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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 29, No. 1. 1966.

Editorials — Salient — March 4, 1966

page 8

Editorials

Salient

March 4, 1966

Executive resignations

Several important points must be distinguished in considering the resignations of the secretary and treasurer of this association.

First, that resignation of executive members at this time of the year—while undesirable—is not to be deplored.

It does not create a lack of leadership at a crucial time.

The second is that Messrs Tate and Lawrence may well be correct that the NZUSU payment was not properly ratified. It should be clearly realised that in opposing the payment they are being consistent with their declared principles.

Thirdly, in attempting to prevent the payment of the NZUSU levy despite a constitutional direction from executive to do so, they attempted to overthrow a democratic system of control by totalitarian means.

The fourth is that the two main allegations of Mr. Lawrence (financial irregularities and losing the confidence of the Wellington business community) are completely unfounded in fact and cannot be substantiated.

The fifth is that in issuing press statements about a domestic disagreement they showed a fantastic lack of concern for the reputation of this association.

Both Mr. Lawrence and, in particular, Mr. Tate, have made considerable sacrifices for the welfare of this association. It might well have been that, had they allowed themselves to be over-ruled and then forced the issue by constitutional means this term, they would have received considerable support.

Instead, they have severely damaged the name of this association and caused quite baseless speculation and rumour about its affairs.—H.B.R.

Recognising our society

Students are certainly one of the worst-off sections of the community, in Wellington at least.

But there is one section of the community which is demonstrably worse off.

They are the old age pensioners, workingmen and women existing on the thin government pension.

This association's executive would do well to consider whether students do not have a special responsibility towards this section of the community.

After all, they built the state in which we now live, and which supports this university.

There are times of the year at which the magnificent facilities of the Student Union are hardly used by students. The May and August vacations, for instance.

It would surely be possible to select one such day and invite the old age pensioners of Wellington to visit our university.

For a nominal sum we could provide a substantial hot meal. We could hire and show films they like but do not get a chance to see.

We could show what man has learnt in the many years since they have been alive, in the sciences and the arts.

When one considers the large sums the association spends on its members, it would seem highly reasonable that a few pounds be used to provide such a day.

This must not be considered as charity, as a time for propaganda, or another public relations stunt.

It is a chance to pay a collective tribute to the men and women who worked to build this country, yet are now denied even a subsistence income.

It would be our chance to show we have not forgotten.—H.B.R.