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Salient: An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University of Wellington. Vol. 24, No. 5. 1961

"Salient" kicked Out

"Salient" kicked Out

Parallel to Kelburn Parade, near the Easterfield Building, there are two prefabricated huts. Dwarfed by the giant Science Block, dripping with age, the buildings present a pathetic sight. In one of these buildings (the one furthest away from the road) as the Salient office. For Salient used to have an office. It was not much of an office, admittedly. The telephone was not working. In wintry weather, water poured in through the cracks in the walls. Dust flew in underneath the doors, and the place smelt of stale beer and whisky—the ghosts of past members of Salient staff. But it was still an office-a place where the Salient staff could gather together and hold discussions. Innocent discussions over-topics such as "Should Salient tell the truth" or "Would the sub-editor prefer meat-pie to ham sandwiches? Furthermore, the building was fairly isolated—so that Salient was reasonbly safe from inquisitive characters. The dilapidated hut was not exactly heavenly. But it was still a home for the Salient staff. Then it happened. Salient was thrown out of its headquarters!

How Were we Thrown out?

A certain Extravaganza organiser approached Salient's editor one afternoon and gave us the news. We were never consulted. We were never asked if we would like to move out. We were just Told that we would be moving elsewhere!

Of course, Salient does not matter a d———! Salient is just an organisation of slaves, of people who have irrevocably surrendered all human rights. We are just an organisation to be tolerated as a necessary evil—because we are not a money making organisation. Because we are a non-profit making venture, we can be pushed about regardless what inconvenience is caused. Extravaganza, must, of course, be give priority over everyone else. Why? Extravaganza makes money, for one thing. For another, it entertains people rather than reveals other people's sins.

Why Was Salient Ejected?

Extravaganza alleges that it had lost some £30 worth of theatrical equipment. And since Salient and Extravaganza were the only two concerns occupying the building, it must logically follow that Salient was responsible.

It would be beyond reason to conceive the possibility that it was not Salient which was the culprit. Because Salient and Extravaganza were the sole occupiers of the building, it is established beyond all sane doubt that it was Salient and not Extravaganza which was at fault.

Where Is Salient Now?

Salient has been shoved into room 6 of the Little Theatre. And as it is well-known, the Little Theatre Is a Condemned Building. Room 6 is a wretched five by five hole. In one respect, our temporary headquarters suit us better than the old office—at least, we are now nearer to the executive office telephone which we have to borrow each time we want to make a call. But We Still Object on Principle! Extravaganza's action was totally unprecedented. Is Salient going to be pushed about at will? This is Communism! This is persecution of the free press!

Who Suffers the Loss?

Salient now has to pay for new keys to room 6. Who pays? The Victoria University Students' Association subsidises Salient. You, wretched, stupid Victorian students, are the ones who are really paying.

Who Was Really Responsible?

Salient reiterates: It was not our Fault. We would like to mention, however, that there are still students who have possession of keys to the Salient hut, keys which they have No Right to own.

There are students, some of them ex-Salient staff members, who still have illegal access to the Extravaganza building. Despite repeated appeals for the return of these keys, Salient have had no response. Perhaps these students never heard our appeals. Or possibly they pretended they did not hear our pleas. Or perhaps it is just an example of student inefficiency, of a very wonderful, admirable sense of responsibility which is prevalent in Victoria's student population! We let you decide.