In Reply

Vacating the chair in favour of the vice-president, Mr J. Hercus, while replying to charges levelled against the executive, Mr Wilson assumed the role of mouthpiece for the majority of his committee.

"I have been accused of tyrannical chairmanship," he said, "but I hold the view that a person has a right to be heard whether other members of the executive like it or not. I think it is in our interest to have the other person's point of view.

"Mr O'Brien has spoken in favour of the executive as it stands. We did cross swords. But bear this in mind. It was 11 o'clock at night and we started the meeting at 7.30 p.m. It was a clash of temperaments and that I think was the essential point.

"As far as animosity against my vice-president is concerned when I was vice-president I disagreed violently with my president."

Referring to damage to the gymnasium he said it was caused by a misunderstanding over the future of the building. He had confirmed the cancellation of the Skyline reservation with the managing director. The matter was undecided—but on the part of Skyline.

He pointed out it was obligatory for clubs to notify the executive of the names of their own officers. Their accountant had prepared a guide for club treasurers and he did not feel enough attention had been paid to it.

The cafeteria had always been a bone of contention and he could recall an occasion when the contractors stepped out and left them with bills of £300 or £400. Students had also attempted to run it and incurred similar bills.

"The cafeteria is admittedly in a poor state of repair. I don't envy anyone working in the kitchen and I don't envy Miss Rosie. I have spoken to her on a number of occasions to get things cleared up, but it is difficult for her. She is there to make a living."

He agreed the executive might have gone back to the electors after being elected by the votes of only 600 students. Yet only 27 per cent, of the London University electorate voted.

He was glad Mr Hampton had withdrawn his allegation of corruption. He regarded it as an unfortunate choice of words.