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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol 7, No. 5 June 21, 1944
Resolution of Protest
Resolution of Protest
"That this meeting of students of Victoria University College wishes to make the strongest possible protest against the raising of examination fees by the New Zealand University Senate and that we deplore the fact that no Effort was made to consult any student bodies whatsoever concerning the proposed increase. We feel that in a country which boasts free education and in a period in which University education is a necessity and not a luxury, the raising of these fees becomes extremely burdensome to the students. We feel that should any increase in the revenue of the New Zealand University become necessary, it should be sought from other sources, and that the burden should not be placed upon the students, who are one of the less well-paid sections of the community."
"That this meeting approve of the plan of campaign presented by the committee and pledges full support and assistance," the chairman threw the meeting open for discussion.
Mr. MacCaskill, in his own inimitable vein, indicated the extremely careful approach required in the matter of publicity. He urged that stress be placed on the breach of faith committed by the Senate in bringing in a new increase in fees without consultation by the student body or their representatives and with a certain studied lack of publicity, rather than an appeal on the grounds of hardship, which might scarcely impress the public of Wellington. After some further discussion an amendment was introduced and passed to this effect. The motion was then carried.
A final motion was brought forward by the committee: "That this meeting desires and requests that the Executive give authority to the Examination Fee Committee to make those communications to outside bodies necessary to their campaign, subject to the provision that material for publication by the Press be first presented to the Executive for their discussion, and if necessary for their amendment." This was amended on a motion by Mr. Walton, who added the provision: "That letters be drafted in conjunction with or with the approval of the secretary of the Executive," and carried.
This protest against the imposition of increased examination fees was initiated by the sponsors of the Progressive Club, and following the reading of the proposed constitution of the club those persons present who were interested in the formation of such a club were invited to sign a request for affiliation.