Forum plagued by apathy

"Forum audiences are very apathetic," said Gerard Currie. This was his reason for winding up last week's Forum—after only 45 minutes—with an appeal for more spontaneous speakers.

Gerard, this year's Forum controller, said Forum had degenerated since its institution in 1964.

Students have become too used to it and the novelty has worn off.

Towards the end of the first term the time for Forum was changed from Tuesday to Wednesday, for three weeks.

None of the Wednesday Forums was successful—the first because of the anti- and pro-Seato student marches and others because of clashes with previously arranged attractions.

Recently Forum has been ending earlier by 15 to 20 minutes.

"It is disappointing," said Gerard, "that the varsity mind is not as fertile as it used to be."

He was unable to suggest any means of rejuvenating Forum. Any attempt such as introducing outside speakers, would end those features of Forum which made it unique.

People go expecting the audience to rubbish everything speakers say, said Gerard.

"They go to be entertained rather than to contribute."