Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 13. June 11 1979
Saxby Speaks
Saxby Speaks
Dear Mr Editor,
This letter should not be taken to imply that I regard "Salient" as an honest and fair forum for students, which it obviously is not. In general, I would prefer not to contribute anything to "Salient" which might encourage Victoria students to read your magazine. However, I hope I may nuke a couple of points in answer to your last issue.
I do not apologise for offering some advice to Andrew Tees and his supporters during the course of this year. I would give similar advice, based on some years of experience as a student at Canterbury and Victoria, to any student genuinely interested in promoting reform of the undemocratic institutions at Victoria. Foremost among these must be of course the SRC and your own student newspaper.
For as you well know, the basic contest is between Andrew Tecs and "Salient". Students knew that: that's why they "seemed to accept them (the leaflets) as gospels". The leaflets told the truth about what's going on around the Association; hence their overwhelming effect. The Executive motion of no-confidence, moved by two "Salient" stooges, was a mere side-show. (It is unfortunate that some Exec, members, such as Edwards and Sowman, got caught in the middle of the dispute but no-one in his right mind could imagine that the leaflets were aimed at such officers as themselves!).
Tees and his supporters are aware that the "Salient" crew make dangerous enemies. It is my belief that another one or two Special General Meetings of the intensity of the one just past will be necessary to convince you and your friends that you have permanently lost the confidence of students.
Trust the people,
P.J. Saxby.