United College Collegiate - Tric Tics Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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m7m DRAMATIC EXECUTIVE. W. Banks J. K. Hodges R. K. Finlayson J. A. Strindlund J. H. Jackson L. L. Paterson C. R. Ohilderhose MisaM. Bere Prof. R. H. Rowland, B.A. J. E. Gibbeu T. W. Johnson, Pres. Miss M. Rogers T. W. H. Williams Miss M. Robb Miss E. Robertson Page 27

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The College Dramatics of 1914 have been a signal success. In reviewing the year, our eyes are dazzled by the profusion of budding orators, stern tragedians and lofty moralists. These, with a score of other types peculiar to the dramatic world, remind us that they sprang forth from the rich soil of our cultured student body. We might unhesitatingly enumerate the merits of our many talented prodigies and prophesy great things for them in this realm of art, but our aim shall be comprehensive rather than specific. As for the Drama itself. It needs no apology. Its func¬ tion in society is invaluable. The University is a world with¬ in a world, and must if it be consistent, retain the institu¬ tions of the larger sphere within her own bounds. The Drama is perhaps the greatest exponent of all that is common to civi¬ lization. To merely mention the plays chosen by the different class organizations is to draw attention to the high level that has been consistently maintained. Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” and “Twelfth Night,” Galsworthy’s “Justice,” and Dickens’ “Pickwick Trial.” These with the biggest effort of the term ‘ ‘ The Servant in the House, ’ ’ indicate a variety that is both choice and educative. Without exception each production has met with an un¬ qualified success. Large audiences have appreciated the so¬ ciety ’s efforts and many whose scruples may have denied them the doubtful luxury of the modern theatre, have availed themselves of this provision. Apart from College Dramatics we provided many of the artists for the University Society’s play, “Sweet Lavender.” This in brief covers the activities of the LTnited College Dramatic Society. We are tempted to linger with some of the more prominent personalities of the various castes but must content ourselves with paying a tribute to T. W. Johnson, whose indefatigable interest has been the outstanding con¬ tribution to this .year’s success. Among other things, he de¬ vised the prosegnium and planned the stage scenery. Our in¬ debtedness to him is great. He hands the mantle of office over to L. L. Paterson, in whose hands we are confident SCENE FROM “THE servant IN THE HOUSE” the destinies of College Dramatics are safe. Page 26

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The world is a great arena, strewn with the relics of past fights, and alive with present combats, one of the greatest of which is that between the Platform and the Press. It is through these mediums that our people are moulded and influenced, and a man is not competent to take a great part iu life unless he is skilled in one or the other. The college curricu¬ lum trains us in writing, but we are thrown upon our own resources to acquire proficiency in speech. Nothing daunted, the students of United College formed a Debating Society, and its Executive, under the presi¬ dency of Mr. C. W. McCool, has done wonders in encouraging and foster¬ ing public speaking. On the principle that competition brings out the best, the Matrics, Theologs and Classes in Arts were pitted against each other in a regu¬ larly scheduled series of Inter-class Debates. But there was one great omission and we were not long left in ignorance of it. The ladies desired to enter the fray and prove that they could speak publicly as well as privately. They came; they spoke; they conquered, except on one oc¬ casion. Indeed, what with eloquence, dainty gesture and innumerable fascinating charms, they proved almost irresistable. But the crown of victory went to the Third Year. The Fifteens, teeming with philosophy and convincing argument, left behind them an unbroken line of defeated contestants, and set up a record which is impossible to beat. The lower years, although not winners very often this term, have acquired an ex¬ perience and confidence in their Inter-sectional Debates that will make them dangerous competitors next year. As the shepherd driveth his sheep before him, so did the Seniors watch the little oratorical battles— from the rear. Not content with this method of developing speakers, the Debating Society stimulated interest by means of an Oration Contest. The medals offered by the Society brought out orators of unexpected ability and elo¬ quence. Here, again, the ladies were very much in evidence. Three out of the seven contestants were representatives from the fair ones and lent to the contest a grace and charm that we never had before. Though the subjects were diverse, and varied from “Charles Dickens” to “Home Buie in Ireland, ” every speaker succeeded in holding our attention. To the debaters of superior ability, greater fields for conquest were provided. The Inter-collegiate competition is one worthy of the metal of the best men, and here United College fought a victorious campaign and suffered but one reverse. One after another, her fearsome foes, St. John’s, Law, the Socialists and Brandon, fought with her and fell before her magic words; but Brandon came again, and alas, United was defeated. But the spoils of the whole war rest within her walls. Although beset with many difficulties, the Debating Society has done its best and its work will bear good fruit. Great things grow from small beginnings and the training received by the students of United College, whether in Inter-sectional, Inter-class or Inter-collegiate Debating, will be a factor in making them men and women, competent to take their place in the contests of real life. G. W. T. Page 28