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Looking in

My girlfriend, Shiela, who was on the deputation, told me about it. She said they suggested a bar be installed in the cafeteria. Then the Students' Association could open the cafeteria for the same length of time as Bellamy's.

For everyone knows that Parliament and the university are similar institutions of wisdom and learning.

The deputation told the Pm liquor could be introduced into all the universities as a bit of kudos for the thousands of hard-working students who, some day, will lead the country. It would train them in Parliamentary routine.

Victoria would be the obvious first. Cabinet would be able to pop up and see the scheme's efficiency for themselves.

The jaunt from the House would be just long enough to work up a good thirst.

Shiela thinks Holyoake might give it a go. You see, it would present the Government with an ideal excuse to lower the drinking age to 18 or 19.

They could say it would be desirable in the public interest.

And of course, it would be a boom to tourism. The Government has been saying (remember Travel Week) that it wants more tourists and better amenities for them.

Well, the universities could be classed as top tourist attractions, where foreigners could drink and talk in comfort with the intellectual cream of the country.

Naturally, the idea of a licensed cafeteria or restaurant appeals to the students.

They needn't organise parties to release their depressed, stored-up emotions in drink. They could relax at their home away from home—in the cafeteria. Saturday trade would bring students from notorious Porirua tavern to the clean, stately surroundings of Kelburn.

With such a good trade guaranteed the association could open the bar long hours.

Students—and even lecturers—could then nip out of lectures for a quick one to quench their thirst. And they could bring up their friends for the occasional spot.

Students would get another service, too. Instead of treading up and down that awful hill, they could buy their take-home supplies on the premises.

Instead of supporting the rich hotel proprietor's in town, they could start their own after-hours trade. Nothing less than £1 a dozen.

That might make town sly-groggers close down and save them from the woes of prosecution.

Shiela said that when these proposals were outlined to Holyoake he seemed very worried.

You see, without the students' vote and influence, National could well lose what Wellington seats they've got. And they won't be able to afford that this year.

Take Wellington Central. If mayor Kitts ousted Dan Riddiford. Dan would be almost jobless. He'd have to spend his time polishing his director's chair on the "Dominion."

Shiela is confident the scheme will be supported.

The chairman of the university grants committee. Dr. Llewellyn, has been approached for help. As a state bigwig—head of the committee and chairman of the broadcasting corporation—he'll want to keep in with the Pm, his boss. He's bound to have prominent political contacts like. Justice Minister Hanan and Education Minister Tennant.

But the biggest supporters of all have already come forward.

The breweries.

Because students are such good customers, they've promised cheaper grog.

And that's worth fighting for.