Giving up politics for Kiwi Piss

Over the last few years, the incidence of "left-wing-ism" in SRC has grown to a point where one now talks of the incidence of "right-wing-ism". The Liberal Leftists so dominate the SRC that anything remotely conservative and/or right wing is immediately revolted against in a true manner, by the audacious libertines, the NCL, the Henderson Robertson (sic! -ED) - Ward clique, and anyone else who feels like an easy kill.

However things, I'm glad to say, are taking a more normal, natural and altogether Right turn. Right-wingers (on the principle that if you're not for something, you're against it, so anti-commies are right-wingers) are on the defence once more, since by definition we don't attack.

Such people as "glibb Gibb and Bright Wright" are daring to do the impossible, defy a force of 300 million Chinese peasants and Victoria students. On the principle (once more) that if you don't condemn Amerikan Capitalist Reactionary Imperialism, you support it, I would like to stale my support. But what can I support? I don't like Kissinger, he has a big nose, so America's out.

Oh but that means I support those liberal wankers, who think because they have a tee-shirt with Mao-Maos written on it they're qualified as self-confessed experts on anything. What about Britain in the death-throes of colonialism, No NZUSA has policy on that. And so it goes on; till the only politics I can support is New Zealand because we don't have any yet. So after profound reflection on the politics of the world, I decided to abandon politics and drink beer. I've been at the pub ever since.

Out of the Salient Mailbox ...

It has been written that out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come wonderous things, and in the case of Tony Ward I couldn't agree more. While some of the less cultured in the university so flagrantly waste their time over trivial things like getting bursaries and living normally, Tony, the one in a million man, with all his flare and talent, reigns over us in SRC. His motto, protect the constitution at all costs. For one day of the week the top cafe is filled with Ward's passionate prose, playing prime politician. But politics are hard to grasp, and while we miserable mortals make misdemeanours. Tony achieves the ultimate, carefully concealed contradiction.

So away you curs who dangerously denote democracy. Dianne Hooper, Kevin Wright your days are numbered. Tremble Tremble, Terrible Tyrannical Tony will vanquish you.

The cry is heard, raise him up, let him speak for no-one else will dare. Caesar's deceased! Well will we mark Anthony who would lend the cars of SRC;

which at the rate he's bloody well going will be a self-appointed committee!

Ross Delaney

NB Tony is just trying loo hard to make demoncracy work and because of this SRC is a dead horse still being flogged.

Tony to Diane on Tony on page 4 in Salient May 22 ....

Diane Hooper, in her letter replying to my article, argues that she has not done "next to nothing". While I would consider some of her points in that category, I must admit that that statement was incorrect, and I apologize for it. However, I still stand by my assertion that her performance has been poor relative to other Exec members.

A more serious matter is touched upon in Diane's opening and closing paragraphs. She describes my article as a waste of a "good half page", "petty claptrap", "generalised backstabbing" and so on. I certainly did not write the article as a personal attack on any Exec members but out of a desire to see more constructive criticism of how effective Exec is.

In my report as NZUSA Liason Officer to this year's AGM, I argued that criticism of the Exec is fulfilling its function serving students' needs and interests and is not getting tied up in bureaucracy. This point was glossed over at that meeting, and has I think been glossed over since then. I am much happier with the way Exec is going this year than last year, but this does not mean that Exec (or the people on it) does not make mistakes from time to time. These criticims can go some way towards rectifying.

I am quite prepared to admit that my article had faults — however, both I and the Exec meeting last Monday thought it worthwhile. It is disturbing that Diane Hooper thinks she is above criticism. It would be even more disturbing if the Students' Association is allowed to operate on such principles.

Salient needs relevant articles

What is the hold-up in publishing a report from the Overseas Student Conference held at Auckland between May 13-17. After much effort $50 was allocated during SRC and I understand that an article for Salient is supposed to come out from that $50. I expected to read about it in the May 22nd issue but there was no sign of it even in the May 29th issue.

It is rather disheartening to see such an important event being so badly neglected. In the first place more funds should have been allotted by the VUWSA Exec. without having to raise the matter at the SRE. From the "begged" $50 only three out of six thousand students at Victoria were sponsored. It is about lime VUWSA Exec reviewed its spending policy and priority right. ($100 for the Capping Piss-up and fat May Conference expenses).

And now the inability of Salient to cover any of that event. It is also about time Salient had relevant and current articles rather than scouring around for shit to fill itself up. I suggest that Salient and the International Affairs Officer, Bryony Hales look into this and make sure that some sort of coverage of this important event appears in this coming issue.

Student Teachers in for the Easy Life?

Last Friday, the day after the Budget was read, the President of STANZ, Mr Alick Shaw, made certain noises regarding a lowering of the Student Teachers' Bursary.

I remember, on the day of the Bursary march, the condescending attitude of STANZ saying that Yes! University students and technical Institute students should have a good Bursary. Of course, he was hoping that it did not affect him.

In his showing last Friday, he more or less admitted what most student teachers were there for. An easy ride on $26 — $36 approx. per week. "The Government has removed all the incentive to would be training teachers' students especially in the lower primary school bracket." They were there because of the money, not the love of kids. Would this lot make good teachers? — to the age group that requires the best — ages 5 — 12.

Perhaps the new Student teacher bursary scale will sort out the dedicated would-be teacher from the crowd that are there for the holidays, high pay etc.

Personally I am satisfied with the new Bursary scale and feel that if overall, the Govt. is saving money, then that is what the Opposition has been bleating about for ages.