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The liquor question has for decades been a football between an exclusive coterie of pressure groups such as these, lined up as a rule with well-intentioned inanity on one side and sordid and cynical greed on the other. "In the no-man's-land between them," wrote Fairburn in
That our present drinking laws, and drinking habits (except on the West Coast) are barbarian, is axiomatic.
Wellington's public bars between 5 and 6 p.m. on Saturday are probably the most disgusting sights in the world. For those who have never seen the sight, let me describe one:
It is a long, bare room with varnished wood or tiled walls and terrazzo or rubberized floor like a lavatory, to make for easy cleaning (presumably with a hose). It opens straight off the street (for ease of access) by a number of swing doors, but the windows are all painted or boarded over (to spare the passing public from the sights within). The room is quite devoid of furniture, except for a long elliptical counter or bar down the centre, equipped with half a dozen plastic hoses with pressure-taps at the end (through which, beer is squirted into customers' glasses), and, more important still, an equal number of cash registers Inside the bar stand the barmen, squirting away with the hoses and ringing away on the cash registers as hard as they can go.
Humanity is packed into the space outside the bar at the rate of slightly over one person per square foot. These persons drink as fast as they can because after 6 o'clock no beer is served, and they are immediately thrown out. They fight and spill beer over each other, getting to and from the bar, where the nozzle of the hose is indiscriminately held into each glass until it is as near brimming as it can be (the glass holds only 9 ounces—or slightly less—when level with the top, and the customer is charged for 9 ounces). Every sort of contagious bug is thus ceremoniously distributed among the customers.
Auckland students' "Capping Book" prophesied in
Around 6 there is an equally animal run on the bottle store, and irrational and stuttering arguments are carried on in the form of fisticuffs on the footpath.
Faced with this dismal scene, the temperate citizens can be excused for veering into the Prohibitionist camp. in the days of longer drinking hours and suburban pubs, the picture was certainly no more dismal—but was brought more forcibly to the temperate critic's attention. It was then that the Prohibition cause won its greatest victories—with majorities over Continuance in
Attempts to get this requirement reduced brought the low methods of the liquor trade out into the open, and New Zealand politics to the lowest level of corruption in its history.
The wife of a New Zealand politician has described what happened when a Hill making such an attempt was introduced in
"This . . . exposed the liquor trade to possible extinction at the next ballot. My husband said. 'The licensed victuallers are in a panic, their agents are swarming the lobbies' . . . The next day [X-the man is named) came to him with a definite proposal—the Trade would pay all his election expenses for the coming encounter. They would guarantee he would get in. They would spend money and do the job much better than he could do it. . . . However, my husband was incorruptible. .
"The next day the offer had risen—election expenses plus £200. Nothing doing. . . . Each day as he came in to lunch we asked him with our eyes what the latest offer amounted to. He would put up 3 fingers, then 4, then 5. in a few days it had risen to £800 plus election expenses.
"The next day no fingers were shown. They had found cheaper support . . [X had said. 'You don't need to change your mind. Charlie. Just go to Te Kuiti and miss the train on Tuesday night so that you'll miss the division!']
"Previously, votes in the House had been counted and it was known for certain that there was at least a majority of two who had given election pledges to support the Bill. When the night came there was a majority of five against it. Three members had surprisingly missed their trains. One particularly ardent Prohibitionist who had lived during the whole three sessions of that Parliament at an expensive hotel, had paid the proprietor never a penny. It was common knowledge that his creditors were anxiously awaiting the close of the House. ... He was not only able to pay his debts, but to buy himself a flourishing bicycle business. . . ." (Helen Wilson, "My First Eighty Years." pp. 178-9).
Prohibition zeal waned when in
Many reforms in the apparent direction of hygiene have also been prompted by the drive to cut costs. Where barrels used to be filled at the breweries, carted to the pubs, rolled into the cellars, and linked to pump-handle taps on the bars—today beer is pumped from the breweries into huge steel tankers from them through a pipevent in the footpath outside the pub into a tank inside, and from there through the plastic hoses described above into the customer's glass.
Gradually every added service has' been eliminated. Where are the counter lunches of former years? Where are the tables and chairs where students used to sit and sip at the old "Empire"? All gone in the greedy stampede for bigger profits.
This drive has been ably assisted at every stage by the wowsers, whose anxiety that drinking should be kept out of sight, and that it should be associated with no other pleasures to increase its attractiveness to the young and innocent, has led them to bestow us the piggers that is the New Zealand pub from 5 to 6.
A very sane programme for reform is to be found in the Report of the Royal Commission on Licensing which sat in
There is also a great deal of material on the malpractices of breweries and publicans in the matter of charging the same price for different sized glasses, of re-selling "slops" emptied from used glasses, of keeping dummy accommodation for 'guests" as a cover for after hour drinking, undetectable control of privately owned pubs by brewery companies, and letting the standard of accommodation fall to concentrate on the more profitable bar traffic.
This material, and some strong suggestion of intimidation of witnesses by their present or former employers, indicates the extent of the honesty of the liquor trade little more than 10 years ago. There is no reason to suppose that they have improved since. They may not be as desperate now as they were in 1911, but they are still essentially inspired by the same motives and capable of stooping to the same methods.
Their present honesty is exemplified by the mendacious and inaccurate series of advertisements that has been appearing under the heading "Hotel Heritage."
In the light of the
The Smith Report recommendations would, by encouraging the outward conditions for giving booze its rightful place in a civilised life, and by removing the motive of private profit from the trade altogether, go a long way towards solving New Zealand's liquor problems. The recommendations were not lightly made Eighteen months of investigation went into them, and they were supported by a majority of
The trade is now making the assertion that it approves reform of the law and that it always has done so it books rather as if it can see that the popular demand for reform cannot be withstood much longer, and wants to make sure that whatever reforms are made are on its own terms. We on our side and as students are interested as summers, citizens, and morally and socially conscious human beings—must make sure that the long overdue reforms ate effected on our terms.
The Smith Report furnishes a very sound and practicable programme of such reforms.
During World War II, when Russia and the West were allied in the struggle against Hitler, an English clergyman wrote: "Both of us will learn and profit from the alliance. . . . we can profit from Rusia's experience. She is actuated, in the major operation of life, by a moral purpose which I could wish with all my heart was consciously our own. . . . And priceless lesions in toleration—in freedom of speech and expression, in freedom to organize in this group and that without police inspection and interference—can be learned in England as in no other civilized land."
The mutual profit and learning of lessons does not seem to have been very great in the 12 years since the War. Outwardly, the West has hardened in its capitalism at the expense of its once-boasted civil liberties, and Russia's totalitarianism has grown rigid at the expense of the humanist sprit that inspired her socialism.
But is the night so black?
Behind Hungary and Cyprus and little Rock, there lurk the glorious phantoms of imminent change.
British politics is not just its superficial aspect of Suez-style gunboat diplomacy and Rent-Act-style class legislation: it is also the reawakening of the Labour movement, its jettisoning of the capitulationist cold war foreign policies, "softly-softly" internal programme, anti support for colonial gangsterism. Untouchable hilly things like the public school system, the peerage, even the monarchy, have begun to attract broad fire. Repression in East and Central Africa is being gradually matched by enlightened abdication in West Africa New attitudes lie just beneath the surface, occasionally breaking through.
The American scene is not just the hypocrisy of Cabot Lodge (screaming about Suez and winking at Guatemala and Jordan): or the rapacious oil interests in the Middle East; or the resurrection of McCarthy's soul in the body of something called Morros. The Supreme Court has in a number of historic decisions, made a stand for freedom of movement, political association and opinion, and access of the defence of all Irrelevant material, which is putting new light into the Statue of Liberty's torch. And some recent contributions by certain Congressmen indicate that there is a deep and strong current of opposition to reactionary policies at home and abroad.
The Soviet bloc is harder to get clear. But there are significant signs: a play attacking the secret police has a record run: a novel satirizing the bureaucracy becomes a best-seller; Moscow students question their professor about Hungary; Mao Tse-Tung Calls for a new tolerance and latitude in a metaphor which could have been lifted from the "Arcopagitica": Poland breaks ranks and starts off on a road of its own: and a Russian reader writes to a Polish magazine: "Your magazine enjoys great popularity here . . its frank position frequently provokes heated discussions." Letters from New Zealanders at the Moscow Festival show that doubt and debate are far more widespread than "Pravda" or Moscow Radio let on. None of these developments can be accounted for in the silly newspaper terms of a power struggle in the Kremlin or an arbitrary switch of line. There are social forces in motion that are pressing for change.
No one who thought about the matter seriously ever supposed the world would remain for ever in the forms into which it was frozen by the cold war. But for over a decade certain historic streams seemed to cease flowing—English and American radicalism seemed to retreat in disorder, and the Russian revolutionary tradition to the barb-wired into Vorkuta. The lessons in planning and welfare we had to learn from the Russians, and the lessons in freedom they had to learn from us, remained conspicuously unlearned.
But the ice is thawing: and there are new shoots beneath it. Behind the short-sightedness and wrong-headedness of the Macmillans. Eisenhowers, and krushchovs, there are millions of human hearts yearning for change. And a glance at history suggests that from yearning springs the action that brings about change.
We have aimed to restore "Salient" to its more contentious and lively tradition The measure of our success is in our sales (which have gone up), our letter columns (which are always laden), and the comemnts in the sort of Gallup poll which appears elsewhere in this issue.
All the best for Finals—
Your leading article in the last issue of "Salient" told us something about the "students advisers" in some Australian universities, and it was asked. "Why not one at V.U.C.?" It would like to point out that there is such a person in the college who is most willing to discuss with. and advise, students on any matters which they are unable to cope with themselves. He is the Rev. Alan Gray, chaplain to the S.C.M., and he is available for interviews and talks with students all any time. He is to be found in the S.C.M. cabin, situated near the liaison officer's hut. or he may be contacted by 'phone, is there a need for a duplicate position?
May I take this opportunity to clarify my views, which were thoughtfully criticised by Mr. Price in your August 1st issue?
Although "essential religion" cannot be strictly defined if the concept is to retain any depth, some idea of its meaning might be gained if one considers the relative importance of, say. strict, observance of contemporary orthodox church lore and an individual realization of the closeness, and value of God as a guide and companion, without conventional expression, if this is real, then it must exist independently of fluctuating church attendances and its position on the popularity poll of university discussion. The
The "storm of inevitable progress" does refer more to the steady and unquestionable advance in scientific knowledge than in other spheres of human activity. Science does not necessarily disprove religion; in fact, it sometimes clarifies it, and corrects erroneous impression which have arise from a wide-eyed, credulous attitude to the Biblical scripture the origin of man, the age and history of his physical universe, are still points of contention between science and some religious groups. I find statements like: "God is omnipotent, with Him nothing is impossible . . and "Science will ultimately explain all things that we are conscious of even if we become conscious of all things . . fundamentally contradictory; yet as a scientist. I work with implicit faith in the truth of the latter statement. My Christian faith might ultimately be included within the infinite bounds of science.
I choose the latter of these two aspects of science and religion by considering, firstly, the self-consistency of each, and observing that whilst each statement implies universal consistency, the former is as yet an isolated principle which must at present be merely believed", as people once "believe" that the sun and stars rotated about
Truth at the level of "sense perception" or scientific truth often seems inadequate. Rational explanations of religious events are difficult to formulate in terms of contemporary knowledge. One does not question the truthfulness of "Christ was crucified on Calvary" (so were others) if he accepts the historical accurate of the statement, but this is less important than the claimed significance of His death, which is more open to question.
I am prompted to write after reading a copy of your fine magazine. Compared with the student magazines in Australia, yours is good—particularly considering that staffing is voluntary (I presume).
The particular articles that prompt me to write are some of those in your debate on religion—especially those by Russell Price and K.K.C. and P.A.S.
The basis of Christianity is rather shaky, and depends on acceptance without proof. Consider the Bible, the basis of Christianity. Genesis I, i, begins: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." This has not been proved false, but it has also not been proved true But many scientific theories about the origin of the world also haven't been proved false.
Take prayer if I pray for rain and the weather gets drier and drier, the Christian will offer no end of excuses. If, however, it rains, he will say my prayer has been answered. The atheist will say it would have rained anyway. Who is to judge who is right?
One of the weaknesses of religion is its dependence on so-called "miracles". Volumes have been written on virgin birth, the walls of Jericho, and the rest: but the decision is always "not proved"—but also "not disproved".
To permit the hypothesis "There is a God" is almost to beg the question, yet to the Christian it is fundamental. But to say "there is no God" is equally false. The only statement we may justifiably make is, "There may be (or not be) a God"—with the united disapproval of both Christians and atheists.
Over the years. Christianity has done some good-the monks fostered learning when it was at an ebb, and the Churches have taken a stand on moral issues. But the basis of its beliefs is no less disputable for that. Other organizations with bad principles have done some good.
All this lets us see that atheist and Christian creeds are equally unsound. It is for each of us to choose what he will believe, and accept the logical consequences. Let Christians renounce the commercializing of Christmas, and the atheists work on religious holidays. Perhaps if that was the position, there would be more fence-sitters ("agnostics" they call us).
Mr. Price concluded by saying that statements must be either true or false without qualification. But whereas we have proof that "Napoleon died at St. Helena". we have no proof of the "Christ" in "Christ was
The Bible is a magnificent collection of stones—but so is Grimm's "Fairy Tales". Why make one the basis of a religion and not the other?
N.S.W. University of Technology, N.S.W.. Australia.
(This letter has been slightly abridged.—Ed.)
The religious debate which I originally provoked seems to have got well side-tracked in the bog of Christianity's ultimate defensibility. I once discussed this very issue with an elderly and very scholarly clergyman (now dead) for a whole afternoon, and he afterwards wrote me a letter from which I excerpt the following:
"To the intellectualist, the reason for the truth of Christianity must. I think, always appear somewhat feeble and unconvincing. The fact is, the first steps to an acceptance of it are not conclusive reason or scientific proof, but faith and love, which must always appear to the intellectualist as slightly absurd.
"I don't think that the Christian religion can ever be proved true by argument. although it is. I believe, a reasonable faith. I suppose the hardest article of the Creed to accept is the first: I believe in God the Father Almighty' as so much in the world seems flatly to contradict it, if we can surmount this hurdle all the rest are easy in comparison.
"One great help I have found in times of doubt is to go on behaving as if Christianity were true, and not throw up church-going, worship. Communion, etc. I do not believe this is to act hypocritically."
This sems to me to sum up both the strengths and the weaknesses of the Christian position.
(This correspondence is now closed.—Ed.)
When you illustrated "Victoria Story No. 6" with the magnificent linocut of skulls, shells and so on, you should, perhaps, have added some comment.
Entitled "Still Life", it first appeared in Salient" in
In addition to the more obvious symbolism, is is worth noting the little conventionalized stooped human figures on whose shoulders the whole weight of war is depicted as resting, and which are distorted beautifully into forms reminiscent of swastikas; and the bending crosses, suggesting not only the overworked nature of contemporary graveyards, but also the perversion of Christianity necessitated by its accommodation to war as a matter of state policy.
Mr. Bill Sheat, old-hand Extras', producer, has again been appointed Extrav. producer for next year, when no new offers were received.
The Exed has sent a welcome to the new Governor-General and invited him to attend some of our functions. Especially it is hoped that he will be able to be present at the gala opening of
A copy of Spike is also to be sent—but not Cappicade.
The possibility of erecting a cigarette vending machine is being investigated, mg up so well to the latest contest.
While Exec. members are now used to thumpings, bangs, and other disturbances from above, it is not bearing up so well to the latest contestants. At the last meeting grave deliberations were disrupted by unholy Jazz noises from next door. The Jazz club had six brasses, symbols, drums, and piano competing for the loudest din.
The Music Society will be having two more student concerts before the end of term. The programmes include performances by chamber music combinations and a performance of Schubert's "Shepherd on the Rock", by Susanne Jones, which should be a highlight. Green. Ronald Gibbs and Robina Dorothy Freed, one of V.U.C.'s betterknown composers, will be having a group of her songs performed.
A series of weekly lunch-hour recitals has been arranged for the third term. The first of these, a recital of Schubert songs sung by Sybil Phillips, with Frank Gurr (clarinet) and Frederick Page (piano) merited a much larger audience than attended. Few of the musically-minded around the college seem to realize that the Music Room is second to nothing in Wellington as a venue for chamber music.
The programmes for the remainder of the term include the following:—Britten's Lachrymae for Viola and Piano, with Jean Munro and Frederick Page; a Mozart Sonata for Violin and Piano, with Vivienne Dixon and Frederick Page; Vaughan-Williams's Sonata for Violin, with Francis Rosner, and the Battok Unaccompanied Violin Sonata, played by Malcolm Latchem.
On Friday. August 8. Varsity revealed a diabolical plan to get rid of surplus idiots; the Tramping Club encouraged a party to go on a Southern crossing (in at Otaki Forks, cut—if you're lucky—at Kaitoke). Well. I suppose we all have to die some time.
And so a high-octane party of fifteen men, one girl, and Keith Walker, assembled outside the Railway Station late on the aforementioned night in preparation for a weekend in the Tararuas.
After leaving the truck half-way along the road to The Forks, the party led by David Somerset walked to the Cottage (1½ hours) and thence up a vertical ridge in the bright moonlight to Field's Hut (3100ft; 2 hours). Those carrying my sedan chair found it especially hard—that always weeds out the unfit.
At 7.30 next morning the party set off for Kime Hut (4600ft). Far to the west lay snow-capper Egmont, rosetinted by the rising sun. The wind rose to 75½ m.p.h. gusts, the temperature dropped alarmingly, and the rain came
The others winded their way back to Field's Hut; at one stage, as the weather cleared, they had a capital view of Wellington so clear that the gleam of cars' windscreens around Oriental Bay could be picked up. One chap with good eyesight even managed to sec someone swotting on the lawn outside Victoria.
Game seemer fairly scarce, though Graeme Caughley claims to have spotted seven Roger's thesauri down one valley.
The same party left the hut next morning and reached a desired farm house by 2.15 that afternoon aided by Ken Shanks's highly accurate compass and 5-Vol. pocket edition of 7 figure logarithms. From there two taxis were phoned for and we got to Otaki by 3 p.m. Some then hitchhiked home; others waited for the 4.35 bus.
Before shooting myself I would like to dispel any naive illusions about conduct on these trips: we really Do rough it you know. Conversation is certainly not restricted to politics, weather, and philosophy, but embraces the Fine Arts. Anita Ekberg, the Languages of Ancient Europe, Anita Ekberg. Fish Prices in South Africa,
But there is always the consolation that one's diet is scientifically planned. Every person on this trip received exactly 8543 calories per meal. I know—I had to count them out.
A shockingly small number of students heard a series of extremely interesting talks in the lunch-hour of the week of September 9-13. The so-called Inter-faculty talks are an annual scries of half-hour periods in which a prominent young exponent of most of the College's disciplines attempts to apologise for his kink in that direction, and give his hearers a clearer idea of what students in other faculties do when they are studying, or else is given an opportunity to ride his own special hobbyhorse for the mystification and benefit of the audience. And the way in which this was done last week deserved a far better response than it got.
On the Monday. Mr. Jim Ritchie gave a rapid analysis of the current rapid developments in psychology, in which theraw material, "behaviour." is recorded and explained in terms either of General Systems (statistical analysis, and so on), or of motives (the Freudian, Jungian hunting ground), or from a sociological point of view. He then went on to mention some work in this latter field that he himself had done among manual labourers, where he made some significant discoveries about the similarities and otherwise of the makeup of Maoris and pakehas.
The second speaker. Mr. Keith Walker, an honours English student, discussed the "useful" functions of English scholarship in maintaining a serviceable and attractive language suitable for both technicians and poets, in providing accurate texts of worthwhile works of literature that would otherwise be corrupt or lost, and in giving readers precise and clear understandings of the meaning of words and phrases in the writings of preceding centudies. He claimed further that the discrimination a good critic brings to bear can help as to get hold of what our worthwhile but obscure litterateurs are (or were), getting at.
Listeners on Tuesday heard an explanation from Mr. O'Neill, a new lecturer in Classics, of the decay in the study of classics and in the esteem in which a classical scholar is held. If, said Mr. O'Neill, classics students read the works of Antiquity for their intrinsic merits as books worth reading, and not as material for minute textual quibbling, or as examples of the melodious cadences obtainable in obscure and extinct languages, and further if these students attempted to lead their lives in emulation of the great men of whom the Classical writers tell, then perhaps what is now an ossified, ivory-power survival discipline may revive and be again a valuable influence in the education of men for employments other than university teachers.
Mr. O'Neill was followed by Mr. Bede Rundel, who gave a taste of what philosophers do by
For Wednesday's single address, by Mr. R. A. Bell, on Chemicals from Natural Sources, the Salient reporter was unable to be present, and he has been unable to find anyone who was there: we trust Mr. Bell didn't address an empty room.
Mr. Humphrey, who is doing a doctorate in physics, took as his subject for the first of Thursday's pair of talks the "Difficulties of Research in New Zealand." The main troubles were availability of radioactive materials, for his experiment on neon in excitation states of between 4 and 10 million electreon volts, in the exact form required, and the lack of much valuable "experimenting technique." know-how derived from familiarity with simliar pieces of apparatus, which is built up in laboratories where there are many people doing research, but which is sadly lacking in New Zealand. Local research vs as also hampered to some extent by a limited budget, which ruled out experiment in many fields where the cost of equipment is high, and by the experimenting tradition in the colleges, where a bias for nuclear research affects the direction of much research undertaken for degrees.
Mr. Ramsey does systematics. He is a Ph.D. student in the Zoology department and is engaged on the identification of mites found in the soil of Brother's Island. This systematic research, the labelling of different animals, was the most basic branch of zoology, and although in Europe and elsewhere this was far enough advanced to permit researchers to branch out into experiments in physiology, genetics, and so on. New Zealand was still too far behind with the systematic classification of her many unique species to be able to give much time to anything else.
On Friday. Dr. Stone of the French Department described the University City of Paris, an international student living quarter, where he spent some years while a student at the Sorbonne. Built in the twenties and thirties (with more expansion still going on), this self-contained block of hostels (26 already built), restaurants, and theatres is an idealistic experiment in race relations. There are hostels especially for many overseas countries, and students from virtually everywhere live together in the University City, along with about an equal number of French students. It has worked well, but not as well as might be partly because of the fantastically high pass standard at the Sorbonne, which makes everyone work too hard, and partly because French students tend to be very individualistic and don't appreciate much the demands on their individual freedom that genuinely corporate life must make.
Mr.——of the Geology Department, mildly surprised his audience by giving an exposition of how we see, which would have seemed more appropriate for a physiologist, a psychologist, or a philosopher.
It was nonetheless, worthwhile and illuminating to hear. Its burden was that by habitual automatic processes the mind imposes an intelligible order and pattern on the raw material of blocks of colour.
Perhaps symptomatic of the failure of students to take advantage of this chance of getting some understanding of fields outside their own was the way French students left straight after Dr. Stone's talk and were immediately replaced by scientists who hadn't bothered to come until a geologist was speaking, thus effectively demolishing the contact for which the talks were designed.
On a recent Friday night, 16 heavily-eroded Charlies of the Geol. Soe. set off in two rental vans for three days of field geology in the Wairarapa.
Next morning, after a buttered bread and saveloy banquet, the vans headed for the seaside, pedalled by Gary Orbell and Barry Webby. we observed large-scale slumping there of lower tertiary sediments. On the way one of our drivers, getting a shock at seeing cow-cockey driving a late-model Mercedes Benz, put his van into a ditch, uttering "struihiolaria"! It wasn't the sheep in the back seat that upset him but the horse in the front. Wading a river brought out some interesting personalities; John Lewis evidently thought he needed a second baptism, as he gave us a demonstration on how to cross a river fully-clothed using the Lewis craw Land that Goddamned Yankee started to take his boots and socks off (he's been in the Marine Corps). Seeing our pained looks he hobbled through with only one boot off, and on the way back walked straight in with both boots on (Our
On the Saturday night after an interesting slew (where Did my bag of specimens get to?) we had a round-the-candle discussion on continental-drift. hypotheses. and other rare fossils. Despite protests by us that he was too tired. Barrs McKelvey insisted on relating his adventures in the Urewera. Some people got so interested on hearing his stories that they left the room, otherwise they couldn't sleep, they said.
Sunday morning found us looking at fossil-beds; fossils I discovered didn't bite but were hard very-dead organisim. There were plenty of examples for all—two helpings if you were hungry. Some spent that night drinking lemonade, others a pleasant-smelling, light-brown liquid which seemed to have an interesting physiological effect: conversation ranged from Bach to red-hot jazz (Alva's Bach is worse Ilian her bite).
On the Monday, travelling at speed (or faster) we returned to the coast, then off over the hills, the delicate aroma of Ngauranga telling us we were finally home.
As I had never done any geology. I was a little apprehensive when I began this tour, but at no stage was I at a loss to understand it. I soon got used to eating off a water-table and saw more horsts than even the most experienced. (I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the more moraine students used to cheat at this game. They would yell out hog-back" when I knew damn wel there wasn't a pig for miles.) However. I did learn some things I didn't know before: sinkholes have nothing in common with plugholes, a bergschrund in not a dog. and if you don't play the game, and pinch other people's fossils they will say you are graben. Furthermore, you mustn't mention bottom-set beds in the presence of ladies!
I astly thanks to the committee for organising a really gneiss trip, and providing us with much data on strata, Information on sedimentation, and knowledge of palacontologe.
Those who went were Alva Challis. Jill be Fort. Roger (Idaho Martin. Peter Webb. Barry Webby. Barry McKelvey. Hank Van der Heufel. John Lewis. Tony Allen.
The University Senate has again turned down a proposal that students he represented on Senate. Its meeting in Christchurch recently decided to defer the matter until some indefinite time in the future.
This would appear to mark the final failure of student attempts for the past ten years to gain Senate support for direct representation on the supreme governing" body of University education in New Zealand. The student organizations are now going to find it very difficult, if not impossible, to take the matter much further.
N.Z.U.S.A. is not prepared to accept Senate's decision as an end to the matter. Other avenues of approach are to be explored.
Let us examine briefly the history of the case for student representation on Senate, and the reasons why the matter has received the constant attention of N.Z.U S A. for more than a decade.
Many years ago agitation started in the University colleges for student representation on College Councils, and the issue was hard fought before students finally were granted a seat on Councils. I he representatives who have tilled those seats have since proved their worth, not only as useful members of the Councils, but also as a valuable link between students and the University administration.
The success of this important advance led inevitably to consideration of similar representation on the Senate.
In l948 N.Z.U.S.A. wrote to Mr Justice (now Sir David) Smith. Chancel or of the University of New Zealand, advising that "it has long been the desire of this association that a 'place be granted on the Senate for a direct representative of the student body."
Revision of Senate's membership was at that time under consideration, and it seemed an opportune lime.
The Chancellor asked N.Z.U.A. to submit its proposals to Senate. Discussions took place between the president of N.Z U.S.A.. the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor over a period of about a year, and early in
A few of the more important passages of Mr. Miller's memorandum ate quoted here, because the case has changed little since
"It has been part of the general policy of N.Z.U.S A. that representation on the Senate is desirable, practicable and equitable.
"We feel that student representation is desirable both from the point of view of the Senate and the student body. The Senate would have the advantage of regular and informed opinion on the effect of its proposals on students, and their reactions to them. The student body would be able to make representations on various issues through this channel in a much better way than the present method of letters, deputations, and informal conversations. . . .
"We believe the proposal is practicable. The experience of student representation on college councils has shown that those appointed have been as suitable as members appointed by other sections. . . .
" . . the University community in New Zealand consists of its governors, teachers, graduates, and undergraduates, together with a very small number engaged solely in research. On the four earlier groups the only group with no representation on the Senate is the undergraduate or student body.
"Analysis of the income of the University (shows) . . that students contribute by far the largest sum to the finances of the University, and yet are unrepresented in the University government. . .
"There is student representation (in many overseas universities) which appears to have worked well. .
The ease was represented in
A letter from the Registrar of U.N.Z. said that "during the session the view was put forward that a great number of the members of the Court of Convocation are recent graduates, and that it would be better for the new graduates to interest themselves in the University elections, on which occasions the) have the opportunity of electing five members to the senate.
Again the student case was pressed at the February meeting of Senate this year, and again it was rejected although strongly supported by the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and a number of other members. Reports indicated that some of the arguments put forward by those who opposed student representation did no credit to those who adduced them.
Announcements of Senate's decision led to reappraisal of the whole question by N.Z.U.S.A. It was finally decided that Senate should be re-approached, and a letter to the Registrar of U.N.Z. strongly hinted that N.Z.U.S A would consider taking other steps if Senate again rejected the student case.
In theory Senate only "deferred" the matter this time, but essentially it threw it out again, once and for all.
A motion sponsored by Dr. Gilbert are hey and Mr. E. C. Fussell favouring a change in the legislation was strongly supported by the Chancellor (Sir David Smith), the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. G. A. Currie), and Mr. D. M. Rac, M.P. amongst others. The Chancellor spoke at length in support of the student case and Mr Rae said the work of student representatives at college council level had "converted him in favour of the students.
Mr. Bain, chairman of the Canterbury University College Council—an old foe of student representation—moved that the question be discussed later in the session. When it came up again a motion by Mr. Joel (Otago) ami Dr. Williams (Victoria), effectively strangling the proposal was carried. The Joel Williams motion was that the proposal should be deferred till the constitution and functions of Senate recluire to be generally reviewed in the tight of autonomy of the four separate Universities.
When this may be, no one knows. Maybe three years, perhaps ten. Meanwhile, important changes will take place in the administrative and academic setup of the University, and these will affect students a good deal.
Following a directive from its resent Council meeting. N.Z.U.S.A. Resident Executive has embarked on an investigation of other means of securing student representation at a higher level.
Without Senate's support this will be very difficult. However, in contrast with previous decisions, the latest Senate motion does not reject the proposal on its merits. It merely says "not yet'.
Rather than sit and wait for changes to take place which may allow student representation on Senate or whatever body succeeds it. N.Z.U.S.A. is at present disposed to light for the opportunity to have students represented during discussions of these very changes, which will vitally affect them.
One of the most fundamental of human rights is the right of association, and derived from this is the right of workers to organise into trade unions so that they may bargain collectively. With the exception of persons with an undemocratic frame of mind, such as the Wellington president of the Employers Association most members of Capitalist society accept, or at least tolerate, the institution of trade unionism. This, as I shall endeavour to slum, is by no means the case in the Communist-enslaved sector of the world.
From the earliest days of Communist rule in Russia, the trade union movement has been constantly harassed and suppressed. Lenin himself slated at the loth Congress of the Party that the whole syndicalist absurdity must be thrown into the waste basket". The 11th Congress proclaimed that "every additional interference by the trade unions in the administration of enterprises must be absolutely recognised as injurious and forbidden". It also staled that "the resort to strikes in a country with a proletarian government can be described only as a survival of the capitalist past and institutions on the one hand, and as showing the lack of political development and the cultural backwardness of the toilers on the other".
Such statements by the Communist Party were no mere idle threats. Rather, they were so acted upon that the Russian trade unions became mere auxiliaries of the government. For example when the Fourth Congress of Trade Unions in
The trade unions are in a similar position in Czechoslovakia, where their primary function is not to defend the workers interests but to "co-operate with works' managements and form a single entity with them, for their interests are identical", livery attempt at
The Chinese position is very similar. The official news agency.
Under the Holland Government strikes are crimes against the State, the world is the same the whole world over.—Ed.)
The newly-formed N.Z.U. Sports Union will relieve Resident Exec. (of N.Z.U.S.A.) of much of its sporting work, and will take on more work not previously done by anyone.
It will inject new life into N.Z.U. sports by actively encouraging each Sports Council to elect a committee to function all year—not just at Tournament—and will assist these to undertake any projects.
The Sports Union will also relieve the host college of much of its secretarial work associated with Tournament. If will investigate sporting problems at the university—tournament billeting and extra tournament finance, for example, he won an N.Z.U. blue, and has also represented N.Z.U. on the tennis court.
The Union is headed by Alan Robinson, himself a distinguished N.Z.U. sportsman He is three times N.Z.U. table tennis champion, a sport in which he won a N.Z.U. blue, and has also represented N.Z.U. on the court.
Other members of the Exec. have not yet been chosen, but it is intended to make selections from among prominent University sportsmen with administrative experience.
"Salient" believes that the Sports Union can do much for the University player, and wishes Alan Robinson and his team every success in their difficult activities behind the scene.
A history of New Zealand's student press is being prepared in Wellington at the request of the South-East Asian Student Press meeting held in Manila this year.
Notes on the history of the journals at each college were forwarded by the staff of the then current paper at each college, and collation has been done by
The history will be duplicated for distribution here and overseas, where it is intended to be incorporated in a history of the student press in the South-Fast Asia area being produced under the aegis of Co-Sec.
The collators report a striking similarly in the story of student journalism at each of the four colleges. From a review-scale magazine commencing publication early in the college's history "Spike" appeared first as a half-annual in
Much of the success of a congress depends upon its chairman. This year. A.U.C., who are organising congress, have obtained the services of Dr. T. H. ("Harry") Scott, head of the Psychology Department at A U.C., as chairman Since his arrival at Auckland. Dr. Scott has according to northern reports, created an excellent impression. He is quoting "Craccum", "a New Zealander who combines New Zealand-type down-to-carthiness with a deep understanding, a wide knowledge and range of interests—including mountaineering and skiing".
Dr. While is a V.U.C. graduate. After attending the local Training College and graduating B.A. here. Dr. Scott completed his M.A. and later became a senior lecturer at Canterbury. While at Vic. Dr. Scott was prominent in many clubs, especially debating and drama. He also gained an N.Z.U. hockey blue. Dr. Scott studied overseas from
The other speakers for this congress have yet to be announced, but it is anticipated that the high standard of recent years will be maintained.
The coming student congress is to be held as usual at Curious Cove, Marlboorugh, from 24th to 31st
—From "Smad" V.U.C.'s (then) monthly paper,
Education as a subject is suspect in the University. It is too new. It is eclectic: a ragbag of other subjects. It lacks tradition, scholarship, discipline. . . . Moreover, it fails dismally in practice: our young play more, and know less than their parents. They can't read, write, spell, or do arithmetic. . . . Educational theory is responsible for bodgies, widgies, sexual crime, gambling, the A bomb, and a low percentage of passes in Stage I university subjects. Teachers are a pretty poor lot and teaching hardly a respectable profession.
Most of this, in my opinion, is arrant nonsense. I would remind you that education is not new: not even in the narrow sense. Socrates was a teacher. Plato and Aristotle were not only teachers: they ran schools, and took fees. Moreover, they thought of themselves as teachers primarily, and as philosophers only secondarily. I have heard students from Victoria College, brought up on so-called "formal disciplines," sneer at teaching as a profession. I would add to the list of teachers the names of others no one can afford to sneer at. Leaving aside Confucius and Buddha and Jesus of Nazareth. I would remind you of Aquinas and Abolard. Erasmus. Thomas More. Vittorino da Feltre. Vives. Rabelais, Montaigne. Sir Thomas Elyot. Comonius. Milton. Rousseau. Postalozzi. Frocbel. Hegel. Herbart, and John Dewey. That education is eclectic, this list both demonstrates and justifies: for the great names in education compass history, philosophy, religion, language, and science. So do the "great names" in any other of these disciplines, for knowledge is compartmented only in the minds of small men. The only study is man in his universe, though the attack may be from different vantage points. The accumulation of knowledge, and the building of civilisation (whatever that may be), depends not least on those who set out deliberately to teach and especially to teach the voting. It could be said that all philosophy attempts to answer what should he taught, and that all history in some measte reflects what has been learnt, if these generalisations are true, it must be of extreme importance how well whatever has been taught has been taught, and to whom.
All this leads directly into my subject, the "new" education. Newness is most suspect to the dead, who cannot feel it: or to the during, who do not wish to be disturbed Nuclear physics is a new subject: dare we ignore its importance? English had no chair at Oxford or Cambridge until the turn of the century: that is why Scotsmen and Scandinavians teach it (Jesperson and Ian Gordon have had longer traditions to work on than mere Englishmen, who take their language for granted). Psychology is new; James and Freud are within living memory. Knowledge is old, but the ways in which we learn are still being determined. We know more about it now than mankind has ever known, and the knowledge is not to be sneered at. Indeed, it is crucial, if Locke was important, it was not because he lived a long time ago, as traditionalists implicitly assert. It is rather because he furthered an understanding of understanding: which is precisely why Temian. Merrill. Vernon, and the All ports are important, in spite of the fact that they are still alive! Educational psychology is not unimportant because it is still experimental. It is important because it is experimental. Educational psychology is one of the bases of the "new" education. For good or ill, people learn more of whatever is being taught by the right methods than by the wrong methods. Right and wrong, in mythology, can be determined only experimentally.
But let me return briefly to the "great names" in education, who in the main precede what we now call scientific method. They endure, and command our respect, chiefly for the firs! step in precisely scientific method: the formulation of brilliant hypotheses, subsequently justified, and incorporated into what we now call the "new" education. Here I cannot avoid being both sketchy and selective, since the alternative would be a history of education. Plato conceived the notion of universal education, selective education, and continual education for those fitted for it. Indeed, he made education a "key" activity of the state: on which all other activities were contingent. The great Christian teachers (and not they alone brought out the central notion of virtue as the chief end of education. Nowadays we call it "character training." and attack it obliquely. The humanists of the Renaissance broke through the formalism of clerical training, and extended the appreciation of the ever-living present, to be enjoyed by the "manysided" man. Descartes and Locke opened the way to scientific knowledge about the nature of knowledge. Rousscan, perhaps the greatest of all educational visionaries, focussed attention on the child and its nature. Since his day we can no longer place what is to be learnt above the nature of the learner, we are all aware of his influence on a more obvious, political revolution, with its claim of rights for all: but I believe the influence of Rousseau on education, beginning with the "rights" of all, and going on to a recognition of individual difference and uniqueness, has been of more lasting and durable importance. From Rousseau stem the case study and child psychology: and from him, too. education through experience rather than from books alone. Perhaps even more important, we get from Rousseau the idea of stages of development, complete in themselves: a child is a child, and not merely part of a man, from Pestatozzi we gel the beginnings of practical demonstrations of learning by living and doing together: he had orphans to contend with, little equipment, but many ideas. From Frocbel (as from Wordsworth) we get the notion of wonder and tenderness: two characteristics of childhood we dare not imperil. From Herbart we get a two? pronged attack on method: working from the interest of the child, and systematising both curriculum and teaching procedure. (We can find faults with Herbart s "system" now, but he served a great needs by providing teachers in great numbers when they were needed most: in the 19th Century transition, from education for a few to education for the many.)
From
This leads me to make a distinction between newness conceived quantitatively and qualitatively. Let me generalise, and say that practical attempts to bring about Plato's idea of universal education began in the 19th Century; and, perhaps unfortunately, in Germany. (Comenius, Fichte, von Humboldt. Frocbel. Hegel, and Herbart built Prussia: and not Bismarck and von Moltke.) Let me narrow this argument down and localise it. In the real meaning of the word universal education in New Zealand is quite new. When we speak of the "new" education and "Beebyisrn" (and especially when we make careless comparisons between education in the "good old days" and the present) we should bear in mind the facts, which anyone can verify for himself, from Reports to the House of Representatives, in
In
This is the "new" education with a vengeance, the significant figures are those comparing total population (roughly 30 per cent, increase) with school population (roughly 240 per cent, increase), and those indicating the extern to which post-primary education accounts for the difference, Granted that the births for the first 30 odd years of the century were around the 30,000 mark, and for the last 20 years have jumped to roughly 40,000, the fact that there are now as many children in Forms V and VI as there were in the post-primary schools is a new phenomenon: the result not merely of economic circumstances, though they are important, but also of policy making.
(Call this Peter Fraserism-cum-Beebyism if you like, and attack it if you can.)
As I have suggested above the film has its serious moments. It tries to show that when one culture is imposed upon another, then limitless sagacity and understanding are demanded if one of them is not to be destroyed and ineffectively replaced by the other. Near the end this undercurrent rises to the surface, and for a moment or two Fisby plays the part of Brash Eager Democracy, while Lotus Blossom becomes the Ancient Mysterious East, and they have a somewhat irritating conversation concerning what they should do about it. Come to think of if, this could have have been quite funny in a base sort of way, hut instead the comedy and the light touch drop away altogether and the message glares forth. This is a pity, but though it may slightly mar the film for some.
machine which made an error of a quarter of a million dollars on the payroll "machines have always been my mortal enemies . . . they're full of malice'. He was requested to request a transfer to Psychological Warfare, where he was so successful in undermining the stairs morale that he was requested to request a transfer to Colonel Wainwright Purdy Ill's outfit.) Ford is surprisingly effective as a clown.
Sakini (whose narrative function is considerably reduced in the film) is played by Malron Brando, though I'm sure I can't see why. Certainly he is not scree good at it, and it is hard to see any reason for giving him a part so obviously unsuited to an actor of his type Sakini is meant to be a shrewd little scalliwag, cheeky and loveable. Was Brando ever cheeky and loveable? Surprise easting is all very well, but not this! Paul Douglas would have been as suitable. Or Humphrey Bogart.
Lotus Blossum, the geisha, is played by Machiko kyo, who is apparently a well-known Oriental screen star, She is charming in this not-very-demanding part.
This is a light comedy concerning the American Army of Occupation in Okinawa. Based on a play by John Patrick which is based on a novel by Vern Schneider, it shows the Forces of Democracy doing the best they can to teach the Primitive Simple Island Folk the elementals of Western democracy. At the same time they are forced to recognise, as one of the characters puts it, that "East is East and West is West, and there shall be no twain".
The film keeps very close to the play, and those who saw the latter performed here by an overseas company some while ago will remember it as a very pleasant comedy with serious undertones, which towards the end become somewhat heavily symbolic overtones. Apart from this. "Teahouse" struck me as a highly amusing piece which at limes was quite hilariously funny. In particular, Colonel Wainwright Purdy Ill's telephone conversations were sidesplitting in both play and film.
Glenn Ford plays Fishy, the scatterbrained young captain who is bent on pulling democracy across to the oppressed natives. (He had begun in the Army in the Pay master-General's office, in charge of a computation.
Since a Salient reviewer looked at Louise Overacker's article in "American Political Science Review" on the N.Z. Labour Party, V.U.C.'s own "Political Science" has brought forth the first part of an excellent comparison by the same lady of the N.Z. and British I about Parties.
The second part of this study is in the new issue of "Political Science" justout, which is heartily recommended to all politically conscious readers.
The contrast between the two Parties does not (as may be imagined) favour little old New Zealand. Our Labour Parly's concentration on vote-winninfi at the expense of doctrinal coherence may be its downfall, as the reverse seemsto have put new life into its British counterpart.
"Our heroine Victoria is in trouble again." said "Spike's" editorial in
Yes, Victoria walked the streets in
The issue was Indonesia's independence. The Dutch Government had agreed to this by treaty, but had broken the treaty in a flagrant attempt to reimpose their sovereignty. Sydney students had demonstrated outside the Dutch Consulate, and Victoria followed a few days later.
The Socialist Club had been formed in
Over 200 students lined up at the Cenotaph that still, sunny winter day. A returned serviceman carried the New Zealand flag, and another the Indonesian. Others held banners with such slogans as "Stop Dutch Aggression" and "Students Demand U.N.O. Action". Others gave out copies of a printed leaflet titled "Indonesia Calling".
Police formed a cordon across the line of march as the procession moved off along Lambton Quay, but the leader hid his face behind his flag and walked right through. The rest followed.
It was only when the marchers reached the D.I.C. Building (where the Dutch Minister had his office) that things began to happen. A carload of police was disgorged "to protect the building", and a posse of constables laid hands on the students with banners, and took their names, addresses, and banners. Some confusion followed, and a complete blockage of traffic in Panama Street and Lambton Quay, for which the demonstrators could scarcely be blamed. At police bidding, the crowd quickly dispersed.
The aftermath was twofold. A special meeting of the Student Association called to disaffiliate the Socialist Club for "bringing discredit on the College", ended amid cheers when the resolution was decisively defeated, in the Magistrate's Court a week later, when six students and a number of watersiders were charged with "holding a procession without a permit". The Magistrate dismissed the charge in a memorable judgment which referred to the freedom to demonstrate as "a cherished right of the British nation".
And so Victoria was vindicated, and the pattern was set for two street demonstrations organized by the same club in the two following years on the subject of conscription.
But there were other political dustups m those years. Major C. F. Skinner, then Minister of Rehab., had spoken at V.U.C. and was the Socialist Club's natural choice for a patron. In
Early in
In the panic that ensued, the whole Exec. except those four opponents fell from office on the no-confidence motion of a packed general meeting, and Minhinnick celebrated with a cartoon in the "Herald of V.U.C. as Tenniel's Duchess, speaking roughly to her (Exec.) baby, who was screaming "Gottwald!" with an approving Cheshire cat (representing the public) looking on.
But this was a nine days' wonder. Some of the offending Exec. members were returned at the next secret ballot, and Association policy continued on its militant way. V.U.C.S.A. went on record against conscription a year before the referendum on the subject, before any other organization in the country had woken up to the issue. It was when Prime Minister Fraser declined to receive a deputation of returned servicemen students that the first demonstration on this subject was organized, a march of 200 from the library to the Cenotaph (screams of "Sacrilege!" from the R.S.A.), where a wreath was laid with a suitable inscription.
The Association supplied speakers' for the "No" platform throughout the referendum campaign, and the Socialist Club staged another demonstration the day before the vote was held.
The referendum itself was certainly a defeat, but once again Victoria seems to have lived through defeat to vindication. Conscription certainly looks as if it is on the way out.
She can lake comfort in the knowledge that she did not walk the streets in vain.
In the last issue of "Salient" it was reported that the invitation to other colleges to hold an Arts Festival here had been withdrawn. This was incorrect. An erroneous report on the N.Z.U.S.A Council meeting had been tabled at an Exec. meeting, that V.U.C. was to bear sole financial responsibility. The President was to confirm this, and if it was in fact so, to withdraw the offer "Salient" was informed by a high Exec. official that the fact had been confirmed, and the offer withdrawn. This was wrong. Only Auckland had refused to help pay (they are short of cash there), and Vic. has reaffirmed its decision to hold the Festival.
A sub-committee has been set up to prepare a budget and organise the festival.
The Senate has agreed to raise exam, fees by 10 per cent., the V.U.C. represent are on N.Z.U.S.A. Rec. Exec. reported to our last Exec. meeting. The increase was required to cover increased fees for supervisors, increased allowances to examiners, and two extra Arts travelling scholarships to balance two science scholarships recently offered by business concerns. General Exec. opinion was that such an increase was justified—there had been reports that the increase would be 25 per cent. Mr. Hume questioned whether increased number of examinees might not cover the raising cost.
The matter was referred to the education sub-committee for comment.
The Professorial Board is considering the question of having a dean of women students, Mr. Marchant. V.U.C.S.A. representative of the College Council, reported to the last Exec. meeting. The Council and students will then consider the terms of appointment, etc.
The Council has also set up a sub, committee to discuss the possibility of Maori studies.
The Library grant will be increased if possible The present grant has been the same for the last few years. Recently the Library in fact heavily overspent The Council attempts to ensure that the same number of books can be bought each year.
There have been grants for research scholarships in Botany and Social Science.
The annual Weir House cocktail party for Council and others, will be held shortly. This is one of the occasions when it is permitted to import alcoholic and spirituous liquors into Weir.
The meal gong lolls the knell of deathlike sleep. The yawning herd winds slowly to their food. Heads ring with last might's songs and talk. They creep with converse slow to where are queued students of all kinds and shapes from all Colleges and all parts of both Islands and a few Australians who have dropped in while travelling and exchanging. As well there are the guest speakers, wives, and their children.
Note how well the special guests mix with the crowd. (There may be intellectual discussions going on over the breakfast tables but the scene couldn't be more gay.) Besides the invited speakers there are several lecturers and their wives who have come in the ordinary way. See that young fellow you patronised in the netball game yesterday afternoon? He's Professor of Modern languages down South somewhere. See that angelic girl in the glasses? She's married to the bearded Psychologist. Brilliant student. I believe. Don't let that arty bloke gel loo close, my dear! He's got a wife and three kids at home. You wouldn't think that comedian over there was an Anglican Minister, would you? That's the famous Peter Cape, in charge of religious broadcasts he is now. Wait until they put on his Curious Cove
The sun is higher in the sky. People with pillows are ambling by. One has a sleeping bag. I wonder why? The morning address is drawing nigh.
Who is if this morning? Anthropologist or Psychologist. Artist or Economist. Architect or Historian, we can be sure of one thing: it won't be dully academic. There will be Problems of Modern Society to get our teeth into. And some expert in the audience will lead counter attacks through the controversial regions of the talk. It's funny as the week wears on I find it harder and harder to stay awake during the day. It amazes me how some can spend the afternoon on water-skis in the Cove. swim, or climb the highest mountain. I can only just stand a little archery, netball, or quoits before tea, do me. What's the fishing been like Table tennis and indoor bowls will lately? The Rangatira looked beautiful in the sunset, did you see? I havn't written home yet. It reminded me.
The main thing is, the meals are good. We don't all play, we don't all think, but we all eat, voraciously. We don't all dunce after the evening lecture. we most of us sing like sardines in the dark after the power goes off. Some read poetry to each other by torchlight. Some argue. Some are nowhere to be seen. Stay up and see the dawn, see it from the hilltop. Break the glass of the warm night sea.
The University of New Zealand lives in these men and women. Ah, the wonder of it. Observe their reverence for tradition and ceremony. They climb the Captain-Cook-stopped-here-Memorial at Ship's Cove on the picnic day launch excursion. They slaughter the ceremony of Capping—mock degrees and University Pinks; and of Olympic Games—mock-oaths and torch-bearers, several in number.
In these men and women lives the University of New Zealand. Knowledge in this empty cove, in these plain buildings, away from laboratory and library, is sought for its own sake. A little can be done; minds opened to new worlds, fields sown with a few seeds. Friendships in six days are founded. Sun shines, stars and moon shine, sea slumbers, men and women sing, talk, think, and live.
In an attempt to obtain constructive and destructive criticism. "Salient" asked a group of representative students their opinions of the paper.
"Just an organ," said a sixth year Arts student.
"A religious compost heap."—Third year Am.
"More stimulating than any title since I've been here. I think "Salient" must have some line, and politics is as good as any. But I doubt whether it has touched the soul of the university."—Graduate.
"It's readable this year. Not a bad job."—Lecturer.
"Should have more international affairs, and more articles for science students."—Second year Law.
"Too much politics, too much religion."—Second year Science.
"Completely unbiassed."—National Party supporter.
"Disgusting, outrageous."—Another National Party supporter.
"Too many gross inaccuracies and misprints."—Fourth year Science.
"Should have more provocative student news, and attempt to rouse apathy."—Auckland student.
Third year Law pleaded the Fifth Amendment.
"I like the balance between general articles, politics, religion and student news."—Third year Arts.
"Twelve issues too many."—Aspiring editor.
"Balanced tone."—Labour Party supporter.
"A minority browbeating the majority."—Progressive Conservative.
"Out of step with student opinion."—Fifth year Commerce.
"Salient" this year has been a more vigorous paper and wider in its scope: it has discussed political matters more. But in its reporting of the Exec. I should prefer it, from time to time, to take a more objective stand, and critically assess the general trends and development in Exce. policy."—Student Association President
"Too much petty sniping at Exec."—Former Exec. member.
"You're doing a good job, but still loo many printers' errors."—First editor.
"To look at the tone of it I could have forgotten that I had ever been away."—Distinguished graduate.
"I find the layout very dull in comparison with Australian papers."—Australian student.
"Damn good."—"Salient" staff.
"As is often the case, things are not so gloomy as they seem from the outside. "the President. Mr. Marchant, remarked at a recent Exce. meeting. Shortly before the President, the Secretary, and the P.R.O. had, at the invitation of the Wellington City Council P.R.O., met Mr. Feslier and Cr. Highet, chairman of the Public Relations Committee. The meeting was very successful. The City Council officials were "so enthusiastic to offer help in several ways". Mr. Feslier is a former student of Otago, and therefore knows both the great town-gown co-operation there, and the type of pranks which students indulge in.
The Council representatives were quite willing to support a University collection for charity, despite the fact that Mr. Marchant pointed out that all types, dressed in or semi-dressed in incongruous garments, using every conceivable and inconceivable implement, would descend upon the city.
The coming Wellington Festival was discussed. "The scale is grand, said the President. "It is going to cost a heck of a lot and be the biggest, first and grandest in New Zealand." Vic. representatives agreed to participate, and suggested that the College authorities might permit the use of college rooms.
For the blurb for Tournament visitors next year. Messrs. Feslier and Highet promised to give detailed information on citiy facilities, etc.
Moreover, as a "complete bombshell". Vic. was invited to have a representative on the Ctiy Public Relations Advisory Committee. There is quite a large waiting fist of private bodies wanting to get on to this committee, so this offer "shows their attitude to students. They want to improve Town-gown relations as much as we do".
Thirteen men and women have the care of £8633/10/-per annum, and have almost unrestricted powers over the affairs of over 2400 students who are members of the V.U.C. students association. Yet what do those students know of the work and personnel of their Exec.? What do those who vote, or don't bother to vote, at the annual Stud. Ass. elections know of the responsibilities which the successful candidate will have to bear?
Two years ago the then Secretary, shortly after the elections, resigned in protest at the inertia of some members of the Exce.—members he said who were not bearing the responsibility which their position entailed. But for all most students know or care the Exec. could go on holiday for a year, or invest the association funds in the St. George.
At fortnightly intervals the Exec. meets during term dealing with both routine matters and also such expensive and ambitious affairs as Extravaganza, of the new Student Union Building. Except just before elections when a few of the potential Exec. candidates come along to see what they are undertaking there are usually no students who consider it worth while even to see one sample of their representatives in action. (Sometimes an enterprising Psychology students will make a study of the Exec. for in time of decision people in a committee give very revealing examples of their inner makeup.)
The Exec's powers and duties range over all aspects of student welfare and entertainment. From encouraging such student activities as they "may deem lit." promoting student "health and physical welfare." managing and conducting a restaurant, publishing Salient and Spike, preserving records, employing servants and agents, handling all the Association finances, engaging in legal proceedings on the behalf of the Association, clubs, or individual students, controlling the affairs of affiliated clubs: examining their books, appointing temporary committees, or what you will.
The Exce. consists of thirteen, or fourteen if there is an Assistant Secretary. President, male and female Vice Presidents. Secretary. Treasurer, and four each men and women committee members. As well, there are an Accountant who sits in on meetings and gives financial advice, and the permanent office secretary who takes minutes at Exec. meetings, and is an expert, or Civil Servant, on Stud. Ass. business.
The Exec. has delegated to it by the Professorial Board powers of discipline over students. It may impose fines up to £1/1/- and also dock culprits the cost of any damage caused: as was recently done to the Weir House boys who painted the Cable Cars.
Vis-a-vis the Exec. the ordinary run of students have just as much power and influence as the Exec. accords them. Exec. members have not in the past shown themselves very concerned over re-election (a) because students don't really care what they do so long as it isn't too fantastic. (b) because most Exce. members only stand for one term, and (e) we could perhaps add, because they do not allow political motives to influence their actions as responsible administrators.
They have almost complete liberty to disregard the wishes of an A.G.M. the only proviso is that within set time limits, 100 members of the Association may requisition a referendum, when a two-thirds majority may override the Exec. Otherwise the only course, and a much simpler one, is to call an S.G.M for which only 25 members need petition, when a quorum of 50 may pass a vote of no-confidence, i.e., sack the Exce. In fact, of course the Exec. is pretty responsible to student opinion, and when they override General Meetings they do so because resolutions are impracticable, or student opinion seems apathetic or agin the resolutions, or they may just be too casual. The last two, for instance, were the main reasons for the disregard of the recent resolutions on H Bombs.
This year, in particular, the Exec., faced with an ever increasing amount of business, has resorted to the method of setting up advisory administrative committees to handle specific issues. There is, for example, the Finance Committee, perhaps the best known and most powerful. It is this committee which effectively allocates club grants and handles the Association's thousands. Nevertheless, the Exec., like Parliament, only delegates at will. It can always override its committees, or resume the committee's functions. Other committees ate the Extravaganza Committee, which runs the Associations best money raiser, the annual review, the Social, which organises dances and social pleasure, the Blues which awards the V.U.C. blues, the new Capping and Cappicade committees, the Publications, whose only real function is to advise the appointment of editors of Salient and Spike, and the House and International Affairs Committees will advise on overseas policy, looks after overseas students here, and publicise and attempt to expand student travel facilities. Usually, and constitutionally, the convener of the Committee is an Exce. member. As well, any member of the Exce. may attend Committee meetings, though they are normally closed to others, and the President is ex officio a member.
As well as representing the Association where necessary, chairing Exec. meetings, and some committee meetings, and generally supervising Exce. affairs, the President has such special functions as being censor of all Association publications, which probably also includes club publications.
While the Exec. has the final say in many appointments of non-Exce. members, such as Records Officer, Orientation Handbook co-editor (together with Mr Hogg, the College Liaison officer). editors of publications, organisers of Extrav., and Tournament controllers, there are many duties normally assigned, some necessarily, to Exec. members. Perhaps the lightest duty is that of club liaison officer, normally each Exec. member being an officer for three clubs. But the clubs make little use of this facility, and there are occasions when club business is raised at Exec. meetings and the liaison officers knows nothing whatsoever about it.
Then there are Student Association representatives on various bodies, such as the Student Union Planning Committee, the College Council, the Te Aro Park Committee. World University) Service). N.Z.U.S.A. biannual Council meetings.
The Exce. appoints members or conveners of its various committees, such as the House Committee, and assigns different portfolios. These are numerous and sometimes onerous. The cultural liaison officer was responsible for doing the preliminary work on the Arts Festival. The Health Officer organised the recent mass X-rays, the Public Relations Officer maintains good relations with the press, the Travel and Exchange Officer organises the exchange with Australia, the Board and Accommodation and Employment Officers maintain the registers in the Exce. office. As well members may develop their own pet schemes, such as the convener of the Education Sub-committee, which is considering the whole scope of university education.
While many dunes formerly undertaken by Exce. members are now handled by others, e.g. would-be, but defeated Exec. members, of the various committees, there are still enough Exec. tasks to jeopardise exams.
Fortunately there are some public spirited enough to under lake the duties, and others who are prepared to soft-pedal their studies for a year or so.
In November we are to decide whether, the death penalty for murder should be abolished or retained. There is need for painstaking consideration to be given to this question, for a decision that either gives or takes away life is the most important that any society can make.
The State hangs murderers for two reasons—as retribution, and as a deterrent. The deterrent theory has been so long regarded as effective by retentionists that much of the moral discomfort which people may suffer regarding retribution, has tended to be dispelled. However, it is now clear that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent. This has been proved by the experience of the many countries which have abolished capital punishment. In addition, the British Royal Commission (
In England, at the beginning of last century, 220 offenders were punished by hanging it was then held that hanging was a unique deterrent, and that its abolition would lead to an increase in crime. By
During this period, hangings were carried out in public and in batches. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the Chaplain at Bristol Prison found that out of 167 convicted murderers. 164 had watched a public hanging this shatters the deterrent theory.
Capital punishment has been abolished in all Western European democracies except France. Altogether, 37 countries and states have done away with the death penalty, without in a single case suffering an increase in crime rate. This is testified by the mountainous statistical survey of the British Royal Commission.
Some of its findings were:
The figures in New Zealand for the twelve years.
Rev. I. C. Clements. Senior Chaplain of New Zealand Prisons, on the basis of his experience, rejects the death penalty as part of our penal system.
It was stated in a reputable British medical journal in
It the death penalty is not a deterrent, those who advocate its retention must fall back on retribution as an argument. This is to ignore the value and dignity of human life, and the teachings of Christianity. The oft quoted Old Testament Jaw of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." is misguidedly held up as the justification for the death penalty. This law was an historic advance by the Hebrews in limiting, not extending punishment, for in ancient societies, any offense could be met with the maximum retribution. Christianity claimed to advance further with: "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, we are not under the Law. . . The Law was our schoolmaster to
The writer of this article. Mrs. N. J. Stone, formerly Miss Joan Frost, was Women's Vice-President of A.U.C. Students' Association in
Now the Jews themselves have discarded the death penalty which has been abolished in Israel.
Christians must then demand, not the death of a sinner, but his redemption, and a Christian society must work with the 'inner for his redemption. The late Archbishop Temple has stated. "From the specifically Christian point of view, vengeance is entirely illegitimate . . . and ought to be completely suppressed.
. . There must be repudiation of the act by the community. . . . Christianity itself calls for such sort of repudiation as does not hinder, but rather facilitates its supreme interest of effecting a moral restoration. ... I believe that the example of the State taking life, even when it only does so in return for a life already taken, does more to lower the value of human life in the minds of its citizens than the deterrent influence of this penalty can do to protect the lives of the citizen. In this way I believe that the main influence of the retention of the death penalty is rather to increase than diminish the number of murders."
Charles Dickens wrote, a century ago. "Not all the united efforts pursued through all our united lives could persuade me that . . . executions are a Christian law." John Bright added. "A deep reverence for human life is worth more than a thousand executions in the prevention of murder; and it is, in fact, the great security of human life the law of capital punishment, whilst pretending to support this reverence, does in fact lend to destroy it."
The hangman is, then, no longer the protector of society. As he does his work in our name, and we are his employers, each one of us who condones the death penalty, pulls the lever which deprives a human being of life, thus admitting to an un-Christian course of action, and demonstrating our utter barrenness to provide a humane and constructive solution.
Two wrongs can never make a right. We did not abolish drawing and quartering out of lack of sympathy with the victim of a crime, but because barbarity is incompatible with the self-respect of a civilised nation. To hang a murderer is not to show sympathy for the victim: nor does it bring back the life of the victim, it merely repeats a tragedy.
Our laws are man-made and thus fallible, our law-givers and administrators are men and thus liable to error. With all the safeguards of our system of law, innocent men have been hanged. This has been testified by Mr. Chuter-Ede, a recent British Home Secretary. As long as there is the slightest chance of this happening, such an irrevocable penalty is insupportable. A prominent legal journal stated in
The Jarge majority of murders are committed without premeditation, many of them by good citizens who have committed no previous offence, in circumstances which preclude any consideration of the consequences.
The report of the British Royal Commission stated that murder "is not generally the crime of the so-called criminal classes, but in most cases, an incident in miserable lives."
The relatively small number of planned murders are committed by men who believe that they will never be found out.
Secondly, it is not always realised to what extent murder is a crime of the disordered mind. Of the 4842 murders reported to the British police between
When it is appreciated that this does not include men like Christie, or aggressive psychopaths like Haigh and Heath, who if not insane in law, are plainly of abnormal mentality, it will be realised to wait extent murder is a crime of the disordered mind. It is therefore not surprising that the actual experience of abolitionist countries is that murder is, in substance, confined to the unpremeditated, in which cases the deterrent theory cannot operate, or to men whose mental condition makes them oblivious to the penalty.
It has been frequently stated by medical authorities that many cases of mental disorder can be detected in early childhood. A more humane solution would thus be to devise tactical methods whereby early detection and care could be carried out before a tragedy occurs. The community acts too late when it hangs such a murderer. New Zealand could well implement the recommendations of the British Royal Commission for the secure institutionalisation and treatment of aggressive psychopaths and other mentally abnormal, borderline groups.
This procedure was actually recommended by the New Zealand National Council of Women in its submissions to a Government enquiry on this subject in I'>49. It was their opinion that "the expenditure of any sum of money to house such people would be a worthwhile investment."
It is often said that the death penalty must be retained for the protection of our women and children But it was the National Council of Women who stated I hat "the evidence of history has shown us that the most wanton and brutal punishments, from nailing to the cross, burning at the stake, breaking on the wheel, castration, disembowelling, hanging and beheading, have not prevented murder, and modern experience of hanging has further proved the ineffectiveness of realiatory punishment."
Society must be protected against those who would take life. It can do so effectively without resort to the death penalty. Apart from adequate and constructive medical treatment, it has been stated by many authorities that it is not the severity of the penalty, but the certainty of conviction, that is the most effective deterrent.
The death penalty is an "act of despair."
Oratory, not public speaking, was sought by this year's Plunket Medal judges (Miss J. Stevens. Mr. H. A. Heron, and Mr. S. A. Wiren).
It might be thought dated, but Plunket Medal was still an oratory contest. Mr. Heron said.
That was how W. Dent, second-year law student and newcomer to the contest, beat such experienced and competent speakers as Miss M. O'Reilly (second) and E. W. Thomas (third). It was not, Mr. Heron emphasised, because he was an old boy of Wellington College.
Keir Hardie. Britain's first Labour M.P. caught Mr. Dent's imagination through a B B.C. broadcast on his centenary. The audience was spared a mass of detail and the speaker drew out his appeal, using a pleasant voice to good advantage.
Independent and proud. Hardie's mission was to make the House aware of poverty and unemployment. His place was on a street corner, he appealed to stray dogs and children; he was greeted with closed minds and open mouths in World War I. These were snatches of true oratory.
So many contestants are banal about the death of their hero. Keir Hardic, said Mr. Dent, had been spurned for his pacifist beliefs, and could only die. "This he died.
Melda O'Reilly has worked hard in Plunket Medal contests. Hot, technique is good, she makes sure she
E. W. Thomas, another regular com-man who dared to believe that peace could be won and held." Lie served for seven years as U N. Secretary-General without lack of fervour, will, or energy. For an experienced speaker Mr. Thomas's enunciation was surprising "secretary" is not hard to pronounce.
J.A. Doogue impressed. Nature, clear and forceful, if too tense, he gave a good account both of himself and his subject. Robert Flaherty, the pioneer of documentary films. Mr. Doogue depended too much on notes, but had judging been on public speaking, he would have secured a high place.
Flaherty's life work consisted of variations on one theme, man's response to the challenge of his environment. He was the poet of the motion picture, who brought out the innate decency, courage, and invincibility of the human spirit.
J. H. Larsen was unwise to choose Portugal's Dr. Salazar, a recluse who avoids publicity and wears an overcoat to save heating. How can one enthuse about such a person, especially now that budget balancing is no longer fashionable as a government's prime duty?
P. O'Brien is the third of his family to attempt Plunket Medal. With a more personal hero than the Duke of Wellington, his pleasant voice should enable him to match his brother's win in
T. King chose Freud. An experienced and competent speaker, he did not conform with the set recipe for the conicst, but amused the audience.
Due largely to an unfortunate lack of press publicity, the audience was small. Last year's controversy over the pricings should have renewed public interest this year. The Debatmg Society has a good friend is Mr. B. M. O'Connor.
The audience was not only small, but unresponsive-which was the speakers' fault. It is hopeless to attempt to serve warmed up biography as oratory. I he really successful orator has to be worked up about his subject. H. C MacNcil achieved this a year ago, and this year Mr. Dent did so sufficiency to win the contest in his fast attempt and at the age of nineteen.
Tom Garland, Pip Piper and I are here representing N.Z.S.L.F. (nearly defunct federation of student socialist clubs) at the W.F.D.Y. Congress.
Our general impressions are:—
We are brassed off because, despite appeals for brevity, long speeches continued. A New Zealand contribution was booked for this morning, but the programme was ruined by some official.
This afternoon we started on the special Commissions, and Pip left for a Teachers Conference in Wat saw tonight. We are all washed out like discharge, but without the satisfaction of the cause ascribed in the song.
Among shorter and better speeches were these snippets:—
If only we had less conferring we would have been living a kingly life. Address: Hotel Ukraine, where I share a room with an Auckland girl, private bath, etc., telephone, radio (which I ruined by plugging into the bed-lamp plug-hole), and balcony over a street in the centre of the city.
We confer (and usually eat) in the half-built Agricultural Show Building, about a quarter of an hour's bus ride away. Tom and Pip's room is almost identical.
Sunday we picnicked on the Dnieper, and had a party in our room at night after dancing cabaret-style in the dining-room, with a rapidly-diminishing bottle of vodka on the table. But such idleness is now far away, with conference sessions ending at 11 p m.
The timetable allows for no shopping, so I skipped this afternoon. There is nothing to buy in the U.S.S.R. except L.P. records, standard price 7 roubles (6/8). Prices for food and clothes are fabulous, but it is hard to judge—exchange rate is unreal. Rents are very low—e.g.. our interpreter in Moscow, a teacher, paid an unusually high rent at 120 R. per week summer and 150 R. winter, and was paid 1200 R. a month last year, rising to 1500 R. this year: but his wife was also working. That seemed to be standard rent for 2-roomed flats—but still much less than we would pay for the same thing in Wellington.
All delegates agree that the standard of housing, and taste in clothing and architecture, are very low but improving. Nobody looks underfed, but I think many older people's faces are a study in tragedy.
No time for sight-seeing, but skirted the summer palace, spent a couple of hours roaming round the old streets of Peking, in and out of jade-shops. Never saw Rewi Alley—he was 3000 miles away to the wot. Hospitality was wonderful, and I don't think I could look at those so-called Chinese meals in Wellington after the real thing Started straight off on chopsticks, and am now quite proficient even with peas and rice.
Well the story of eight days in the train from Peking to Moscow was really an epic in itself—two days to the Chinese border—tremendous receptions at each station on both sides of the border—very weary in the end—good sleeping and eating, but awful washing facilities. Nine days without a shower was not a tragedy, but very uncomfortable. Fortunately it was mutual, so in the end we couldn't smell one another.
I travelled with the Philippines delegation. Burmese, and Indonesians studying in Peking—a wonderful bunch of people. We had two interpreters—very helpful and anxious to get experience in English.
The train was on time to the minute at each station—I think the track was about 4ft 10in double all the way, electrified two days out of the eight, and plenty of traffic going cast. Saw take Baikal briefly before dark, and generally Siberia is very picturesque. A random look out of the window gave a picture of cultivation or industry, contrary to my expectations of barrenness.
Talking of Omsk. I spent some happy hours teaching our Russian friends New Zealand songs, including (after careful explanation) "Serge and I They thought it exceedingly humorous—contrary to the experience of other Kiwis three days ahead.
Arrived Moscow the day the Festival started. More later.
This is the first time I have had a real chance to write down my impression because of the hectic nature of the last four weeks since I left Hong kong for the unknown territories to the north.
Forty miles north of Kowloon a small river signifies the border, over which a train bridge passes. The rails go right across, but the Hong Kong train stops short, and all people, luggage, etc., are walked across to where the Canton tram is waiting. On the morning I crossed, hundreds and hundreds of Chinese were crossing the border both ways. Both H.K. and Chinese police looked quite used to it.
With my own two feet in China I was greeted by a Chinese border lieutenant who asked me to wait back on the H.K. side as I had no visa. They must have hurried things up because in half an hour I was back sipping tea in the station waiting for the Canton train to leave.
The trip to Canton—2½ hours through the southern part of China's rice-bowl. The maxim that "you can't change human nature" was effectively exploded for me after 20 hours in Canton. in the space of 100 miles. Hong Kong to Canton, differences in the people are obvious. Apart from there being no beggars, pedicabs instead of rickshaws, no tipping, no rubbish in the streets, and no soliciting females, the honesty and cleanliness of the people themselves were markedly different, even in narrow cramped streets. In H. K. the best hotels can't guarantee the safety of anything—even if locked in a room. But it is true in Canton and the rest of China no one needs to lock the door. I have seen people walk yards out of their way to dispose of cigarette butts and ice-cream wrappers.
But Canton compared with north China is still backward. There are people still living on the river in sampans—eliminated now in Shanghai. But many things remain the same—the common markets and story-tellers in the streets. Most impressive sight in Canton was, when roaming round the city at 11 p.m. (even among the crowds there was a wonderful feeling of safety compared with Hong Kong). I was wandering round the Park of Culture and Rest (right in the middle of the city) when we came upon about 2000 people watching a game of Chinese chess played on a vertical board about 30 feet high—they gave the impression of happy and contented people.
Left 6 a.m. by plane for Peking, where we arrived 3.30 p.m. Every hilltop in China seems to be cultivated, buildings are sprouting everywhere, but there is an awful amount of hard manual labour being done—peasants and road workers lugging carts of hay, bricks, and stone. But there is no doubt the potential is there for easing the burden of labour as the rotten things of the old regime have gone forever. Incidentally, the Chinese are in no way worried about not being recognised by the N.Z. Government (alter my apologies). Formosa and U.N. representation seem to be the key issues.
Spent nearly a day and a half in Peking—all too short, but I had to get the Moscow express in time. Peking is in course of intense modernisation, whole rows of houses miles long being removed for street-widening. Spent a great deal of my time with Alex. York, and Pauline Young. (Alex and York are the sons of long Sing Young, for many years well known importer in New Zealand, now resident in China. Alex was studying science at V.U.C'.
"The Middle Fast and oil are indivisible." said Kefauver in the U.S. Senate last March. "Intelligent discussion of the one cannot possibly proceed without an understanding of the other." Perhaps Harvey O'Connor's "Empire of Oil" and Benjamin Shwadian's "Middle East Oil and the Great Powers" are essential background reading to a comprehension of the tangled politics of the area, and especially the crisis which began last October and still continues.
Wint and Calvocoresi's Penguin has an oil-derrick on the front cover, and the shadow of it lies darkly across the story they tell. It is a very fair, almost dispassionate account of the
The most sensational of these books is the "Brombergcrs"—the French book which documents the charge of prior collusion between Eden, Mollet, and Ben-Gurion, and the use put to the whole debacle by Dulles and his Middle East Economic Council to replace the Anglo-French vacuum by an extension American influence in the area.
Israel's position is difficult to analyse. Born from the Balfour Declaration (in studied contradiction of promises made through I awtence to the Arabs), the
The
The upshot, with America leaping self-righteously to the banner of U.N., has been a greatly increased foothold for America in the Middle East Senator Kefauver's speech quoted above (repunted "International Affairs".
On the question of Russian influence, the fact becomes
The problem that remains when those
Students can help shape an enlightened public opinion to help force a civilized policy for the Middle Fast, aiming to help rather than
A shot C S.G.M. will shortly be called to change the name of the Victoria University College Students' Association to either the Victoria University Students' Association or the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association.
Don't let's be more burdened down with initials than necessary. V.U.O W.S.A. . . . Oh!
Turn up in force to make this drastic change in the constitution. Bring your lunch and throw peanuts at the president.
"Drink with discrimination . . Drink Beer . . . good wholesome beer on all occasions.
"The Road Code says: Be considerate to Pedestrians'."
—Ad inserted by Brewers Assn. in "Evening Post." 14/9/57.
"The scarier man is taking the place of the scarlet woman, writes a London correspondent. Now if you see that pillar-box look coming down the street it's almost as likely to be on a man as on a woman."
—Women's Pape. "Evening Post," 14/9/57.
"That is the very basis of free, competitive enterprise: to let a man make his own way: to allow him to stand or fall by his own abilities; to encourage him to make good on his own, secure in the knowledge that the betterment of one ultimately results in the betterment of all."
—Advert. "Issued in the interests of all sections of the community by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand." "Standard." 31/7/57.
"Trying to book into any maternity hospitals in Wellington is very difficult and it's time something was done about it. The Government cry 'more babies!' Where do we have them?—I am, etc.,
Expectant Mothers on the Warpath."
—Letter in "Evening Post," 13/8/57.
"It is illegal to hold an auction sale on a wharf unless you have the Board's permission, and you may not ring any bell or gong, play any musical instrument, make a speech, sing any song or hymn likely to attract a crowd."
—"Evening Post." 7/9/57.
"The atmosphere was informal in the bar at night." said Judith, "and if one of the men came in wearing a tic. the barman leaned oyer with a pair of scissors and cut it in half."
—"Evening Post," 7/9/57 (item or Women's Page).
—Two points to Karilyn Ensor (11).
—Children's Page. "Evening Post." 7/9/57.
The Waitaki High School Old Boys' Association may charter a special ship next year to call at North Island ports and transport old boys to Oamaru for the school's 75th anniversary celebrations.
It is proposed that the vessel anchor off the short outside the three-mile limit—Oamaru is a nolicence area—and the oki boys should sleep aboard the ship during the celebrations.
—"Evening Post,"- 14/9/57.
Auckland, Aug. 27 (PA) The only way to deal with divinity students was to mix them up with other faculties, said the principal of Trinity Theological College, the Rev. E. W. Hames. in presenting his annual report to the Auckland Methodist Synod today.
"I should like to throw them in with, the roughest types," he said.
—"Evening Post." 28/8/57.
To meet the increasing demand for our products we use at Wills' the most modern machines it is possible to obtain—almost human in what they can do—but they still need the partnership and aptitude of feminine assistance.
—Advert. in "Evening Post," 14/9/57.
Fell sick—sailed 350 miles.
—"Sports Post." 7/9/57.
"Many women teachers have withdrawn thankfully into marriage," she said, "thinking that one mischief-maker will be better than 30."
—Miss P. M. Robinson as reported in "N.Z. Herald." 23/8/57.
What happens to V.U.C. graduates looking for jobs? To whom can they apply? There is no one. Nor is there any agency to which employers can apply.
For over twenty-one years Sydney University has had an Appointments Board to perform such functions.
Recently our reporter interviewed the Hoard Secretary. Miss McKinney, to find out the type of work it docs.
The Board's maxim, he was told, is "personal contact all the time." and on this basis had been built up a comprehensive and invaluable service, which a always in heavy use.
It is run as a University Department with its primary function to find appropriate jobs for students and to give them all the information available about possibilities of permanent employment. The Board supplies extensive literature, such as the numerous N.S.W. Youth Welfare pamphlets. It maintains an elaborate register of students, free for unemployed students, and at only a nominal fee for those already with some job.
In recent years the Board has built up a reputation with employers, establishing many personal contacts. It now receives thousands of requests for university trained people. It also helps employers by running courses on business management.
As well as permanent employment the Board has a special section to handle vacation and other short-term employment, in
The importance of the Board for both students and employers is apparent. An even larger Board is run at Melbourne, although the other Australian universities, with the partial exception of West Australia, have very little in this direction.
But it is for us to sec that V.U.C. follows the example of its most forward, got backward, neighbours.
At its last meeting the V.U.C.S.A. Exec, decided to establish an International Affairs Committee. This committee will consolidate the work at present undertaken by a host of officers, or not properly tackled at all. It will consider all V.U.C. matters relating to the national students union (N.7. U.S.A.) overseas policy: will advertise themany facilities open to of our students association traveling abroad: will supervise the welfare of foreign students at V.U.C., co-ordinating the activities of e.g. the International Club and W.U.S.: and, generally, will consider all matters of international student affairs that may interest or affect this association.
The V.U.C.S.A. Exce. has been considering the possibility of having a list of doctors whom it can recommend to students who are strangers to Wellington. A request for such a list from the British Medical Association was turned down, since the association must avoid any appearance of discriminating in certain doctors' favour.
The Exec is now investigating the possibility of appointing some official V.U.C.S.A. G P.
In a further attempt to improve town-gown relations the Exec. recently invited a reporter from the "Evening Post" to attend one of their meetings. He was duly impressed by the complexity of subjects treated at such meetings. A report later appeared in the "Evening Post" of Saturday, August 31st.
"Already the American Army has electronic computers at staff headquarters that will work out the results of battles from given factors" ("Evening Post." Saturday. 10/8/57.) Perhaps it is in these automatic marvels that we can find the solution to the present dilemna—how to reconcile man's
A leading educationist quotes as an example of a distorted attitude towards university education, the number of students who when asked about point X or Y, reply: "Oh. I don't know anything about it now. I did that two years ago.
We must all know lecturers who begin the year by saying: "You will get nowhere at the end of the year by regurgitating my lectures undigested." And yet at the end of the year students are asked in the exam papers to repeat parrot wise the substance of the lectures. And it is on this basis they pass. No wonder two years larte they remember nothing about it!
Certain Departments at Vic. might take note of the frustrations of their students at the system of farming out the marking of essays. It is in his essays that many a student has the opportunity to show his worth. Yet under this system the examiner does not even see them. Nor does the student know the attitudes or standards of his marker. As far as he is concerned the essay might as well go into a machine which stamped on it some mark and then returned it straight back. (In fact cynics might say that is in fact what happens—except the machine is woefully slow and inefficient in its returns.)
Defenders of our rights and liberties (and our inviolable right to property), point out that the only Commonwealth State without two chambers. Queensland, has had notoriously gerrymandered boundaries: only a second chamber could prevent such abuses. They for get to point out as well that State politics in Australia are generally corrupt—whether a State has two chambers or not. No one pretends that our former Legislative Council had any value, in other words during most of our history we have in effect only had one chamber. Yet it is not maintained by anyone that we have suffered from any of the evils associated with unicameral government, is it possible then that something else is responsible for corruption in Australian politics? And can constitutionalists explain corruption in the democracy with the oldest constitution, checks and balances everywhere, the United States?
Second chambers are a relic of our no one either has the energy to reform past. They linger on merely because them, or the courage to abolish them, deney to be several years behind the Checks and balances have an odd ten rest of the community. Where they are effective as a brake it is as a brake on progress, for example the U.S. Senate or the House of Lords.
We are doing fine with one chamber. Why waste a great deal of money anachronism?
On the restoration of an ornamental.
In a recent memorandum of matters useful to club officers the V.U.C. S.A. Secretary quotes hunks of the Professorial Board regulations. How is it that such primitive relics still persist with the apparently sole effect of irritating students and making a policeman of the caretaker. Why cannot there be somewhere for students to meet in the evening, smoke, buy supper, and be sociable. It should be pointed out to members of the Board that not all students have pleasant Professorial mansions in which to congregate.
Civilisation is slowly creeping upon the university, but has a long way to go before it can really blossom.
What is the purpose of the Exec.? Primarily to carry out the objects and wishes of the Association, as represented by the Constitution and student opinion. To administer the business, finance and organisation of the Association.
It is a valuable aspect of university life, an excellent training field for potential administrators. With an electorate consisting of the most critical section of the communist—students, an Exce. officer who steps down from a job competently and efficiently done has indeed achieved something.
While some may use Exce. as a political stepping stone, and others as a means of gaining social kudos, the majority are motivated by a sense of public service, tempered by the natural desire of us all for power and responsibility.
The willingness of many people to be elected by their fellows to run their affairs is one of the best features of a democracy. For a democracy is carried not by the M.P.'s at the top, but the many citizens administering societies, school committees, etc. The ideal citizen who is called from his hoc to help his countrymen may only be a fiction. It is in these minor organisations that people can offer the public their service But, while this may be a less advertised aspect of democracy, perhaps one of its major functions is to satisfy the itch of the power-conscious. It has been suggested that if Hitler had been British, and could have been, for example. Director of the B.B.C., no harm would have been done. There is plenty of room for petty bureaucrats, who may be harmful, but at least have their energies channeled into useful directions.
We take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation to all those who have assisted us by contributing, and also to the Printers, whose unflagging zeal, combined with ours, has made "Salient" what it is.
Applications from graduates ore invited for the by 31st
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Two thousand miles and more from their homes in the Pacific Islands, a generation of young experts and administrators are in New Zealand on a long-term programme which should enable them to contribute to the social and economic advancement of their peoples.
There are 520 Pacific island students in New Zealand, of whom 153 are on scholarships provided by the New Zealand Government and the Administration of Western Samoa. 237 are sponsored by other governments, and 130 are students who have come privately. In an overtaxed education system, the absorbing of over 500 islands students (not to mention 360-odd from Asia) is cheerfully accepted by those concerned as a proper contribution to good niter-racial relations.
To build up self-reliant societies operating on democratic lines is the broad policy of the New Zealand administration in the areas for which it is responsible. Essential to this process is education—first a broad-based system to teach an entire population to read and write, with higher education for a promising few; next, a fuller education for all who can profit by it. The first stage is an ambitious enough undertaking which has for years taxed resources of teachers and school buildings in the islands and accounts for a substantial part of the New Zealand contribution to development there—over £1,000,000 a year for the past five years.
The New Zealand scholarship scheme, providing higher education than can be had in the islands, has since
To date 206 scholarships have been awarded. As most of the pupils have been selected at primary school age to take the whole of their secondary and technical or university education in New Zealand, results are only beginning to accrue. Fifty-three students have returned to their islands and 153 are still in training in what is proving one of the most successful educational experiments ever made.
Western Samoa, as the most populous and socially advanced of New Zealand's island territories, has had the lion's share of scholarships to date—130. against 56 for the Cook Islands and 20 for Niue. The ratio is now changing, for Samoa is nearing the long-term aim of educating enough secondary students at home.
Samoa College, opened four years ago with 52 pupils in its secondary department, next year will achieve its objective of turning out each year 100 students taught to the best overseas academic standards. Some have already successfully taken the New Zealand University Entrance examination. Scholarship pupils sent to New Zealand from
The broad conspectus of useful occupations covered by the scholarship scheme is shown in a sample of 31 returned to Samoa, which includes 12 teachers, nine clerks and one each as agricultural instructor draughtsman, electrician, joiner musing sister, radiographer, paniter and decorator, radio announcer, radio technician and survey cadet.
None of those who have attained the highest qualifications has yet returned to the islands. Dr. W. P. Williams, a graduate of the Otago Medical School, is spending this year as a house surgeon at the Waikato Hospital: and the first scholar to complete a university arts course. Miss Fanaafi
Well advanced in their medical courses at Otago are two Samoans. Ailao Imo and George Schuster, and second year medical students are two Cook Isalnders, Joseph Williams and Dominique Payrous, and a Samoan, Mark Sapsford. Unusual among the medical students is Semisi
Agricultural development is an urgent need in all the islands, and the Administration of Western Samoa already has two residential boys primary schools (Avele and Vaipoufi) with a practical farming bias. New Zealand scholarships are developing the first Polynesian agricultural scientists, of whom the most advanced. William Meredith, from Samoa, is in the second year of the B.Ag.Sc. course at Massey College: while another Samoan. Joseph Rethma, is at Victoria College doing his agricultural preliminary.
In engineering the first graduate may be a Cook Islander. Papamoa Pokino, now in an early stage of his professional course at Victoria College.
Not all the scholarship holders who have reached university are full-time students. Aiming to graduate as a bachelor of commerce and with only lour units to complete at Canterbury College. Daniel Phineas, a Samoan, works in a bank. Government departments in Wellington employ several Cook Islanders, among them Tere
Economic progress in the islands is to an extent dependent on legal establishment of individual titles to land, without which there is little incentive for long-term development. Many applications for titles have been held up for lack of surveyors, but this should improve a little shortly when the intending surveyors in New Zealand achieve lull qualifications.
Those mentioned are the students who have attained or are likely to reach high academic qualifications. There are many others whose special aptitudes have taken them along other channels, as teachers, nurses, mechanics, carpenters, printers and draughtsmen. Altogether their training to date represents an investments by New Zealand of some £200,000) in developing pioneers of social progress among the island peoples.
Over and above the students from as own island territories, for which it carries full responsibility. New Zealand is catering for the education og 237 islands trainees sponsored by other governments—200 from Fiji. 31 from
What has the Exec, done this year? in an attempt to gain a clear picture of its activities "Salient" recently interviewed Mr. C. J. C. Marchant, who as Secretary and then President for two terms, has a detailed knowledge of the Exec.'s services to the student community.
In reply to a question as to town gown relations, the President
Asked about student facilities the President pointed out the progress made in recent months. Particularly the work of the House Committee, which has provided a large reading rack, ordered papers, hired pictures, and ordered curtains for the Common Room all at the Association's expense. At the Exec's request the college council, recently had the Common Room and Cafeteria repainted, provided new chairs for the Room, and had the plumbing attended to and new equipment provided for the caf. The Association also bought new crockery, while Miss Rosie, the manageress, herself bought table cloths. Although the Association constitutionally "conducts and manages" the caf. a brief experiment last year proved too costly and troublesome, and the task was passed on to Miss Rosie. The Exce. has by contract set a ceiling to caf prices. While Miss Rosie does not like to allow clubs to use the caf. she is willing to allow its use for Association functions.
Asked whether the Exec. had made any moves to provide a 100m for late club meetings, Mr. Marchant confessed that "no particular step has been taken." although the Exce. Room is opened, and freely used for club committee meetings. However, he pointed out that the Association at present is harbouring its money for the coming Student Union Building. Hence also the fact that nothing, other than persuading the Council to provide new lighting, has been done to the gymn.
But the President stated that the Union Building was proceeding according to time. Cabinet at the beginning of the year agreed to pay £100,000 subsidy and a further subsidy of £1 for £2 up to £15,000 on a public loan. The working drawings are virtually complete, and as soon as the final financial details are approved, tenders will be called. He expects there to be some very definite signs of activity by the end of the year. "I can see nothing that could hold things up." Finance will be helped by a grand gala opening of Extrav next year, with two guinea seats, the Governor-General and all.
While the tennis courts will be lost as a result of the new building the Tennis Club has made temporary arrangements meantime, and it is definitely determined to have new courts laid down.
"Nothing has been done" about providing new telephones. Mr. Marchant said, but last year a new out-line was laid on, and he had no doubt that shortly another application will be made. Drinking fountains are being arranged by the House Committee. It is also, in conjunction with Mr. Dawnson, clerk of exams, seeing to having a door erected to make the women's cloakroom and conveniences less public.
The Exee, has negotiated with Miss Kelly of the Park Store for her to sell crested stationery.
For club suppers the Exec. has bought new crockery, pots, and a £60 hot water system for the kitchen in the gymnasium. However, the President stated that nothing has been done to have supper facilities nearer meeting rooms.
Following the decision of a General Meeting last year, more money has been allotted to cultural clubs than in the past, when often only a token grant was made. Much objection had been made to the Exec's apparent refusal to help clubs bring speakers from other centres. The present policy is that clubs are asked to take advantage of such speakers who are already visiting Wellington, but where that is not possible they are willing to help the clubs. Club grants have increased in roughly the same proportion as the increase in Stud. Ass. fee for general purposes at the S.G.M. last year. Salient has benefited by far more, from £300 to £420, showing the importance the Exce. attaches to Salient as an aspect of student life.
When Salient reporter pointed out the criticisms recently made of the Exce. for being too much out of touch with the students. Mr. Marchant replied that the new House Committee had been specifically instructed to listen to comments and suggestions. The committee has been most successful in establishing such liaison. The Assistant to the Secretary has been assigned the task of seeing that students are adequately informed of all Exce. decisions. He ensured that the Exec, notice board, and the board outside' the caf were kept properly posted. Many students, said Mr. Marchant, who complained at lack of information confessed to not even noticing the posters displayed. The Exec, meetings are always open to students. However, the new Union Building will do much to impune student relations by centralising activity in the one area.
In an endeavour 10 improve still more our relations with Wellington Training College, last Monday representatives of V.U.C. and the T.C. had most successful discussions. Al present T.C. students use our tennis courts each Thursday, free of charge. And in the general protest against city transport fare increase. a joint V.U.C.-T.C. delegation approached the Mayor. They were invited to submit detailed proposals for a possible student concision on the cable car. but unfortunately Training College and V.U.C. ceased acting together and the scheme died away.
Salient reporter asked about provisions for general student welfare. While the Exce. has not been campaigning for welfare officers, it would welcome them, and is in fact at present discussing with the Council the possibility of a Dean of Women students. This would doubtless lead on to similar provision for men. The Exec, are strongly opposed to any type of "warden" whose duties would be of a disciplinary and policing nature. To that we assent.
The new International Affairs Committee will amongst other things be responsible for looking after the welfare of overseas students. The Exec. also, earlier in the year, held a most successful afternoon tea for these students and staff.
The Exce. has also backed the N.Z. U.S.A. in its campaign for Maori Studies at the Universities.
Generally speaking the Exce. leaves national student concerns to the N.Z. U.S.A.. expressing its views at the twice-yearly Council meeting and supporting
V.U.C.S.A. participated in last year's fund raising to bring a South East Asian student here for one or two years. It also has supported the new post graduate exchange scheme with Indonesia. Much of the task of raising money and providing books for S.E. Asian students is undertaken by the local V.U.C. W.U.S. committee, which does a grand job.
There is little that can be done for students persecuted in other countries. However, the Exce. wrote to the Premier of Queensland and the President of the National Union of Australian University Students when academic freedom was under attack there earlier this year. It also supported N.Z.U.S.A. in its protest to the South African Government over developments there. As far as the President knew, however, nothing had been done about the student persecution in South America and elsewhere.
Our reporter was interested in the V.U.C.S.A. attitude to I.U.S. and other organisations whose chief support comes from communist countries. Vic. has tended to have a more liberal and wider view on such matters than other colleges. At the Easter N.Z.U.S.A. Council meeting our delegates unsuccessfully brought forward a remit that New Zealand send observers where possible to communist organised student meetings. (Similar attempts to establish student press links with Iron Curtain countries failed at the New Zealand University Student Press Council meeting). "We may not agree with their political views but we cannot deny their existence." the President declared. "We acknowledge the fact that they are students and have something in common." V.U.C.S.A. sent greetings to the Moscow youth festival, which, as it was. pointed out was attended by many anti-communists as well as fellow-travellers.
If you are observant you may notice a photograph in this column, if you take an interest in student affairs you may realise that it is a photo of Pete Carver. Men's Vice-President of V.U.C. S.A. Mr. Carver is not wearing a tic. but he would like to be wearing a tie—not just any tie but a special tie. a Vic. tic. Unfortunately such a tie does not exist so a sub-committee of your Executive is calling for designs for a suitable Vic. tic. the sub-committee, consisting of Mr. Carver, will pay £10 prize money to the designer of the accepted Vic. lie. Here is your chance to win £10. just about enough for a good after-finals spree, so get out your crayons.
Entries close at the Stud. Assn. Office on October 18.
In a recent issue of "Salient". V.J.R. suggested that "some vacant wool store" be used for Varsity hops. This is an excellent suggestion. Wool stores make ideal halls for informal dances of the barn dance type, and the occasional functions of this type, such as the one held recently by the Plunket Society in a local store, are almost invariably successful.
There is, however, another use: indoor sports, which could be made of wool stores during the winter months when they are virtually empty. In many cases wool stores would provide almost ideal conditions for indoor sporting activities. In other cases minor modifications are required: extra lighting may be needed and provisions made for dressing rooms. Surely some arrangements can be made between the wool-broking firms and the controlling bodies of such sports as badminton, table tennis, indoor basketball, indoor bowls, boxing and fencing to make these places available for sports. The wool stores also have the advantage of usually being located in or near the centre of cities. By lending their wool stores to sporting organisations during the winter months, the woolbroking organisations would earn the gratitude of all citizens.
If, as it may well be, some of the present wool stores are not suitable for indoor sports, then at least any new building of this type contemplated could be designed with their off-season use as sports buildings in mind.
The problems confronting indoor sports organisations seeking accommodation is a most serious one. It is a matter that has been discussed both, in and out of Parliament recently, particularly by those who feel that by providing young people with adequate recreational facilities, delinquency, will cease, in Wellington the sports accommodation problem was worsened this year because the Winter Show Building, which provides at least some decent facilities (when it is not leaking). was closed for indoor sports halfway through the season. No alternative site was offered and one national tournament, table tennis, previously allocated to Wellington, had to be transferred to the Hutt Valley. That the position is no better in Auckland was seen at the recent Varsity Tournament—there were four small halls used for badminton and three different venues for table tennis.
The local Junior Chamber of Commerce are advocating the conversion of the present City Corporation Yard in Herd Street into an outdoor sports centre. While there is much merit in their plans, if wool stores could be used, there would be no need for their scheme, especially as the yard block could well be used for commercial or parking buildings.
The Winter Show Building, the only large building in Wellington used for indoor sport, is itself a wool store during the summer months. Surely this is adequate proof that multi-purpose buildings for wool and for sport are practical.
Most concrete results of the Moscow Festival for "Salient" readers is an arrangement made between "Salient"s and other student newspapers in various parts of the world for exchange of papers and occasional articles.
This scheme was the brainchild of Gwenda Martin. V.U.C. graduate and "Salient's" special correspondent at the Festival in Moscow and the subsequent World Youth Congress in Kiev.
As part of the Congress, a Youth and Student Press Commission met to discuss problems and co-operation between newspapers represented. At this meeting. Gwenda Martin proposed that all student papers present should get their editors to undertake to send each other copies of their papers about once or twice a year, together with an article about some aspect of student life, politics, etc.. in their country, and requests for material on specific aspects of life in other countries.
A French delegate took this idea up with special enthusiasm, and suggested that, say. "Salient" should ask its readers for questions about conditions in France, rad these be forwarded to his paper for a reply article and also that interviews with particular personalities should be conducted on the same basis for student papers in other countries on request.
Papers with which this arrangement is to operate include one in New Delhi, one in Saskatoon (Canada), one in Warsaw, one in Adenau West Germany), one in Paris, and the West African student paper in London.
Any "Salient' 'readers interested in material from any of 'this array of sources should write to the editors.
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