The New President:—

J. R. McCreary

—Photographic Reproduction by courtesy "N.Z. Listener"

On Wednesday, 25th June, a lamentably small representation of students occupied the lower floor of the Gym to witness and take part in the high-spots of the Annual General Meeting. To all you who, though members of the Students' Association and partakers of its various benefits, yet felt that your point-of-view is so insignificant that it need not be expressed, either orally or by vote, we respectfully dedicate this account of the evening's proceedings. We do SO hope that some of the resolutions of Wednesday's meeting distressed you—you have only yourself to blame.

Routine.

An expectant hush would have fallen when Miss Pixie Higgin occupied the chair had it not been for the terrific din of overhead footballers at play. Miss Higgin was provided with moral support in the form of Miss Elma Johnson, and an implement, resembling a two-handed road-mallet.

After calling the meting to order, Miss Higgin read some preliminary notices including a greetings cablegram from life-member Bob Edgley at Singapore. Then, by means of one rapid motion after another, the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, the Report and Balance Sheet were all taken as read. The absence of a report from the Tournament Delegates was explained.

What, A-Gain?

The business of the meeting really began when Mr. Pat. Ongley entered the ring armed with four motions that we semed to remember from last year. Mr. Ongley's first speech was rather spoilt by football noises, and the fact of the audience moving en bloc from the back of the room to the front. The first motion, which would have introduced new restrictions with regard to membership of the Association, was thrown out by an overwhelming majority after we had been treated to a few bright and hostile speeches. The same fate was met by Mr. Ongley's second and third motions, dealing with the filling of vacancies on the Executive, and the question of the vote of the assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. The fourth motion proposing longer voting hours met with some sympathy, but nevertheless was defeated convincingly.

Honoraria.

Next came Miss Elma Johnson's motion which sought to prohibit the payment from Association funds of members of the Association for services rendered. To illustrate the whole question, Miss Johnson referred to certain events in connection with the last Extravaganza. It is to be regretted that many of the speeches that followed consisted of accusations and recriminations concerning the Extrav., and were, as the chairman several times pointed out, irrelevant to the subject under discussion. The motion was amended by Mr. A. T. Chorlton to give the executive power to approve of payments to students under conditions which might, conceivably arise. In its amended and modified form, the motion was passed.

"Salient."

The last motion of the evening that proposed changes in the Constitution, was moved by Miss Shirley Grinlinton. This important motion, which will have its affect on all members of the Association, consisted of the proposals that the Student Association's fee be increased to £1/7/6, 2/6 of each fee to go towards the cost of "Salient," which would be supplied free of charge to all students on demand.

Mr. Ongley spoke against the motion, pointing out that it would mean cramming a paper down a student's throat, when the student might object to its style and contents.. Mr. Bowyer, supporting the motion, argued that a college paper was an essential requirement of any student body, and that its security should not be allowed to rest on such slender foundations as to the good-will of the advertising community and the support of a few students. Miss Johnson pointed out that it was not a matter of forcing all students to read the paper; all students pay for the upkeep of the Football Club, but not all need play. Mr. Saker, in supporting the motion, suggested that "Spike" should receive the same consideration as "Salient"

After a division had been called for, this motion was passed by a considerable majority.

Trivia.

The main business of the evening now being finished, Miss Higgin asked if there were any other matters to be discussed. A number of motions, noteworthy for spontaneity rather than importance, were brought forward and passed tumultously. A climax was reached with Mr. Nathan's brilliant motion, seconded by Mr. Higgin:— "That this House expresses its solidarity with the Soviet Union in its present titanic struggle against the Nazi horde." After a division, the motion was carried. Mr. Higgin's "thinking up" a few more motions was not allowed.

Votes of thanks to the Returning Officer, Mr. de la Mare, and the retiring Executive, were carried by acclamation.

Elections.

•

• "The learned Lipstus, who at the age of three . . ."
• The learned Lipsius gave a lecture last Tuesday.
• His voice was persuasive, his manner bedside,
• His jokes mellow, his facts fitted his theories.
• He was a great social success.

"Tally-ho!"