• Public Relations

An increasingly important aspect of association activities is the increased publicity which is given to worthwhile activities. Much of the credit for this must go to the Public Relations committee who have worked in many ways to improve the student side of relations with the community.

A more organised approach has resulted in the much improved co-operation of the news media. It is felt however that the growing trend, both in New Zealand and overseas, to call any person studying at an education institution a "student" has been of detrimental effect. This may seem unduly sensitive but on a number of occasions the word "student" up till now associated with "University student" has caused undue detriment by association.

The City Council elections and the possibility of student candidates was a matter of considerable discussion. Though no suitable candidate was found much interest was created, and should be ex-ploited in the future. It is interesting to note that three Auckland students obtained high polls in the Auckland elections.

A welfare project "48-hour call" was responded to very well by students and again many useful contacts were made downtown, and by their self-sacrifice students illustrated their increasing awareness of the part they can play within the community.

A film of student life, though beset with many administrative and financial problems, is nearing completion and should be a production of great value in making people more aware of the student way of life.

The Tour of Schools suspended for administrative and technical reasons last year by the University Council has been reviewed, and a new approach to this matter has been formulated. Many local schools are now to be brought to the university to see for themselves the problems related to university life.

A gathering of over 100 past executive members of the association at a dinner in May. 1966 was an unqualified success. Those present covered 66 years of Association government and also present was one foundation member of Victoria. It is hoped that this will lead to the formation of a past members or graduates society within the association with all the resultant benefits which past members and their experience can add to our modern association.