudice, it j •seems to us that this gesture of LSE to LCC, to the Lifemanship Correspond- I
ence College, is a hope and an augury. Your own subjects, of economics and political science, if not directly based on Lifemanship, are deeply infused with its teaching. Economics, particularly, is the soundest training for the man, and especially girl, who wants to be top in conversation. How quietly the economist can undercut the man who has been lucky o\i .the Stock Exchange, the friend who" has mortgaged his house, or even a person who has .paid too much for a hat, by talking about casual barter, derived supply price, and the equilibrium between desire and effort. And so with your Second Subjects, and your Thirds. Even Mr. Bevan will begin to hesitate if you quietly put to him some political science question—if for instance you step -up and ask him to define his place in Western Political Thought.
It is with a deep sense then, not only of gratitude but of responsibility, that I begin, with you, my year of office.
Yours, STEPHEN POTTER.
2
BEAVER London School of Economics, Houghton Street,
London, W.C.2
Editor..................John M. Dunkley
Asst. Editor.........Rosemary Ellerbeck
Features Editor ............Bernard Dix
Sports Editor.........Elizabeth Wheeler
Editorial Board ; Phillip Adams, Ed Denyer, Elisabeth Adler, Eunice Hallett.
ARE YOU A WET BLANKET ?
" It can't be done," said the pessimists, when the news went round that " Beaver " was to re-appear in printed form. " Printing is too costly—it has never been successful ; it never will be," they said.
But it can be done. " Beaver " is printed, as you see, and will continue to be printed just as long as there are a few keen, hardworking students willing to give their spare time for the pleasure of others ; students enough to encourage them by buying the paper ; and a little money in reserve.
Too many people today are content to sit around and criticise. These people are the " wet blankets"—the people who said a printed " Beaver " could not succeed. Even at LSE there are too many of them—students who are content to muck through, doing as little work and as much time-wasting as possible. They give themselves away. They are the people you never see at Union meetings, at society functions, or on the sports field. There, they are conspicuous by their absence.
Can anything be done to force a little light of day into their befogged minds ? No more than is being attempted already. The remedy is in their own hands. Only with the firmest resolve can they throw ofT their apathy. They can start NOW by resolving to buy "Beaver"—not just occasionally, but every fortnight.
If they want another " Beaver " they will get all their friends to buy a copy of this one. If they don't, they may not have the chance to buy another !
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*
ORDERS BY POST RECEIVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
OBSERVERS TO ATTEND UNION COUNCIL "On Trial"
SUGGESTION that, because Union Council meetings were held in private, there was a tendency for Union Officials to abuse their powers " although not, as yet, in a serious way," led to a decision at the first Union meeting of 1953 that Council meetings should be open to observers for a trial period of one term.
The motion, proposed by Mr. C.
Sweet and seconded by Mr. C. Ellis,
added that such observers should not have the power to speak or in any way influence the proceedings of Council.
It was carried by 53 votes to 7, with one abstention.
Mr. Sweet said it was democratic that elected bodies should not function in secret. Because meetings were not public, a vast mass of business that went through was not known of by ordinary members.
Opposing, Mr. A. A. Felling suggested that as the officials were elected it was obvious they must have the Union's confidence and there was no point in " spying " on them.
Social Vice-President, Mr. P. Hos-kins, said minutes were taken of Council meetings and were open to inspection by any member. Council could work properly only if members could deal freely and frankly with business, which would be impossible with observers present.
Mr. F. Tomlin said it was "a very poor thing" that officials might say things in Council about members which they would not say to their face.
A motion proposed by Miss D.
Jones, seconded by Mr. Sweet, that " All niajor decisions of Union policy shall be taken by a fully constituted meeting of the Union, such decisions to include ;— all affiliations or disaffiliations to outside bodies ; all expenditure exceeding the budgeted amount ; all matters relating to forthcoming N.U.S.
Councils, except where a quorum has not been obtained " was carried with a majority of 46.
Also carried, subject to the approval of the Director;, was a motion " That Council applies to the Transport Tribunal to be called to give evidence on behalf of LSE students against the impending rise in fares." Proposing,
Mr. A. Cohen suggested that undergraduates should be issued with half fare identity cards similar to those issued to- schoolchildren.
An increase in fares was tantamount to a decrease in grants, stated Mr.
Sweet.
A WELSH BARD AMONG THE BEARDS
In spite of, or perhaps owing to, the rival attraction of Mr. Fenner Brock-way, M.P., the prospect of a reading by Dylan Thomas of his own poetry, managed to lure an appreciable and responsive audience. We in the ranks of the Arts Club could scarce forbear to cheer—Art prevailed along with Politics! Either through modesty, timidity or poetic pride, Mr. Thomas indicated his reluctance to answer questions unless the suppressing of one would cause the inquirer endless torment resulting in a lifetime of inhibitions—for which the Arts Club did not feel it could hold itself responsible.
From an early age he had been in love with words, and words it was, all the way. To those philistines among us who understood little of what he said, his manner of saying it could give only delight. Poems of childhood, manhood, poems of description, imagination ; what mattered was the endless euphonious effluence of words, echoing beyond the statistically satiated walls of E. 5, into the yard, over the coal heap and beyond ; beyond even the doors of the gymnasium, where happy ping-pongers panted away impervious to politics and poetry, frowning on Fenner, disdainful of Dylan.—" Musr."
FOLK DANCING
If support is forthcoming, the newly formed Country Dance Society hopes to promote occasional Saturday evening Barn Dances in the Refectory as a change to the usual modern dancing. The Society, which teaches Scottish, English, and Scandinavian folk dancing, and American square dancing, meets in the School gymnasium, every Friday, at 7 p.m.
BEAVER
COMMON ROOM CAPERS
SKI-CLUB SUPPLY CURVES—Miss E.M.W. must be congratulated on presenting an effective demonstration of the often doubted law of diminishing returns. The experiment was assisted by the relative unstability of those LSE students who took part in the recent expedition to the Swiss mountains ; no less than twenty per cent, of them suffering injury. It has been suggested that some of the less popular students be encouraged to join the next expedition in the hopes that Miss E.M.W. can effectively prove their marginal utility !
FRESH FEMALE FAD—The sight of a number of female students presenting themselves for academic activities draped in multi-coloured slacks has provoked violent comment and reaction from the male species. It is learned that many of the bolder spirits are seriously considering joining the Caledonian Society and presenting themselves in kilts and sporrans ! * * *
FROWNS ON GOWNS—An indignant shopper was heard to remark, on observing gowned students proceeding from King's to a lecture at LSE : " If these young men choose to parade the streets in their nightgowns they at least might have the decency to wear clean ones." Whereupon, one of the students answered, " Madam, this is a gown of academic distinction." The woman undaunted : " I thought yo
couldn't be English ! "
* * *
SLIP OF THE TONGUE —A young, female student, in the Ladies Cloakroom ; " I haven't met a decent
man here for ages."
* * *
LIBERAL LATIN—Suggestion by an exasperated first-year economist: " The School motto should be re-written to read—Rerum Cognoscere Cairn-crossium."
DRAMA SPOTLIGHT By " Candidus "
LSE Dramatic Society does a quick-change from Shakespearian tragedy to Shavian comedy for its Lent Term production, and " Arms and the Man" goes into rehearsal this week under the direction of Albert Schofield and Ken Bales.
Schofield, in the tradition of LSE actor-producers, plays Sergius. Newcomers include Eunice Hallett, as Rina, and American Davis Cripper, as Bluntschli, Janet Short makes a welcome return as Catherine, and Janet Halliday, Trevor Stratford, and Sam Kornhauser complete the cast.
Big things are expected in middle March.
READERS WRITE ;
BEAVER
Sir—The sight of grown men capering through the dignified streets of this ancient city hauling the monstrous effigy of a lion and chanting infantile gibberish may provide an interesting spectacle for sight-seeing provincials, but, to the more sober minded, it proves how thin lies the veneer of civilisation on the exteriors of those who inhabit that prison-like building in the Strand, known as King's College.
Unfortunately, it is not only- King's which displays such symptoms of juvenile exhibitionism; there exists even in LSE a fanatic minority who would have us engage in displays of student stupidity. I refer to those who lament the purloining of that hideous creature known as Beaver ; and who urge revenge against the persons who removed this gilt-painted relic of a savage past.
I appeal to your readers not to become the tool of those who would have us prancing around Lincoln's Inn Fields in fool's cap and bells; remember the dignity of our institution and rejoice in the removal of this animal rather than campaign for its restoration.—P.R.W.
Sir—During the Union elections, the most prominent part of the policy of the successful presidential candidate was concerned with the restoration of Beaver. No steps, as yet, appear to have been taken to carry this out. Was it just another piece of electioneering propaganda, or is it due to the general apathy of LSE students ? Nearly three months have elapsed since the animal was abducted and the general feeling (1 cite this after much research) seems to be one of " couldn't care less." This attitude is peculiar to LSE, for no other colleges in this University would allow this slight to remain.
We have become a laughing-stock, an object for derision and contempt. Has LSE no pride ; no enterprise ? Will the general apathy so common to this college, and peculiar to it, remain ? Will the president forget his promise ?
—M.H.B.
3
CO-OPERATIVE LIVING
The first hostel in England to be initiated and organised by students without any outside help has been opened by the International Union of Socialist Youth and NALSO in Westminster.
Situated in the shadow of Transport House, it provides places for ten students—at the moment there is a predominance of undergraduates from LSE—and, during vacations, for forty people from this country and abroad.
An example of what, in three weeks, can be achieved with a minimum of money and a maximum of work, the hostel is run on a co-operative basis, students sharing not only the facilities of the house but also the work and responsibilities.
BOOKS
" Economics of Peace and War " by John Eaton (Lawrence & Wishart) consists of an endless sequence of acts of faith, and is a product of an unbalanced psychology which, in previous centuries, found an outlet in primitive religious extremism—a hundred years ago Mr. Eaton would probably have been a Jehovah's Witness.
WEEK'S GOOD CAUSE
Prof. Dennis Brogan, in a broadcast appeal under the auspices of the World University Service, asked listeners to help alleviate the distressing conditions of some foreign students, particularly those in Asiatic countries. He told of students sleeping in railway stations and doing their reading by moonlight or under the light of the street lamp.
ROYAL CHARTER
King's College of Household and Social Science'^ has been granted a Royal Charter and will, in future, be called Queen Elizabeth College, after the Queen Mother.
PACIFIST OBJECTIONS
" Major Objections to Pacifism " is the subject of a discussion week-end to be held by The Pacifist Society at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park, February 13—16.
4
BEAVER
SOCCER
LSE IN CUP SEMI-FINAL Old Carthusians, 0 — LSE, 1
In the third round replay of the Surrey Senior Cup. the first game having ended in a draw, LSE opened confidently, the wing halves at once taking a grip on the game which proved the foundation of a victory. In spite of close shots by Boath and Wade, the continued pressure of LSE had no immediate result. Towards the end of the first half the Old Carthusians rallied, but a difficult situation was saved by a good clearance from Widdop.
After the restart it was a similar story, LSE pressing hard, but unable to score.
A penalty provided an opportunity, but once again a missed kick left the issue undecided. Five minutes later, Boath, who had taken the penalty kick, made amends with a hard drive home from twenty-five yards.
The Old Carthusians attempted a rally in the dying minutes of the game, but, due to the superiority of backs Bartlett and Widdop and centre half Allen, Gillam in goal, did not have one shot between the posts.
LSE: Gillam, Widdop, Bartlett, Leutenegger, Allen, Gardiner, Brock-house, Dauks, Baker (Capt.), IBoath.
LAB. SOC. ELECTIONS
The newly elected officers of LSF Labour Society are :— chairman, Don Last; vice-chairman, Ray Newbigin ; secretary, Dan Greenwood ; treasurer, Brian Taylor.
COMING EVENTS February:
3. Labour Society ; Ritchie Calder,
of the " News Chronicle." 6. Athletic Union Ball Festival Hall.
12.	Conservative Society : C. I. Orr-Ewing, M.P.
13.	Valentine Ball.
28. Boat Club Dance.
Royal
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*L.U.S.T. IN THE ALPS
In the Christmas vacation LSE Alpine Ski Club, seven strong and representing—perhaps significantly— all departments except Law and Mental Health, joined the newly formed University Ski Club on a trip to the Bernese Oberland.
Except for the first day, the weather was kind. Sun and frost conspired together to make a suitably icy surface to lead our skis astray and add to the membership of that deviationalist group, the " No-Ski" Club. These consisted of our weaker brethren who did not like to risk the after-effects of Swiss wine on the " Red Run," as well as bona fide invalids.
Those of the party who remained at least relatively healthy were nevertheless affected to varying degrees by that chronic illness of all skiers : the force of gravity. This was, however, observed to wear off considerably towards the end of our stay. The numerous people using ski-lifts and climbing skins showing our growing proficiency.
The over-energetic manner in which we passed the days was counteracted by the gentle relaxation of dancing all night at one of the biggest hotels, much to the delight of Cook's " Initiation Party" which came to regard us— dancing bootless and drinking regardless—as a piece of local colour.—
" Boomerang." * For L.U.S.T. read ; London University Ski Tours.
YHA CLUB
The YHA Club, which last term tramped over the Chilterns and North Downs, performed two map surveys in Essex, and visited the Peak District, now has a membership of ninety-four and hopes, with the recruitment of a few more cyclists, to form a "wheelers" section. The next outing, on January 30, is to Maldon and High Roding.
NETBALL CLUB
For four years there has been no netball at LSE, but this term forty people showed willingness to support a club and arrangements have now been made to meet on Wednesdays between 2 and 3 p.m., at Archbishop's Park, and on Saturdays between 10.30 and 11.30 a.m., at Lincoln's Inn Fields.
ROWING: -
by " Hero "
THREE EIGHTS
After not a little experimentation— likened by one member to musical
chairs—the personnel and seating of LSE first eight has now been finally settled, as follows:—P. J. Kennett (bow), P. Kreps, A. L. Runecles, J. Denham-Way, D. J. Wilson, S. Geld-man, J. F. Lumbers, F. Tomlin (stroke), G. Josephs (cox).
The crew includes a good combination of weight and experience, with two University trial caps and an average weight of llj St. Coaching is in the hands of Mr. W. C. B. Tunstall (LMBC) and Mr. J. S. Hall (ULBC).
The second eight, stroked by D. M. Croucher, is very light, but contains a number of practised oarsmen. The third eight has been going afloat, but owing to illness and defections, its composition is as yet uncertain.
Lent Term fixtures ;— February 14, away to St. Peter's Hall, Oxford ; 28, home to Keble College, Oxford ; March 7, away to Downing College, Cambridge ; 14, Reading Head of the River; 28, Tideway Head of the River.
SPORTS RESULTS
Lost
Won &
Won Lost
Lost &
Lost Lost
23—43
24—31 27—25 34—28 11—39
29—47
30—39 34—76 41—48
Basket Ball
E. Essex Tech. School Goldsmiths
Borough Road St. Mary's Quentin School
University College Harrow County
Soccer
1st V. Corinthian Casuals Lost 1—5
2nd V. Battersea Poly.	Won 5—1
1st V. Old Carthusians	Won 1—0 2nd V. University College Drew 4—4
3rd v. B.B.C.	Won 6-0
1st V. St. Mary's	Lost 0—3
2nd V. St. Mary's	Won 2—1 Rugger
" A " V. Kings " A "	Won 26—9
1st V. Wye	Lost 5—6
" A " V. Wye	Won 5—0
1st V. Hoovers	Won 37—0
" A " V. Old Wimbledons	Lost 8—9
1st V. Q.M.C.	Lost 3—5 Hockey
Women's
1st V. Battersea Poly.
Men's
1st V. St. John's, Cam.
2nd V. St. John's, Cam.
1st V. Slough 2nd V. LESSA 2nd V. RSM 1st V. St. John's 2nd V. St. John's 1st V. Royal N'l College 2nd V. Royal N'l College
Won 6—3
Lost 5—0 Drew 1—1 Lost 2—4 Lost 0—4 Won 5—0 Lost 0—5 Drew 1—1 Lost 4—5 Lost 0—5
Published by the Students Union of the London School of Economics, and printed by Speedee Press Services Ltd, (T,U, all depts.J, 206 Union Street, S.E.I WATerloo 5733