The Melbourne Graduate August 2002

PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED P RINT P OST

APPROVED

PP337834/00022

R EG . A SS . N O . A0023234B

A UGUST 2002

V OLUME 55, N O . 3

www.graduatehouse.com.au

– STOP PRESS – WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF A NEW ERA The cheque is in the bank Our settlement with the University of Melbourne took place on 31 July 2002.

Vice-President,Robert Gibson and Solicitor,Michael Trumble at settlement with the University.

Secretary-Warden and Dr John Binns visit the United Kingdom The Secretary-Warden, Eugene Spanti and Graduate Councillor, John Binns appreciated the opportunity approved by Graduate Council to visit the United Kingdom in June this year. They visited Cambridge and Oxford Universities, and also London House, recently re-named ‘The Goodenough College’and ‘The Goodenough Club,’which is one of the Graduate Union’s reciprocal clubs.

The objective of their visit was primarily to investigate present and future trends overseas and also the expectations of international and domestic postgraduate students living in England.

They visited Wolfson College in Cambridge, accommodating 400 resident students, Hartford College in Oxford with 300 students, and Goodenough College in London with 650 students.

Overall, they found it interesting to note that student priorities included seven-day 24-hour access to a computer/business centre and additional study areas where groups of students could gather. The provision of ensuite bathroom and toilet facilities was seen as a priority for most students, although there were still some shared facilities available at these colleges.

Various types of accommodation were catered for, ranging from bedsitters to one or two bedroom units and self-catering facilities for families. Some areas contained a small kitchenette shared by five to ten rooms, while some rooms had self-catering facilities.

The hotel services (catering and housekeeping) were outsourced at Goodenough College: however, they were in-house at Wolfson and Hartford.

Future expectations and trends were towards hotel-type accommodation: five star services but without five star prices!

Both Eugene and John felt the experience was very worthwhile and the knowledge gained would certainly assist with the future development of ‘The New Graduate House’.

Contents

EDITORS’ COLUMN

STOP PRESS Secretary-Warden and Dr John Binns visit to the UK Editors’ Column

1 1 2

Annual General Meeting

2

A Birthday and a Reunion in the Johnston Library

3

Calendar of Graduate House Events

3

Residents’ and Members’ Page

4

Our Thriving Functions

5

Unveiling of Photographic Portrait of Founding Warden

6

Donations

6

New Members

6

Short History of the Graduate Union

7

Letters to the Editors

7

Valete

7

‘BACK PAGE’ – ‘The Japanese Barber’

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Copy for next issue closes

30 September 2002 Please submit copy in double spacing with generous margins SPRING DINNER to be held on Friday 18 October MENU Dinner – Spring Chicken Fillet, filled with spinach, mushroom & pinenut mousse, served with seasonal vegetables Dessert – BakedWhite Chocolate Cheesecake & Tea, Coffee & Mints

The Melbourne Graduate August 2002 Barbara Funder and Lyn Weston are pleased to be re-appointed as Editors for another year and welcome the college Librarian, Geoffrey Dye to the team. Regretfully, they farewell Margaret Robins who has been an Editor since 1999 and thank her for her valuable assistance and experience which have contributed greatly to the Newsletter over the past three years.

In this issue, Members will read about the overseas visit of our Secretary-Warden, Eugene Spanti and some of the interesting ideas he has brought back to us.

An historic Dinner to celebrate the 90th birthday of a former President and Fellow, Dr Phillip Law, brought together a number of former Presidents, Chairmen and Vice-Presidents in the Johnston Library Members will enjoy reading about the unveiling of a photographic portrait of our Founding Warden, Bill Berry, in the Johnston Library.

The texts of monthly luncheon addresses are not appearing regularly in The Melbourne Graduate. We hope to record future addresses for everyone’s benefit.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union was held on 30 May 2002. The President and Chairman of the Meeting, Mr Frank Lees, addressed members.

Dr Bellair, Chairman of The Graduate Union, noted that the formal Chairman’s Report had been printed in the April edition of The Melbourne Graduate. He gave an informal report on the progress of The Graduate Union during the preceding year. Dr Gibson, Chairman of the Accounting and Audit Committee, spoke to the financial statements. Both of these Motions were passed.

The Returning Officer announced the results of the election of Council Members. Atotal of 585 votes were received, of which 569 were valid.

The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated.

It is edited by Barbara Funder, Geoffrey Dye and Lyn Weston, under the direction of the Graduate Council and its Executive Committee.

The Melbourne Graduate welcomes letters from readers and reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please keep word count to a maximum of 250 and address to The Editors, The Melbourne Graduate.

Registered Address: The Graduate Union 224 Leicester Street, Carlton,Victoria 3053 Australia Telephone (03) 9347 3428 – Facsimile (03) 9347 9981 www.graduatehouse.com.au Email sec@graduatehouse.com.au Print Post Approved PP337834/00022 Register Association Number A0023234B Printed by Excelsior Printing Works 6 Clarice Road, Box Hill,Victoria 3128 Australia

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The results were: Dr John Binns 349; Dr Robert Gibson 290; Ms Marrilyn Panichi 270; Margaret Robins 269; Mr John Gill 264; Mr Peter Richiardi 197; Mr Darren Room 174; Mr Ernest Pyers 173; Miss Norma Long 167. The first four candidates were eligible until May 2005 and the President then declared them to be elected.

The President spoke of the dedication and hard work of the outgoing Councillor, Mr John Gill and thanked him on behalf of Council, particularly for his work on the Development Committee.

The meeting continued the appointment of Mr A Law as Auditor for the year 2002.

After some questions from the floor, a member expressed his thanks to the Secretary-Warden and staff for their efforts over the past year and moved a motion of appreciation, which was carried by the meeting. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting are available from the office on request.

The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

A BIRTHDAY AND A REUNION IN THE JOHNSTON LIBRARY

CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS

Twenty-eight former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Chairmen, ViceChairmen and their spouses attended a memorable Dinner arranged by our Secretary-Warden and his Staff, and hosted by our President, Frank Lees, on Tuesday 23rd April. The occasion was to honour Dr Phillip Law, who had turned 90 on the previous Sunday. After a brief introduction by the President, we were treated to a unique address on the theme of ‘LUCK’. This had been the title of Dr Law’s autobiography.

Wednesday, 4 September 12.30pm for 12.50pm MONTHLY LUNCHEON Speaker: Ms Alison Duxbury, Senior Lecturer, Law School $25.00 – RSVP Monday 2 September

From his many anecdotes on luck, we heard how Dr Law would probably not have graduated from the University of Melbourne had it not been for the 1934 polio epidemic. Brief speeches of appreciation to Dr Law for his contributions to Education, Science and Antarctic exploration were given by Dr Ron Davey, who initiated arrangements for the evening, and Dr David Bellair, the present Chairman of Council.

Dr Davis McCaughey concluded the proceedings with a charming and scholarly speech, in which he told of his great privilege in coming to Australia and meeting Dr Law. He quoted from G.H.Oldham on life and attitude, and noted that Dr Law had modestly left out the concept of risk and management of risk.

The evening of fellowship and harmony concluded with our current President thanking all for their attendance and asking the gathering whether a similar reunion should be held in 2003. This suggestion met with general approval. All present felt privileged to have met together, especially with Phillip Law, and to have enjoyed a splendid meal, arranged at short notice by our Staff and versatile Chef.

Monday 2 Sept, 7 Oct, 4 Nov - 6.30pm ITALIAN CONVERSATION DINNER $25 – RSVP the prior Friday Friday 13 Sept, 11 Oct, 8 Nov - 7pm for 8pm GRADUATE LINKS SOCIAL NIGHT $30 (pre-paid) $35 (at the door) RSVP the prior Wednesday Monday 9 September WOMEN’S FORUM Forum-no charge, Lunch 2 course $15, 1 course $11 RSVP Friday 6 September Topic: Is paid maternity leave a blessing or a burden?

Friday 27 Sept, 25 Oct, 22 Nov - 7pm for 8pm SOLO SOCIAL NIGHT $30 (pre-paid) $35 (at the door) RSVP the Wednesday prior Wednesday 2 October, MONTHLY LUNCHEON, 12.30pm for 12.50pm Speaker: Mrs Frances Awcock, CEO State Library $25.00 – RSVP Monday, 30 Sept Monday 14 October WOMEN’S FORUM Forum-no charge, Lunch 2 course $15, 1 course $11 RSVP Friday 11 Oct Topic: Should Parliamentarians retain their benefits if they break the law?

Left to right: President Frank Lees, Dr Phillip Law, Dr Ron Davey Dr David Bellair with Secretary-Warden Eugene Spanti

Friday, 18 October SPRING DINNER Speaker: The Very Reverend David Richardson Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral $30 (paid in advance) $35 (at the door) RSVP Monday 14 October Wednesday 6 November MONTHLY LUNCHEON To be advised $25.00 – RSVP Monday 4 November Monday, 11 November WOMEN’S FORUM Forum-no charge, Lunch 2 course $15, 1 course $11 RSVP Friday 8 November Topic: Accepting responsibility or blaming someone else, Which?

The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

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RESIDENTS’ AND MEMBERS’ PAGE Antonia Longobardi

Alan Tin-Win Alan Tin-Win is truly international. He is Burmese, but holds a British passport, was born in India, and works as a teacher in Thailand. He taught for 22 years full-time at the University of Rangoon, including three years part-time teaching at the University of Salford in the UK. He taught in UK schools for seven years before moving to Bangkok, where he has been teaching for five years. He holds BSc(ChemHons) and MPhil(Chem) degrees from the university of Rangoon, and a MEd (ScEd) from King’s College, University of London.

Alan is currently in his third year of study towards a DEd in Education Policy Management at the University of Melbourne. He is in a joint program between the University of Melbourne and the Rajabhat Institutes (universities specializing in teacher training programs) in Thailand. In the first cohort, there are more than 20 students working towards DEd degrees in TESOL (Teaching of English as a second language) or EPM (Education Policy Management). He is the only non-Thai in the group, and pays his own fees; most of the others have scholarships from their respective Institutes throughout Thailand As part of his study programme, Alan has to spend two months in every year, at the University of Melbourne, and is working with the Centre for Program Evaluation, within the faculty of Education. He is Head of Science at the Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok, which has about 2,000 students K-12. He is spending his summer vacation studying in Melbourne, and is staying at Graduate House.

Alan took part in the student cookout competition at Graduate House, where students cook a dish from their native country, which is served at the evening meal for all residents. He cooked a dish of coconut rice with stir-fried cauliflower and egg. He says that since Burma lies between India and China, both countries influence the cooking styles in Burma. He prefers home cooking to eating out, and misses Thai food.

Antonia is a PhD student in Environmental Engineering at the University of Salerno in Italy.

She was born in Italy and now lives in Graduate House while spending some time at the University of Melbourne, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, working on her research thesis.

Antonia, at first, was sceptical about her ‘Australian experience’ but now that she has had the opportunity to look around Australia, she has found her stay here to be a wonderful experience.

Winnie Wai Ling Chiu Winnie is from Hong Kong. She is studying for a Master of International Business at the University of Melbourne and has lived in Graduate House for seven months. She really cherishes the company of her fun-loving and intellectually stimulating fellow residents from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. She says it is an invaluable opportunity for her to learn about other cultures and she will treasure the friendships she has made here. Winnie says she will always have happy memories of her time in Graduate House.

Graeme Duke Graeme graduated BA(Hons) in Latin and French at University of Melbourne in 1946 and taught at Rushworth Higher Elementary School, University High School and Melbourne High School. Since retiring, he has completed a Bachelor of Divinity (Hons) with the Melbourne College of Divinity. After a year’s break, he completed a Doctor of Theology with the MCD. He started having lunch at Graduate House during his theological studies and enjoyed Paul’s cooking so much he still lunches here every Tuesday.

Professor Patrick Fox Professor Fox visited the University of Melbourne in July in connection with his field of work in Food Chemistry. He is from University College, Cork, Ireland and was introduced to Graduate House by his ‘minder’ Dr Hubert Roginski from Land and Food Resources Department.

Professor Fox spent several weeks in our guest flat and travelled daily to the University’s Werribee campus as part of his program. When we spoke with him, he had just met two of our Spanish residents over dinner and said he has enjoyed the Graduate House hospitality and its mix of residents from many countries.

The Geriatrix The Geriatrix, John Barton, Laurence Course, Ken Mackley, Roma Mackley and Gina McPherson, Blanche Merz (not pictured) Charles Moorhouse (recently deceased*) are long-standing members of the Graduate Union. The name was coined by Jimmy Watson, whose Carlton restaurant was a previous venue for their meetings. The group meets now at Graduate House on the first Tuesday of each month for a good meal, fine wine and enjoyable company.

They are a lively group and the dining room resounds with their laughter. We enjoy their company very much at Graduate House. (*See Valete, page 7.)

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The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

OUR THRIVING FUNCTIONS We are delighted that members are attending and appreciating the traditional functions which make Graduate House such a lively and interesting centre.

The monthly luncheons and seasonal dinners have given us a wide range of speakers – Professor Bill Coaldrake, Foundation Professor of Japanese in the University of Melbourne commenced the year with his February talk ‘From War to Peace’ and since then, Mr Nicholas Sampson, Principal of Geelong Grammar School, ‘Schooling: Comparisons between the UK and Australia’; the Police Commissioner, Christine Nixon, ‘The Power of Knowledge’; Mr Charles Goode, Chairman of the ANZ Bank, Australia’s Medium Term Policy Issues; Professor Raimond Gaita, Professor of Philosophy at the Australian Catholic University, ‘The Philosopher’s Dog’; Dr Gregory Moore, Director of the Burnley Gardens, ‘The Management of Trees in our Cities’; and Baron Guido Declercq, The Entrepreneurial University of the 21st Century” have all attracted excellent attendances.

The Women’s Forum and the Italian Conversation Dinners continue to be well patronised and enjoyed and we say to those who have not yet attended any functions this year, do come along, you don’t know that you are missing!

VICTORIA POLICE CHIEF COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE NIXON ADDRESSED THE GRADUATE UNION LUNCHEON ON WEDNESDAY 3 APRIL 2002 Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon began her position with Victoria Police on 23 April 2001 after serving with the New South Wales Police Service since 1972. She commands an organisation of almost 12,500 staff with an annual budget of $1 billion operating out of 327 police stations across the state.

While working with the New South Wales Police Service, Ms Nixon attained the rank of Assistant Commissioner. She served as an Assistant Commissioner in charge of various regions, the Human Resource Department, Development and Training Department, Specialist Skills and the Criminal Investigation Branch. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, USA and is a Research Fellow of that University and spent six months working with the London Metropolitan Police Force.

In her address, Chief Commissioner Nixon spoke about the importance of knowledge in today’s society. She said learning was not confined to the classroom but formed part of our everyday lives.

Knowledge is a very powerful tool depending on the way it is used and learning continues throughout life. Ms Nixon said she could testify to its continuation. Ask questions, she said, learn from others and, most importantly, listen. We must always try to adapt to change. People need to embrace reform and drive change to ensure they stay at the leading edge of their professions.

A Lively ‘Christmas in July’ at Graduate House

Rod Quantock with former teacher Blanche Merz.

The Potter Dining Room was filled to overflowing on Friday, 12 July when the general membership, Solos and Gradlinks celebrated a midyear Christmas, hosted by Secretary-Warden Eugene Spanti and his staff.

The happy mix of guests from varying age groups and faculties was a tribute to the unity in diversity which is a hallmark of the Graduate Union. Pre-prandial champagne warmed up the guests in the Anderson Room on a cold winter’s night, where they enjoyed some Mozart, performed by a delightful violin and piano duo arranged by Anne Campbell.

Chef Paul Reidy excelled himself with a traditional Christmas dinner, after which comedian, Rod Quantock, a graduate in Architecture from the University of Melbourne, entertained guests with his special brand of humour.

Members themselves goodnaturedly took part when Rod questioned them closely and then ‘sent up’ their particular expertise! He was a great success and, when thanking him for his part in the evening, Council Vice-Chairman, Mitch Linus Chang and Bruce McKenzie spoke of a memor- Musicians Campbell with Santa. able ‘Christmas in July’ and presented him with a Graduate Union tie as a memento of the evening.

Barbara Funder

BARON GUIDO DECLERCQ At the invitation of our President, Mr Frank Lees, Baron Guido Declercq, an Associate in Technology Transfer, visited Melbourne recently.

He was Vice Chancellor for seven years at Leuven University in the 1980s and established two technology transfer units. Leuven has no intention of being ‘internationalised’ and continues as a Catholic University to pursue ‘knowledge and the preservation of truth’.

The Baron gave three addresses in Melbourne. At the Graduate House Monthly Luncheon (July) he spoke on ‘The Entrepreneurial University of the 21st Century’.

At an Industry and Banking Luncheon he spoke on ‘Transfer of Technology: An Overview’. This was his fith visit to Australia

The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

Baron Guido Declercq pictured with Governor John Landy on a visit to Government House.

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Unveiling of Photographic Portrait of Founding Warden, Bill Berry A handsome photographic portrait of Bill Berry, acquired from his family, and a memorial plaque were unveiled on 17 May at a luncheon in the Johnston Library, Graduate House, by the President of the Graduate Union, Frank Lees. The plaque reads: WILLIAM E.F. BERRY BA BComm Founding Warden, Graduate House, 1962-1984 Secretary, The Graduate Union, 1948-1984 Honorary Life Member A number of old friends and Councillors heard the President speak of Bill’s outstanding service to The Graduate Union from its inception. Those present were asked to reflect on their own memories of Bill during a minute’s silence. Frank Lees estimated that Bill had dealt with more than twenty thousand people – members, councillors and post-graduate scholars – during his time at the helm. His diversity was his great strength and he had a strategy and tactic for every situation. Bill’s wisdom and foresight in property matters was legendary and lives on in the present property holdings on our historic corner of University Square.

Frank Lees recalled an early Graduate Council meeting concerning a proposal to purchase Kidd’s Warehouse, when Bill came to the end of his patience with the procrastinators and said he would, the next day, take the Kidd family across to the University which had indicated an interest in the purchase: the Council collapsed like a pack of cards! That building will now be part of the future Graduate House.

The President described Bill Berry as a champion in his management and guidance of Graduate Union affairs; this was why, he said, we can now enjoy our fellowship within the Society.

NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period April to August 2002.

We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs.

Abbott, Alan BEng(Elec), MBusAdmin Acreman, S BA(Monash), AssDip(RMIT), DipEd Busch, Wendy BAppSc Cabena, Catherine BMus, DipEd Callave, Antonio BA(ESADE) Conway, E Lynne BScHons, PhD Elston, Cameron BMusHons Gagachef, Alexander BBus (Qld) Gillett-Duns, Anne BSc Holland, Jonathan BScHons (London) Hwang, In-Yong BA(Kyunghee) Marsch, Gabriele BA(RMIT), GradDip(LaTrobe) Muller, Kilian Vordiplom(Munich) Rocco, Panciera Scientific Diploma(Trento) Staggs, Virginia BAHons(Malaya), ARMIT, DipEd(Monash) Terry, Lauren BA, MURP(Qld) Tursi, Robert BArch Veenendaal, Trevor BEc(Monash), GradDipLabour Law Walsh, Fiona BEd Zhang, Julia LLB, Master of Law (Jilin, China) PhD All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.

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Barbara Funder, Bill’s colleague from early days, spoke of working with him as a ‘great adventure’. She had first met him as a ‘tweedy, pipe-smoking man, accompanied by two daschunds’, for a job interview on a Saturday morning in January 1962 and was impressed by his description of his dream for the future of The Graduate Union and later, Graduate House.

Her last meeting with him was in a hospital room on 1 July 1999, when a seriously ill Bill Berry gave her an agenda he had written for a meeting in the next few days and said he would definitely be there. Bill died the next day - 2 July. Barbara continues to promote his philosophy of ‘holding strongly to a dream and thereby making it happen’.

BEQUESTS TO THE GRADUATE UNION Over the years, numbers of members have bequeathed items of value to the Graduate Union whereby our organisation is able to continue to foster education, provide assistance to resident members and improve our buildings and facilities. We are grateful for this assistance and ask that you consider the Graduate Union when you are making your Will.

Donations The Graduate Union has deductible gift status but donors may continue to indicate the purpose for which their donation is to be applied. The following amounts received during the period Feb-April-August 2002 are acknowledged with thanks: Graduate Union Building Fund $200 Winifred Morsby $100 Kotaro Tanaka $50 Alfred Owies, Leon Dawes, Elaine Kermode $40 Mary Cameron $30 Richard Snedden $20 Leo Considine, Geoff Hardy $25 Gary Israel, Hubert Miller $15 Valda Ward $5 Bill Coaldrake, Ulrich Pless Residents’Assistance Fund $50 Kotaro Tanaka, Hubert Miller

The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

Letters to the Editors From John Drew, Surrey Hills Small cheque enclosed, receipt please. I continue to read and enjoy Melbourne Graduate, especially Barbara Funder’s article* – must go sometime. Ideal printing – type size excellent for oldies – maintain that standard. *

Classics & Archaeology (The Melbourne Graduate December 2001)

January 2002 From Jan Grady, Kyneton Sounds as though things are becoming wonderful at ‘The House’.

I used to work a block away many years ago now and used to regularly come up for lunch. Now I live in Kyneton and Buderim Queensland.

I don’t get down but really like to stay in touch as I am a life member and wish to maintain ties.

June 2002 From John Martin, Balwyn Many thanks for sending the newsletters by email. I hope to come to the lunch in August but shall have to wait a few days before I know my programme for the month.

Keep up the good work. It is a pleasure nowadays to call in at Graduate House.

July 2002

SHORT HISTORY OF THE GRADUATE UNION As part of the University of Melbourne’s 150th Anniversary in 2003, The Graduate Union has commissioned, a short illustrated, history of its place in the life of the University since 1911. A working party has been formed consisting of our President, Mr Frank Lees, Miss Barbara Funder, Councillor, and Mr Geoffrey Dye, the Honorary Librarian. Faye Broberg, an author of some 30 years experience, has been appointed to write the work, which will be approximately 100 pages in length, including illustrations. The history is expected to be published by Christmas and will be the forerunner of a comprehensive history of The Graduate Union planned for the future.

Our monthly mail-out to local members has already noted the writing of the short history, but our many life members in faraway places will, we are sure, be happy to read of this long overdue project.

The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002

VALETE Since publication of the April Graduate we have been notified of the deaths of the following members: James Banfield, Life Member, joined 1960 Margaret Essex, Life Member, joined 1972 George Higham, Life Member, joined 1956 James Hocking, Life Member, joined 1938 Nancy Lewis, Life Member, joined 1971 Franz Pacher, Life Member, joined 1974 William Rose, Life Member, joined 1949 John Sutherland, Life Member, joined 1961 The Graduate Union appreciates the support of these members throughout their lives and extends condolences to their families Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green Many obituaries have been written elsewhere for our member Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green, who died on 25th June. Patricia Boaden, writing in the August 1998 Melbourne Graduate speaks of her as ‘a valuable member of Women’s Forum at Graduate House. She was able and willing to give us interesting opinions backed up by extensive knowledge and vast experience. She was a resourceful lady and believed passionately in helping women and children of every creed and colour’. Our condolences go to those close to Dr Lloyd-Green at the end of a distinguished and active life.

Mr Noel Miller We note with regret the death of Noel Miller on 19 April, aged 97 years.

Although not a member, he was a benefactor to The Graduate Union and his gifts to the Anderson Room of furniture and bookshelves have been well used. He was a former associate of Sir Ian Potter and was present at the naming of our Potter Dining Room in 1988. At that time, he and Sir Ian expressed their hope that the Union’s plans for its future residential premises would become a reality. Our condolences go to his wife, Jo and his sons, Richard and Andrew and their families.

Professor Charles Edmund Moorhouse The President, Frank Lees, represented The Graduate Union at the funeral service at St James Anglican Church in Glen Iris for Charles Moorhouse, who died on 2 July. Obituaries have been written elsewhere, but we pay tribute here to a man whose friendship and support for The Graduate Union continued over the many years of his Life Membership.

Professor Moorhouse was a regular attender at the monthly luncheons and latterly he joined a group of old friends, The Geriatrix, in the Potter Dining Room for reminiscences over a meal and a glass of wine.

Charles Moorhouse always said, ‘There were three things I never wanted to do: one was electrical engineering; one was to stay in any job for more than five years; and one was to try to teach anyone anything’.

He did all three with great distinction : generations of engineering students remember his introduction to classical reading as part of their course.

The Graduate House community extends its condolences to the Moorhouse family.

We regret that space constraints do not allow individual acknowledgement of each late member of our community.

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‘BACK PAGE’ ‘Back Page’will be a new occasional feature, when space permits.

We believe that members enjoy reading about one another’s experiences in work and travel.

So take up your pens or capture your mouse, and let us have your contributions to our ‘Back Page’.

THE JAPANESE BARBER The atmosphere in the barber’s was hot and steamy. It was a large, well-lit barbers shop with steamed-up windows fronting onto the narrow village street. So much that was different - the Japanese Kanji characters on the window and in the enigma of culture that I was experiencing, the familiar red and white barber’s pole. The three American-style leather and chrome reclining barber’s chairs, to me seemed incongruous in this traditionally Japanese environment.

Outside, the dark winter’s night would soon bring snow.

It was Friday the first of March, 1946, less than seven months since the Japanese had surrendered. With RAAF 77 Squadron, I had been posted from the tropics of Labuan as an Electrician with our Mustangs. Now based at a large Japanese Imperial Naval Air Station, Iwakuni in southern Honshu, each day I was overawed by things Japanese.

As an Airman with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, I had no idea how the Japanese people would react to our occupation. Hiroshima, which I had passed through in the train from Kure to Iwakuni, was so devastated that surely some Japanese would consider taking their revenge.

In the villages we saw veteran Japanese soldiers in full Army green uniform marching down the main street - just home, in some cases from seven years overseas. The Japanese in this Hiroshima Prefecture would outnumber the Australians two thousand to one. These uncertain thoughts were exercising my mind as my body reclined, nearly horizontal, in the comfy barber’s chair.

The barber had cut my hair and now with the pantomime of sign language, Japanese and English, to the amusement of the audience, he offered to give me a shave: I automatically said “Hai” - an answer I was to reflect on in the next ten

minutes! My Air Force mates, Lindsay and Clive, were in the other chairs. I observed that seated under the mirrors opposite the chairs were about six strong young Japanese men - probably Airmen from the Naval Air Station.

When the lather was on my face I was far from being at ease, reclining in this comfortable chair as my anxiety and vulnerability suddenly encompassed me. In a few minutes I knew fear as the long, shiny, sharp razor travelled down my outstretched neck. But worse was to come. The barber moved to near the mirrors and spoke to one of the Japanese Airmen, who replied and then, with outstretched razor, returned to me. He took a long leather strop and with the precision of a professional, honed and sharpened the razor.

Then he placed a steaming, hot, white towel on my face. So now I could not see. The movement of the razor across my skin seemed to last forever. When the hot towel had been removed, I kept my eyes closed. My diary of this day after the events of the barber’s, concludes with the nonchalant record of a fountain pen written in the language of nearly sixty years ago - ‘Jap vaudeville. Came home in Jap bus with Lindsay and Clive. Canteen’.

We had been in Japan only seven days. Over the next fourteen months as I lived near a small Japanese village, Bofu, I grew to love this scenic, unique country and, as I was to discover, a caring generous family who befriended me in their home. And with experience I learnt, and I knew, that this Japanese family would not harm me. With the benefit and wisdom of hindsight, it is with some shame that I reflect and regret that I took more from Japan and its generous village people than I was to give in return. from an anonymous author and Life Member

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The Melbourne Graduate,August 2002