COLLEGE - WIDE BALLOT RECORDS ATHLETES' DESIRE TO MODERNIZE VARSITY CLUBHOUSE

Results of the questionnaire sent out to all Harvard Varsity athletes last week expressed overwhelming approval of recommended physical and organizational changes for the Varsity Club, giving a clear go-ahead signal to the Improvement Committee appointed by the Student Council.

With 203 of a possible 377 questionnaires being returned, 193 men favored increasing undergraduates influence in elections and social functions, with five opposed and five making no reply (a 97.5 percent affirmative response). Oddly enough, the second biggest vote-getter among the four questions was the proposal to institute the payment of small annual dues to defray the costs of increased social activities. The vote was 174 to 21.

Vote on Physical Changes

Converting the present pool room into a common room and setting up a game room in a renovated basement was the most popular of the suggested physical changes. Under a system of weighting the preferences indicated in this section of the questionnaire on a three, two, and one point basis the above suggestion received 508 points, far out stripping the other two ideas. The modernization plan got 363 points, and the cafeteria service trailed with only 261 points--as well as drawing 49 outright nays.

With all returns tabulated, Endicott Peabody, 2nd '42, chairman of the Improvement Committee, made the following statement last night:

"The support we have received as evidenced by the returns on the questionnaire has been even greater than we hoped for. The Committee is now busy securing exact estimates for the necessary improvements of the Club and expects to have something more definite to report on within the next month."

There were 162 affirmative replies, 31 nays, and 10 no responses to the all-important question as to whether the Club would be used more if the recommended changes were carried out. The motion to create a special undergraduate membership of the Club to include all members of the various squads (during the full college year in which they were members of any squad) was carried by a 167 to 32 vote, with four no replies.

The blank space left to indicate individual dissatisfaction with the Varsity Club drew a wide variety of grievances and many useful suggestions. The location of the Club came in for much disapproval, and the food was subject to unexpected criticism. In addition, many felt that they were rushed during meals. The gloomy atmosphere of the front hallway did not add to anybody's satisfaction with the Club.

Sports Dinners

There were quite a few calls for weekly or bi-weekly sports dinners or luncheons, topped off with movies, speeches etc. Another suggestion designed to make members use the Club to a greater extent was that of study facilities, and there were several novel ideas for the common room--the latest swing records and some bridge tables, etc.

Those, for the most part, were the recurring ideas presented, but there were many minor grievances of a rather humorous nature. The fencers felt inferior to the big he-man football players, and complained that minor sports did not get a fair deal at the Varsity Club. The swimmers presented a strong protest bloc against the creamed chicken served, and one tennis man was annoyed by the fact that the ping pong paddles bad a rubber surface. A couple of fellows never could locate the cue chalk.