Craccum Throwback | "Craccum", March 10, 1927

Originally published 10th March 1927, Craccum #1 1927

(Archivist Note: At this time, the University of Auckland was known Auckland University College, which is why you will see 'College' repeatedly used in this article.)

(Archivist Note: Also, it's a lot more fun to read this if you read it like Lady Whistledown)

If any would know the meaning of the word "Craccum", which had been chosen as the title of this small paper, let him delve a little into the history of our College in the days before the building of our handsome new home. We will not here disclose the meaning of the term lest some of the unworthy should learn it (Archivist Note: Um, rude!), but we will stress the fact that it is intimately connected with the past history of the College, and we would suggest "The origin, history, meaning and development of the word 'Craccum,'" as an excellent subject for a thesis by some earnest student of philology.

(Archivist Note: Not sure if it's possible for a thesis to be made for a word that's a scrambled acronym for 'Auckland University College Men's Common Room Committee', but you got to respect the audacity).

Making this its first appearance in the world, "Craccum" may be regarded as something of a curiosity for a time, but its is launched by its promoters and publishers, the "Kiwi" Committee, with high hopes that it will serve a very useful purpose in our College. It will appear fortnightly, and so far as is possible will contain a record of all the events and activities of College life. It should prove invaluable as a means of informing students of what is going on in college and as a link between the College and its past students. It will record the doings of the Students' Association, and all its affiliated clubs and societies, retail the gossip of the common rooms, or some of it, and perhaps, bring an occasional ray of merriment into the somewhat dull lives of students.

"Craccum" has few ambitions and fewer ideals. It has no slightest desire to adventure into the realms of literature, which are strictly reserved as the haunt of the "Kiwi".

(Archivist Note: "Kiwi" was a student magazine that was published from 1905 till 1966)

It must inevitably depend for its success on the assistance of students in providing readable items, and in purchasing copies regularly.

Archivist Commentary: Nearly 100 years later, Craccum is still going strong! It's cool to know how it got started, and what their vision was. Personally, I'd say we're doing a pretty solid job of sticking to that vision, but that's just me.