Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 13. June 11 1979
Letters
Letters
Craw Criticised
Dear Peter,
"We want justice, not order,"! Justice without order is, at least, chaos, at worst, something far more sinister. Don't worry, I won't mention fascism. I know the rules. It's fine to accuse people of being "Maoist", "Marxist", or "Communist", even when they're not (ask Phil Sowman, or Peter Edwards if you don't know what I mean) but Never mention Fascism - we wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feeling now would we?
How does Robin C. Craw know that Peter Beach "does not really know what fascism is all about"? Does Robin C. Craw? If so, well, come, come, Robin! Don't keep it ail to yourself! Tell us all!
As for "us having enough jargon to cope with" why give us more? e.g. "diap-sorry dialectical imaginations" (I even have trouble spelling it) also, "Young Hegelian Sword of Righteousness" What about Old Hegel, or has his sword lost its point — I believe it happens with old age.
I think anyone talking about the "dictatorial decisions of Chairman Steven Underwood" is not really in a position to discuss someone else's credibility. They can't have much themselves. For the record, a Chairpersons job is to keep order. It is only through democratic order that democratic justice will be achieved (if that's what we want). Order is necessary at meetings so that people who want to speak either for or against a motion may. Or is all this part of some old system that is no longer wanted? Is constantly interrupting speakers and McCarthyist labelling now to be seen as "one of the clearest examples of participation in democratic (?) decision-making"?
Obviously we have a different definition of democracy, don't we, Robin? To me the terms "democrat", "fascist", "communist" are not just "political jargon". I (modest little Pols III student that I am) would be quite happy to discuss their meanings and difference with anyone, so long as I felt they'd be prepared to listen. Would you?
To conclude, numbers do not make a democracy. The degree of tolerance shown to those whose views are different, and the respect shown to those who hold them do.
There is real cause for concern at Victoria University.
Yours,
Tere Scotney.
P.S. As for people being on Exec, "to serve their own political purposes I think Robin is really exaggerating. VUWSA is hardly on route to Peking, Moscow, or Washington DC. If the people on Exec want to serve anyone, it's you and me - The Student! Personally, they have my sympathy.
P.S.S. Sorry Robin. "Doktor" is I think a spelling mistake. According to Oxford (and they are generally quite good at spelling) it's "Doctor" with a "C" not a "K" but Peter Beach hasn't got his Ph. D. That's why his nickname is "Peter-just-call-me-mister-Beach".
P.S.S.S. Sorry about the pee-esses.
Let's Oppose Discriminatory Fees Imposed on Overseas Students
Dear Editor,
Obviously enough, the imposition of discriminatory fees on Overseas Students, especially Malaysian students, is another attack from Mr Muldoon's Government.
In 1976 Muldoon's Government 'generously' cut by 45% the intake of Overseas students. Last year they tried to take away our " Capping" right as if they could do anything they wanted to; but Government was faced with criticism and opposition from overseas/kiwi students and public and we regained our " Capping" right after some concrete actions were taken by students, last year. Now they want to impose the discriminatory fees on overseas students.....NZ$1,500 (approx. M$3,450, and an average Malaysian income in Malaysia is around M$200 per month.)
We should not sit back doing nothing to oppose the discriminatory fees to show that we, overseas students are very generous in giving away our rights. Otherwise, Mr Muldoon will bully his way through. Are we so easily bullied? Definitely not! We must unite and get organised to oppose the discriminatory fees effectively.
Surely, we still have some weak points, shy to speak out to protect our rights, owing to our background. But if we don't speak out and protect our rights now; Mr Muldoon will say, "Si-lent? .....No opposition." and impose the discriminatory fees next year on you and me. Who will suffer then? Ourselves and our families. Our families have to suffer more just because we do not protect our rights now in New Zealand. Our parents have to save here and there in order to send us here to study. Imposing the NZ$1,500 discriminatory fees on overseas students will drive many of our parents into dead end.
It is a serious matter, do something about it. Sign the petition; write letters of protest to NZ Prime Minister and Ministers; help to distribute the pamphlet; and march with our Malaysian, Singaporean and Kiwi students on the Action Day (15th June, 1979) to make our grievances known to public.
Let's oppose the discriminatory fees together!
A Malaysian,
J. Wong.
Tees Confuses Wilson
Dear Peter,
I'm confused. Not so very long ago, I was branded as a person doing my utmost to subvert the democratic processes at Vic, a person determined to sell students down the drain.
Now I read (see the interview with Andrew Tees in the last issue) that I am "doing a good job" on the Education Fight back campaign. Thanks to Andrew for the compliment, but I haven't changed my spots, you know. Could our President enlighten me as to why he thinks I have?
Yours in expectation,
Simon Wilson.
A Defense of the Queen's English
Dear Pete,
How are you? I am find. Don't forget to change your underwear regularly. And now for something differently unusual (I think.)
Once again you have seen fit to publish a letter by that silly bugger with the long numerical name. Well, I don't really blame you for that, you have to get something to fill up the rag.
But what I do object to is the absolutely English (?) that it uses in its letter. I will not bother to correct it as you would have to print a bumper edition of Salient to get it all in. Instead I extend the hand of friendship to the writer of "Take that, you hound." If you would be willing to lake some lessons in the Queen's English I would be glad to offer my services as tutor, then perhaps we could exchange well-written insults at least.
I really am getting tired of defending my good name in print every time some child of light gets up on its hind legs and opens its muzzle to prove its cretinism so we'll leave it at mat shall we?
Now for a hit of what makes the world go round. Kathy...........darling (sigh) Oh you little devil you. You didn't tell me you would do That!!! For a moment I was surprised at your gymnastic audacity, but my mouth was too full to exclaim at the time. Later on, of course, we were engrossed in other things to remember.
But you certainly do manage yourself well, don't you? O Kathy, my little pearl, my little bublinshka, my sweet, my love....................... I'm sorry, but the same time same place is just not on I'm afraid. Why not try it on the cable car ramp over Salamanca Road and see if any one notices? Or better still let's try Parliament steps, Friday night?
Dying to embrace your scintillating form.
Your love,
Paul.
Prof Lets her Hair Down
Dear Sir,
I'm glad to see that Varsity Lecturers can be human at times. I am of course referring to the recent Pols III morning lecture taken by our one and only Professor Clark in which she was talking about interbreeding. Having a struggle for the correct terms she seemed to give up and describe the topic with a very down to earth "Having it off."
Good on you Prof, it sure makes a change from some of the stoney-faced lectures we get.
Yours in Anticipation,
I. B. Flapworth.
P.S. Always knew you were a goer.
Attack on Tees Attacked
Dear Sir,
Your editorial of May 28 states that fascism is characterised by "measures to stifle opposition by any means possible". Is this not epitomised by the fact that although Andrew Tees was elected to his position by popular vote, a small, ruthless group has almost succeeded in ousting him from power against the will of the students who voted for him?
It has been clear since the outcome of the 1978 elections was known that these dissenters meant to make trouble for Andrew Tees and the Students' Association ("which is appalling, considering that the decision was not based on any evidence, but on sheer prejudice").
The five resigned members of the Executive and their cohorts have been the cause of friction that is crippling the Association; they should be ashamed of their despicable ploy of engaging in "Party" politics, in what was once a Union.
Muso.
A New View on Education Cuts
The Editor,
Maybe the $ situation would be helped by weeding out the thousands of students who are at universities because they couldn't think of anything else to do.
Perhaps all these time fillers could go out into the real world for a couple of years, earn a living digging drains or whatever, and think about among other things) if, then what they want to study and shy, ie. where will it lead? A B.A. or any other degree in filler subjects is not even a meal ticket any more..........unless you go and teach others so they can come and get their degrees like that so they can teach others so they can.....................
Fewer students, but who are on the average more highly motivated, would make much better use of what $ there is.
M. Robbie.
Racism in Godzone
Sir,
Don't make a 'Holy Cow' of every issue even as innocent as a haka performed by Auckland students. Where is our sense of humour, NZ is somber enough as it is! Pakehas like some fun just as much as Maoris and the latter take the former for a ride plenty too. If ail Irish, Jews etc got upset every time they were the butt of jokes, we'd soon have WW3 on our necks.
Smile it over boys, take the heat out!
Ioanna Rokcha.
Options for Econ Students
Sir,
I am a little sick of these woolie-woofters maoning about Econ 101. If they really are so keen to know about Marxist and Institutionalist economics why don't they sit in on stage III lectures when according to Dr Bertram these topics are covered? If a student is not just at varsity collecting credits, there is nothing to stop him / her from reading books with alternative views, which I find complement the trad, economics covered in lectures.
By the way, cynical friends have told me that students are only at varsity because they're too seared of going out into the real world. Perhaps cynical friends have their own axes to grind?
Karl.
P.S. If the 800 econ 101 students were really keen to know more about their subject a few me more than the 40 (5% of class) would be turning up to the special lectures. May I suggest that if Alternative Economics lectures were given as optional lectures, only the same 40 would turn up.
What can you Loos?
Sirrah,
Gabrielle the Trumpeter was complaining about the lack of female loos around the Music Department: may we offer the following suggestions?
1) | use the bushes in front of Hunter |
2) | don't eat those disgusting health foods whats the point of living longer if you're only going to fart around? |
3) | eat equal quantities of Portland cement and sawdust, washed down by a glass of water |
4) | make the most of your predicament - try playing your trumpet from behind |
5) | if all else fails, don't play the trumpet As a final resort, you could try eating the cafe food. Be warned this is dangerous - you could either get the runs or terminal constipation. |
Love and kisses.
Angel Mine,
St. Trew.
A Strange Letter
Dear Sir,
In reply to the missal presented in you fair publication by that demonic and popsicle crazed animal, (if one can call a bumch of malfunctioning electronic curcuits such as 7244046699230, an animate being) I plea innocence to all charges.
Let it be herald from all comers of New Zealand, and the South bland too, that twice a day I brush my teeth with Colgate toothpaste. Furthermore old boy your own ring of confidence is of the wrong type, you must stop bending over and licking your arse. It is an unsavoury and unsociable habit.
As to the question of my ancestry, your accusations sir are fiendish, you (7244046699230) are a cad and a bounder. Indeed you, sir, you close relative of the Wangunui computer are no more than my fx Casio Clockwork Calculator.
Furthermore my father, mu uncles and my 23 male cousins would like to hold a small discussion with you. You can if you want, beforehand, lie in the path of fourteen big red buses, three Ken-worths and two traffic officers, the end result will be much the same. Your function buttons will be forced back through your LC's your l.e.d. display will be darkened and your nicad batteries will be squashed.
"Kill a Clockwork Calculator Now" — my new campaign will swing into action this very day with a free Casio (ie you) supplied to the first particpants (ie O'Donoghue or myself.) Let the name 7244046 699230 be forever wiped from the face of the earth. We will dispose of your remains M. Ie Casio down a disused oil well in Taranaki where they will lie, in torment, corroding for time immemorial. A great festival shall be held on every anniversary of your entombment with singing, dancing and merrymaking to celebrate freedom from your accursed battery powered self.
Pax Vobiscum
Paul O'Donoghue may not be all things to all people, he is very probably very little to a lot of people, but Kathy likes him, and thats all that really matters. I'm just waiting for the little fellow to ask me to act as best man at the forthcoming nuptials.
Kathy and Paul
Many happy returns for the great day, happiness and many children to gladden your old age.
B. C. Kelly.
A Poem to OCF
Dear Editor,
I would like to dedicate the following poem especially to my dear friends in the Wellington Overseas Christian Fellowship:
May 14 saw the coming of $1500 fee crisis Student's anger and protest have turned into actions.
Meeting, petitioning, leafleting, marching.........
The Fightback campaign is on.
Dear friend.
Where have you been all this while?
Your long silence has greatly worried me.
See, the world outside the ivory tower and chapel is undergoing change.
Hear the cry of our brothers and sisters both here and 5,000 miles away.
Are you going to feel sick again? Or are you going to help yourself in helping them?
The world outside needs you.
There is no time for apathy and sorrow -
Mere praying is an escape from reality because there is no pie in the sky.
Come out of your nutshell and join in the fight-back campaign.
Hope to see you soon.
This is Not a Response to the SGM
The Editor,
What the hell (ooops, sorry — delete the expletive) was my friendly warning doing under "Mixed responses to SGM"? Look boyo, I'm not just whistling dixie when I say that I am quite serious about the imminent arrival of the infamous Spanish Inquisition in your previously peace-loving country.
They have new, subtler methods of torture now to quell the growth of heresy in our increasingly secular society — things like taxation, strikes, inflation and, of course, that most persuasive all instruments since chinese water torture —levision. So beware any such innovations for shall be guided by the hand of God, and the is merciless in his retribution to the sinful.
Yours in earnerst,
The Pope
(once more).Thanks Boss
Honourable Sirs,
Vive le "Salient"!
Yours in admiration,
Big Rob.
P.S. This was a paid political announcement.
Too Many Average Letters
To "Dear Sir",
Recently I have had my eye on your [ unclear: pape] devolution, as you may be aware (or not, [ unclear: dep] on whether you read what you print, which [ unclear: i] doubtful), and have attempted to contribute the lowering of its standards. However of [ unclear: lats] I have noted a disturbing new trend in the let to the Editor - a plethora of letters written by dinary or average students. Who are these [ unclear: anmous] maniacs driven to crazed normality? [ unclear: W] is average? Can a Varsity student be describe ordinary? What has induced this sudden rash sameness amongst us? Who cares?
All these are totally irrelevant questions [ unclear: th] have nothing to do with real life (what has?), nevertheless I advise the "Salient" to question closely the ideals of anyone who believes him self to be typical of everybody else. What's [ unclear: w] furthermore, these letters have tried to [ unclear: introd] a level of normality into the "Salient", and [ unclear: so] am, as a tireless guardian of the intellectual [ unclear: cc] tent of the "Salient", obliged to remind any rage students" out there that any further [ unclear: atte] at letter writing to this end is likely to result [ unclear: i] heir teeth being removed through the back of heads.
"Keep the "Salient" sub-normal!"
Yours in dedication,
Reginald Krutz.
Aha! The Swimming Pool Again
Dear Mr Beach,
I regret to inform you, as I have had to for a number of your predecessors, that the standard of behaviour at the swimming pool is of shocking nature.
As a member of the local community with great deal of influence on the attitudes of [ unclear: man] others, I obviously do not need to impress [ unclear: up] you the urgency with which this matter must dealt, and trust you will act accordingly.
I will not foist upon you the grisly details, but will only suggest that you ensure that the B.C.A. students of the university keep well away from my son, particularly the male students. Once again I must warn you of the can sequences of any failure to heed this warning, as there will not be a second.
Yours faithfully,
Ian Stephenson.
Weir House — Wet House
Dear Sir,
As a part-time social worker, I always like to practice my analytical power by examing those Interesting letters in your column. In particular, I will try to deduce the intention and the real nature of the various issues raised.
Lately, I notice several letters writing about Weir House, So I could not stop asking myself, "What's the fuss with that place? Shit!" It has been two years now since I first came to VUW and have never come across any complaints about the other three halls of residence, for instance, in Vic House. Why is this so? Why don't they try to admit that Wet House is indeed sick and save valuable space in your column. As simple as that.
My conclusion is that, quite a number of the Wet House residents must have been bribed into working with the chef, the matron, the warden, etc, whoever they are, in an attempt to lure more freshies into the Wet House. (I have just been informed the financial situation of the house is still in bad shape.) If I am not mistaken, they must have been paid by the matron , the Wet Association or the cook to write blindfoldedly in the favour of the Wet House.
Yours faithfully,
James Bond 007.
P.S. Ring 00-747-007 ask for F007 for more information.
God Impotent
Dear Sir,
My bedmate informs me that God (Mr God to you) is most definitely not omnipotent.
Yours,
The Devil.
(But is he omnipresent? - ed.)
Too Many Extremes
Dear Peter,
It is curious the fascination that writers in Salient, and many people generally, have for the particular model that has, at the left extreme socialism, and at the right fascism. I think this is naive, because in fact there is very little difference in the practice of extreme socialism or fascism. Both systems involve the control of the many by the few in power. Regardless of the proclaimed benefits for the masses, they are both totalitarian systems.
If there is a struggle today, I suggest that is neither against Communism, as some declare, nor, as you espouse, against Fascism. Rather the struggle must be against totalitarianism in any form or disguise; whether it be that of Hitler, of Stalin of Mao, or of Muldoon. The only possible means for this struggle can be the involvement of All in decision-making. To this end the real democracy must see the principle of agreement or concensus as the ideal to be reached; rather than majority decision or power group decision which serves only to alienate and divide.
As far as our own Student's Association goes I suspect Robin Craw is right in one thing: the question IS one of control. There are always people who wish to control others. That is why the system must have sufficient safeguards built into it to prevent any person or group from gaining control at the expense of others. Such a system may be slow, even inefficient, but better than our being held at the mercy of a power group.
For this reason the viability of SRC as a decision making body with a quorum of 50 must be brought seriously into question. Smear tactics and witch-hynting by power groups must not be allowed to obscure this question. If SRC is to retain it's function, I believe that the quorum must be raised, that the meeting be open to all students - including part-timers, and most important, that students be made to feel that they have a responsibility and a need to attend and be part of the decision-making process.
If this cannot be then a more effective method of student representation must be found, and make no mistake - it Must be found; for we cannot p — reach against anyone 'else's political backyard if we won't clean up our own.
John Penney.
Sour Grapes
Dear Salient,
Well its Tuesday again and time to have an ego trip by writing to Salient. This week I don't have a helluva lot to say except that after reading the May 28 issue of Salient and its report on the SGM (that's the meeting you all turned up to and saved our beloved president from certain destruction by the Warsaw Pact) I'd say we have a slight case of 'sour grapes' amongst our Salient writers (no offense boys - so don't ban this letter from publication.)
To Mr R. N. Phillippsss (?) who attempted (unsuccessfully) to publicly admonish me in his letter, in that same issue of Salient, I say 'blaah'! (excuse the language). By the way R.N. (Royal Navy?) Phillippsss the word is 'diuretically' not 'diumetically.' How you passed School Cert. English, I'll never know.
Well thanks folks for reading my letter I enjoyed writing it and I've had my ego trip for the day so I'll sign off now.
James Doolittle
(A.R.S.E.)P.S. It means 'Association of Rightist Society Exponents' and not 'Antipodean Rock Sitters Equity' as Mr Phillippsss libellously claims.
Crusade Against Card-Players
Dear Sir,
I, a seasoned university student, wish to bring to your attention the apathetic attitude of certain people in this university.
Namely the decrepit degenerate 'students' - and I use the term in its loosest possible sense - who at every possible moment that they can squeeze out of their so called 'courses', sit on the balcony of the SUB lounge and play peculiar games involving chips, playing-cards, cigarettes and rosary beads, and take absolutely no interest in trying to rid the sacred halls of this hallowed university of that most dreaded disease, "Apathy".
These people should be out. Yes, out creating an atmosphere of keen interest in pressing and relevant problems. When last did one of them lock him/herself in the Rankine Brown toilets for three weeks in protest against higher taxes on beer, chips and chocolate fish??
Instead they intrude into other students fun and games. Who can forget that SRC meeting where phrases like "The freedom of the people in Southern Finn-Glang has been violated", were interupted by impassive calls of 'Three diamonds', and 'Pass'. Does winning a 500's game help free the oppressed millions in the world? (Then :gain, does it hurt?)
I do not mind them using the balcony nearly all the time, but when you have to produce St. Pats Old Boys Association membership cards just to get up the steps, it is getting serious.
I also do not mind them tossing the occasional rotten chip over the balcony into the crowds below, but when they start tossing Rongotai Old Boys and excess females over the side, I start to worry.
Can't these people be put in their place......... (The cemetery is far from filled.) Before they declare the balcony a Republic.
Yours faithfully,
M. Entell.
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.
Larceny in the Library
Dear Sir,
Unaccustomed as I am to serious letter writing, I would nevertheless like to take this opportunity to express my horror and distrust of the seamy individual who, without a thought for the malice of his action, sneaked $55 from the purse of an unknowing girl who innocently left it in her bag in the foyer of the library.
It is this kind of despicable creep, who, with no intellectual capacity, infiltrates the University as if it were some sort of clique for degenerates, and proceeds to bring students as a whole into disrepute. Remaining the entire year in an alcoholic stupor without the least attempt to engender a spark of intelligent comprehension into the dark recesses of his long-forgotten and probably dead brain, he supports his foul-mouthed excesses by stealing from his fellow students.
You may think that I am stereotyping or that there are sufficient warnings in the foyer not to leave valuables in bags, but I ask you — should this all be necessary? Look around you, at the average student who gets by on his bursary, survives ha workload, and sustains himself with a weekly read of his "Salient" - must we all tolerate the pretence of contemptible thieves who misrepresent themselves as students too? At the moment, the VUWSA is fighting for our right to a reasonable bursary so that we can survive our years at varsity and have a chance at moulding society into the shape that we think best fits humanity. Yet meanwhile we allow the continued growth of a grave social disease within our midst that threatens our credibility and defeats us before we start. This insidious criminal behaviour of certain morally and socially unscrupulous persons amongst us must stop!!
Yours in agitation,
A Concerned Contributor.P.S. If I ever get my hands on the fucking cunt who did this vile deed, I'll gladly tear the sonuv-bitch arse from ear hole, rip his cock and balls off, ram them down his throat and put the boot into his intestines. So beware you goddam' shit-head out there lest I pound you into the dust whilst passing water on your grandmother.
A Collection of Comments
Dear Sir,
I am writing this letter to express my concern on several matters.
1) | In reply to 'A Malaysian Student.' I agree education is a right but please remember that you are in a foreign country which doesn't owe you that right to education but rather owes its citizens that right. I am against the Government charging overseas students a $1500 fee for education. Overseas students' fees should come out of overseas aid not their own pockets. I also think that this could be the first step towards all students paying fees and perhaps a loss of the STB. |
2) | What should happen to Boyd Wilson Field is to provide better drainage so that the field is not closed so often, forcing teams to train in doors. |
3) | Ms Brian Tinsley, I think you are a fool. University education is a right not a privilege. And to say STB is a gift is a lot of shit. I work damn hard for what little money I get for my STB. If you went to Studass meetings you might not suggest that your $43 be taken off but rather increased. |
4) | Good luck Andy Tees in your attempt to rule over us. You have my backing and the so-called 'Average Students'! Don't blow it. If you don't let us down we won't let you down. |
5) | The food in the cafe is nothing but pig fodder. I hope something is done soon. Abo I would like to say to those 'Ladies' working in the Coffee Bar, don't smoke behind the counter. Me thinks you break Health Department Regulations. One complaint to the Health Department could change things for you. I don't like ash and smoke on what I eat. You might but I don't. |
P.S. I'm the one with hairy legs.
P.S' That was a clue.
The Expert Speaks
Dear Editor,
There are definitely no such things as fascists - especially at Vic.
Yours democratically,
Adolf Hitler
(a typical first year student.)