Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 39, Number 18, July 26, 1976.
Round Five
Round Five
This year, 1976, opened with political economy courses, at stages one and two, well attended. However, a large question mark hangs over the students in these courses. There are, as yet, no third year options, and the orthodox economics courses seem to many singularly-uninteresting compared with the political economy alternatives.
Another report, this one to the Academic Board (which approximates our Prof Board) recommended an autonomous 'unit' of Political Economy, right through to Honours Level. This report, again backed up with strong student/staff pressure, was pushed through with even the conservative professors backing it to some extent. However, it was blocked by the Vice Chancellor.
Consequently widespread student discontent fared again. A mass meeting just before the Political Economy Conference (which was addressed by a well-known demagogue from New Zealand) gave the VC two weeks to make up his mind. These demands were backed up by the Conference plenary session.
Three weeks later, with still no decision, another demo was held. One hundred students attempted to force their way into the Vice Chancellor's office. A little damage was done, and police called onto campus to sort out the situation. The VC made some remarks about the demo discreditting the political economy movement. Round five getting more vigorous, with no clear winner.