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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 20. August 8 1977

Winter Defends Thrush

Winter Defends Thrush

Dear Sir,

As one of the few students at the last University Council meeting I feel it my duty to give an accurate account of what happened there. Last week's Salient report on the lack of activity, particularly of Student Council Representative Thrush, is nothing more than a jaggered knife edge of exaggeration, half truths and innaccuracies. Perhaps the author of this misinformation, who remains nameless, in print anyway, should himself be hit against a brick wall in a last ditch attempt to make an honest reporter of him. Good reporters are hard to find these days. The standard of the article shows this vividly. But surely even Salient has it's standards ?

As the article mentions in its introductory sentences. Chairman and Chancellor, K.B. O'Brien is well known for his knowledge of proceeding and technicalities. He ought to have ; he's been there long enough. So when Thrush tried a sidestep himself ; it obviously hit a soft spot, as O'Briens not Thrush, started showing when faced with a logical analogy, which threatened to sort things out, from our own constitution. The vote would have been lost, that fateful time when Thrush was on a field trip, anyway, so why the 'casus belli' about him being absent ? If you're willing to take about seven years over a BA, you can afford to avoid the requirements of your courses. Students wishing to study seriously, as well as serve the student body have many responsibilities.

Regarding my own refusal to conform to the motions. I saw it as only good tactics to try and introduce students ideas anyway. Why not try to outflank that proceedural technicality ? The reason for the greater margin against the student proposal this time was due to the fact that this time we were asking for all restrictions to be wiped. We weren't after a compromise, such as the retention of Legal Systems. More conservative elements in the faculty sensed our purpose and while sitting on the fence the last time, were scared by the boldness of student demands. Viewed in this light 6 to 9 is admirable.

The overseas student Cutback motion was poorly worded. But who's fault was that ? Thrush didn't write the motions so why blame him? ?

Lastly, one report was right at least in one aspect. One out of six isn't bad. The student representatives need to work together as a team. Peter Thrush spent a good while explaining the tricks and pointing to the pitfalls. I look forward to working with him in the coming year.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Winter.

(It is unfortunate you do not point out the inaccuracies in our article penned by Gyles Beckford. Second point — if a person runs for the Council rep position he should attend every meeting and come prepared. It is the most important position the SRC has and reps should treat it as such. — Ed).

Drawing of someone walking past a telephone booth