Those Old Men

The leading article in your last issue criticising the resolution at the Annual General Meeting restricting the election of ex-students to the Committees of Clubs and Societies, is apt to leave a very wrong impression upon the minds of your readers. It was fortunate that an article by J.N.S. clarified the position to a large extent, but I wish to point out some of the inaccuracies in your leader.

In the first place, it is important to remember that past students do not become ineligible until one year after they have completed their course, which means that in most cases they may spend two post-graduate years on Committees.

Secondly those who supported the motion did not suggest that underserving persons were holding positions of authority, but what they contended was that too many of these no doubt deserving seniors (not "old men with one foot in the grave") kept younger men from enjoying an invaluable experience. It is difficult to comment on the remainder of your somewhat obtuse leader. but I doubt whether University Clubs require this matured experience of the "old soldier." What is needed, is co-operation and enthusiasm, and that can best be achieved when all work together, instead of having one or two leading the others by the noses.

Your correspondent, K.M.J., who has changed her mind and thinks a mistake has been perpetrated, also misses the point that positions on Committees should be open as a training ground for the younger men. No doubt there are hard cases, but we must also remember that by keeping efficient ex-students of our Committees we are witholding from the community worthy citizens who, if free, could do much in the wider spheres of the City and suburbia! The resolution as passed thus results in a benefit to both the student body and the community. A few years ago a special general meeting passed a resolution raising the Students' Association fee for past students, the intention being to prevent too many of the latter from retaining their membership on Clubs at the expense of the present students. The resolution passed this year is the logical continuation of that policy which, as the University grows, aims at making Victoria strictly and exclusively a student instituion. Such a policy can only be described as desirable and progressive.

Your, etc.,