Maeve O'Flynn

Maeve O'Flynn, aged 21, is a fifth year law student completing LLB. this year. She has combined a successful academic career with active participation in a wide range of student affairs, sporting, administrative and cultural.

She represented the Law Faculty in moots at both tournaments last year, being judged the best speaker at Easter tournament, and represented New Zealand in Inter-University law moots in Perth this year. Other student activities have included Extravaganza 1960, 1962, Swimming Club, Table Tennis tournament team 1963.

Her administrative experience ranges over House Committee 1962, Debating Society Committee 1962-64 (Treasurer 1963). and Law Faculty Committee 1963-64.

I am strongly in favour of the view that Executive should have the power, and should exercise the power, to make public statements on behalf of the student body on all issues, not merely those affecting the University. The Executive should lead the student body. It should not limit students' rights to voice their opinions on political, economic, religious and social problems.

Accommodation is the most serious problem facing students today. The urgent necessity for Halls of Residence must be brought to the Government's notice at every available opportunity. In addition, steps should be taken to see whether flats can be made available by the public, more readily than at the present time. For this purpose a central organisation should be formed to act as guarantor for students to landlords.

I believe that the bonding clause to which many bursaries are subject, should be removed. In addition, efforts should be made to relieve the problems of students without bursaries by negotiating with the Government to institute an interest-free loan scheme, such as is operating in many Australian and Canadian Universities.

If elected, I will support the formation of a nucleus of able students from all faculties willing to assist other students with academic problems, particularly overseas and extramural students.

I would like to see the University Festival become an annual event. Wellington citizens must be made more aware of the worth and ability of the majority of the student body. A well-organised annual Festival is an excellent means of attaining this end.