• International

Previously under the control of one of the vice-presidents this portfolio also has completed a successful year as separate portfolio. Of recent years the increasing involvement of this association in the International field has been closely tied with advances in NZUSA. An important start to the year was the teach-in on Vietnam. Organised by the previous executive, and in particular Miss Helen Sutch, this was a major step forward in the presentation of ideas on controversial topics in New Zealand. Based on previous overseas examples the teach-in, over a marathon session of 14 hours, enabled an audience sometimes reaching to 1000. to listen to the many points of view and endeavour to form their own conclusions. It is a cause for regret that the seeming unwillingness of supporters of the Government viewpoint caused a slightly heavier weighting on the side of the critics.

It has also been a cause for regret, throughout the extension of debate on this unhappy topic for both sides to make general and illogical statements about those who do not agree with their particular point of view. While the basic and successful aim of the teach-in was to inform, it unfortunate that those in a position to continue informing have often neglected to do so. It is an educated person's duty to think and express his views and the members of this association are by no means disloyal to their country, because thev have thought about something and expressed their conclusions, be thev right or wrong. Too often the people of this country revert to unseemly invective if thinking people both at homo and abroad offer some useful constructive criticism.

Useful contacts were made with voluntary groups within the city during organisation for International Co-operation Year. The main activities this effort being concentrat a week before exams prevent a greater association partici pation. Sharpeville Day activi-ties at the beginning of [unclear: 19] tended to fall somewhat [unclear: f] in spite of a worthwhile [unclear: le] ture and booklet being [unclear: pr] duced. Students though generally remaining apathetic Apartheid were however [unclear: rac] in their reaction to the [unclear: b] ning of NZUSA's president Ian Robertson. Over 1.000 [unclear: a] natures were obtained for petition to the South Africa Government and a vigil [unclear: w] carried out over 24 hours the South African Embassy Though the petition was accepted by the consul [unclear: furt] efforts were being made time of writing this report enable its presentation.

Students reacted very [unclear: to] an appeal for funds to directed to Indian Famine [unclear: lief]. The association has [unclear: undertaken] an appeal to business communitv for same fund. Members [unclear: cerned] should be [unclear: gratulated] for their [unclear: pul] spirited actions.