Finance Position Outlined

Meeting Finally Dissolved

The meeting then proceeded to deal with the second motion. Ian McDowall gave a sketch of the financial position, pointing out that the fee charged at VUC was less than in the other colleges, and yet entitled one to free membership of all clubs. The 4/- of the 7/6 to be allocated to the building fund would mean £250 a year, and the extra shilling for administration was a very moderate demand. Gib Bogle, seconding the motion, discussed the 2/6 to be devoted to the medical scheme, which might in future be made compulsory.

Kevan O'Brien questioned the validity of an increase under the stabilisation regulations. He compared the position with that of the Exam. Fees. The inevitable Blakie voiced a strong objection against compulsion in any form ("Who do the Exec, think they are, anyway?!") and suggested that collections for the building fund be made at club meetings. Dennis Hartley did not like the idea of compulsory medical examinations and moved that the question of levying an extra 7/6 be put at a special general meeting of all students at the beginning of each year. Pat Macaskill replied that the medical scheme could only be made compulsory by the Council. "There are a number of bogies being raised," he said. As Exec, duties increased, costs must rise. Ian McDowall remarked that VUC is the only college without a full time Stud. Ass. assistant and Daisy Filmer pointed out that the medical scheme could not continue unless it were assured of finance. Stan Campbell wished to move as an amendment to the amendment that the question be put on the ballot paper at the elections, but this was ruled out of order as negativing the amendment. After some rather disorganised discussion Bernie Swedlund moved that the amendment be put. It now read: "That the motion be put at the general elections this year." It was lost on the division.

Dorian Saker had hard words to say on the theme that the question of dividing the 7/6 had been "sprung on the meeting." It was not right that. 50 people should dictate to 1,500. More discussion followed until Laurie Starke moved: "That this meeting adjourn to give further publicity to the raising of the Stud. Ass. fees." This motion was carried by a large majority.

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