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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 35. No. 12. 7 June 1972

Part~time mothers

Part~time mothers

Sir,

In replying to Terence Coogan and his "arrogant minorities", I had always thought that the bulk of student opinion was usually on the side of minority groups.

Students, many of whom have never really experienced the joy and exhilaration of playing with young spontaneous children could gain a great deal from having a creche on the campus. Students, and other people in this age group are often alienated from children, and when they themselves become parents, have little idea of what to expect from themselves or their children Having easily accessible contact with children could be a very valuable experience.

As for serious students — who is a "serious student"? The examination pass rate for parents using the creche is somewhere around 90%. Mr Coogan makes some very sweeping generalisations here. Who also are "housewives"? Someone, who, with nothing to do all day decides to take Education I to fill in her abundant spare time, or someone finishing a degree; or getting further qualifications to establish herself in a career once her children have gained some independence; or perhaps she is a fulltime student who through the imperfections of modern medical science has found herself in the position of "housewife" rather unexpectedly.

"Standard of living higher than that for most full-time students" - try feeding, housing and clothing two adults and perhaps two children on an income that seems designed only to support one.

Dianne Alexander.