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Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Students' Paper. Special Issue 1965

Message From The President

Message From The President

Major changes in education have invariably been the result of government direction. The extent to which government has been willing to act has however been influenced many times from movements outside of government. While government in many countries have changed their educational system to suit their particular purposes there has been no need as yet for students in New Zealand to resort to measures to retain freedom of action and expression within the Universities.

Nevertheless, there is a trend emerging which if allowed to continue, could result in our form of education, and the principles on which it has developed, changing out of all recognition. By the present New Zealand Government's delaying the construction of new university buildings, by refraining from adjusting bursaries in line with other State monetary benefits, by moving slowly in alleviating the shortage of suitable student accommodation, and by not providing adequate staff facilities and research funds for staff, the Government is creating a situation where higher education could become the privilege of only a selected few. Governmental attitudes therefore, may well be formed without regard to the ultimate cost to the country.

It is to bring these points and the possible consequences of the Government position on these matters to public notice that the Executive supports in principle the concept of a boycott of the University for one day.

At the same time it is essential that all members maintain a responsible and mature attitude at all times. To produce the greatest impact, however, the boycott must preferably be conducted on a national basis. To determine other Universities' feelings an interim committee has already been set up to make the necessary investigations.

All members of all Universities should appreciate the principles involved, and the dangers inherent in Government thinking. It is up to the members of this University to make this form of expression successful by co-operating fully with the sentiment, whatever it may be, of the Special General Meeting to be held on Wednesday March 24, 1965.

President

Tom Robins