Publicly accessible
URL: http://www.nzetc.org/collections.html
copyright 2016, by the Victoria University of Wellington Library
All unambiguous end-of-line hyphens have been removed and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line, except in the case of those words that break over a page.
Some keywords in the header are a local Electronic Text Collection scheme to aid in establishing analytical groupings.
In order to make new content available faster this work has been uploaded but does not have comprehensive name authority mark up for sub-works and corresponding authors. We will endeavour to add this mark up as soon as possible.
Next Week: Hors D'oeuvres.
Last Wednesday witnessed yet another in the series of alternative lectures organised by the Political Science Society (Neil Grey gets the kudos). The speaker was Mike Minogue National M.P. for one of the Hamilton seats. He was advertised to start at 12.30, the subject was to be "Parliament". Neither of these eventuated, although we'll be big and forgive him for being ever so slightly late.
Rather than speaking on Parliament itself, he concentrated on the heart-rending, tear jerking pressures and problems that confront the little boys and girls who play semantics in the House. He informed those present (around 120) that his personal crusade was aimed at removing the totally negative qualities of section 6 of the Official Secrets Act.
This section deals with the "wrongful communication of information". It goes on at great length about anyone who has in his/her control any secret Official Information relating to a "prohibited place" or which has been obtained by the person having held or holding a Governement position. If this information (in the form of a "code word, password, sketch, plan model, article, note, document") is communicated, used, retained or is not looked after so that the interests of the state are endangered, the Act is breached. In otherwords, this act can be turned against democracy by virtually placing a total ban on information released to those outside of Parliament.
Mr Minogue spoke of elements of "institutionalised
Against this background there were three things which he felt every politician must be aware of. A politician who sees the Parliamentary system with dismay, despair, or disillusion becomes a tired cynic", and tired cynical politicians are nothing more than "rubber stamps" for the system. He must realise that change is the product of evolution, rather than revolution-of events rather than individuals-and is therefore a slow and tortuous process. Because of this a politician must select his objectives with care realising that he will be limited by time and heavy workloads. A norms' working week without late night sittings would therefore be the first step to a more efficient Parliamentary system, making full use of available time to get through Parliamentary business.
He spoke of the monstrous weight of bureaucracy which hinders politicians (it wouldn't happen to be in some cases their own severe mental incapabilities that hindered them?) and the difficulties arising from the permanence of the bureaucracy and the transience of governments. The size of some government departments, including Health and Education meant they were almost too large for a single minister to handle. (It shows).
Minogue spoke with the confidence that often accompanies generalities. Although citing examples to prove some points, he was not specific in responses to questions and wandered off onto tangents which often seemed to be irrelevant. Indeed he was a man with a cause, but was it devoted to the furtherance of democracy or Mr Michael Minogue M.P.?
Despite his airy words of wisdom for politicians about seeing the system without disillusion, rubber sumps, evolution, not revolution causing change he did make on" statement about the key to political survival.
Buried in the mass of generalities: "Get a safe bloody seat."
Is there something contradictory emerging somewhere?
Last Thursday it struck me as particuarly ironic (perhaps because I was drinking at SASRAC) that New Zealand has always prided itself on its 'Free, open to all' and secular education. But if you look at whats happening through anything other than today's Dominion this idea seems a bit of a myth. Most university students realise that they are expected to live on a 'shoestring' budget but we are now reaching a stage where it is not only their 'Bursary' which is being reduced by 'inflation' but also University and departmental resources.
This year has seen dramatic examples of this: eg. in the library, the university's main resource, inflation has eroded the grant to an extent that it can no longer provide adequate seating or staffing facilities. After the recent May holidays many students were expected to hand in major assignments or face tests as soon as they got back. However, the completion of these assignments suffered adversely because of the reductions in Library hours over this period and the fact that not all students have ideal studying conditions at home. This particularly affected the part-timers and the less priviledged students.
An ironic example of our 'open entry' policy is that of the recent restrictions in the Law Faculty where according to Prof. Keith the lack of staff has resulted in the necessity for restrictions on enrollments. However, students might well question the validity of restricting enrollments as opposed to reallocating resources within the department ie. using teaching methods which can be used for larger rather than smaller numbers of students.
When students' allowances are well below a living wage, when financing of University resources is tight, when courses are being restricted and when under 10% of the lower income group make it to University, it is a bit of a joke to refer to our 'open to all' education system.
"Late last year I seriously thought of doing a 'Martin Luther' on the University, I was going to write on a scroll all the occasions and situations in this city needing the back-up and the intellectural unput of the University and we didn't get it! I was going to pin my demands on the main door of the University. But I didn't because I didn't think anyone would have read them".
The speaker was Bob Scott, Director of Wellington's Inner City Ministry and a man who is heavily involved in questions of long term community development.
I am aware of student influence in the anti-apartheid movement and the anti-Vietnam movement; I have seen the fairly straggling lines of students wend their way from university to Parliament beneath banners of one kind or another; and I am acutely aware of the tremendously worthwhile role played by NZUSA in helping form Community Volunteers, as an agent of education and social change.
But I cannot recall any major student upheaval, any major student discussion and hot debate of recent years. As someone involved in community development, with community action groups and trying to come to terms with basic community issues, I must admit to considerable disappointment over university involvement in the city — and I would like to tell you why.
I understand that the University was concerned as an institution which would allow or encourage the development of critical minds, culture and critical thought and be of infinite benefit to society (which provided for its existence) in that it would consciously analyse the policies and trends of that society with a view to progressive and enlightened change.
I am also aware — as I know you are — of the criticisms aimed at the University. Because it is seen as an institution working in the direct interests of those maintaining the status quo. That it provides large numbers of individuals who have gained sufficient expertise in particular disciplines directly related to a need created by an ever-increasing technocracy.
And that the nature of university courses, which train such people, leaves little time, if any, to provide the student with an understanding of the role he or she is playing in society by taking up that particular discipline. It seems so often that the University can rarely provide the budding engineer, economist or lawyer with the opportunity to learn how the application of his or her particular discipline will affect the environment or detract from or add to the quality of life.
I hear students complain that the completion of their courses means they will be absorbed by an industrial complex whose final motice is purely one of profit. That the student's newly-gained expertise will be used to examine the most efficient means of exploiting natural resources allegedly in the interests of the nation, and they will very rarely be given the opportunity to examine the implications of that exploitation and the significance of that work. These may be cynical voices — but I've heard them and I sympathise with the dilemma. And I accept that they do have a serious effect upon the possibilities of student involvement and potential in community affairs. My observation is that few students are involved or appear to have the time to be so; that community development goes on, in the main, without the support, involvement, or, one might imagine, the awareness of the University.
Even in the midst — in NZ — of increasingly centralised government, of ever-complicating bureacracy and increasing pressures and manipulation from financial empires and overseas interests, I still find it very exciting and hopeful that community groups are emerging to take part in their own self-determination. People are able to coalesce round the issues.
I recall some of the major community ventures in Wellington over the last few years. And I do so in order to ask what university involvement there was in those ventures.
The Aro Valley fight for self-determination A community generated enough reaction against City Council planned redevelopment that the Council had to withdraw their plans and re-draw them in co-operation with the community. The methods and style of that community action constitute a prototype for other community action in New Zealand.
It's not difficult to understand that there are a lot of university students who live in that area. It's close to University and the rents are not as high. And yet, with a few notable exceptions, there were none of those people involved in the community action. You might say — as it's been said to me more than once:
"It's unfair to expect university students to become involved in such activities. After all, they are in the area for only a few short years, they spend most of their time at university. They have no real commitment to the area".
I refect that 'excuse'. Because, if it's true (and I suspect it is the excuse given in most cases), it implies commitment to the university community and rejection of the wider community — which is exactly where my complaint lies. It's not my understanding of the role or place of the university that it is committed to itself, but committed to the society which surrounds it — for which it seeks enlightened and progressive change.
Let's look at Capital Plan. When the ideas were being collected, with the few exceptions of people like Professor John Roberts and Laurie Evans, there was notable university absenteeism. You might say — as I have heard it said more than once:
"That's not very fair. Did you ask university people to take part? They probably would have responded if you had asked. Perhaps they didn't know it was on"? I reject that excuse. Capital Plan spent the equivalent of well over $50,000 on advertising. Full-page newspaper advertisement, constant radio ads. and plugs, even TV advertisements. Hundreds of Wellingtonians heard or saw them and joined in. I fail to see how university students are different.
As the convener for the NZ Coalition for Trade and Development — a loosely-knit coalition of people with an interest in development questions — let me comment on the absence of university students in our numbers. I think it might be because university students, despite the luxury of time and situation they have to think through some of the basic issues confronting our society, themselves are part of the general mood of society, i.e. increasingly self-centred and self-preoccupied. And I am not at all sure that there is not present within the University a marked element of elitism, which is such an essential part of racial prejudice.
As one involved in community development issues and the discussion of community matters, I must point to the relatively small involvement of the University as a whole and its members in particular. In an address focussing on the University and community action, I can merely point to the lack of it. What happens then is your affair.
This vegetarian dish, filling enough to be a main meal, is not a desert.
Choose a large white cauliflower, free from discolouration. Cut away the outer green leaves, but don't discard. Instead wash well, and boil until soft. Then throw them away, but keep the water. What you have made is Stock, full of nutriment and the basis of all good soups. Add it to gravies and sauces. Treat all your peelings including the tops of carrots, the outer leaves of cabbages in the same way. Steam rather than boil your vegetables but boil your throw-outs.
Take:
1 head of cauliflower, broken into flowerets, and steamed until nearly soft.½ lb mushrooms
1-2 finely chopped onions
1 cup rolled oats
Oil for frying
Salt and Pepper
2 eggs Grated Cheese
Toasted sunflower seeds (optional).
Preheat oven to 350°. Gas 6.
Place steamed cauliflower floweret in greased shallow dish. Fry onions in oil until soft. Then add mushrooms. Remove from heat to cool.
Separate egg yolks from whites. Beat yolks then mix in rolled oats, salt and pepper. Add to cooked mushroom (onion mixture). Place on cauliflower mixture.
Beat egg whites until firm peaks form, ie. when you lift the beater out, peaks of egg white stand by themselves, and don't fall over (= soft peaks)
Carefully fold the whites into the cauli/mushroom mixture. Don't layer it on top but fold it in carefully, quickly, and Lightly.
Grate cheese over and sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds (optional). Either cover with a lid, or aluminum foil.
Bake 25-30 munutes, removing cover 10 minutes from the end for cheese to brown, Easy.
It was a muted Salient office this week with rumours flying thick and fast about the suspected condition of the Salient Editor, David Murray. The Salient workers collective wish to take the opportunity here to refute the lies that have been spread by right-wingers who have alleged that the editor has been struck down by spinbifida or some other heinous mutant-causing disease. No, Mr Murray is fighting back well, and sends his love along with some finger painting he's been doing at the clinic.
Anyway back to the saga. In true classical Greek style Gyles Beckford sat in the corner of the Salient Office humming the Iliad and strumming his lyre (bit like a harp you idiots) whilst sitting in mock adoration at his feet were Lamorna Rogers and Rose Collins, our 'do anything — any where' duet. All very demeaning. Meanwhile back at the Lone Pine Ranch our magical fingered typesetters, Wendy Bachler and Angela Boyes-Barnes were engaged in a desparate fight against the forces of the artistic do-gooders, namely Simon Wilson, (Film Editor), Andrew Dungan, (Drama Editor), and Patrick O'Dea (not sure what he does). Clutching a copy of the National Business Review and a calculator Michael Stephine, our Ad man whistled the 'Detente' song. The chorus was taken up by Neil Pearce with much gusto. Neil likes stamp collecting, laying on the tables and hopes to travel overseas. Contrary to Socialist Fiction he's not running for Mr New Zealand Beach Person
Salient is publish by Victoria University of Wellington Association and printed by Wanganul Newspaper, Drews Ave, Wanganul.
As slightly bedazzled and bedazed patrons weaved their way out of the new US Chancery last Monday night after a few drinks and eats in celebration of 201 years of US independence they passed about 40 cheery demonstrators who thought it was about time we started carind a bit more about our own independence than that of our US big brother.
Those members of the fur coat and bowtie brigade who weren't openly abusive or too pissed to care did their best to pretend it wasn't happening or chuckled at the slogans.: "New Zealand, independent and non-aligned" - 'we're too small to try that', 'at least this lot is better than these at Messines Road," "I'm not ashamed about being here," said 'union official' P. Mansor who summed up a prevalent attitude as he argued with the demonstrators.
The demonstrators argued that there was nothing but harm in celebrating the USA's independence without remembering the past and current actions of the US in denying independence to other countries such as Vietnam and Chile. Carter's foreign policy was slated as being "all teeth and no smile".
The USA's great power rival, the Soviet Union, was also attacked as being just as bad as the US. Examples were given of Soviet actions in Czechoslovakia, Angola and Zaire.
Both superpowers were attacked for their continuing confrontation and arms build-up which threatens us with a new world war. As the superpowers continued their war preparations, alliances like ANZUS, nuclear warship visits and even Soviet fishing fleets were drawing New Zealand deeper into danger. Great Power ties were slated as leading to involvement in past wars as well. New Zealand involvement in Korea, Malaya and Vietnam as well as our prospective involvement in Thailand was blamed on our subservience to the United States.
The demonstration was a successful conclusion to activities raising these question among workers, the general public and students. It was seen by the organisers, the July 4th Committee, as being a promising beginning to the renewed struggle
This is the first of the "Inside Out Column" designed to carry on the fine traditions of the Crap Young Aro St. Caucus and the Right Column. Our aim is to bring the witty, the inane, the scandal, and the rumours to the surface. We would appreciate contributions and these can be sent to us, through the Salient 6ffice, c/- of the Editor, who will pass them on to the Inside Out correspondents, (who live in a seaside villa not 100 miles from Santa Cruz). There is also no truth to the rumour that Sir Jack Marshall is one of the authors of this column.
*****************************************
While we are are on the subject of denying rumours we are appalled at the continued credibility being given to various stories about the marriage of the Muldoons. Despite the fact that these rumours have been going the rounds of Parliament we ourselves heard it from a person in one of the Minister's Offices, we cannot believe that any thing that has been suggested is true, and anyway the money figure most quoted is much less than what we heard.
*****************************************
Speaking of money figures we hear that the Russian Embassy is proving to be more than reluctant about paying out the sum of around $200 for damage to a car that they did while driving one of their five Mercedes down Devon Street recently. Surely even the new Czars could find a few roubles to rectify damage which was their own fault anyway.
*****************************************
Cars seem to be in the news, our Auckland contact informs us that Christopher Harder, Auckland Law Student, who thought it would be good to indulge in some union disciplining because he was inconvenienced by the bus strike has, bought himself a Triumph Herald so that he gets in and out to varsity from his home in Mission Bay. One could ask where the money came from but we would not accept the uncharitable and grossly untrue remarks that he made a tidy profit from collecting money on Auckland campus for his 'law suit' and from his interview with the Listener.
*****************************************
While we are visiting Auckland campus it would seem that the Auckland University Students Association have almost run out of cold hard cash. Previously AUSA was always characterised as having more money than sense now they are short on both commodities.
*****************************************
Finally a success story close to home. VUWSA Treasurer Steve Underwood has moved up from collecting the rents for other people to collecting them for himself. He has become a true member of the landed gentry with his purchase of a house in Telford Terrace (just off Oriental Parade). Obviously Steve needed all the spare capital that he could lay his hands on but we are loath to suggest this as a reason for asking for an honorarium increase at the beginning of the year.
*****************************************
Quote of the Week
From a letter to the Listener sent in by SPUC.
"And we are totally opposed to sex education in schools. Sex is a wonderful, beautiful and joyous thing, provided it takes place between married people late in the evening. We are appalled to think that sex may be ruined and degraded by schools in the same way as the new maths ruined and degraded arithmetic."
(And with the light off of course).
Appointments with the employers noted below can be made at the Careers Advisory Office, ph 728150, or go to 6 Kelburn Pde. The areas offered by employers have been abridged.
As a result of measures taken at the VUW Council meeting on 27 June the last open entry avenue for prospective law students was closed. Up and down the country law schools have been limiting enrolments on the basis of harder academic criteria and now Victoria has jumped on the bandwagon of limited enrolments.
At the Council meeting two measures for limiting law students proposed by the Law Faculty were accepted. Firstly, Legal System and Law in Society are jointly prerequisites for entry into 'second-year' law courses. Secondly, a further limit of say, 170 students for 4 major 'second-year' courses was accepted in principle as a permanent arrangement. And to tidy any loose ends a total restriction on Law and Society enrolments of 350 was reconfirmed for eternity which means that eventually through manipulation of Law in Society and Legal System pass rates Law Faculty numbers will be fairly rigorously controlled at all levels.
The Faculty concentrated on the increased staff pressures and worsening teaching environment that increased enrolments caused as their main reasons for the cuts. Also high up in their high-brows was a concern for the Faculty's academic standards vis-a-vis other law schools in the country.
Increased use of Socratic teaching methods meant that class sizes had to stay at 'reasonable' levels. Generally staff/student ratios were seen as too high and unlikely to change through increased staff due to general educational cutbacks with the current government.
The concern for academic standards stemmed from the rising academic criteria for other law schools. Students ('poorer students' in the Faculty's view) who failed their criteria could come to Vic to study thus 'lowering' academic standards. Also, even if Vic's standards failed to change they would still start dropping behind other law schools relatively and the Vic degree would become as often devalued as the Israeli pound.
The atmosphere at Council was relatively sympathetic for the idea of cuts in law student numbers because of the current penny-pinching trends of the Muldoon government. The cuts slid through easily in the wake of cut in Library services, conditions of staff, overseas students and of course the 15% effective cut in the STB.
The whole thing was made even easier by the glut of qualified lawyers at the moment (not that they notice it out at Petone or Otara). Law students should remember moves for wage cuts for law clerks were only just defeated a year or two ago and such a move could be repeated.
The natural harshness of the capitalist labour market, the tight-fist of the Muldoon government and the hierarchy of Victoria University are all appearing to act in unison — and its not law students who are reaping the benefit.
The cuts will be a real burden on students if they all go ahead. They are unsystematic and unweildy. First and second year students will continually be coming up against these restrictions which will block and lengthen their studies.
There has been no proper investigation of pedagogic (teaching) problems in the Law Faculty and how they relate to staff/student ratios. Decisions on terms and the socratic teaching method were taken with minimal consultation of students and still remain to be assessed adequately.
There has been no nationwide consideration of closing off open entry to prospective law students. Surely such a nationwide streaming operation will lead to 'higher' academic standards and this should be assessed for the following: a higher bursary for law students; an upgrading of the BA and B.Sc etc.
The substance of the Law Faculty's arguments need to be examined far more closely. At the moment they seem more worried about limiting numbers than anything else and are determined to ram it through without properly consulting students. Certainly they haven't started a campaign to increase staff numbers instead of reducing student numbers.
It seems law students will have to pressure 'their' department for the rights of future law students to enter Vic's Law Faculty without a fine mesh net of exclusion clauses.
The first step in a campaign against these cuts (to take effect in
The forum will be on Tuesday, July 12, 12 - 2 pm, in the Union Hall. So if you think its a hard life being a law student, come along and help stop it getting any worse.
The campaign against Lee Kuan Yew and Hussein Onn gathers momentum as the Commonwealth Conference (8-16 June) draws near.
A big poster, published Jointly by COBRA and NUS (National Union of Students) depicts Lee and Hussein as 'perpetrators of crimes against the people of Malaysia and Singapore', and highlights 'the British Connection' with the neo-colonial regimes.
Meanwhile, an anonymous sticker also appears on the scene, bearing the photos of Lee and Hussein with the captions 'Two Terrorists in London!! 8-16 June'. "They Jail and Kill People of Malaysia and Singapore". The posters and stickers proliferate all over London and the provincial cities.
On May 25, before a public meeting. "Stop Repression in Malaysia and Singapore", took place in the House of Commons at 7 pm, a BBC radio programme, 'World At One', gave publicity to the meeting, in the form of an interview with Christopher Price. MP. Mr Price talked about the repressive practices in Singapore in particular and detention without trial in Malaysia and Singapore.
"It is important to remind people of this", said Mr Price, "because many of the people who are in jail without trial were actually put there before these countries became fully independent by us, the British, and so we have a responsibility here".
"What we're saying is that at a time when President Carter has brought the issue of basic human rights onto the world stage and at a time when it will be discussed very shortly at the Commonwealth Conference, we shouldn't sweep the things in the Commonwealth out of the way just because they're embarassing. We believe that it is possible to guarantee fundamental basic rights in all countries of the world".
At the beginning of the meeting in the House of Commons, attended by over 70 people, the Chairman. Ivor Clemitson, MP. read out an Open Letter to Jim Callaghan, the British Prime Minister. The letter was signed by four MP's, namely, Ian Mikardo, Robin Cook. Ivor Clemitson and Christopher Price. The letter drew attention to the repressive laws and policies practised by the Malaysian and Singapore regimes. It concluded thus: "We have a special interest in and responsibility towards these two countries in that a) it is upon the foundation of emergency powers that we laid that much of the repression is based and b) we continue to support the present regimes militarily and economically. We urge you, therefore to draw the attention of the representatives of Malaysia and Singapore to these matters and review our continued support of their regimes in the light of them".
The first speaker of the meeting. Dominic Choong, the President of FUEMSSO, elaborated on the continuing foreign domination of the Malaysian and Singapore economies, the repressive practices of the regimes, and the use of racialism to divide and rule the people. He drew attention to the application of the Essential (Security Cases) Regulations and the Internal Security Act, and the appalling rise in the number of death sentences recently.
Tan Wah Plow, the former student leader from Singapore, talked about the use of extracted 'confessions' of detainees to intimidate the people of Singapore. He pointed to the hushed-up detention since the beginning of this year of Grace Poh, wife of Dr Poh Soo Kai, as indicating a new wave of repression against the families of detainees. He stressed the importance of the present campaign to restrain the Singapore regime.
Dr Puey Ungphakorn, the former Rector of Thamasat University, Bangkok, talked about the 'Repression Club, of the ASEAN Alliance countries and how the regimes learnt from one another in repressive techniques.
After a brief discussion, the meeting ended with a tape-recorded message sent to FUEMSSO by Dr Poh Soo Kai, on the occasion of the 12th Anniversary of Operation Cold Store on
A complaint on the
A complaint on the violation of 'human Justice' by the Malaysian regime had been submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. This letter was signed by a group in Malaysia' who described themselves as 'people who are deeply concerned with the Human Rights problem in Malaysia'.
The letter highlighted the plight of one Mr Lee Wen Sang who was sentenced to death on 30 March 77 by a High Court Judge Justice
Lee, a mason, was alleged to have in his possession a pistol, hand grenade and 64 rounds of ammunition. What raised the eyebrows of many was that Lee had previously being charged and sentenced to seven years Jail with six strokes for the same offence, but the sentence and the trial was declared null and void by the courth when Lee appealed.
The appeal court then ordered a fresh trial and the prosecution repeatedly postponed the case. It was not until the Malaysian authorities promulgated new regulations which give a helping hand to the prosecution of such firearm cases that Lee was hauled back to court, charged under new law and sentenced to death.
The letter to the UN described the prosecution tactics as 'a plot to wait for the amendment to the ISA to be passed so that they can use it against the accused'.
With the amendments of the laws and constitution in Malaysia, it is now the responsibility of the accused person to prove his innocence, in some 'security cases'. Cases involving 'illegal possession of firearms and ammunition' fall under such category to be charged under Section 57 of the internal Security Act. This shifting of responsibility from the prosecution of the accused is a total violation of the legal system upon which the Malaysian legislation is based. The cardinal principle that an accused 'is innocent till proven guilty' — a safeguard for the accused in the legal system, is totally ignored and trampled upon in the new Malaysian laws.
Under such system, an accused person has to outwit the enormous machinery of the prosecution before he can hope to escape the hangman's noose for the Judge is compelled by law to impose the maximum sentence — death in the case of illegal possession of firearms. The Malaysian Bar Council said that it is almost impossible for an accused person to prove his innocence.
For the prosecution, the Essential (Security Cases) Regulations
Given such odds, it is no wonder that Lee becomes one of the almost twenty victims of such repressive law.
In Lee's case, the point to note beign that the alleged offence and the original court trial and sentence took place before the promulgation of the new regulations. It is certainly a 'mockery in the history of the legal circle' as the letter pointed out, to nulify previous trial and trial verdict, and proceed to Judge and sentence a person under new regulations.
This blatant flouting of the legal principles unfortunately do not cease here. An equally preposterous situation emerged in a recent case involving a schoolboy charged for 'unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition'.
The schoolboy, a Form One pupil of the Heng Ee School was arrested on 14th February this year in a coffee shop in Pragin Road, Penang. At the time of his arrest, he was 13 years 11 months Under Section 16 of the Juvenille Courts Acts
In arguing against the case, the defence lawyer said that death sentence in fact, was never pronounced on a child in any civilised country in the world. He added that it was unfortunate that his client, against all reasons and humanity, was charged under the ISA. The Essential (Security Cases) Regulations
In pleading for more compassionate treatment for the boy, the counsel argued that the court could show compassion "if not anything else, on humanitarian grounds — to allow my client to be released on bail pending his trial.. "He further stressed that his client has become the first child to be put in prison.
To support his plea, the boy's father in an affidavit said that his son's detention would "invetitably be a traumatic experience for him and my wife and I are very concerned about his welfare and safety". The Judge turned down the application.
From the above cases, it thus implies that more heads will roll since there are 234 more firearm cases to be sentenced. Inspite of repeated appeal and warning against the oppressive laws by the Malaysian Bar Council, the law makers are taking no heed of the complaints. It is important to note that the notorious Essential (Security Cases) Regulations
ref: letter to UN. NST May 17
Salient attempted to gauge Student opinion on the restrictions placed on students entering Stage 2 Law. Most people approached were unaware of any restrictions. The questions asked were as follows:
Well Batty has announced his retirement from International and provincial rugby. If it hadn't been for his enormous competitive spirit I am sure that he would have retired at the end of last year.
Here is a classic case of one of New Zealand's most brilliant players having to retire prematurely because he had firstly been selected to tour South Africa half fit, and still worse expected to play with a serious injury. This of course isn't the first time that this sort of thing has happened. One only needs to remember Meads playing with a broken arm and later against the British Isles leading New Zealand with the after effects of a broken back. No matter how great players are or have been a fully fit replacement will always be more effective than a semi-crippled genius.
At last Dick Quax has achieved his longtime ambition — a world record in the 500m. Congratulations to Quax for surely he has had one of the most chequered athletic histories in this country.
It was justice indeed that he should break the record by just 0.1 sec. because it was by this margin that he missed out on the record last year. It is now history of course that Quax has missed out on the selection of the Australasian team to compete at the World Games later this year. How he was left out in the first place one never knows. Sure he didn't run very convincingly in New Zealand earlier this year but he had won a Silver medal at the Olympic Games and he had run the 2nd fastest time in the 5000m of alt time, but it would seem that this is sufficient to gain selection in the Australasian team. Evidently Quax has to run World records all year around to qualify for such selection. I hope Quax's new record sufficiently stuffs it up the selectors jumper.
Honours to Bjorn Borg for consecutive victories at Wimbledon. Surely he must have the potential to become one of the Worlds greatest tennis players of all time.
Perhaps his greatest attribute is his coolness and his temperament to withstand the pressures of match play. Anyone else would have dissolved in the forefront of Connors Barrage in the first set. Despite admitting being desperately tired, Borg succeeded in dictating play from the 2nd set on by slowing the tempo of the game.
It's that season again! Skiers are notorious for injuring themselves, either in full flight on the ski slopes or in one of the more down to earth accidents which occur apreski, such as slipping on icy steps.
The lower extremities are the most vulnerable. Torn muscles, sprained ligaments and bony fractures are all common injuries, affecting thighs, knees, legs and ankles.
Skiing places more demands on the body framework than most sports. To minimise injury skiers should embark on a phsical fitness programme before the season begins and continue this throughout the season.
Correct clothing and equipment also help to minimise accidents. Jeans are not good enough. Clothing must be warm and 50% woollen fibre is recommended. Attention to adequate food and drink can be crucial. Fatigue is a danger signal. Exhaustion, hunger, heat loss and lack of physical fitness may all contribute to exposure, the real killer on mountains.
The heart-warming illusion of the St Bernard bearing life-saving brandy must be shattered. The practice of giving alcohol to the injured is now condemned. Alcohol encourages blood flow to the skin and although the person's colour may temporarily improve, his general condition will be aggravated. Blood will be diverted from the vital organs such as the brain and further heat loss will be promoted.
If there is any possibility that a person may require an operation the rule is — Never Give Them Anything to Eat or Drink — because an anaesthetic cannot be given safely until the stomach is empty, three to four hours after the last intake.
Put safety first and you'll live to ski another day!
If you want to find out more, The Mountain Safety Council's "Skiing Manual" is available from Government Bookshops.
After a long absence we see the return this week of the literary masterpiece from the ever-active 'Gym' Jim the Extension Man.
Monday July 18th sees the beginning of the third Fitness Analysis week, and before you turn to another part of Salient in morbid fear o of finding out what you might regard as the worst news that you knew already, let me dispel the bogey of 'Fitness Analysis'.
For the past three years the Gym have given students the opportunity to obtain a profile of their own physical state with particular reference to the system in the body which has to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, today, tomorrow and every other day for another 60, 70, 90 yean. The Heart-Lung/Cardio-Vascular/Cardio-Respiratory system. The bit that leaves you gasping as you race for the bus clamber aboard and on your hands and knees, weakly request "2 sections please".
Another major area of concern is the incidence of coronary heart disease; and again for the older students about to embark on an exercise or activity programme then an "All systems go" check up is available using our EGG facility.
The profile which you will obtain will be quick and easy to do. You will not be required to exert yourself to exhaustion (we made that mistake two years ago) and you will have the opportunity to discuss your profile with members of the Gym staff even to the extent of doing something about it!
Two noon on the 18 July - 22nd or if you are really pushed for time, arrange a time with Jan Brown at the Gym Store to get your profile.
The New Intra Mural Soccer Draw is in full swing during Wednesday lunchtimes and for those of you who desire the social pace then Basketball (Thursday 12-1.30) and Volleyball (Tuesday 12 - 1) is for you.
Now classes in Beginners Golf and Tumbling, start on Thyrsdays (11 - 12) while the ever faithful Badminton for beginners (Tuesday 11-12) and (Friday 10-11, 11-12) continues.
For more information on Fitness Analysis Week either ask at the Gym or read the display in the Union Foyer.
Well, I'm afraid I didn't find this revue very funny at all. Mind you, I have no sense of humour, (or to I've been told, by several people, often) so bear that in mind; also I suspect that Dave Smith is one of those people you either find hilarious or you don't. Well I don't, so there we are. Neither, unfortunately, am I terribly uplifted by the tort of music that dominated the show; musicals, Gilbert and Sullivan, depressing themes from various TV series, end of course 'Exita', which I've only heard through once; it sounded to me..... like a rehash of The King and I' with a bit of 'South Pacific' thrown in. There was a sort of orchestra in a pit — it was all a bit
There was a fair amount of soft-hitting political stuff - but where was-Muldoon? Quite a lot of abortion stuff too, dealt with in a peculiarly chauvinist manner I thought. Surely this is the time for some really biting political satire? And why the fuck Evita'? Apart from being dreary and mediocre, hardly anyone's heard it, and no-one's seen it, to half the send-up element it lost. And if the point it to make a point about mediocrity, it is rather important not to be mediocre yourself. Unfortunately this was the case with much of the writing and performance.
Of course, I saw it on the first night and it will improve; but I fear it will only really turn into polished tat at best. Rough good stuff is preferable any day.
The best moments were provided mainly by the short fill-ins between main sketches, notably Anne Budd's hazy and slow song (she was a very good "Queen" too and why didn't she have more to do as Faye Dunaway?) Steve Gledhill was memorable for his entrance as the jester in Bard Lines, and as Stu. Stuart Devinie managed to make everything he did funny; he even managed to make whet he'd forgotten to do funny.
The Impulse Dancers stole the show with four stunning pieces. See it for them if nothing else.
Huis Clot: Unity, A difficult play restricted here by an over literal interpretation. Some good acting, but the strength remains in the words.
Package Deal: Circa, A very funny play by John Banas. Well worth teeing in spite of tome rather wooden acting by some of the actors.
Otherwise Engaged: Downstage, supposedly a funny new play — look out for a review in next week's Salient.
This work by author or authors unknown is written with a quasi-journalistic style - in fan it almost takes on the proportions of an epic. It is what is commonly known in the trade as a "sleeper" having never featured in the best seller lists but has been a consistent seller over the years and has often rivalled "War and Peace" in the number of new editions that have been published.
The book begins dramatically and the opening chapters are little short of brilliant with their fast moving action and interlocking themes. However, it would have been better if the authors had kept their feet firmly on the ground instead of indulging of flights of literary fantasy and pulling characters out of the air (such as Cain and Abel's wives) rather than introducing them gradually.
However, this promising beginning is soon marred as the plot gets bogged down in long genealogies mat add nothing to the story. The plot gets moving with a flood disaster sequence that almost rivals "Airport 77"for its emotional intensity but the story line soon falters again and most of the rest of the firts half consists of promising better things to come in the second.
The second half opens dramatically with the coming of the Messiah, a Muhammed Ali type figure who claims divine omnipotence and 100% of the profits. However, the plot soon degenerates into a sloppy love affair with Mary Magdalene her like the romance sequence in "Bottle at O.K. Corral", and the ending it Suspiciously like the ending of this film.
There are many divergent themes in this section. The scenes with the twelve disciples are permeated with an underlying mysticism and the Palm Sunday scene is a superb piece of Kitsch. In fact this scene is the best in the book and has served as the inspiration for many more recent works such as "Don Quixote".
Then for some inexplicable reason, the authors insist on repeating the story three times and they include a long appendix of letters and essays which add nothing to the story. Many of these letters serve only to confuse the issue and I feel that this space would have been better used for a comprehensive bibliography and references. In fact it would have been more preferable if the entire book had been properly referenced as much of the content it derivative of earlier unpublished works (T.S. Eliot makes this point in "The Wasteland"), and other material it essentially common to the Kaballah and other Pre-Roman literature.
There is much merit in the work, however, It has been made into a successful stage show and has gained a large cult following. It is short on real answers though and those seeking a real insight into life would be better reading "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".
In conclusion I feel that the authors tried to take on too much in this book. Rather than attempt to bind the many divergent themes together it would have been better to publish a volume of short stories. However, I await the authors' next work with great interest.
Due to the resignation of 3 Exec officers before June 1st of this year a by-election will be held on 27th and 28th June to fill the vacant positions of:
Woman Vice-President
SRC Co-ordinator
Cultural Affairs Officer.
Applications for these positions are now open and will close at 4.30pm. on Friday 15th July. Applicants may withdraw at any time before 4.30pm on Monday July 18th.
All applications should be handed in to the Students Association Office.
The following deals with films screened up to and include Wednesday 6 July. Our aim has been to provide comprehensive reviews; rather, we have concentrated on specific elements of the various films which we think of interest or importance in their evaluation. (Neither of the two present writers speaks (or the other). We would like to initiate a discussion through these pages on the films and/or their relationship to cinema itself. If anyone wishes to write an article on any aspect of the festival, they should contact Simon Wilson through Salient.
The Story of Adele H. is a story of suffering. Adele suffers from a passion that is, in her case, obsessive. It takes the form of an undying love that is never reciprocated and as such leads her down the path to a spiritual death. Adele is a pitiable character. She never attempts rationally to come to terms with her obsession. She will win our pity, but because of her blind refusal to examine her own motives, she will not win our sympathy.
It is a true story given dramatic life by Francois Truffaut and is set within the bounds of a romantic genre. As such it is designed to make a plea upon our emotions, to which aim it succeeds to a certain extent. But there are aspects that hamper its development. One is that a film of a romantic nature such as this lacks the breadth and conflict of passions that one finds in, say, (compare Adele Hugo with Scarlett O'Hara) Gone with the Wind. Adele's passion is singular and touches our emotions on one level alone. Adjani achieves a considerable depth within this level and her performance alone is enough to carry the film but there remain avenues of interest (eg. her identity problem) which, were they to have been explored properly, would at least have added a few more shades and textures onto a personality that is only one-sided.
The fault is Truffaut's. He has everything else right: the sombre mood created by the darkness and by overcast skies (significantly there is bright sunshine when her mental and spiritual resources are at their end). But he has hot understood the cardinal rule that governs films concerned wholly with one person. That is, if the film is to succeed, the person under examination must transcend characterisation. This is particularly essential when a film has no other purpose in mind except to be a human study. The Story of Adele H. is such a film.
It would be wrong to go overboard and call it, as some critics have done, "a grand-scale comedy" or a '"woman's film' to end all 'woman's films'". It is simply a sad love story. Let us not have the name "Francois Truffaut" distort our critical sense.
The strength of Travailing Players is its synthesis of the didactically political and the aesthetic. The film gives the lie to any suggestion that such concerns are mutually exclusive. Politics retain the immediate significance, art secures it at a profound lever.
The film's most striking aspect is its style: long takes that cover the whole range of camera movement from pans and tilts to extended tracking shots that retain focus in an instant's breath and never miss a cue for action. The preparation has been so meticulous that almost any frame taken from the film would be composition-perfect.
Continuity of time and action gives artistic order to the turmoil and shifting events in Greece during the period. A clearer perception is the audience's benefit.
Colour and atmosphere are exploited for their effect. A funereal air hangs over the locations the troupe visit. Director Angelopoulos uses cold colours in his backdrops to evoke this mood. The dark heavy coats of the players blend into blues, greys and off whites while sunshine is visible only once. It is as if they are taking part in a funeral, the death of their country's freedom.
The players themselves are not real people although the experiences they relate in Brechtian fashion to the audience are real enough. (These occasion the film's only closeups). The players view their situation as tragic and so assume the poses of the tragic Greek figures. In effect they are particulars representative of the universal (proletariat in this case) but through the mythological mode the implications are much wider.
In fact the formal quality of the film can be traced back to the high poetry of Greek tragedians such as Aeschylus and Sophocles. The film is a rendering of this style into cinematic terms. Whereas the poetry of the Ancients found its expression in the spoken word, the poetry of The Travelling Players finds its expression through the image.
Like Aeschylus's 'Oresteia', it is the power of the message which lifts The Travelling Players above the level of the aesthetic. Angelopoulos's contribution to the film form cannot be overlooked To refine cinema down to this 'classical' form is without doubt a step forward.
Conversation Piece fails on a fundamental level. All its characters are two dimensional, stereotyped and unconvincing. Their faults, and the film's themes, are easily highlighted because they lack the conceptual depth necessary to this style of film. For however rich it is visually, and however melodramatic. Conversation Piece is a psychological study.
The subject is an old man. The intriguing thing is who this man is, the Professor or Visconti? Or both. They share an obsession with decorative aesthetics, paintings being to the Professor what films are to Visconti. In Death in Venice Thomas Mann did most of the probing. Here, in what is to my knowledge the closest Visconti has come to self-analysis, he is working directly off his own bat.
The decadent bourgeoisie, the post-scripted inclusion of political concerns, are the products of an old man's failing mind. We can say that the behaviour of Konrad and Co. conforms to the Professor's vision. Perhaps the whole film is a dying fantasy: the cardiograph ticker-tape which encloses it is one element which suggests this. His deluded sensibility is evident in such statements as, 'The only old man whose story is mine is King Lear', and, 'I'm not interested in people who lose control of their own destiny'.
Yet this delusion is tantamount to naivety. How else can he seem to be speaking these lines after a lifetime of contemplation? How else does he not see through Konrad's superficial interest in music and painting? And if he is so naive how did he get to be a professor?
This contradiction limits his full characterisation, exposing the weakness of Visconti's vision. If ignored, the film fits very nicely into its elderly-protagonist-in-search-of-a-son storyline. As such the film is enjoyable, especially in its less frivolous second half.
But that's not much. Even the quickest comparison with Death in Venice reveals how heavily schematic the story is. We can follow what is happening yet should not be blind to the way story development replaces development of character and theme. Death in Venice is similarly concerned with rejuvenation of the old by the young and the paucity of aesthetics compared with love/life. It never needs to come right out and say so.
The sad irony of Conversation Piece is its autobiographical nature. Visconti has done a brave and honest thing in presenting himself through the Professor as a man for whom retreat into aesthetics has not provided succour enough. I can't help thinking he has done so in spite of himself, that his desire to criticise certain types of people has been eclipsed by his love of rich decor, that his integrity in facing his struggle has been transformed into a whimsical account of failure which doesn't mean much to anyone.
If Adele H. was a true story given dramatic life by Truffaut, then the Straubs' production of Schoenberg's opera Moses and Aaron has given the mythical story a dramatic death.
The opera's theme is the dialectical conflict between Moses (with his pure idea of a God that no image can represent) and Aaron (the practical maker of images). Simply stated, between the idea and the form. Schoenberg has put this theme to a powerful and at times melodramatic musical composition which, by the nature of music, serves as an emotional counterpoint to the intellectual discussion between the two main figures. For every "idea", no matter how intangible, is of worth only when the idea itself is either motivated by or will influence an emotional response. It is the balance between the words (intellect) and music (emotion) which keep Schoenberg's "Moses and Aaron" afloat. Which brings us to the visual medium through which the opera is presented and through which, by interpretation, the balance is maintained or re-adjusted.
The Straubs have at their disposal the most subjective of the visual forms, film, yet their treatment of the opera is one that denies its subjective function. Their minimal use of editing denies it its function as a means of developing dramatic tension. Camera movement, while often graceful, is, for a large part, a static affair. The aim is to present a faithful reproduction of the opera; deliberately eschewing the dynamic rhetoric of film secures a greater reality and objectivity.
As far as their film goes, it is perfect. But such perfection has been bought at a great cost for it is a perfection stillborn from a dry, calculated, impersonal, unambitious conception. While the misic remains a strong force in the film, the scales have been tilted in prominence to the theme. This imbalance occurs in the way the cast, especially the chorus, have been made to perform. They respond to their situation unemotionally, best exemplified by the orgy round the Golden Calf which the Straubs turn into a dull and farcial ritual. The neglect of both the opera's and film's potential doesn't deny them an artistic point yet their non-involved commitment is a paradox that remains unresolved.
Their interpretation shifts the level of the film towards a more intellectual base and as a result its range of value decreases proportionally.
A Bigger Splash could have been a resume of David Hockney's life and work which told us all about his status in British art, providing a kind of animated illustrated catalogue complete with background information. Such is the documentary norm. Instead it adopted the very themes and principles which Hockney himself uses, avoiding the essay format to initiate us into an empathetic mode of understanding him.
The central themes are the relationships of life and art, man and artist. Hockney's swimming pool paintings are obsessively psychological. They, the photographs he takes and the sketches he does of Schlesinger, all stand at the point where Hockney's every aspect is fused into one. Those photographs express his need of the boy and his need of the perfect image; while the second need is an acute representation of the first. The film captures all this without ever resorting to explanation or analysis.
In one scant Hockney and hit dealer attempt to discuss their obligations to each other. Both are utterly inarticulate and seemingly unaware of the issues involve. Hockney imagines he sees the dealer standing outside with his face pressed flat against the window; he laughs and so do we. Then we realise the painting behind them is of the dealer doing just that. What we understand by this, and the degree of complexity the vignette contains are left entirely up to us to decide.
A Bigger Splash is basically a series of such scenes in which lack of verbal intellectualisation and abundance of the visual interplay of ideas set the dominant tone. This gives rise to a sophisticated manipulation of space and time which places the film absolutely within its own medium. As such it is an important work. This gives rise to a sophisticated manipulation of space and time which pieces the film absolutely within its own medium. As such it is an important work. When this manipulation it controlled it provides valuable moments when over-indulged in the result is trite.
The most obvious example is the repetitive visual pun of the person striking a pose in front of a picture of him striking a pose. Theme is made unbearably explicit. It is a cheap joke which belies the seriousness of Hockney's work.
The film masquerades as a documentary yet quite patently isn't. The roots support something much closer to fantasy. Improvised dialogue it set in a pattern of prearranged and often recreated events. The result is that we gain remarkable insights into the people, the way they are and the way they think they are.
The honesty of this approach it the film's real strength. Although we are constantly aware of the themes, we are given almost no means to judge them or the people, Except for the music (which involves us when Hockney is onto something) the film ignores the many devices at its desposal for manipulating our reactions. Thus it throws us back on our own preconceptions, making us judge ourselves. This happens whether one likes or hates the film and/or the people in it.
Comparison with Volcano is useful here. Malcolm Lowry was great novelist, we are told point-blank. As if to illustrate this we are presented with a number of rather petty observations from various acquaintances. Of course there are two major differences between Lowry and Hockney: they do not share a medium and the former is dead. Yet Lowry is quite capable of speaking for himself through hit eminently readable prose. This was badly underused. The psychiatrist's explanation of the writer's guilt complex, for example, is superfluous if one has read any of the novels, and gives no clue of Lowry's treatment of this subject to one who hasn't.
The second-hand nature of the film, combined with exclusion of many salient aspects of Lowry's life (intense superstition, the relationship with Conrad Aitken, his admiration for Nordahl Grieg and Melville, etc.) give us little chance to understand or become involved in him for ourselves. Because Volcano merely feeds us information it lacks an essential respect for the viewer.
Heart of Glass is a distillation of Werner Herzog films to date, a consolidation of themes and technique. And at the risk of repeating himself he has made another beautiful film.
But beneath the visual splendour there runs, as always, the allegorical tale and, as always, the diverse interpretations to which the tale lends itself. The trap is, of course, to fret and worry over what Herzog himself is trying to say and to arrive at an analysis that justifies the director's position. In pursuing this end it is easy to fall into Herzog's pit of abstruseness. The point is that rather than come to terms with the film on the director's level, the point of departure for resolving the film's intricacies should stem from each person's own mystical/rationale sense, Herzog's films remain deeply personal, but since he arouses rather than directs our feelings and intelligence we can approach his films with as much respect for our own opinions as for those of the director,
I think Heart of Glass it a negative examination of human nature and the destructive fallibilities that are symptoms of it. The townspeople serve as an analogy for the rest of us. Ideals fall first: the ideal in the film is the ruby glass — when the means for perpetuating this ideal are lost the townspeople (and by analogy, ourselves) are on the road to insanity. As proof they refuse to be helped and suppress the agent that holds their only hope for enlightenment. Old age is not wisdom, but bitterness, (the old man's forced, despairing Laugh). Complete symbolic degradation occurs when the glass factory is burnt down.
These events take up the course of only one day, indicating to us that our rational grip on out own natures is more tenuous than we imagine. The seer hints that our level of being is but transitional: "Peasants will become townspeople and the townspeoples apes". To this we remain unaware. We are doomed by our ignorance. (Herzog sought to make this point by literally hypnotising the cast during production. The seer comments: "But, like sleepwalkers, people will walk towards their doom".) It is a deeply pessimistic observation of a life of futility without hope.
Well, this is my version of the film, this is how I understand it as a thematic work. What becomes confusing now is that this secondary, intellectual response is completely at variance with my primary emotional response. For, before the film is understood, it is felt. The problem lies in being able to reconcile the soft, hallucinatory feel of the film with the hard, ruthless message it adopts.
Either Herzog has made an artistic blunder in having his theme at cross-purposes with his form — or otherwise, I have some re-thinking to do.
In Heart of Glass the young factory owner says at one stage, 'When you receive a letter with all the words mixed up, it makes you think'. The man it mad, the letter' is a sofa and contains no dues to the secret he is seeking.
In this we have a possible key to the film. Anything in which the component elements are mixed up asks us to investigate it, and denies us the chance to simply follow its exposition one two, three. We must take each separate element on its own terms and discover or even create our own patterns and meanings. Films, and Herzoq contributions in particular, function like this. Like the sofa, they are not letters and cannot be understood by perceiving them as such. If 'letter' stands for logical structure suggesting some truth beyond its own existence, then we must view the sofa, and Heart of Glass, as defining their own logic, as existing as their own truths.
Fata Morgana was the purest film I have seen, in that it is about what Herzog sees at man's saving grace — his creative power — and the film itself it its own witness. Heart of Glass presents us first with the idea that man it not capable of recognising and utilising his creative power, then (when we see the herdsman Hias grappling with an imaginary bear) that this power is itself false, and finally (when the island dwellers set out to discover the world and the birds follow them) with a great question mark.
This allegorical conclusion possibly redeems Hias because it is his vision. Vision, however illusory it may be at heart, is still the greatest hope. No conclusion can be reached. It is very much to the point with Herzog, as with Beckett, that the work itself is the truth. That it was made is cause for hope.
Don't forget Paul Maunder's award-winning Landfall on Monday at 2 and 8 pm. Note extra screenings of Fassbinder's Fox and his Friends (Tues) and Wertmuller's Seven Beauties (Thurs) at 10 45 pm.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Tues 2.15 pm Norman Jewison's extrav. I haven't found a person who liked it yet.
The Beositting Room: Wed 2.15 pm Spike Milligan's black comedy set in the post-holocaust age. A virtual who's who of British comedy directed by Dick Lester (
Sons and Lovers: Thurs 2.15 pm Jack Cardiff's 'decent and enjoyable' film adaption of Lawrence's novel. In black and white with Dean Stockwell, Trevor Howard, Wendy Hiller (
Entries to the Caption Contest should be witty and topical. Entries may be put in the Salient basket in the Studass Office, or in the box just inside the Salient door. Entries close on Thursday noon. Judging will be by the Salient staff and therefore no staff member may enter. The prize is an L.P. of your choice from Colin Morris Records.
In the June 13 issue, L. Jenkins raised several points concerning a question that I asked of Russell Marshall at a recent forum on Bursaries, concerning students teachers allowances.
Unfortunately I think that L. Jenkins has got the wrong end of the stick about the question. The implication in his/her letter is that I would like to have seen the allowances of the student teachers cut so that university students could get an increase in bursaries. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The point of the question was to find out whether the Labour Party still bad any ideas of cutting student teacher allowances as they attempted to do under 'Filthy' Phil Amos. L. Jenkins will remember that the Labour Government saw the placing of student teachers on the STB or at least drastically reducing their allowances as a means of being able to give university and technical institute students an increase without having to pay out any more from the kitty (in fact they would have made money on the deal.) This idea was hastily dropped when there was united opposition from both university and training college students. VUWSA at the time expressed its full support for the students teachers and has remained consistent to that policy.
Hopefully this will clarify the point and L. Jenkins along with other members of this association will support the continued campaign for higher bursaries free from iniquitous anomolies, but not at the expense of the wages and conditions of college students.
Mr Rowling, in a speech reported in the Evening Post (Saturday 2 July) was quoted as saying our Social Welfare and Taxation systems are responsible for keeping many retired people from working in their twilight years and thereby depriving the country of a valuable resource which it can little afford.
You despicable man you. Bill Rowling, where is the Labour Party of old with its means-tested benefits and redistribution of wealth policies which primarily discriminated against people of lower and middle income brackets and kept them from working in retirement.
Somehow no doubt due to the now social-democratic notion destiny of the Party our Bill forgot to mention this aspect of the past policies.
To overseas students from SE Asia, most of you will be more of Engineers or Accountants. Engineers are supposed to be better planners scientifically and Accountants in terms of economy
Recently, Japanese-based six billion dollars petrol-chemical industry is going to be developed in the Island of Singapore. The PM, Lee Kuan Yew will be soon signing the deal, in the name of Singapore's economic prosperity and advancement. But one must not forget the consequences that will result out of it in terms of pollution in Air, Water, Sea foods, etc. (which the people in Singapore breathe drink and eat everyday). The pollution created out of such petrol chemical plant is a slow murderous one with symptoms appearing only after a generation, deformed features in parts of the hyman body is a common one. (Although some Singaporean Chemical Engineers to be might desregard this factor because there will be a chance for the field they studied). The price will be too high for the Singaporeans to pay even some may think they are the cream of their country, it will also be too late when they finally find out the murderous symptoms of the disease caused by this pollutant. Have you heard of the Japanese Minamata disease?
Since Japan has become so polluted, the Japanese people can tolerate it no more, it was forced to move its polluting industries to South-East Asia especially Singapore with excellent port facilities and pool of cheap labour. In order not to let those countries learn the technical 'Know-how', the products are usually semi-finished and it is the most polluting part during it's production process. The cleaner part of the job will be done back in Japan to provide the Japanese with employment.
South-East Asians, especially Singaporeans, private or Columbo Plan Scholars, I hope you will share with the Japanese people the following poem written by a sixteen year old third form student after he left his village to study in the city of Kawasaki. Here this Japanese friend, Shinichiro Hogtsu wrote the following poem.
'Japan With No Pollution Hurry up and Come'
written in
Hope you all students can play your part to help prevent this tragedy from happening in your countries. Think about your further generation. Please be warned by the Japanese example and learn not to fall into the same tragic days at least for your future generations!
Having received rebuke for your admirable but ill conceived plan to stimulate debate by using forged letters from unsuspecting innocent writers (yes I'm referring to the forged Mulrennan letter). I wish Salient would stop continuing this practice.
As President of the Victoria House Students Committee it has come to my attention that two letters in the last edition attributed to Bruce Parkin and David Shilton are also forgerieses. These two students who suffer much abuse for their political sympathies are residents at Vic House and I have been advised by them that they know the authors of these letters and know their motives are, a rather underhand plot, to discredit their political persuasion.
Salient should take greater care in establishing the authenticity of its letters least you destroy your own credibility as well.
I just wish to point out to the same few fools forever criticising MSA, to get their information right before doing what they do. The decision to boycott the ISC was made by the members, as part of their democratic right. The committee's intention, to my knowledge, had been the contrary, in view of this. I think these critics have done that Association a great wrong (can I expect anything less of these lunatics?).
I agree with 'Do-gooder'. I think you should put a time limit on any discussions. You should close it when it is past history or become repetitive and boring. Otherwise I may get the idea you are tied in with their vindictive campaign from their 'free-ride'.
I don't want to keep the letter too long. There are too many of these inconsiderate ones already. Thank you for your space.
PS. I am disappointed with 'an Ex-OCF er'. Never expect him to use an 'evaluation' as a pretext to boost his Association and downgrade others.
As a first year student I am indeed pissed off by the rumours and 'political' propanganda I am subjected to. So I have been told by a group of students saying that the functions of WMSSA is a political thing and that I ought to avoid them. The trouble is that I find it very enjoyable and also I find warmth arid friendliness from the people in it.
Sometimes I find that I am capable of judging for myself but with the constant barrage of 'news' from this particular group I find that I am wavering. Please do not subject me to these propaganda because I think I want a chance to judge for myself. Okay?
At last a real man speaks up on what la so obvious.
It is most refreshing to read something in Salient so close to a man's heart instead of thet rubbish one normally associates with Student Papers, I am refering of course to the letter in the June 5 issue of Salient from the President of VUW Mens Liberation Group.
Man has been the Dominant species for centuries and women have never had the freedom of choice so I see no reason why it should start now! I can only reiterate his statements concerning women and as for now the question of abortion should be solved I suggest an alternative: have a National Referendum on abortion, the only ones taking part being men. Once and for all this would decide the question. One last word, why has the VUW Mens Liberation Group been so slow in coming forward? I suggest that 20% of student funds should go to this exception group at once to help prevent the spread of any more subversive ideas that women are equals!
Referring to letter appearing in June 5 edition of Salient I was wondering whether you could clarify a few points for me.
The letter signed by the VUW Mens Liberation group is one of the very few letters I have read this year that makes some very sound points. I personally am sick to the back teeth of hearing about women's rights and I am glad that at long last some one has stood up for the rights of men.
What I would like to know Sir, is whether such a group as the Mens Loberation Group does exist on campus? and if not, do you feel with the large amount of clubs representing women (eg. WONAAC 8 WCC etc.) it is about time the male students banned together to stick up for their diminishing rights, while we still have them as I feel soon it will be too late.
In Salient (June 13) a few letters criticised 'Just an Asian' and 'Majid' because they suggested some Asian governments encouraged Christianity as part of a policy of repression. 'Just an Asian' and Majid' are correct but they could have added that Christianity has always justified the class nature of society and has promoted sexism.
The Christians have glorified the employer/ worker relationship as a model of man's relationship to God (Mark 13:34. Matt. 18:23, 25:14, Luke 12:42, 17:7) and Paul justifies it in 1 Tim, 6:1 when he says 'Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed". The bible also says "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle but also to the forward. For this is thankworthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. (1 Peter 2:18, 19) and there are other texts on a similar vein.
Scriptural references to women led theologians to debate whether women are human beings at all. For example, this subject was debated at a meeting organised by Luther at Wittenberg in
The above texts can be found in recent editions of the bible which means they are still part of Christian doctrine otherwise they would have been 'reinterpreted'. I have used only the Bible as a source of Christian 'teaching' because in one of the letters which criticise 'Just an Asian' and Majid' it says 'The teaching of Christianity comes from the Bible — anything else that is taught in the name of Christianity is not truly Christian teaching and should not be recognised as such".
PS. If you believe religion is only superstition join the NZ Rationalist Association. 64 Sumonds St.
Auckland 1.
The other day I went down to the Cafe for a bag of chips. After a long queue, my turn came. As usual, I said, "Chips, please". The lady filled up a bag, and to my surprise she said I was not to be served for not saying "Please" to her! She than put it down. Followed, I was fired and felt rather embarrassed. What the shit is this? The new system introduced by the management or just looking for an outlet for the frustration? If this lovely word is so important to the staff there, then why not have the fucking radio turned off so that they can bear it? or if they have hearing problem and yet so fussy, then I would suggest they get the hearing aid ready, or if not, I would suggest they pay full attention to the customers when they are talking or else there is no guarantee that they will hear it. Do you expect us to shout out loudly just to ensure that you actually receive such a lovely word?
I consider writing letters to the Editor a complete waste of time and just to prove this I'm going to write a letter to the Editor and waste my time, his time and everyone who reads this letters' time.
First of all to write such a letter one must have Patience, Intelligence and a Lot of Time to Spare. The first is very rare, especially amongst students, the second well.................. and the third hmm......better not incriminate myself. An important point to make when writing a waste of time letter such as this is, NOT to waste any time writing it. If you do this the letter is too compact and therefore a complete waste of time, which is after all what we are aiming for.
Another very important point to make in writing wasting time letters is this: That every non-intelligable, illogical and thoroughly frustrating point you make in reference to wasting time is in fact a valuable waste of time. There we go — wasting time again!
Well I can't sit round here all day and have you waste my time so P.O.
We would like to use the columns of Salient to make a plea to both students and staff at the university to take extra care at the pedestrian crossing on Upland Road next to Kelburn School.
A patrol of senior children operates the crossing during peak hours in the morning, and we are worried about the density of traffic and possible danger to the children using the patrol.
Could we ask students and staff to take extra care at the crossing, to slow down well before the patrol signs are reached and to assist the children generally in their difficult task. We feel much of the traffic in the morning is bound for the university and we would like to enlist your help in reducing the danger to the children.
Thank you on behalf of parents and children at Kelburn School.
Who does Peter Thrush think he is kidding? His pitiful performance as Sports Officer deserves only one acolade — a steel-capped boot in his lower abdomenal regions. For those who read his manifesto last year these remarks might seem a bit strong as — praise be to God — he only promised one little promise and there's still 5 months of the year left.
The last Council meeting showed how far Thrush's devotion to duty goes. Actually he was reported to have gone to Nelson on holiday while Council made crucial decisions on the restriction of numbers of law students (some of the best sportsmen and women on Campus). Thrush's vote (as the 2nd student rep) would have tied the substantive motion but unfortunately Council was unwilling to send a scrutineer to sunny Nelson to find out which way Peter wanted to vote. Thrush has been unreliable in his attendance as a Council rep. and has voted strangely when he has been present. He is making a mockery of the student representation system.
But, to be fair, — Thrush has worked hard on somethings. Its just that be hasn't done them very well. Anyone who went ot Easter tournament will tell you what a fiasco that was and that the whole thing would have fallen apart if Thrush's fiancee hadn't done all his thinking for him.
Last year criticism of Peter hit Salient from people deeply involved in sports — Thrush failed to reply. He offered no excuses for the fuckup on ticket refunds for last Easter tournament. He was eventually censured by Sports Committee. If in last years elections he'd been opposed by a hot-dog from the downstairs cafe (without mustard) he would have lost by a margin that would make the Labour Party blush. As it was, Thrush's no-confidence vote set a new Vic. record at nearly 600 votes.
This incompetent has had the cheek to try and get his Exec. honoraria increased by 50% to $450 and yet do less work than Kevin Wright did. He's done nothing for general student activities and opposed virtually every major campaign the association has become involved in. Why some disillusioned member of the 303 Rifles club hasn't shot the bugger yet I don't know. Actually the Karate club says they'll be turning up to SRC this week to vote no-confidence in him and if that fails they'll sand which him between two roofing states and administer remedial treatment to the strains of 'Kung Fu fighting'.
Oh, Holy Jesus ! So at long last a reply to 'Boiling Red' alias 'Overseas Students Reporter' (?). Before I proceed to put your mind at serene ease for your coming redemption.... let me say that 'Boiling Red' isn't the Overseas Students Reporter nor the one who directed the attack against Christianity.
Since you have lumped all the people together who have attacked people of your kind, then obviously it is possible to lump you as one of MSA's committee members or its leader (?).
Obviously you still haven't found it ripe to offer anything to the students other than waiting for your deliverance (?) Perhaps(?). I believe in Christianity only if it is not mused as a tool for suppressions and oppression of progressive Ideas and thoughts.
Your kind of mentality is like Ah Q finding it hard to face the realities of the world and society and going around and imagining you have won a psychological victory. Naughty, naughty boy, you must learn to face the realities of the world.
The VUW Young Socialist, held a seminar at Victoria on July 2. The seminar, entitled "Maoism and Trotskyism", was an attempt to look in detail at the political reasons that underly the anti-trot hysteria in Salient, and elsewhere among the folowers of Chairman Mao's thought.
The seminar was planned from the first to be an open and fair debate.' But on the day not one supporter of Maoism turned up. Nevertheless, the response was very encouraging. About thirty people attended, and the discussion was generally lovely.
The Young Socialists plan to repeat the topics that were discussed at the seminar, during lunchtimes when it is easier for studets to attend. The next one will be on Thursday July 14 on China Today: the Purge of the 'Gang of Four'; following that will be on July 19 the topic being Maoism and Women's Liberation, and on July 26 we will present Maoism and Democratic Rights.
This letter then is in the nature of a challenge: a challenge to those who support the policies of Maoism. We believe that they should be prepared to debate the issues that are of concern to many students. But the Maoists including David Murray, Lindy Cassidy. Leonie Morris and Bruce Robinson, refused to take part in the seminar. We are presenting them with another another opportunity to present their point of view a view. After all this year they have mounted a steady campaign against the trots particularly in Salient. It is their responsibility to come out and explain openly their reasons for such a campaig. If
The Young Socialists would encourage anyone who is interested in this discussion to get in touch with, members of the Young Socialists.
May I refer to your last issue (no. 15) in which an attack was directed against WMSSA. After being in Wellington for three years I find that this is the first time I have needed to write a letter to Salient. This is particularly necessary because I feel that WMSSA is unjustifiably attacked. Having been disillusioned by all the stale politics a that have gone on for the past two years I have suddenly found a body that is capable and willing to serve the interests of the students. This can be seen by the recent success of the ISC, the many get-togethers,
At least they realised that they must look after our interests and that we are not a group of overseas students to be kicked around like a football ! Without a representative, this will give the present government added confidence to push us around like nobody's business.
As to them being manipulated by VUWSA and NZUSA I guess that there is quite a bit of nastiness in it. Perhaps the writer can offer us conclusive proof? From what I see the writer has misused the space that the Editor of Salient has kindly offered him. I guess that Malaysians shouts not attack each other but work together.
Dear Whom-so-ever so this shall concern, if you're not interested Mumsy has promised me she will read this. She also said if you don't put my letter in your paper she'll be very cross with you!
Anyway I would like to say how much I enjoy reading Salient, it is the highlight of my week. The dynamic way you and your staff keep coming up with daringly bold witty articles which really reflect how light-hearted and good humoured student life can be never ceases to amaze me as I study my accountancy.
Oh dear! I've forgotten what I was going to.....
First of all I must clarify that I am NOT an MSSA NOR an MSA member. Or else, I will be given an MSSA hat by you as you had done to others in your letter to Salient of last issue.
Next, as a person who does analysing and proving the validity of the statements made. I have some questions to ask you in relation to your letter:
PS. If you have no concrete evidence for you various smears and defamatory statements to WMSSA. VUWSA and NZUSA, i would say you, Slex Chen, owe an open apology to these three organisation.
In the last issue of Suara Siswa, and on other occasions, MSA has claimed that VUWSA and NZUSA are Interfering with the Malaysian organisation (probably MSSA). Alex and MSA elaborate on this by giving us facts?
I attended a few MSSA gatherings but could not find a trace of this. I understand MSA had mistaken the ISC as a Malaysian conference. It is saying VUWSA should not be there, interfering. But ISC stands for 'INTERNATIONAL Students Congress' which the Kiwi has a part. Besides, VUW was playing host for this around the bush.
The human race, not 'alone' but 'together' will shape the future of this earth.
If you are interested in Humanism then come to a meeting at 62 Mein St, Newtown, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, or phone Frank Dungey at 837752.
Walks and picnics in the bush at Kaitoke on Sunday 17 July. Cost $2.00, bring lunch. Tickets from Cathryn and Simon phone 759664. Native Forests Action Council.
Dear David
A few comments on the philosophy of 'goodness'
Materialists view matters in constant motion. Nothing is absolute, the good has to be contrasted with the bad and the ugly. If the bad and the ugly do not exist, the term good will become uncomprehensively abstract, if it could even be found in our lexicons.
Do-Gooder wrote to Salient last week asking good soul searching questions with good intentions, it is indeed a very healthy and encouraging sign to know that some overseas students are beginning to see further than the dusty Rankine Brown windows permit. Our role as overseas students and our obligations to society are of fundamental concern to every student. However, I would rather confine this letter to comment on few points raised by do-gooder.
It is important to have a principled stand on all issues. I take do-gooder's point in that there had been repetitions of criticisms on the Hawker's sketch put up by MSA. Repetition can be boring, but unfortunately what do-gooder failed to see is the essence of this issue. He is confused and has contradicted himself as to his view on the sketch. On the one hand he said was wrong and inhumane and on the other he said it should be permitted. The issue is for more serious than a minor 'underestimation' on the part of the MSA committee.
Despite the mass of criticisms, the MSA committee has stubbornly refused to apoligise at any stage. Hence, one can conclude the Hawker sketch was a deliberate planned attempt to riducule and mock the unfortunate hawkers in Malaysia. To distort realities and propagate degenerate culture. MSA (who claimed to represent 300-400 Malaysian students in Wellington) is clearly aiming to meslead both the overseas students and the NZ public at large. Such a scheme is not to the best interest of overseas students here. Hence, "all the fuss" and there is no way you can "leave her alone".
Firstly, I wish to express my deepest regret that his brain hurts, and to propose a provisional diagnosis ie. His one brain cell is probably lonely.
Secondly, although I agree with his statements concerning the 'Chinder-coated hallways (although most of us endeavour to reach at least a lavatory lid or a clogged handbasin) and the 'Cistern in the Sky". I think it necessary to elucidate on some of his alluded 'facts'. Namely,
Finally, after noticing Mr Condom's decidedly right-wing extremist, pyromaniacal, anti-abortionist and Oedipal tendencies, together with his over-developed ego (qv 'Literary Masterpiece'), I would recommend that he voluntarily commit himself under the Mental Health Act
As a respected and well established back-street abortionist may I just say that the Weir House boys are the best behaved, most witty, charming, polite, friendly and Christian bunch you could hope to meet.
I would just like to reply to B. Condom. MBH's letter in a recent Salient. In my opinion Weir House residents are the best behaved, most witty, charming polite, friendly and Christian bunch of boys I have had the pleasure to meet.
As a priest of long serving I would like to uphold the honour of Weir House residents. I've had a long association with the youth of NZ and I must say I have never met a more well behaved, witty, charming, polite, friendly and Christian bunch of boys.
Well its night time here in the North Sea, the day, for what it has been worth, has ended and I'm pissed off because the video film I have already seen and the movie: — Major Dundees Revenge; a load of Cowboy crappola about Apache bunting in the middle of the American Civil War on the Texan Border is just a pain in the butt, still all the good ol' boys from orange Texas will probably get off on it, so all is not that bad, then again they wouldn't know shit from shinola!
So here i am sitting in my room with Little Feat's 'Time Loves a Hero' playing on my fartbox of a tape recorder and suffering from a healthy dose of the flu. One is not far off the track when he guesses that is a good enough reason to write a lot of spiel to the old University mag.
It has just come to my attention that our learned I'M in all his learned wisdom has seen fit to declare that President Carter is just a Peanut Farmer whose completely right sense of diplomatic openess is worrying his allies! We'll what the hell do we expect from a semi-illiterate Chartered Accountant, (very dull job that! I urge you all to join the league to fight Chartered Accountancy!! Dull, dull, dull!) God knows, I search in vain, for a reason for Piggy's outburst but it beats me; need it be said that Carter is a man of vision who not only has a duty but a right to speak up for the world's oppressed as leader of the world's most powerful democracy It only needs to be said that Carters words forced Gromiko to say more in eight minutes about Russian Foreign policy than the Russian people have heard in 20 years! Still Muldoon must go along with Russian logic — "don't interfere with our internal affairs, it's OK if we interfere with yours in the name of the Communist International but you can't interfere in ours! "Rob go fry your head — or roll a joint or something — but for gawds sake when you speak — speak about something, speak about something you know! H'mm come to think of it that limits him somewhat doesn't it? Well having got that off my chest I gotta say that I wish you all the best in Mid-Terms and to those of you who haven't got them then I suggest you all go out, and get horribly pissed or something!
London was really a knock-out, but the aura, as well as being magical, was heavy there. One sensed all the time that because they are economically up shits creek without a paddle that the next Facist-ethnic purity convention was just around the corner. The local elections just passed saw a rise in voles and seats for the National Front — whose leader John Kendall has been quoted as saying that 'Mein Kampf' is his Bible. The mad scramble to the right has begun and Tony Parsons says in NME that the only saviour is North Sea Oil and a return to Economic Security. Well I'm doing my bit to stem the Facist tide, let it be known! Unfortunately the whole thing is reflected in the resurgence of London's cult groups; the 'Teds' are on the surge again and the Punks make Kings Road, Chelsea their Saturday domain — they are the biggest bunch of racists I have had the misfortune to come across. Johnny Rotter and the Sex Pistols are the badge carriers of this odious 'New Wave. and their latest album sports such
What really hits it home to you is a visit to the Nashville Rooms or the Greyhound in Fulham, two great Rock Pubs who offer different bands
Still there is the Tate gallery with it's magnificent collection of Modern, Rennaissance, and landscapes. London has a myriad of things to see and do — the history and the tourist an still there — and one could never get bored; Chelsea and QPR are playing exhilerating football and the concern and stage shoes are a-plenty But the Political direction sucks!
Still the whole point of this letter was and still is, to tell those well known campus personalities Harding, Seton, and Coogee — Tutz, to get off their collective tushes and write. Be warned! If you don't Dild will sexually molest you with a cucumber! OK? Get moving!
PS. I hope the Lions get thrashed — never have I heard such a cocky bunch!
This is the first letter I/we/they have written to Salient this year. As President, Director and Board of Governors of the Kelburn Apathy Political Party, I feel that our voice should be heard in the current struggle for publicity by the Thorndon Apathy League and the Lapp Goch Apathy League.
I would like to affirm our apathy to everything and state that we take absolutely no notice of what is written in Salient, Pravda, or 'Censored Salient'. We take no responsibility while labouring under our natural imbecility or disease of the mind to such an extent as to render us incapable of understanding the nature and quantity of our acts and/or omissions or letters to Salient. Again, and I repeat it, for the second time, as I said before, thereupon repeating myself, our pet dog/camel Fido did not connive in the riling of this litter.
PS. This letter did not originate from 2 Gladstone Terrace.
I have recently been aware of various letters within the Salient columns from supposed ascendents of apathy, especially (and chiefly) those concerning the Thorndon apathy League. I am a 3rd year student completing a degree in Sociology — for which I am studying the structure of local philosophical organisations
Locally, the Thorndon apathy League is the only true League of Apathy — being brought together purely by disinterest in doing so, (or for that matter anything else). The last Genuine letter from TAL appeared in Salient at the beginning of the year, it announced the departure of the Vice-president, Neville H Toad, for greener pastures and it also hinted at the dissolution of the League, it was submitted by J Sawnoff (one of the original members).
However, having become severely bored by the situation of the League Mr Toad has temporarily
Just a word to tell you how absolutely spiffing your paper is when it comes to dart making.
Me (sorry). I and my fallow compatriots have found that Salient is absolutely wizard for breaking up the boredom from many lectures.
The sight of a few beautifully shaped aerofoils gliding majestically across a lecture theatre soon has everyone wide awake and poised with baited breath for any more that may follow.
Sure enough, it is not long before more people join in, and the air is soon ablate with swooping, diving aircraft.
So, Dave old boy, do not feel downhearted if some commie says your paper is rubbish, buck up with the sure knowledge that the 'old gang' eagerly await each new issue.
PS. For those methematically minded it has been proven that: The boringness of the lecturer is directly proportional to the density of darts in the air space overhead.
PPS. I think that Roger Ramjet is just super! Must dash, tat-tar.
It was with much interest that I discovered that in reality you are a completely ficticious person.......(ie dont really exist at all). Is this scurrillious reactionary lie true?. My brother who has a very good Law Degree says that he has never heard of you or anybody who appears on the Salient Staff notes. Please can you answer me.
[Ed comments.....it appears that your brother is nothing more than a silly bloody law pooh who has nothing better to do with his time than sit in the cafe and fiddle with his Jag jean jacket. People like him are going to be the first to adorn the barricades and the overturned Seat un buses.]
If ever there has been a more burning question then I will eat my floppy hat. Can you please tell us what the word 'Trot' means?
Dear Confused Greatly,
We decided that your letter was bone fide and not among the hundreds that we get from the YS seeking a bit of enlightenment every week. We suggest you read a bit of the Essential Stalin or go the whole bit and peruse the walls of the downstairs loos....next to the telephone numbers. All shall be revealed to you. By the way when you do find out there are a few people that would be much appreaciative of enlightenment. You know who we mean, but of course we can't be vindictive, can we?;
As you are no doubt aware, the most serious need on campus at this point in time is a better bloody level of debate. To start the ball rolling here is a small contribution that I wish to put to you all. Israel is not only a racist, expansionist state but it is tied hand and foot to the likes of American imperilaism. Justs as we condemned and fought against an expansionist and racist Germany in the
Letters must be short, double spaced on one side of the page and accompanied by a rubric, a short precis and a suitable character reference. Letters should also be accompanied by a donation to the Buy David Tripe A New Frontal Lobe Fund and a lawyers letter signing away all future income to NZVSA. Letters can be put in the Salient letterbox or left in the basket at the Studass Office. Hate letters should be delivered personally. Salient attempts to print all letters except for those which are unprintable. Finally we would like to thank those readers who wrote in but we are unable to reveal the name of the person involved in the alleged bestiality scandal as there has been an allegation that one of the melons involved was undersized and the matter is now sub judice. In any case, the arm in question was already broken. We would like also to thank the reader who sent a suggestion regarding cucumbers and we intend to use this material in our forthcoming series "What vegetables can do for you". Finally, we would like to apologize to our readers for the reprinting of our previous letters spiel in the last issue. This unfortunate event occurred because our resident lunatic was on holiday and nobody else was bent enough to write a new one.