Vic Shuns Nus

The plans for a merger with the Student Teachers Association of New Zealand were discussed for well over an hour by representatives of NZUSA and local students, before the final vote went against the merger 71-60. Speakers against the motion moved by NZUSA Liaison Officer Sheppard dwelt mainly on the lack of discussion and publicity given to the scheme on this campus. Several times the local executive came under attack for its failure in this regard, even David Cuthbert, NZUSA President, commented that publicity had been much more impressive on other campuses. The National Union Scheme, it was claimed, did not go far enough if it was to really change the student scene in New Zealand, and the general lack of communication between student bureaucracies and ordinary students was bemoaned. Other speakers objected to the proposed scheme because the administrative procedures which were embodied in the report were cumbersome.

Defending the scheme, STANZ employee Lindsay Wright pointed out how much the universities could help STANZ and its local associations.

The other author of the report, David Cuthbert, pointed out the political advantages of a wider Union.

In the end however, Victoria became the first university to reject the scheme.