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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 17, No. 10. June 10, 1953

[Introduction]

How to woo and win the public in one easy lesson. That is the subject of certain items which have been brought to "Salient's" notice by Barry Williams, a Stage III Radio Physics bloke.

Following up our article on Extrav. profits to charity, we present here further evidence in support for this course of action which Barry and many others propose. In "Salient" of several weeks ago, there appeared an account of a motion passed by five different college clubs. It was to the effect that profits from Extrav. and the sale of Cappicade be given to charity. The reply which the Exec. gave stated more or less that there was no profit from these functions and anyway, what there was they wanted for themselves. I suggest that this is equivocal. What the Exec, meant when they disregarded the reasons showing the advantage of such a course could be more or less summed up in the word—nearsightedness They want immediate profit, and are not looking sufficiently to the future.

Further matter has been brought to light in support of the motion. It is presented here to acquaint the reader with significant aspects of the case in an attempt to point out several obvious solutions to a problem which has faced this University for years. That problem is the apathy, and oven the hostility with which a large proportion of the public view this College. This is not the case in other Universities where there exists a real sense of agreement between students as a group, and the public. Contrast for example the endless derogatory statements made by the people of Wellington concerning our Capping Day functions, with the following statement made by the Mayor of Christ-church. Mr. R. M. Macfarlane. '"He gives twice who gives cheerfully' Is an old saying which could aptly be applied to the spontaneous and generous assistance which the Canterbury University College gives to city charities during the annual Capping Day celebrations.

"Capping Day for many students is the termination of a long period of intensive study: for all students it is a milestone in their University career. It is to their credit that they should see fit to mark the occasion by affording a helping hand to needy causes.

"I am glad of this opportunity of congratulating them and wish them well."

One would have to be drunk in order to Imagine Mr. Macalister coming out with such a statement But the Editor of the Canterbury University Capping Mag was equal to the occasion, and said his piece with similar amiability.

"Apology—We regret that we are unable to offer Capping Mag on better quality paper, but the increased cost would be so great as to largely counteract our primary intention which is, after all to make money for charities. We trust you will bear with us.—Ed."

The result was staggering. The sum of £1491 was collected for charity during the Capping procession by C.U.C. Most of this money was donated by the public themselves, so it must be obvious Unit hero indeed is a painless way of procuring the goodwill of a community which at the present time is very tardy in offering it.

Compare this gay exchange of civilities down South with our own dim prospect. The procesh is relegated to the back streets. The police are exasperated and arrest a student on a charge which completely misses fire when brought before the Court. Indeed, the day's proceedings slowly developed into a bitter feud between students and police. Extrav. had a full house only two nights out of six. The audience was appreciative on the other nights but not sufficient were interested enough to attend—and the result—no profit at all, to give away, or to keep.

The malady is obvious. What is the cause? One suggestion is that this University is still considered to be a "hotbed of Communism" by many people. A recent survey conducted by the Psychology Department tended to demonstrate this fact. An examination of the records shows that most of the occasions the University has been before the public eye have been in the nature of "Red demonstrations," such as the germ warfare issue, or the Indonesian protest. I do not intend to comment on the rights and wrongs of these demonstrations. But it is surely plain Just what sort of an impression they make on the public. There must be a section in these questions, but if there is, then it rarely makes itself known to the public. And so they draw the inevitable conclusions.

If we are to get the support of the authorities at all we must be prepared to work for it, instead of perpetually trying to embarrass those in power. The policy pays off, as events in other Universities have shown. At the next A.G.M. a motion will be put concerning this matter and I suggest that it is worth the careful consideration of everyone.

—D.D.