EA 4NOV1953 OF POLITICAL AN^ R NEWSPAPER OF THE STUDENTS' UNION, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON). OCTOBER, 1953 3d.—MONTHLY POLITICAL PRESSURE THREATENS UNION INTEGRITY "MIGHT" NOT "RIGHT" ENDANGERS ISSUE SAYS "TACITUS" 'J'HAT LSE as a School of Political Science should produce and encourage students with a political bias is understandable; it is nonsensical, however, that this attitude should permeate and riddle Union aft'airs. It is a matter of common knowledge that for a long time left wing politics have influenced Union elections and the choice of minor Union officers; but intrigues have by no means been confined to the left, all political societies have not one, but as many fingers as possible inserted in this propaganda pie. Student politics are an excellent thing so long as they limit their activities to their own particular spheres; but it is when they lose their sense of proportion and seek to impose their political imprint upon all members of the School that the freedom of Union members is infringed upon. Not only is the liberty of students to vote for the best candidate in jeopardy, but of necessity the candidates themselves start with a grave liability if they do not have the backing of one or other of the major political groups. This i-ives rise to the anomolous situation where a candidate is often urged to stand down in favour of another member of his own party so as not "to split the party vote." It is usele.ss tu pretend that this is not the case, and it is shocliing indeed to condone it. Union elections bccome a matter for petty intrigue, rash speculation and idle gossip, and instead of a frank and unbiased assessment of the merits of each particular candidate, regardless of his party colour, discussion runs riot as to whom the largest and most influential party is supporting. CURTAINS curtains at my window Flippantly flap in the Boisterous breeze Scattering scraps and Flicking fragments of Piled-up paper; Not billowly blowing Nor waving willowly —just flapping flippantly. PHILLIP BLACKBURN. STATISTICS DROPPED FROM B.Sc. ECON. Jj^IRST year students had a pleasant going-down surprise last term when they learned that the Statistical Method was to be dropped from Part I of the B.Sc. Econ. degree. Statistics may now be taken as an alternative subject, if desired, but is compulsory for those taking the special subjects of Industry and Trade or Accounting, and questions on Statistical Sources will be included in the Applied Economics paper. News of the change, contained in a notice from the Registrar, confirmed the rumours that had been circulating for some time, although it had at first been believed that the change would not take effect until next year. IDC NEGOTIATIONS Responsibility for setting negotiations in motion on the matter was the Inter-Departmental Committee, whose chair-inan, Mr. David H. Mitchell, writes: — " The main moves were made in the term of oflice of my predecessor, Howard Wormsley, who, with the President of the Union and other student representatives, pressed vigour-ously for this reform. " All concerned would, 1 know, wish to express their appreciation of the prompt action taken on the matter by the Authorities, and I should like to take this opportunity of mentioning that this shows what can be done if students will only take an interest in the work of the IDC and ensure that they are represented there." STEPHEN POTTER will give his address as Hon. President of LSE Students' Union in the Old Theatre TO-NIGHT (Thursday, 29th) Anyone should have jhe right to stand for election if they consider themselves suitable; and their record of service to the Union and the School and not their success and intluence in the political held, should be the criterion by which they are judged and elected. A further danger lies in the fact that societies often support candidates of hne calibre and integrity; but in cases where a number of worthy people stand for election, their political convictions raiher than their qualities of administration, personality and leadership, more often than not decide the vote. The argument has been advanced in all seriousness that only a person with experience in politics (amateur politics, mmd you) can make decisions requiring astuteness and initiative—what nonsense this is! A person who cannot Jionestly commit himself to either side of the political fence, is not automatically incapable of clear thinking: judgment and fairness in Union policy. Stop this idle "Busybodiness," stop considering it a matter of urgency that one or another prominent society member must be elected. When the time comes to elect the Government of your country, the M.P. for your district, have all the fun you want, canvass, cajole, entreat, orate; but do it at the right time and for the right occasion—the election of senior Union officers is emphatically not the right occasion for indul^in); in political prevarications. Thts i9 nul IQ ot tnUrprtCeU as an article advocating the Independent line, and it would be grossly wrong and unfair to so interpret it. The very fact that it is necessary for a candidate to advertise himself as independent, is in itself sufficient condemnation of our system. This is simply a plea to keep political machinations out of the Union, to fight our elections intrinsically on clean, unbiased issues (in the manner of so many other college unions that for once, at least, we should not be too proud to emulate) and not tinged with colours of hectic or pastel hues. Put forward a candidate who is a prominent member of a political association by all means, put forward as many as you like, but don't blazon his political affiliations for all to see, don't automatically expect the members of his society to vote for liim, make sure he is a good candidate whatever his party line— choose the candidate most suited for the job—choo.se the best! WHY NOT WEAR GOWNS AT LSE? i: 'T^HE wearing of gowns at LSE seems, at present, to be confined to the occasional lecturer during examinations, and to the even odder visiting law students from UC. At Oxford and Cambridge, as well as other provincial universities (as this picture shows), the wearing of academic dress is the rule. Various explanations for the lack of such drapery at LSE—among them the expense, and the difficulty of managing flowing gowns in narrow, tightly-packed corridors—have been advanced from time to time, but no definite conclusions seem to have been reached. Should we, too, wear gowns? Send your views on the matter in a letter to The Editor, for publication in the next issue of " Beaver." DRAMATIC SOCIETY PLANS YOR the Oration Day production this year LSE Dramatic Society is to present two comedies, "A Phoenix too Frequent," Christopher Fry's first West End success, and "Mirandolina," a translation of "La Locandiera," by the Venetian, Carlo Goldom. LSE UNBEATEN AT BRIDGE Bridge Club had an unbeaten season, last year, not only winning every match, but the London Hospitals' and Colleges' Challenge Trophy as well, both finalists being from LSE. The School previously held the trophy in 1949-50-51. Members and pairings were: ("A" team) D. Lintern and M. Lassman, R. W. Holder and R. Walmesley; ("B" team) F. Copelin and E. Taylor, M. Stilwell and J. M. Wilson. Last season's match record: Friendly Matches V. IC ; I Team win by 1590. V. Kings: 11 Team win by 1150. V. IC : Team (8) win by 36 LMP. V. Kings: 1 Team win by 2840. V. Brentwood B.C.: Team (8) win by 5 IMP.. Hospitals' and Colleges' Trophy "A" Team beat UC "A" by 2850; IC "C" by 390; Battersea Poly, by 560. "B" Team beat St. George's Hosp. by 400; IC "D" by 4510; Woolwich Poly. by 2770. Finals: LSE "A" lost to LSE "B" by 270. LORD BEVERIDGE TO VISIT LSE f ORD Bevcridge, a former Director ^ of LSE, and Lord Boyd-Orr are among the speakers who have promised to give talks at meetings of LSE World Government Society, this term. A series of lunch-hour discussions are planned, and a social is to be held next month. It is also hoped that some members will have an opportunity to have tea at the House of Commons through the courtesy of the Parliamentary Group for World Government. GOD'S PURPOSE ^HE Assistant Director of Religious Broadcasting, Rev. E. H. Robertson, gave the first of three talks on "God's Purpose" at the weekly meeting of SCM. LSE's own Dr. R. M. Hatton, is speaking on "God's purpose in history," and there will be two talks by Mr. R. Chapman, also of LSE. Sir Richard Acland will speak at the annual dinner next term. The coming-up service was taken by the Rev. L. M. Charles-Edwards, Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. MORNING SERVICE JpOLLOWING last term's experiment, and in response to requests, a 25 ininute morning service is to be held at LSE every week this term. The denominational chaplains to the University have agreed to lead the services in turn, and Anglican, Baptist, Congregational ist, Methodist Presbyterian, and others will be represented. The services will be held at 9.30 a.m. every Wednesday in the Graham Wallas Room. 2 BEAVER BEAVER The Students' Uniuii, Luiidoii School of Economics, Houghton Street, London, W.C.2. Tel: HOL 4872 Editor....................John M. Dunklcy Asst. Editor.........Rosemary Ellerbeck Sports Editor..............R. J. Williams Circulation Manager...Glenda Griffiths Sub-Editors...Margaret Flint and Sander Rubin ODDLY ENOUGH.....' ^FHE Library is on the ground floor. It's not worth visiting; all the Sapper books have been flogged. Kilroy doesn't seem to have been here yet! The clock in E 80 ticks every half minute. In Economics classes the number 120 seems incredibly distant at noon, and from 110 to 120 is seemingly endless. Beaver (the mascot, not the paper) was adopted as part of the School crest in honour of Lord Beveridge, a former Director, who, because of his tremendous energy, was known as "The Beaver." It appears that some wishful thinker hoped, in providing the LSE crest, to instil His Lordship's qualities into the students! What a hope! URGENT..... CONTRIBUTIONS are still needed for this term's issue of Clare Market Hcricir. The closing date for the submission of material is October 31. A special welcome will be extended to work by freshers; in particular to cartoons, short stories and poetry. SPOTLIGHT ON..... WALTER Mc MAHON, who has come to LSE after serving for two years in Korea. Walter, who is doing research for a thesis, gained his B.Sc. Econ. and M.A. at the University of Iowa, and hopes to return there to take his .Ph.D. Aged 26, he is niarried, and has brought his nine-months-old daughter to London with him. He hopes to make teaching his career. ANTONIA WOLSTENCROFT, here to take the two-year Social Science course, who is a descendent of Mary Wolstencraft, wife of the poet, Shelley. CHAUNCEY MOREHOUSE, who is just a "great guy"! THINGS WE WANT TO KNOW ., ? rpHE name of the Tresher who was seen taking the Union Secretary on a conducted tour of the School? If a certain second-year B.Sc. Econ. student really did make £7 selling black-market tickets for the 'freshers dance? If the second-year student from Harrow County School is still nicknamcd "The Camel"? The name of the Government specialist, who, asked to give a paper on trade cycles, spoke for twenty minutes on one particular aspect of two-wheeled transportation? If one 'fresher really did spend £20 on School uniform? If the new student found wandering through the corridors of the Air Ministry really was looking for the Registrar s Office, as he claimed? Why priccs' have gone up in the Refectory? If Percy Hoskins' middle name really is Algernon? If the liquid in the carafe in the Old Theatre is a particularly potent Scandinavian brew (as suggested) or just gin? Who is 'Liz Wheeler, anyway? GENTLEMEN OF QUALITY We're the School's hand-tailored students; we stand out in a crowd. Our blazers are superbly cut, we're very, very proud Of the tiny, well-tied Windsor knots that decorate our ties; But the neatly-rolled umbrella is the thing we really prize. Our trousers are so nicely pressed, we always shine our shoes; And we never do such silly things as stand in theatre queues. You see; we are the careful type; we're inevitably booked; (And the neatly-rolled umbrella; well, that's never overlooked) ! Our accents have been radio-trained by Snagge, Alvar Liddell, The Sunday morning " Critics," and some lecturers as well. We like to sip our coffee, but we loath excessive noise; (And the neatly-rolled umbrella is essential to our poise). They'll turn us into Marxists here (at leasj:, that's what we're told). And when the workers run the country (as we did in days of old). Well____we'll support the Revolution (but as nicely as we can), And the neatly-rolled umbrellas will go forward—to the man ! ! J. R. FOX. Its LSE Behind the Iron Curtain BY DEBORAH JONES The student world has some very definite advantages. One of the lesser known ones being the ability, even if only on certain occasions, to penetrate that seemingly invincible barrier, the Iron Curtain. , ¦ , u u This ability to enter the little known arises from the tact that when the International Union of Students was set up in 1946, its secretariat was centred in Prague, with all that that means in the world to-day. The lUS was started as'an ideal; that of bringing together students from all over the world in a co-operative unity. Since then there has been a ciiangc in student politics as there has been in world affairs and, in fact, the I US very closely mirrors the political activities of the People's Democracies. This is quite natural for, over the years, the official western student unions have dropped out one by one, because of the increasingly partisan attitude of the I US, and now although there aro small groups, from most of the countries of the world which support I US. there are only a few national unions in the West who even attend ¦*" governing bodies. WARSAW CONGRESS In August the iUS held its tri-ennial Congress in Warsaw. The World Students' Congress is the highest governing body of the I US and its main task is to discuss problems connected with the conditions and activities of students and to work out the programme of action for ItJS. F^ir this year's Congress, when the whole stress was laid on the peaceful coexistence of nations, no better place could have been chosen for its setting than Warsaw. Much of the city still lies in ruins as though it had been bombed only the night before. Some areas have been rebuilt and are still shining in their newness. Against this background were placed the students of all countries and races; colourful, tuneful and friendly. It was a situation in which one dreaded war and could believe in the strength of friendship. "CAPITALISI" CRrnCISM But for British students there was a great deal which marred this picture. Underlying the lUS Executive report was a constant criticism of student conditions in the "capitalist countries" and yet we saw in Poland many things that no student in this country would tolerate. We deeply appreciate iheir great diniciilties and ; their achievements, but even so it is hard to stand constant criticism of one's own way of life when one sees fellow students in Poland living three in a room in the newest student hostels and is told that (here are compulsory classes in "political science" for even the engineering and medical students. Howe\'j.;r this Is all a matter of the setting; what seems to have come out of the Congress itself? The main reason for NUS being there was to negotiate for a change in the lUS constitution bringing a new form THE SHAW LIBRARY BY W. WOLFF "AN ill-favour'd thing, but our own." Few of us would like to describe our girl-friends in these words, but the phrase leaps readily to mind when wc think of the grey, gaunt structure behind Aldwych that is LSE. Yet, like the toad, it "wears fifth floor. a precious jewel in its head"—the Si\aw Library on the of associate membership of lUS, whereby national student unions may participate in the practical activities of I US without attaching themselves to the political activities of the organisation. This proposal, as with all other motions on which a vote was taken, was passed unanimously. The decision as to whether NUS will lake up this form of membership or not will be made at NUS Council this November. STUDENT EXCHANGE The other most significant result of the Congress was the importance attached to the future arrangements for travel and exchange. It is difficult to tell at this point just what will be the future of lUS, but I cannot help feeling, although there is much in lUS we can never tolerate, that, with the slackening of tensions in the world situation, the future may be far rosier than the past. WHY SHAW? Why the Shaw library? Because it first received its present form when, 14 years ago, Mrs. Charlotte Shaw, G.B.'s wife, presented the School with £1,000 to buy a collection of general literature, covermg topics outside the scope of the School's curricula, in which the student could spend that odd hour browsing at leisure. And why is it such a pleasant place? For one thing, because the nature of its purpose Klwuhl make it so, and for another, and much more important, because Miss Jean Douglas-Mann, the librarian in charge, hax made it so. It is nowadays financed by an annual grant from the main Library of Political and Economic Science attached to the School. Miss Douglas-Mann enjoys a certain measure of autonomy in spending this. The main emphasis is on books dealing with the arts, together with travel, biography, classics and natural history. In particular does she try to choose such books as are not readily obtainable in other libraries. By the saine token, modern fiction comes low on the scale of preferences determining outlay on acquisitions.' DRAWING-ROOM ATMOSPHERE The atmosphere which Miss Douglas-Mann tries to achieve and has built up very successfully, is that of a balance between library and drawing-room, such as could be found in old country houses, yet has all but disappeared from contemporary living styles. In order that Library shall not swamp Drawing Room, the collection of books is kept fairly constant at about the 4,000 mark; as new additions come, some old inmates quietly withdraw. Hence also the very tasteful furnishing, and thanks are due here to the Director, who takes much personal interest in the Library, for the loan of two landscape paintings. CONCERTS AND CHESS It is the "atmosphere" that is very dear to Miss Douglas-Mann's heart, and some recent events have induced her to stress once more that it is not a ciniuiioii room where one can meet for noisy back-chat and a game of cards, as opposed to quiet conversation and a round of chess. It is also the place where, fautc de iiiiciw, the Music Society holds its concerts. That, and the fact that Miss Douglas-Mann is, in a personal capacity, closely connected with the Society, is the Library's only link with it. All records and scores are the property of the Library, not the Music Society, and there are roughly two hours after lunch and tea each day in which, with the permission of the Librarian, records can be played. OPENED BY DUKE It was first opened by the Duke of Windsor some 25 years ago, and was then used to house a "Boland" collection of French and German literature. It lived up to its forbidding title so well that few people ever used it before Mrs. Shaw came to the rescue. But what really makes the jewel in the Houghton Street head shine is the ever helpful charm and courtesy which Miss Douglas-Mann has, since 1946, unfailingly extended to all who come to her Sanctuary on the fifth floor. U DRIVE ... . I'll be walking behind an acconut of the Union Becruiiin^ drive by NOEL de SOUZA WOULD you. like to join our Society? All the best people do. Wc have scheduled this year a variety of important events for you. Would you help us plan for freedom from poverty, tyranny, war? Take these leaflets home and read 'em: you will see.." "Well, before,." "Join the Conservative, Communist, Pacifist, Socialist, Liberal,' Labfiur Society." "Take a tip: keep away from these gents here. It is plain, from the height of your brow. You arc one of the intelligentsia. Join OUR Society now. Whether Shakespeare's fan or Tchaikovsky's, if you really want to belong To the Cultured Crowd (with two capital C's) . . " "Er. don'J get me wrong . . " "Join the Debates, the Dramatic, the Arts, the Music (orchestral and choral) Society." "When lectures and books are beginning to pall,--You'll want to relax, get away from it all, Joinj the Bridge. Chess and Jazz Clubs for the change you desire. ¦loin the X. Y, and Z clubs: we're sure you'll require . "You've clubbed me so senseless I am sorely in need Of psychiatric treatment from your Dr. Read." THE ROAD TO BALE YHA ON TOUR TOURING the summer vacation, members of the LSE Youth Hostels Club travelled far and wide. Eight members hitch-hiked through France, and hastily scanning something akin to "Morals in Evolution," braved Spain for five weeks. They travelled south through Madrid to Seville and returned to France along the Eastern coast. As they all behaved well (even at bull fights), the club was not called on to bail them out of gaol, as had been feared. SHARED TAXI Another party travelled through Germany and spent five weeks in Scandinavia. So far not many of the details are clear, except that two of the members returned to the UK sharing a taxi with a couple of Australian girls. Breaks of this kind cannot be guaranteed on every tour, however. FRENCH STRIKE A few people also visited Scotland under the auspices of the club. But besides these tours many members hostelled independently and visited places as far apart as Finland, Austria and North Africa. The difficulties encountered during the French strikes have provided the garrulous with a fund of yarns (tall ones) which will be related in detail (full and gory) on the next hostelling week-end in West Kent on November 13-15. —CHRISTINE MINNS. What Me .. . ! ? " What, me.......interested in Christianity....... not Wtt;ly ! ! Not only is it out of date, but its not true......Dr. Huxwin says so, and that proves it. Besides just look at the parsons . . . My Hat ! ! You ask, "Do people really argue like that"? The answer is that they do. Christianity is dismissed out of hand because of a few trivial arguments such as these. No thinking person would wish to fall into such a trap. This is one of the reasons why the 'Mission to London University' will take place from Nov. 15—22. Throughout the colleges of the University there will be special meetings under the general theme "That ye might have life"—words spoken by Christ explaining why he came to men. The Mission will put forward the claims of Jesus Christ and will show why there is a need for individual salvation. MISSION AT LSE How will the Mission affect LSE? Daily meetings will be addressed by Major W. Batt, our college missioner, a man of wide experience and interests, who will be staying at Passfleld Hall. As well as the main series of Mission addresses, there will be two other meetings in LSE. The film "Dust or Destiny," which relates Christianity and science, will be shown and on Nov. 20 Col. J. N. D. Anderson, Reader in Oriental Law, will talk on "Is Christianity the only religion to-day?" THE ASSISTANT MASTERS ASSOCIATION The Incorporated Association of Assistant Masters in Secondary Schools. Foiinrfe:; 1891 Membirsliip 11,000 Incorpoialed igai Mcmbersllip of the Association is open to Assistant Masters teaching in Secondary and Public Schools. The Association is represented on the Burnhani Committee and on every important Educational Body. To INTENDING TEACHERS who enrol as STUDENT MEMBERS The Association olfers CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and ADVICE on condition of service in secondary schools of all types and many other bcnetits The JOINT SCHOLASTIC AGENCY the Appointment Board jointly controlled by the Headmasters' and Assistant Masters' Association offers special terms to Student Members of the LA.A.M. The Association's works on the teaching of Science, Modern Languages, Geography. History and English are available to members at reduced rates: othei' books in preparation. For full details unite SECRETARY, LA.A.M., 29 GORDON SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.I BEAVER 3 STUDENT HEALTH AND LSE By KENNETH MacKINNON Union Welfare Vice-President iVI students may be unaware of the existence of a student health problem. Stated briefly it is that students are neglectful of their health and in many colleges, even many residential ones, inadequate provisions are made for a health service. For this reason both the School and the Union urge all students resident away from their own homes and now living in London to register with a doctor. In an emergency it may be too late to do so. You are further asked to take full advantage of the health scrvice operated in LSE, and of the mass X-ray for tuberculosis discovery which will be operated at the School in January. RESIDENT NURSE We have a resident nurse who can arrange dental appointments and we have a recommended optician who can be visited after application to a doctor. A resident psychiatrist acts as adviser on any problem of adjustment, study or general condition. We hope that wrong ideas on his purpose may soon disappear and more worried students allow him to help them. PERIODIC CHECK-UP Whilst we have not a student health centre in the School like that of University College we have most of the facilities for one and the Union Welfare Department works on most of the suggestions of the recommendations of the Royal College of Physicians in this matter. We arc deficient on two issues: The provision of periodic medical examinations and of a sick bay or nursing facilities. Of the latter, I feel that the difficulties in setting such a thing up would not be a very necessary effort, but of the former I can do much worse than to draw your atlention to what I consider a need. MR. STOCK (Continued from previous column) Periodic medical examination is an excellent institution, more so in the case of students, and it is something not strictly catered for under the National Health Service. There is perhaps a case for a scheme for students at this School and I ask you to consider it. Whether such a scheme could be set up in LSE or arrangements made with an outside body, 1 don't know but 1 hope you will think about the matter and consider support for such a scheme. It lies with the public opinion of the School and 1 trust you will come out with definite ideas on this subject and at least treat it with the interest it deserves. DICK TURPIN DRANK IN CLARE MARKET .... WHEN IT WAS A MARKET ! BY JOHN DUNKLEY "Y^HEN the London School of Economics moved to Clare Market in 1902— seven years after its foundation—the few remaining residents who were old enough to remember when Clare Market was, in fact, a market, were heard to express the hope that the change would not mean a return of the unsavoury characters who frequented the place in the past. Whether or not the hopes of these___ old worthies have been fulfilled, it is. perhaps, not for anyone connected with LSE to judge. But it is sure that the old Clare Market, which displayed many of the characteristics of a travelling fair, had more than its share of cheapjacks and pedlars, hawkers, tumblers and clowns, musicians, beggars and quacks. Rogues, robbers and highwaymen mingled freely with the tradesmen and entertainers, and, it is said, there wasn't a barmaid in the district who didn't know Dick Turpin and Jack Sheppard, some of them only too well ! In years gone by, shoppers would go to Clare Market in preference to either Covent Garden or Billingsgate for their vegetables and fish, and the Clare Market butchers were once so prosperous that they had their own chapel. FOUNDED BY PEER The market, and Houghton Street, were named after William Holies, who was Baron Houghton and Earl of Clare. Holies, who built the market in what was then Clement's Inn Fields, originally called it New Market, and, after being involved in litigation with the City of London, which he won after a protracted struggle, he went on to open a number of successful markets, of which the Hay Market and Brook Market are perhaps the most famous. At the time of the Great Fire Clare WHENCE THEY CAME.... AND WHERE THEY HOPE TO GO The second of a series of articles on LSE's older students by Beaver" columnist, W. WOLFF. TN the case of Roy MacDonald Stock, there is for once a great deal in a mere name. The idol of all British pacifists and socialists in 1914 was Ramsey MacDonald, and when Stock was born, shortly after the outbreak of the first World War, his parents, though Non-Conformist, called their son after the political leader who was so staunchly upholding their own ideals. This incident sets the background excellently, for Stock has been preoccupied with social problems almost from the word "go" in 1914. It is this same interest in political problems that finally led him to LSE in the 39th year of his life, straight from the post of Chief Education Officer in Berlin. READ FRENCH AT BRISTOL As, in addition to his polital interests. Stock is also blessed with a good gift for languages, and as at School in Bristol the French master was a stronger personality than the History teacher, it was decided that he should go to Bristol University to take a degree in French. Stock obliged by winning the essential scholarship, and three years later graduated with an upper second. Teaching was the career he was to pursue, and a year's work for the teacher's diploma followed. At this point the possibility of undertaking some political studies first presented itself. Stock won a research scholarship. A language degree could, however, at the most provide only a back-door to the social sciences, but Stock took it and went to Paris to work on "censorship under Napoleon" as an M.A. thesis. The Scholarship he had gained was one of those bread and no butter affairs. At 22 one does, however, occasionally like some butter, even jam, with one's breakfast. When, therefore, after a year his former classics master, by now headmaster of Cardigan Grammar School, ottered him a post as modern language teacher. Stock took it. Three years later he was still in Cardigan, for he likes teaching, as well as children. Then war broke out. IN ARMY INTELLIGENCE He started his army service in 1940 as a private in the intelligence corps, and via Sandhurst, Normandy, Belgium and Holland, ended it as a major in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at Dannenburg, on the Elbe. His knowledge of French came in useful in Normandy, where he acted as liaison, officer with the French maquis for his brigade on several occasions. The Normandy campaign also brought him the M.C., presented personally by Field Marshal Montgomery. In the confused weeks after the armistice in 1945, and again on the strength of his knowledge of French; his Colonel seconded him from his battalion to run military government at Dannenberg. It was the sort of political work which fascinated him, and he decided he would like to stay on in Germany to work with Military Government and later with the Control Commission. It was seven years later that he finally took the road home— and to LSE. WHY LSE? Why did he choose LSE rather than one of the old residential universities? He felt that, situated in London, it was much nearer the centre of the political and social life of the country, and he had hoped to find here a much keener discussion of current political (issues, at least in full-dress Union debates. He specialises on International Relations, but now, at the beginning of his. second year, he finds the stress on examinations on such a broad syllabus somewhat disillusioning. He had hoped that university life would give him more time to devote to the study of political problems. But all that may well change as the academic season progresses. And where does he hope to go in two years' time? Hopes and possibilities cannot, unfortunately, always be made identical, but peering into the future now, the choice would seem to lie between teaching and work with an international organisation. Which it is to be in the end, will do doubt be settled by the stars, purse strings, or who or whatever else decides our fate at any given moment. THE LAST HALF HOUR By "Eastcross Cairnham" A silence fraught with an eerie, unknown quality hung over the room, laden with the feaf of things to come. They sat round.the table, white, and trembling with apprehension. A man picked up his cup of tea and made a half-hearted pretence of drinking it, but his hand shook so badly that the grey-brown liquid slopped over his knees and on to the table. With an over-bright smile he looked at the rest of the ^group and muttered a vague apology. His words passed unheeded. No one saw him, no one heard. One man was running his finger nails along the edge of the table; another was drawing mysterious, imaginary lines and curves in mid-air, as though communicating with spirits far away. A once attractive girl bit her colourless lips in an attempt to stifle a sob before it was born. A pale-eycd, sallow-checked youth patted her shoulder encouragingly. " It's not that difficult to remember, really," he said. "The MPP of A over the price of A equals the MPP of B over the price of B . . . You can surely remember that." The girl sobbed again. The minute hand of the clock was only three strokes from the hour. They walked reluctantly out of the door. Market was famous as the "home" of two particularly interesting characters. One, whose spirit undoubtedly lives after him, was Orator Henley. A fiery, though eccentric preacher, he drew large crowds to his velvet-decorated "soapbox" (generally, in fact, a beer barrel), and later established himself in the chapel of the Clare Market butchers, charging a shilling for admission. At length, after twenty years of heated oratory, he incurred the displeasure of the law and was convicted of sedition. HAMLET AND THE BLACK JACK Even more popular was Joe Millar, an actor, whose portrayals of Hamlet earned for him an unrivalled reputation, among the butchers and other tradesmen of the market. Joe, who is reputed to have given his best performances after drinking liberally of port, could neither read nor write, but the clientele of the Black Jack in Portsmouth Street loved him none the less on account of that. It was in Clare Market, in the more sober days of 1839, that King's College Hospital was first started. LSE arrived on the scene some 60 years later, and was twice extended in the following ten years; which is probably why, in 1913, KCH decided to move to Denmark Hill! READERS WRITE Sir,—In your last issue you published a statement by the Chairman of each of the School's political societies on the question 'Has Political Activity given LSE a Bad Name'? For some reason the Pacifist Society was not asked to contribute. 1 can imagine you. Sir, puzzling over its status: cultural? political? religious? a mongrel, maybe?—best to forget about it! I hope I may be forgiven for jogging your memory, for in an important sense the Pacifist Society is a political society. No doubt some stoical ostriches are entirely indifferent to the future institutional development of society. Fortunately, few students belong to this category: far too many are, however, inclined to retreat into inactivity when they find that the policies of the political parties do not live up to their expectations. But this dissatisfaction ought to supply a spur to political action: not to apathy. Pacifists are as much concerned to further their aims by action, including political action, as any group of persons united by common aims. But I am neglecting the question ... A bad name? In what quarters? Is it a matter of serious concern anyway? It is not political activity as such which endangers reputations, but that naive sort of political activity which turns politics into a trivial game. Yours, etc., Gabriel Newfield, Vice-Chairman, LSE Pacifist Society. COMING EVENTS Commemoration Ball: Dec. 4, Royal Festival Hall. Conservative Society: Nov. 5, Robert Carr, M.P. „ 19, Irene Ward, M.P. „ 24, Visit to Parliament. Dec. 3, John Arbuthnot, M.P. Film Society: Nov. 2, Marx Bros. Go West. „ 16, Meeting on the Elbe. „ 30, Ninotchka. Dcc. 14, Kameradschaft. Music Society: Nov. 2, Nancy Evans (contralto). „ 23, John Francis (fit.), Millicent Silver (harpsichord) Dec. 7, Cainbridge Univ. M.C. „ 11, LSE Choir and Orcb Pacifist Society: Nov. 3, Objections to Conscription „ 12, Rev. Patrick Figgis. World Government Socicty: Nov. 6, J. E. S. Simon, M P. CLASSIFIED ADVTS. JJLOOD donors urgently needed for blood donation session at LSE, November. Apply:—Welfare Vice-Pres., Union. ^MALL men wanted; (nine stone and under) as coxswains. Apply:—Men's Boat Club, LSE. BEAVER A.U. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ARE YOU PLAYING FOR LSE ? Asks Ron Henderson TVHAT is to occupy your leisure hours tliis session? The old hands are already engrossed in Society work or, just as important, are keeping the Athletic Union on the University's sport's map. The AU exists for everyone in the School and gets its finances on behalf of all full-time students. Its excellent facilities and wide coverage are there for the asking. Don't Imagine us all as Amazons and Spartans; on the contrary, the "Athletic" Union embraces some 27 clubs (for men and women): from mountaineering and sailing to archery and hostelling. Surely something suits you?-and anyway, what do you do on our Wednesday afternoon: not still waiting for lectures to turn up. I hope! OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS " 'Freshers " will now know that they have to make their own life at LSE, and it's quite a pleasant change from being led. The opportunity lies with you; all we can do is show what may be missed :—don't just plod on until the final year and then reflect on the pleasures that have passed you by. Our fine sports' ground at Maiden can still take many more sportsmen and women—and any number of beer-drinkers! Also, "On the spot" clubs cater for the travel-sick. You may say, "What about expense": true enough, twice a week soccer costs about 7/6d. (all in), but what is that compared with the alternative of London's social life? JOIN NOW All clubs are now recruiting new blood and give every encouragement to new members. Enquiries should be directed to the relevant Secretary or the AU Office. When you are one of our number you will find a conviviality that is not understood by the uninitiated and ......Don't forget that the New Regulations give you your free time in the first year! Don't hesitate to join us and always remember that we will be delighted with your help administratively. IN THE SWIM J^SE Swimming Club, with a near-record enrolment of 'freshers, is looking forward to a full and successful year. Tuesday is club night, (meet under LSE clock at 7.15 p.m.), and the club uses the baths at the Central YWCA. Water Polo Matches for both men and women have been arranged, and in the Lent Term the club will be taking part in the University Water Polo League fixtures. Last season two LSE players, L. Turner and M. Paunis, were in the University's second polo team, and Turner and R. Norman were members of the University swimming team.— A.R. NAGGING AGAIN horse, a horse . . . my County Major for a horse! All lovers of the noble animal, from frustrated 'freshers to second and third year students yearning to escape from the stifling atmosphere of the Library, will find a welcome at LSE Riding Club. For the beginner an enclosed paddock with Dunlopillo turf is provided, and jumps are provided for those aspiring to greater heights. Pleasant hours may be spent cantering on Wimbledon Common, cross-country riding in Richmond Park, and, for the more romantic, on moonlight rides. The club meets Wednesday afternoons. Ofliccrs:—Wendy Braddaw (president), Mary Ho (secretary), Marion Smith (treasurer). Elegy in a Country Boatyard fJiHE suspicions long held by LSE Boat Club that examinations apply a brake to the more "important" activities of undergraduate life were amply confirmed when the shaken remnant of the once glorious ranks reassembled this term. Minus, among others, their captain and two vice-captains elect, they were consoled only by the thought that LSE at least has something in common with Cambridge. NEW OFFICERS The stupor induced by intellectual shell shock was soon replaced by a volume of activity, however, and the gaps filled by Alan Carter and Peter Simpson, with Ben (Mendes as secretary and Brian Carpenter as treasurer. This committee still drinks at the Club's fountain of wisdom in the International Relations Department, whose pearls of advice have now, happily, been cominitted to print. EXPERIENCED 'FRESHERS 'Fresher blood has been injected into the ailing carcase in the form of numerous bulky young men, and a group of Oxford and Cambridge graduates, now doing the Colonial Studies course at LSE, may well form the best' eight the School has known for some time. In fact, despite original doubts, events seem to augur a good year. Moreover, with Ben Mendes making an almost noticeable efl'ort to grow a beard, and John Lumbers almost still with us, all we need is a few stout tankard-wielders for LSEMBC to maintain its reputation in other fields. —B.V.A. SKI-ING The University of London Ski Club, formed only last year with the object of providing cheap ski-ing holidays abroad, is this year to go to Zermatt. Instruction is provided for beginners and skis can be hired at the resort. Cost is expected to be about £30. Those interested should contact Elizabeth M. Wheeler, Secretary of the Club, at LSE. LSE HAS WORLD CHAIVIPION SPORTING PROFILE—1: RALPH DUNKLEY ^URRENT star of LSE sport is the newly^ re-elected, ULAC captain, Ralph Dunkley, who in September crowned his best season to date with a quarter share in the world's 4 x 1,500 metres relay record. Ralph, who drinks rarely and smokes not at all, is already a connoisseur of mile championships, having this year collected the UAU, Middlesex, Inter-Counties and Kinnaird titles. In the AAA final he came 4th, and in the World Student Games at Dortmund, having looked a sure winner, he was pipped on the post by David Law. In the midst of this welter of achievement, Ralph still found time to pass Part I of the B.Sc. Econ., and being an all-thc-year-round runner he is just starting the cross country season. It is on the track, however, that he has shown the greatest promise: he ranks as 9th best British miler of all time with 4:9.8, and is also 9th at 1500 metres (3:50.6) and 10th at 2 miles (9:4.4)—the only person to appear in the first 10 in all 3 events. For good measure, he also ranks equal 4th best at 3000 metres. Of what lies beyond Part 11, 23-ycars-okl Ralph is not sure, save that he intends to continue running. Selection by both England and Great Britain has enabled him to see much of the world already; as a geography specialist he is naturally keen to see more, and one fancies that he feels that the best time to visit Melbourne, Australia, will be February, 1956.—J.S. Dunkley Joined by UAU Winner BRIGHT CROSS COUNTRY PROSPECTS " 1 SE is the only college with a World champion in its team." That is now the proud boast of the Cross-Country Club, following Ralph Dunkley's fine performance with Law, Pirie and Nankeville in the 4 X 1500 relay at the White City. And if Dunkley's cross-country performances match his successful track season, LSE should prove more than a match for any college side—even for Loughborough, who are to be visited in November. The return of the 1952 UAU champion, T. E. Keegan to LSE should keep the college team right at the top of the tree, and, 'though, D. Robinson and J. H. Cameron have left the college, there is enough strong packing to ensure Keegan and Dunkley are well supported. With luck, the side ought to win the coveted Hyde Park Road Relay for the third successive year. Among the newcomers are J. R. Herring, runner-up in the Southern Counties Mile Junior Championships last year, and several protnising 'freshers. Prospective members will be welcomed at Hampstead on Wednesdays and Saturdays, not only as raccrs but also as "strollers." LADIES' TENNIS A RRANGEMENTS have been inade for the Ladies' Tennis Club to play in Lincoln's Inn Fields every Wednesday afternoon during the Michaelmas Term. 'Freshers welcome. SQUASH CLUB fJ^HE Squash Club is suffering from the loss of its means of transport-—the car belonging to its late captain— but otherwise it continues in its democratic traditions. Trials are held periodically, and anyone who plays well (or owns a car!) will be considered for the teain. General meetings will continue to be held in public houses after away matches. The Ladies' Club Main interest centres round the revival of the ladies' team, which is being organised by Miss Anne Arden. All female squash players are requested to look out for notices of trials and elections. There is considerable rivalry for the post of coach to the Ladies' Team, and the Captain of the Club has generously offered to coach all the ladies himself, but this suggestion has met with surprisingly little support, particularly from the other men. Ladies, it's up to you.-A.H.P. THE MAN WHO WHISPERED ... "PING-PONG!" J)URING the AU recruiting session, some thirty 'freshers crept humbly up to the Table Tennis Club stall and earnestly entreated the treasurer or myself that, unworthy though they were, they might have bestowed upon them the signal privilege of parting with five shillings, and sa attain the greatest honour that the AU can offer, namely, membership of the Table Tennis Club, Imagine then our indescribable horror when one lanky soul sauntered negligently up to the stall, and asked in an infuriatingly condescending tone, to join the "PING-POl^G Cltibl" To this day there are two holes in the ceiling of Room 8. The smaller one was made by the treasurer's head. The larger one .... FURY Back on earth our fury mounted. Thoughtless with rage, we took his subscription and threw him out. At least we tried to throw him out. 1 think I forgot to say that there are now four holes in the ceiling of Room 8. Seriously, however, it can truly be said that table-tennis has come of age. In England, the number of registered players alone must run into six figures. And on a world scale, only soccer is played as a serious sport in more countries. 25,000 FANS Every year the English Open Championships attract 15,000 pilgrims to Wembley. This year Wembley will be the venue of the World Championships and will sell more than 25,000 tickets. The names of Barna, Bergnann, Leach, Diane and Rosalind Rowe, are as much household words as Lofthouse, Hutton, Mottram, Bannister and Pirie. Yet in this year of progress, there is still one happy soul, who, oblivious of mass-production, backhand flicks and secretary's apoplexy, can come up to me and ask, without the slightest show of fear, to join the "PIN(1-P0NG Cluh\" — Lawrence Cooklin (Club Secretary). SOCCER CLUB: PROMISING PROSPECTS PROSPECTS for LSE Soccer Club seem promising. With several of last year's 1st XL still available there is a good foundation, but perhaps more important is the fact that eleven 'freshers were invited' to take part in the University trials at Motspur Park, which would thus indicate a considerable amount of new talent. Our own trials have proved the worth of several other players who, with determination and encouragement should all well maintain the prestige of the four soccer elevens. Your Club The Soccer Club at LSE exists for the benefit of all members. If you feel that you have had a raw deal, who ever you are, do not be afraid to contact members of the selection committee, Maurice Brockhouse, Gordon Bartlett or Jack Widdop, who will welcome any suggestions.—M.O.D. = THE WORLD'S GREATEST S = BOOKSHOP = = All new B<>(>k.s available