Trainees Get A Rude Awakening!

The National Orchestra has instituted a trainee scheme under which several young and aspiring musicians have been taken on and are receiving a bursary and training! as a group six hours a day. When j these trainees were taken on they were told by Mr Hopkins that they would be able to continue their studies at varsity part-time without, this affecting the bursary, but they I have now been told that they may not take time of over three hours per week or their bursaries will be docked. It appeal's that this was included in small print in the contracts they signed when they were taken on but the two concerned took Mr Hopkins' word for it that they would be able to continue. Professor Page has contacted Mr Schroeder of the N.Z.B.S. who implied that no deductions would be made but the girls are still under the impression that their bursaries will be docked, and as the orchestra does not guarantee them a job they should surely be allowed to assure themselves of a career by securing degrees. One girl has been forced to drop one of the two units she requires to finish a B.A. this year.

In discussing the motion that Exec, should write a letter to the N.Z.B.S. and/or the Public Service Commission asking them to revise the contract Brooker claimed that "We are not a trade union" whereupon was quoted by Mr Stone, Section 3 of the constitution: "Objects of Stud. Ass.: To represent and act for its members." Mr Brooker then maintained that they should have finished their degrees first, upon which Mr Stubbs pointed out that theory and practice are better mixed. The motion was carried after further discussion.