31 OCTOBER 1925, Page 15

CORRESPONDENCE

A LETTER FROM CAMBRIDGE [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] - SIR,—The first question to be answered of a Cambridge cor- respondent is, no doubt; " How are the new motor regulations working ? " Though it is too early to give an answer of any permanent value, the general impression of the first week or so of full term is undoubtedly favourable. Elderly dons who walk by noonday are less terror-stricken than before, and the Cambridge ladies (most of whom are generally to be seen on bicycles with a Gargantuan basket in front and one or two children behind) declare that the morning's shopping is carried on with much less danger to life and limb. As to the Special Proctor, Mr. Portway—engineer, swimmer, and pugilist—we have not yet heard of any particular adventures of his. But they will come no doubt. Perhaps we shall even see them on the film.

Everyone is puzzled at the long delay in the appointment of a successor to Dr. Benson at Magdalene. Rumour has been busy, of course, but the general hope is that the new Master may be one who is fitted to carry on the traditions of literary distinction and social urbanity which have been associated with the Old Lodge.

Meanwhile the Professor of English Literature is busy looking for a site on which to build an English students' library in accordance with the terms of the late master's will. It is to be hoped that some wise benefactors who love their English literature and who love their Cambridge will come to the aid of Q., and enable him to build not only a departmental library but a theatre and lecture-rooms as well.

The University Sermon is now preached once more at a proper hour (2.30). The Hulsean Lecturzi should at any rate draw a larger congregation than usual, since the Lecturer is to be Dean Inge. We have no doubt, however, that those who attend in the hope of journalistic fireworks will be disappointed.

As usual, the Borough authorities have been busy in the Long Vacation. A corner of Holy Trinity churchyard has been swept away and opposite there has arisen the inevitable crimson of a Woolworth store. Will there come a time when " University requisites " will also come under the category of "Nothing over 6d." ?

The Union has started gaily with a debate in which a Henderson, a Joynson Hicks, and a Baldwin appear on the paper. Two of these at any rate demonstrate the inheritance of acquired characteristics. The third we may perhaps be allowed to call a " sport."

The new Statutes of the University have reached a further stage. For two afternoons the rank and file of the Senate will have a chance of saying what they think about them. Some of the critics will probably find the allotted time rather short.—I am, Sir, &c.,

YOUR CAMBRIDGE CORRESPONDENT.