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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 38, Number 7. 15 April 1975

NZUSA National Exec — Big Wheels Keep On Turning

page 3

NZUSA National Exec

Big Wheels Keep On Turning

One day Salient staff reporter John Henderson went walking down the street To his surprise he noticed the rather heavy feet of Alick Shaw dancing on the top of his skull. Friends tried to assure him that it was a hallucinationbut John would not be deterred in his belief. Ever since he has had a rather fearful attitude to Alick and his NZUSA cohorts which has resulted in the rather weak nature of this report. We in Salient apologise for this minor technical fault (take that how you may) and we expect that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

(I would like to point out some factual errors the above statement. I have never noticed the heavy feet of Mr Shaw beating tattoos on my head — I may be wrong. Admittedly, he has made some rather cynical comments about my ability to hold my liquor but these are both inaccurate and inconsequential. What my erstwhile editor fails to realise is that while it may be a matter of conscience to stab my President in the back, it is not politically expedient. Anyway, I did promise him quite a while ago that if I did stab him in any way it would be a[unclear: seperficial would] only. I am a man of my word. —JG Henderson)

Somewhat belatedly, the continuing story of NZUSA National Exec. meetings resumed Saturday two weeks ago here at Vic, The heavies being all assembled (with the exception of Dave Jenkins from Waikato). things got underway with the usual mucking around involved in correcting spelling errors, grammar and generally cleaning up the minutes. The National Exec, incidentally, comprises the constituent presidents and the National Officers of NZUSA, with delegates from NZTISA and STANZ.

Then it was on to matters arising. There was considerable discussion here after Nigel Dunlop (Otago), reported that Otago reps to May Council of NZUSA would not be able to attend up to the first two days of Council, himself excluded. This is because the first day conflicts with capping celebrations (i.e. Dinner and Ball), which delegates were not prepared to forego. Various alternatives were explored including shortening Council, shifting dates, and even moving the whole thing down to Otago. In the end all these were rejected. It looks as if Otago's delegates will just have to miss their most prestigious pissup of the year as their contribution to the common good.

Reports

Other matters arising included the approval of a payment to the people housing Henry Issacs to cover their costs. This will not be back dated until enough money is in the South African Scholarship fund to cover Henry's other expenses for this year — about $2300. Speaking of the Scholarship no campus other that [unclear: nterbury], to the obvious chagrin of President Peter Dunne, has contributed any money to the fund as yet. This will, hopefully, not be the case for much longer as far as Vic. is concerned anyway. At this point I would like to thank John Roseveare for writing the above section pf the report.

Alick Shaw's Se Asia Tour

Two months ago, Alick Shaw, President of NZUSA, embarked on a month-long tour of SE Asian countries from which he has recently returned, After the reports of some National Officers, he was called upon to report on this trip. He described the [unclear: Phillipines] Governemtn as having 'a great' deal of interest' in the affairs of the delegates to the Student Travel Assn. of Asia Conference in Manila. He said that the student movement in Hong Kong was very impressive and very similar to us and that his visit to Malaysia was useful only to prove to himself and the National Exec. the extent to which Razak's regime in Malaysia is controlling all opposition. Alick was in Malaysia for 45 minutes and after a most unwelcome reception was shunted off to Thailand for a visit which was forced to be unintentionally long.

The meeting then considered the question of the length of Alick's tour. Some have been of the opinion that Alick spent an inordinate amount of time on his trip. In his defence, Alick said that he had brought the matter before National Executive prior to his trip and had specifically asked for discussion on the subject. Such discussion did not ensue, and the tour was approved. The fact that the bursaries campaign escalated while Alick was concerned the Student Travel Bureau. David Cuthbert, after describing the bureau as a 'service to students' (wow), said there had been problems with 'anti-government' forces in Thailand, Laos, and Burma and that some students never come back. (Especially if they have dubious political ties).

International Women's Year

The committee on the International Women's Year has met a couple of times and discussed such things as the philosophy behind the International Women's Year, the role of women in society, equal pay, which the Exec. dicided was basically a Trade Union affair, and the DRV-PRG

National Executive student council

[unclear: ay] is not his fault. He is a man of many talents, but he is not a soothsayer. I am, however, concerned at the way he conducted his defence. After this report was presented there was a feeling amongst some of the constituents, including Lisa Sacksen, VUWSA President that Alick had presented it in an overly aggressive and arrogant fashion. My depth of feeling did not extend anywhere near these extremes, but I do feel that there is some justification of this criticism. STB

The next point of discussion womens delegation which is now visiting New Zealand.

(See article this week and interview next week)

New Argot

New Argot is in the shit. Issue one this year lost $700 and a profit does not seem likely for another couple of years, although the chances of covering losses then are most likely. The main problem is basically a financial vicious circle, vis. no advertising, till proof of circulation, therefore no money therefore no circulation, therefore no advertising etc. etc. etc. During the discussion, which lasted some hours, I began to recognise a certain lack of decorum on the part of Alick Shaw in his chairing of the meeting, This may be a personal opinion, but he seems to me to be somewhat overbearing in his chairmanship and seems to use the fact that he is in the chair to gain political points.

What eventually happened to The New Argot discussion-was that the National Exec decided to keep New Argot running with a reconsideration at May Council. This compromise was possibly the best answer the National Exec. could have geven in view of the circumstances operating at the time. (Salient believes New Argot should be abolishedsee article in this issueEd.)

(o.k. — a bit of deviation from the party line never done nobody no harm-JGH)

Student China Delegation

Nominations were called for the chairman of the China Trip selection committee. These trips have been held every year since 1971 and consist of about 25 students (24 this year, I think). Nominated for the chair-Bryony Hales (Victoria), David Payton (Otago), Don Clarke (Otago) and John Christie (Canterbury). After some discussion Don Clarke was elected with Bryony Hales as standby.

WONAAC

The National Exec, unanimously endorsed the Women's National Abortion Action Committee's stand for the legalisation of abortion and at the same time expressed its concern at the prosecution of Dr. Wool nough for performing so-called illegal abortions.

Welfare Vice—president

This is an old and hairy question and revolves not around whether or not NZUSA wants a Welfare Vice-President (that has basically been decided), but what the hell a Welfare Vice-President is. From what I saw of the discussion this will not be decided until the beginning of the 21st century, if then. What they did decide was:
a)A WVP is Not a General Vice President (sigh of relief from an overworked John Blincoe)
b)A WVP must relate to the community (Ye Gods, what a startling and controversial finding)
c)It must be either a general job or a specific job (I cannot restrain my admiration for the intellectual ability of my national officers)
d)The question would best be put off till May Council (and the August Council and the next May Council and the next August Council ad infinitum).

Vietnamese & Cambodian Students

Due to changing and positive circumstances the countries to which these people will be returning are likely to be a tittle changed when they arrive back. The situation, of course, is in such flux that it could change at any time and consequently the National Exec. had its hands Tied and could make no decision on the matter of extended visas etc. (In fact, the Government has now said they can stay indefinitely in NZ till the situation 'becomes more clear' — Rowling).

Barbara Guy

The National Exec. moved into SGM and Barbara Guy (NZUSA Exec. Secretary) was given life membership of NZUSA for her devotion to duty over the years and for the quality with which she has performed this duty. Congratulations.

At this point the National Exec. ran out of things to discuss, so the meeting ended. Taken in perspective, this meeting did accomplish a fair bit in regard to positive decisions. I am, however, rather concerned at the amount of material put off tril May Council. If they are going to convene a National Executive meeting and bring people from all over the country, they might as well make decisions there and then so a backlog of work is not piled up necessitating an extended May Council and some irate delegates. This, however, can only be decided by the National Exec. itself, so the best I can hope for is that they read this report. Bye.