—T.J.K.

What are these elections that are coming up? What is Exec? Can I stand? Can I vote? What do I get out of it?

Questions of this sort are always asked around the cafeteria and commonroom—or rather whispered in lecture-rooms by the sort of student who never looks at the caf or common-room—about this time of the year.

A resolution of the annual general meeting of the Stud. U. in 1956 instructed the powers to be, through "Salient", to issue a broadsheet explaining just what the elections were for, and just what being on the Executive involved. It has been decided that an article in a prominent place in "Salient" could be squeezed into the confines of a definition of a "broadsheet". So the Hon. Secretary and the Editor of "Salient" have put their heads together, and this is the result. The elections which take place in June every year are for the purpose of electing an Executive to manage the affairs of the Union.

They

Executive consists of thirteen persons:

• A President—who "shall be responsible for the general supervision of the affairs of the Union", who is usually male (but has been, on at least two occasions in V.U.W.'s stormy past, a female) and has, by hallowed tradition (but not by law) usually been an experienced member of the outgoing Executive.
• Men's Vice-President—must be male, also customarily an experienced Executive member; he "shall assist the President in his duties and shall in the absence of the President be and act as President of the Union and Chairman of the Executive".
• Women's Vice-President—must be female, is an equal of the Men's Vice-President.
• Secretary—the cornerstone of the whole structure, is expected to do three or four times as much work as anyone else. Only qualifications imposed by tradition is willingness, but incumbents are usually also people of imagination and vision. May be of either sex. Duties include: "acting as Secretary of the Union and the Executive and of all committees of the Executive to which not other person has been appointed as Secretary; keeping all necessary or usual minute books, copies of all correspondence and such other books, papers and records as may be required; seeing that all meetings, notices and other acts and things required to be done . . . are duly summoned, given and done and shall do all things in his power to carry into effect the Constitution; have such other rights and duties as are conferred or imposed upon him by the Constitution or by the Executive,"
• Treasurer—wherever possible the Treasurer shall be a qualified accountant or B.Com.; otherwise candidates must have passed Accounting II. Duties include "supervising the financial affairs of the Union".
• Eight Committee members—four men and four women.

All Work

These people meet at least fortnightly in term-time (meetings usually last until 1 a.m. or later after a 7 p.m. start) and you will have read enough of their minutes (copies are pinned on the notice boards) or stray reports in "Salient" to gather an impression of the sort of things they discuss.

But attending Executive meetings is not the only duty of Executive members. There are countless subcommittees of the Union (Finance, Capping, Cappicade, Extravaganza, Blues, Publications, International Affairs, etc.) on which they have to, lake their share of jobs. The Secretary is a member of almost every one of these committees. And there are a host of other jobs to pass around—Health Scheme controller, liaison with University Clubs, Procession Controller, Capping Ball controller, Tournament controller, International Affairs officer, Congress, etc.), all of which involve a great deal of inglorious sweat.

No Perks

What are the perks? There really aren't any unless you call a degree of limelight a perk. Until this year, Exec. members had to pay for their own tickets to Extrav., to Capping Ball, and for their own beer after Procession. The only free show for all Exec. members (and this is something which they organise, and share with everyone who is getting capped that year) is Graduands' Supper—and there it is necessary to listen to a lot of speeches, some of which are always dull.

"Less Tangible"

The prospect is generally a gloomy one. But there are rewards less tangible but more lasting in the way of positive results shown for sound service. And the work of administration is in itself enjoyable to the ideal Executive member.

Now you know whether you are the sort of person who ought to stand—or whether your mate is whom you were going to nominate.

Don't let the picture we have drawn put you off. You are probably just the person the Union needs, and there is a worthwhile job waiting for you which you will find satisfying if at times strenuous.

Nominations for all positions close at the Executive Office (in the Wooden gymnasium, end of verandah) at 12 noon, Saturday, June 14th.

The ballot-box will be in the main foyer, together with the roll (all students who are members of the Union—which means all who are taking at least two units—can vote) at convenient times on Thursday, 19th, Friday, 20th, and Monday, 23rd June. The roll is open for inspection now on the Executive notice board, or at the Union office.

Results of the elections are announced at the conclusion of the A.G.M. on Wednesday, 25th June. Be there.