A LETTER FROM CAMBRIDGE. [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—We return to Cambridge flushed with many vacation successes—the Boat Race, the Sports, and the Golf. On the whole, listeners-in had the best of the. Boat Race. Mr. Guy Nickalls and Mr. J. C. Squire make a fine " light pair 7 for this event, the one giving us the rowing technique and the other the light descriptive banter which makes the listener feel that he is sharing the fun. " Boat Race Night " appears to have been characterized by a new-found decorum and it is to be hoped that the edicts of the respective Vice-Chancellors are having their proper ,effect. But the real test will be on the next " Rugger Night."
In Cambridge itself the most important and exciting prospect is that of the new University library. One-half of the old controversy (a controversy that is still raging at Oxford) was settled some years ago, when it was decided that no patch-work policy of additional wings or underground depositories could ever be really successful. The old King's and Clare ground was purchased by the University and provi- sional plans were prepared by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The financial problem is a harder matter, but a reversionary benefaction, amounting to some £60,000, and fortunately not earmarked, has encouraged the Council of the Senate to adopt the admirably courageous policy of undertaking to raise, internally, a sum of approximately a quarter of a million pounds. Such an exhibition of sturdy self-help will surely encourage potential benefactors to supplementary generosity. As yet the University is not committed to any particular set of plans, but whether those of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott are accepted or not, it is essential that the new building should be in general harmony with its nearest neighbour—the Memerial Building of Clare.
Another plan for new buildings in the grand manner is being prepared by Magdalene. If the scheme is carried out, it will effect a complete transformation of what the traveller will see as he crosses Magdalene Bridge. He will, in fact, drive straight through the college.
A familiar figure that of Dr. Cranage, who has been the life and soul of the " Extension " or " Extra-mural " movement for many years—has passed from Cambridge to
a sphere of higher activity, the Deanery of Norwich. Few appointments have been more fitting, and we hope that some Trollope Redivivus may make the new Dean the centre of some fascinating fiction, discreetly tinged with archaeology, Another popular appointment has been that of Professor Hutchinson to the Mastership of Pembroke. As one who has explored the interior of Vesuvius, the new Master has very naturally insisted upon central heating at the Lodge. The conference' season proper has hardly yet begun, but at Easter the National Union of Teachers invaded the town in large numbers, condemned the scholarship system, and enjoyed the lovely weather. In July a body of Geographers 'will descend upon us from various latitudes.
we are promised a noiolty at an early date by the A.D.C., Apart from the customary amusements of the May Term,-
in the form of an " Old Bores' Show," a variety entertainment to be provided almost exclusively by senior members of the University. It is almost unnecessary to add that the moving spirit is Mr. Frank Birch. Whether there are a sufficient number of comedians among his contemporaries to justify this " still-young-at-forty " idea remains to be seen.—I am,
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