A Stab at the Right

Can Executive stand the strain? An enigmatic question to which students through the generations have sought an answer. The strain, we may observe has usually resulted out of a few minor conflicts; the likes of an incompatibility between an (traditionally Conservative) Executive and some unusually energetic leftist Society in the University; or conflict in the Executive itself, where a cleavage of opinion has, more than once, wrought trouble.

And now, once again, the Executive is forced to undergo the test of versatility and popularity—this time at the request of a special general meeting of the Association. This time, too, the strain will be tensed by a smallish group of students (of anarchist leanings) out to see whether this Executive can be debunked. It is fairly obvious though, the motions on this S.G.M.'s Agenda are little more than excuses to let off a gut of hot air; and for all the useless eyewash which permeates these meetings, it is hoped Mr Dwyer will keep his herd in sufficient check to enable certain matters to be dealt with seriously.

Some of these matters have already been run up the flag-pole by the Executive at a recent meeting. Firstly, there is the business of a letter, sent to the "Dominion" some weeks ago, in which certain Executive members severely censured misbehaving students returning from Congress. This is the "firing squad" letter which some people have used to foreshadow a motion of no-confidence in the Executive.

Secondly, a matter regarding the additional £1 students are having to pay this year as part of the Student Union payoff. This is obviously a necessary fee, and (as has been explained elsewhere) is in no way "unconstitutional" as construed by some of Dwyer's cronies. Of greatest importance is Matter 3, concerning the move on the part of the University Council to refuse access to students' records by the Labour Department. The special general meeting will be trying to pass a resolution of approbation towards Council. It is interesting to note also, the attitude towards Council by the Executive.

Vice-president O'Brien, at one stage, moved against Council—(but mindful of the impending S.G.M. and student opinion, Executive could do little but quash the motion). This was at the "historic" last Exec, meeting, when mover O'Brien, for long (too long some think), a conservative pylon in student affairs subsequently resigned—his sincerity and thoughfulness on this matter was not, it seems, appreciated by the Executive. (It is appropriate to note that President Mitchell managed to soothe O'Brien's displeasure sufficiently, for the Vice-President to continue his services. With the Presidential Elections forthcoming, it is becoming increasingly apparent, O'Brien is a horse, the jockey intends to ride home; his campaigning innuendos however, shouldn't fool anyone who has been at Vic. more than two weeks.

It could not fit the Anarchists boot more snugly, to find there is dissension in the Executive camp, but whether any utilisation of this will be made, is right now, up to Dwyer and his "liberal" consorts. This could be their big break. But no doubt, the Executive is oozing confidence in itself. It has few reasons to worry, least of them being the disagreement amongst themselves. Threats of collapse have always summoned up the solidarity and conservatism latent in Executive. The chances of a no-confidence motion being carried are remote; anyway, does Executive need the hard word? No, it doesn't. It simply needs straightening out a little: and do the Anarchy boys think they're the ones to do it? You betcha they do! They are really going to throw down the stoops at this S.G.M.; and if we are not mistaken, it will be neither the cat nor the Executive who licks it up—it will be: the Anarchists and associates.

M.J.W.