Trainees Get A Rude Awakening!

The National Orchestra has instituted a trainee scheme under which several young and aspiring musicians have been taken on and are receiving a bursary and training! as a group six hours a day. When j these trainees were taken on they were told by Mr Hopkins that they would be able to continue their studies at varsity part-time without, this affecting the bursary, but they I have now been told that they may not take time of over three hours per week or their bursaries will be docked. It appeal's that this was included in small print in the contracts they signed when they were taken on but the two concerned took Mr Hopkins' word for it that they would be able to continue. Professor Page has contacted Mr Schroeder of the N.Z.B.S. who implied that no deductions would be made but the girls are still under the impression that their bursaries will be docked, and as the orchestra does not guarantee them a job they should surely be allowed to assure themselves of a career by securing degrees. One girl has been forced to drop one of the two units she requires to finish a B.A. this year.

In discussing the motion that Exec, should write a letter to the N.Z.B.S. and/or the Public Service Commission asking them to revise the contract Brooker claimed that "We are not a trade union" whereupon was quoted by Mr Stone, Section 3 of the constitution: "Objects of Stud. Ass.: To represent and act for its members." Mr Brooker then maintained that they should have finished their degrees first, upon which Mr Stubbs pointed out that theory and practice are better mixed. The motion was carried after further discussion.

Quotes and Comments

Mr Brooker see nod very preoccupied all evening with matters of finance. He began by demanding the refund of tuppence excess postage on minutes he received and continued through questions of grants to delegates "to be used as bribes, found in the past to be money well spent, to the question of subsidies for travel to tournaments.

When the questions for the new building was raised it was suggested that past and present Exec, members be hung.

Pitchforth: "Is there a volunteer to dispose of 12 dozen empty beer bottles?"

Lind-Mitchell: "I am sure that gambling is present in the majority of card games, thus we should cut out cards altogether." Mitchell: "Thus are we to confiscate all pencils to prevent writing on lavatory walls?" Stone: "Does this mean one cannot eat for fear of ulcers, one cannot drink without becoming a hibitual drunkard?" Brooker: "Speak for yourself." Mason: "Carry on . . .?!" (one of the most veiled comments I've come across!)

Brooker: "Preventing gambling is cutting down on students basic freedoms!"

Mitchell: "As there appears to be no interest or objection to the motion . . ."

O'Brien: "A chairman must exercise his discretion along well defined lines!"

Brooker:" We are becoming a commitocracy!"

Stubbs: "I move that Mr O'Brien be no longer heard!"

Stubbs: "What are the gambling hours?"

Picton: "Now this motion is serious!"

Mr Pitchforth appeared to know more about the constitution than a former Vice-President.

Salient suggests that if Miss Picton wore longer skirts—then Mr Stone might take more interest in proceedings above the table.

John Iorns.