Socialist Club Emergency Meeting

The adjourned annual general meeting failed to obtain the quorum on Thursday evening last, but the Socialist Club took opportunity to hold a special meeting, in view of the latest political developments.

For the first time since its formation activists among club members will be able to participate fully in pre-election agitation and campaigning. Usually national elections come uncomfortably close to finals. There seemed to be complete unanimity among those present on the question of the common foe to be fought, but precious little agreement on which if any group could be confidently regarded as firm allies. Members felt that it was necessary to state a minimum programme which should be spread abroad and put to both parties. Mr. Bollinger pointed out that students of the leftist persuasion in Australia had a great deal of success in bringing their own programme before electors and candidates. Mr. Foy moved "That N.Z. pursue an independent and peaceful policy in international affairs and that the remilitarisation of Germany and Japan be strongly opposed." This motion was carried unanimously. There were plenty of cynical observations from those present Mr. T. Beaglehole felt that if the Socialist Club desired a victory for the Labour Party then the sanest way of bringing this about was to wholeheartedly and vociferously as possible to support the National Party candidates.

Members had very unquiet consciences about supporting the Labour Party, after all, the way Mc-Lagan smashed the Auckland carpenters was not so very different from the way Bill Sullivan smashed the wharfies. There was no disagreement about matters of purely student concern. It was resolved to place the Student Labour Federation Bursary Proposals before both parties and extract promises if possible. Mr. Bill McLeod made the point that it was essential for enthusiasts in the club to concentrate on the marginal Tory seats.

Other resolutions included instructions to the executive to prepare an information bulletin to maximise efficiency in the fight, and instructions to invite a Labour candidate to speak at the College and/or have a debate with a Nationalist if that were possible.

A prominent member of the executive of the Charta Society was present and made some very constructive suggestions. The club executive confidently expects that many mighty and famous statesmen of 1991 will make their debut this election, under the banner of the University Muscovites.