Executive Opposes Action

The May 24 meeting of the Exec, saw members opposing action against the raised fees. Mitchell and Moriarty both spoke against any form of demonstration.

Moriarty felt it advisable, if there were to be a demonstration, that it should be directed along "sensible" lines. There was divided opinion as to whether the students were actually against the raising of fees. Mr Robb suggested that a poll of students be taken (at Exec. Election time — two weeks after the opening of Parliament) for the demonstration at the opening of the session.

Outgoing President Mitchell said that, as the Exec., they were supposed to represent the whole student body, whereas the Sgm at which the motion was passed regarding demonstrations, was attended by only 8%of that body. He thought that higher bursaries should be pressed for instead.

At the motion ut the Sgm, continued Mitchell, calling for demonstrations really meant actions in the interests of the student body. This was higher bursaries, said he.

Concession

Moriarty said that he was against demonstrations. But if they were organised by "certain elements," said he, certain Exec, members should join in on a personal basis.

Exec, decided, that as leaders of the student body, they would not organise a demonstration. But if one were organised, they would not oppose it.

Forgery

"This is a forgery and I will take every step possible to have the person responsible suspended from the association," said the President of Stud. Ass. (Mr Mitchell). He was commenting on the notice ostensibly signed by Moriarty and himself.

Mitchell said that innocent students could have been duped into appearing at Parliament Grounds. The police had said they would treat demonstrators roughly. Students could end up in court with a black mark on their record.

Mitchell had no sympathy with the person or persons who perpetrated this forgery. He said that a demonstration was a risk because it made the public think of students as irresponsible.

The Secretary (Mr Moriarty) was reluctant to comment. He said that the notice was "quite wrong." He was not very pleased with the forgery. It would he gravely viewed by the Exec.

The Notice

The forged notice read: "The Student Executive exhorts all students to appear in Parliament Grounds at 2.0 p.m. on Thursday, 7 June, to register an effective protest against increase in fees.

"Lectures for this afternoon have been cancelled to enable all students to make their overwhelming opposition as expressed at the Special General Meeting felt in a positive manner.

"Once more we remind students of the necessity of an orderly protest. The demonstration will be largely executed by the display of banners and placards. To this end we urge students to construct same in an effective manner."

Demonstration Orderly

Well over 200 students attended the demonstration against fees. It took place in Parliament Grounds during the opening of the session. The students sat forming the word "Fees." The demonstration was orderly.

The banners sported by the students read, "Big Keith Wants Fees Not Degrees"; "Free National Not National's Fee Education" and "Big Keith Rules Payway Not Playway."

The protest was held in silence. The bystanders' opinions were varied: "Fees are terribly high"; "The demonst ration is in poor taste"; "I thoroughly agree"; "I hope they will make more noise" and "I'm against it."

Another person said that the students looked a mess.

R.J.B.