Under the chairmanship of AUC's editor, D. J. Stone, the council ploughed through more than a score of Items on its agenda, finishing in time to climax the week's work with a formal dinner for guests George Burns, editor of Christchurch's evening newspaper the Star-Sun, and former journalist Donald Rain, now chairman of Canterbury College Council.

In between procedural wrangles and adjournments to listen to guest speakers, council members formulated plans for' further co-operative supplements covering NZUSA meetings, Tournament sports, and Congress; considered further the question of participation in international student press activities; cemented relations with NZUSA; discussed problems facing the student press; and debated the council's financial situation.

Benefits to readers

Although the lengthy minutes showed little apparent progress resulting from the marathon meeting, delegates left Christchurch at week's end feeling tired but satisfied that readers of student newspapers would benefit considerably through increased inter-college journalistic liaison and the exchange of information which may lead to cuts in individual papers' budgets.

The standard of New Zealand daily newspapers was very high, but only as high as the public wanted, according to leading members of the editorial staffs of both Christchurch newspapers who addressed the council on aspects of journalism.

In an examination of the "freedom of the press," Star-Sun editor, Mr. G. Burns, emphasized the duty of the press to its reading public but took a swipe at AUC's Executive which recently tried to oust the editors of the college paper; an editor should not be subjected to any pressure whatsoever, said Mr. Burns.

At an Informal luncheon the council and student leaders from the four university colleges entertained the Minister of Education. Conversationally adaptable as ever, Mr. Algie discussed university expansion, gondolas, chicken-bones and relations between the old and new generations.

Another University?

He acknowledged the grave need for better student amenities in most colleges, and did not discount the possibility of a new University in the Waikato within the forseeable future; Cambridge and Hamilton had been suggested as sites.

But, said the Minister, he did not like to see the Universities leaving the cities; it was a pity Canterbury College had decided to move out of town, and he was pleased VUC showed no likelihood of doing likewise.

Within 48 hours he had flown to Auckland and after discussion with AUC Council members heard their final verdict concerning the future of that college; after decades of wrangling by the authorities it would stay on and develop its present site.

Hon. R. M. Algie . . . gondolas and chicken-bones