Altona Collegiate - Green and Gold Yearbook (Altona, Manitoba Canada)

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Report On 1960 U. N. Seminar Mr. Chairman, fellow students, ladies and gentlemen: Last May at graduation, I was a very surprised student when I heard my name called. With knees like water, I descended to the platform. There I discovered that I had been chosen by the staff to represent the “green and gold” in Brandon at the annual U.N. Seminar in July. I found the idea rather frightening, for I was not at all sure what was expected of me. When I arrived in Brandon on July 10, I felt very insignificant. The magnificent proportions of the Prince Edward Hotel, where the seminar was to be held, left me quite breathless. After I had registered, I was taken to my room on the second floor. Upon my arrival there, I discovered that I was to share it with two other students. I had just begun to unpack, when I met one of them. Her friendly manner soon dissolved all my fears. Before the seminar, I had learned that an essay contest was to be held, and I was determined to spend all my time conscientiously gathering material for the contest. No one else seemed quite so concerned over the matter, however, and soon I decided merely to take notes on all lectures. Most of our time was devoted to these lectures. Usually we had two one-hour lectures in the morning, and two in the afternoon. Our major speaker was Mr. Glenn E. Bennett of U.N. Headquarters in New York — a remarkable man and an excellent speaker. Among our other lecturers were Mr. F. W. Hamilton of Manitoba Pool Elevators, Mrs. Gordon Konantz, vice- president of the Manitoba Branch of the Can. U.N.A., and Prof. A. S. R. Tweedie of the U. of M. The lectures ranged from general topics such as the U.N. and Technical Assistance, to personal topics like “You and the U.N.” All the lectures proved very interesting. For me, however, the most interesting part of the Seminar was the group discussions which followed every lecture. The students were divided into 10 groups — each with a group leader. Our leader was an Englishman with a most delightful accent. The discussions were supposed to be about the lectures but, more often than not, we became hopelessly involved in some side issue which usually proved challenging and enlight¬ ening. That was the working part of the arrangement. Entertainment was another matter. Every evening was set aside strictly for entertainment. On Monday, the 11th, we saw films — on the U.N. naturally — and then had a social. Tuesday the 12th, was a rather memor able evening. Never before had I tried to play baseball with 52 members per team. The game didn’t last long. Instead, we started tugs-of-war and skipping. When we were all sufficiently hungry, we had a wiener roast with pop supplied by the Coca-Cola Co. of Brandon. Wednesday the 13th, we made a tour of an art gallery. Most of the work was done by an artist named Gilbert. It was rather abstract and I’m afraid we couldn’t really appreciate it. Then we toured a “Senior Citizens’ Home.” Later, at an agricultural school, we were treated to a con¬ cert. Most of the items were contributed by students. Then we again had cokes “on-the- house.” This time, they were king-size. Thursday the 14th of July was the last evening in Brandon, and so a wina-up dance was given us. A group called the “Ambassadors” supplied the music. Now, more than ever, I wished that dancing were a more acceptable form of enter¬ tainment here. On Friday at noon, all was over. The 1960 U.N. Seminar was a thing of the past. With heavy hearts and many happy memories we all took our own separate paths. But not before we had gotten the autograph of everyone available. In closing, I would like to thank my sponsors, the Student Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and the School Board for making these memorable four and a half days in Brandon possible. I think the Seminars are a very worthwhile undertaking. I only wish every student could have the oppor¬ tunity of attending one. THANK-YOU.

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