Salient. Victoria University Students' Newspaper. Volume 39, Number 23. September 20, 1976

The Blue Haze Reappears

The Blue Haze Reappears

At this stage, every vestige of collective solidarity was stubbed out while the whole question of smoking in the Union was discussed.

It was an interesting debate, because as a result, the Association actually established a policy towards cigarette smoking: there is to be an active campaign against smoking, smoking is now banned in the cafe, lounge, and TV room; and all sale and advertising of tobacco products is now banned on campus. There were streaks of resentment on both sides, since the debate centred on the rights of comfort to smokers and non-smokers. A pack of vociferous nonsmokers hogged the whole debate, while smokers did themselves a mischief by not having sufficient champions.

Tony Ward referred to smoking in terms usually associated with narcotics e.g. "addicts", "kick the habit", "nicotine injections". Derek Fikkers thought smoking was antisocial - "every time I go into the cafe, I get smoked out."

Mark Sainsbury: You've got to believe me. Your Honour.

Mark Sainsbury: You've got to believe me. Your Honour.

Other arguments against smoking included: only 20% [ unclear: of] students smoke; damage to walls and ceilings, and privilege of clean air. Mark Sainsbury accused the meeting of hypocrisy, and pointed to the social and physical evils of alcohol. With watering eyes, and a fist raised above his head, he announced the Smokers Liberation front which would free "the masses". At this solemn moment a young woman shrieked "Ooooo, Fuck!" and ran from the Hall pursued by a hirsute youth shaking hot liquid from his right hand.