Winter Defends Thrush

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.

Mulrennan Defends Thrush

I wish to protest at the article "Student reps hit brick wall" in Salient August 1, which reported the University Council meeting of July 26. Half of the article is devoted to a vitriolic attack on the student representative at the Council meet-int, Peter Thrush. The water in fact has used the Council meeting as an excuse for that purpose.

The Salient reporter is of course free to criticise. But the writer is so keen to slander Thrush that the interests of students are brushed aside.

Peter Thrush was a student representative putting the student's case on important issues, against a Council which approved the law faculty restriction and which is hostile to student protests. How well Thrush put the motions is not the issue — at least he put them !

The Chancellor, on the other hand, used ridicule of Thrush in order to stifle the students' case. The Salient reporter observes this, not in criticism of the Chancellor, but to discredit Thrush. Salient in effect takes the Chancellor's side.

In their pursuit of their own factional ends the Salient editors are apparently not too fussy about the means they use. Earlier in the year they published a forged letter under my name in order to slander the Young Socialists. They used completely undemocratic means against a group on the left.

Against a conservative opponent their methods are very similar. It is typical that this article is unsigned — the last thing they want is to have to debate the issues openly. In this case they are prepared to enlist the ehlp of the Chancellor of of the University !

I object strongly to the use of such means against any student, no matter what their political position. The Salient editors should seek to win support through the channels of open and fair debate, and not with the weapons of slander.

National Party Club starts their first activity for 1977

In his article on the National Party Conference ("Salient". 1 August. 1977). David Murray refers to "a remit which was, somewhat surprisingly, allowed to reach the Conference [and] demanded the opening up of information from the public service in an attempt at what may be laughingly described as 'open Government"'. Mr Murray may like to explain why this was surprising or laughable.

Mr Murray's reporting comes further unstuck as he goes on to say, wrongly, that the remit was lost.

There were actually two remits on this subject before the Conference. A remit on open Government came from Wellington Young Nationals, and was debated by the full Conference. It asked "that the Government examine its legislation and procedures to ensure that as much unformation as possible, consistent with the security of the nation and the need to protect confidentiality of personal information, is made available to the public, with the objective of ensuring open Government". This remit was passed by the Conference with a substantial majority.

A second remit called for the promotion of a Freedom of Information Bill. This probably envisaged something similar to the Prebble Bill, which had been thrown out of the House a few weeks previously. It was debated by a remit committee, comprising about a quarter of the delegates, and was narrowly defeated.

Mr Murray may also be able to explain what he meant by his conclusion that the alleged loss of the remit indicated "the National Party members are not overly dissillusioned (sic) by Parliamentary forms of Government". The call for more open Government was concerned with the bureaucracy fo the civil service. Such bureaucracy is not necessarily inherent in the Parliaments system. Mr Murray's conclusion seems not only confused, but also irrelevant.

Allegations of forgery

During your unfortunate illness, a trend has become apparent which reflects badly on the paper It began when you were here really, with the publication of those letters by Bruce Robinson, with Patrick Mulrennan's signature forged on them. Then, a little while ago there was the one about me, signed only by an alleged member of the Karate Club, and saying they were going to do all sorts of things as they were unhappy with me. Well, as it wasn't signed, I couldn't ask the person what precisely was wrong, so I talked it over with some officers of the club, with whom I have good working relations and guess what ? Yep, somebody else probably forged that one too. Then, a couple of weeks ago there were a couple, claiming and counter claiming to be signed by Peter Callincos. And, last week, they realised a new level of puerility with the valuable information that I have a part time job ! Also, that I and other members of the Executive are all out of touch with students. Well, as it wasn't signed, (sic—ED) I couldn't go and see this person to explain how to get bold of one of these honorariums. Another one claimed to be from some Canterbury student on Easter Tournaments. Now this one was really odd, because in my experience of nine tournaments over five years, this has never happened before, or anything remotely like it. Most students don't care, and the others wait until the Controllers Report is circulated to the Sports Officers, along with the Bill. They certainly would never ask Salient for that sort of Information. Well, as it wasn't signed, I couldn't send them the figures that are in, so I guess they'll have to wait along with the others.

Then, there was another one asking some pretty strong rhetorical questions from quite a well informed, so called first year student. At last this one signed, and I thought I could contact him and discuss some of his problems. Imagine my suprise when I discovered that there is not even a student of that name registered as being at this university. His claim that he paid $37 is certainly not verified by any receipt in the university register at all !

Once again, I fear the pages of Salient are being used to take the students for a ride.

Actually David, one of the members of the Salient staff claimed that someone in Salient itself had written them, but of course this person wouldn't commit himself on paper !

I Just thought I'd point thes things out, as the letters are really one of the best parts of Salient and it would be a real shame to have them ruined by more letters of such dubious origin as these and forgeries and the like. Really, I think if anyone has something to say, they should have the guts to sign their name to it.

What do We Owe the Thirld World?

Let me set a few things off my weary chest. Firstly, there appears to be an element on campus that is trying desperately to whip up some support for overseas students, who are worried about cutbacks to their numbers. Let us not forget in the failing times that we owe them nothing, as they surely in the past have given nothing, we have previously lavished aid on overseas countries in different ways, including the acceptance of overseas students into our education system, and this would be done mostly, no doubt, to some fatmouthed politician trying to make a name for himself when touring overseas. Well, since things aren't quite so rosy in this country these days, I think it's only fair that we should start stubbing cigarettes on these parasites. Who gives a fuck about us overseas today anyway ?

Secondly, it looks like it's 'stand up and be counted' time again. This time it's abortion. As usual the squealing, pious, "wouldn't-know-a-fuck-if-it-tapped-them-on-the shoulder" minority are driving us all weary with their idealistic crap. Sure, it sounds fine to say that any foetus should be allowed to develop and be born, (regardless of the mental or physical state of the parents, or the social context they find themselves in) but do any of the pious sheep really know what they are talking about, or are they merely regurgitating catchy phrases and smarmy sentiments they've heard spoken at Bibleclass. They're all so busy trying to stab their way up the "I'm closer to God than you are" heirarchy that they lose all perspective of life. Perhaps they will get a glow of satisfaction next time they see a battered baby I or a world weary teenage mother. Such people show no real consideration for others, and such hyprocrisy is why their brand of brainwashing and bullshit will slide down the dunny further.

O'Dea Ripped Into

The other week I read an article by Patrick O'Dea, the subject being the Chieftains. In it be provided phonetic pronunciations for the several instruments played by the group, i.e. the Villean pipes and badhran. If I did believe his pronunciations I would find that Kevin Conneff would be playing an amazing instrument. In Gaelic the word pronounced as "baureen" literally means a narrow road. Not only does he insult the Gaelic language by calling it Irish but he also has an ability to not even pronounce it properly.

I also noted that he claims that the Chieftains play bones on stage. I don't know where he was sitting, but my view from way down the back I clearly saw Sean Keane playing castanets.

As for their next album, I understand that they made an album with Art Garfunkel. Of course I may be wrong. At for Patrick O'Dea, I have nothing personal but I can't stand these big dorks who stand up and say they know everything about music, concerts and records. If he really wanted to write a decent article on the Chieftains he should have done it before the concert when I reckon it could have been more useful.

What I feel Patrick O'Dea has failed to say is that we may never see this group in this country again. They didn't have the sell-out concerts that they get in Europe and America and after all, it's only money that keeps groups touring. If they had been popular here we may have had the chance to see many other splendid groups from Ireland and England, namely the Boys of the Lough and the Bolhy Barrel. In fact NZ has lost out, badly.

A Curse on Salient Workers

Since this seems to be the official bureau of complaints I address my grievance to you :

Last Monday (August 1) you published my letter, signed 'Anonymous', in which I quoted a letter word for word from the Salient of the previous week. I say 'word for word' because I went [unclear: ot] great trouble to use the same strange spelling and grammar the proof readers had chosen to. To my amazement and consternation I find that my letter has not only had new errors added but the ones I was so careful to include had been corrected prior to publishing.

Please try to rectify this gross negligence on the part of your staff in the future.

Lice Show Political Colours

Well well, another example of how much the police are biased toward the National Party.

This was shown at the Bursary demo, last week in which the opposition member for Hutt was prevented from addressing the students on the steps of Parliament. The excuse used was that the speaker had given orders that there would be only two speakers to address the demonstration. Later that afternoon in Parliament he denied that he had given such an order and instead moaned on about how we hadn't told him we were coming — obviously he doesn't read local newspapers.

This sort of bloody minded incident reinforces the fact that the police heads in Wellington are a pack of Right-wind fascists and couldn't give a studd give a stuff about the domocratic rights of people.

Subterfuge — the Trend in the World Today

I was intrigued with Wednesday's march on Parliament by Students protesting about the inadequate Standard Tertiary Bursary. Although I admit that I did not attend the protest, I did take the opportunity to visit Parliament (the cold seat of NZ Politics) just to see if there was any response to our plight. Indeed there was !

The debate however centred, not on the argument the students put forward, but rather on the question of why Trevor Young was not allowed to address the meeting.

A heated debate followed and for approximately an hour the opposition beleaguered the government with glorious monologues and tantologies which did little else but bring bitter replies from their colleagues across the floor.

What supreme arrogance eh !

The whole episode just goes to show that neither political party is really concerned with the real financial problems of many students.

The Government merely tries to save face by offering a meagre handout every now and again, while the opposition uses the question as subterfuge in the forlorn hope of gaining political ascendency in the House. Who cares why Trevor Young could not address the crowd gathered in Parliament grounds, (but even then, this episode was given more press coverage then the "rally' itself). What we want to know about is Money. But then, to be realistic I suppose, who really cares about students . . . aren't they all good for nothing, lazy you know whats !

When it all boils down, that typecast plus the use of tax payers money makes us just another political pawn to be used or discarded by 'friend' or foe like a teaspoon to sugar. Afterall don't all student issues 'dissolve' in time.

So! How are we going to solve this problem. Perhaps we can employ subterfuge ourselves, but alas, beware students, for as always in a undemocratic democratic society. Big Brother is watching you.

Rubbish !

while diving recently through the piles of rubbish in search of a table in the Cafe this week I was struck down from behind by a sudden thought: if only the patrons of said establishment could muster up enough initiative and energy to take their own rubbish away when they left, perhaps the cafe could spend less money on cleaners and more on something resembling food.

I submit this gem for the edification and enlightenment of your subjects — sorry readers.

For your co-operation, much ta.

— The Brigadier.

Rethink Needed on Overseas Students

I have been rather mystified by the campaign and demonstrations in support of more overseas student, into NZ universities. Whilst the idea of a greater number of overseas students is sound, the students most likely to benefit from an increase in places would be those who were unable to meet the rather stringent entrance requirements in their own country and whose parents are wealthy enough to send them to NZ. May I suggest it would be more in Une with NZ student ideals to press for the introduction of a scholarship for underpriveleged, but capable, students from the Pacific and South East Asia.

Inflation Hits Students

If we assume that Inflation for 1976 was 15%, 1976 was 17%, 1977 was 17% and 1978 was 17% :-

To keep pace with inflation the bursary should have gone up by 16% in the 1976 budget. 17% in the 1976 budget, 17% in this year's budget and so on. If this had happened, starting at the beginning of 1978 the bursary (unabated) should be $37.78. For someone on the abated rate, their 1974 $13 is now worth $7.61. Even if the abatement were justifiable (which it is not) this should be, by the start of 1978, $20.46 to give the same pruchasing power as when the STB was set up in late 1975.

Those on $24/wk. needed a $13.78 increase ; they got $2. Those on $13/wk. needed $7.46 mofe ; they got $2. PhD students needed at leas $37.78 ; they got Nothing.

Sean Tuohy.

New Maso's Club Starting

This is a letter to inform students of the formation of a new club — "The Masochists Club". We are a loosely bonded group of students who feel that the one thing missing in our university system is lack of pain. Many first year male students have been used to the option of corporal punishment when desired at secondary school. We are finding adjustment to tertiary existence traumatic. — Who doesn't ? We would love it if the general student out of the goodness of his heart would oblige by pouring coffee over us or kicking us or even give us a good karate chop when we identify ourselves. We hope to be able to obtain funds from Students Union once we are officially affiliated and with this we will purchase badges to Identify ourselves. Until then we will identify ourselves by making darts and throwing them around in lectures and in the Student Union Building. If you see us — please oblige by inflicting some form of pain.

Accusations of Blasphemy

Since the Bible is the most influencial and widely read book in the histories of mankind, I am concerned that David Hedges light hearted review of it is neither objective or even accurate. While I could systematically debate every assumption and spurious allegation in the review, for the sake of brevity I will only point out the most blatent discrepancies.

David Hedges claims that the Messiah is "a Mohammed Ali typo figure who claims divine omnipotence and 100% of the profits". Obviously be does not know the risen Christ personally to make such an inaccurate and blasphemous comparison. When was Muhammed Ali cricified for mankind 2 When did Muhammed Ali raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons and make men whole? I would be interested to know the basis for the comparison. I am not sure what David Hedge means by 'lost of the profits'. Christ was certainly not materially wealthy, and crucifixion is not what I would classify as personal 'profit'. However, since Christ was God's only son and proved it by his resurrection, isn't he worthy of a little respect if not profit ?

David Hedge awaits the author of the Bible's next work with great interest. In light of his review, I do wonder if he has fully understood or obeyed the first "book' yet ?

More on Chen

Alex Chen, in your letter you sound to full of smugness, arrogance basing it on the ill-found egoistic feeling that you are capable of eritical analysis. From my point of view you are malicious and vicious tearing people apart with your evil intentions. I would say that people would welcome your analysis if it helps to solve problems, and if it is done sonstructively. What you are doing now is that you derived great delight in your harmful exploits.

You said that MSSA is carrying out a smearing campaign and yet what proff have you ? You cannot even substantiate it by any conclusive proof. What you are thinking is that you are 'straight' but you do not realise that you are smearing the names of others. You call MSSA a 'cunning fox' and yet you are looking at yourself, aren't you ? Cos' that's what you are.

I won't curse you by calling names and using four letter words cos' I don't think that ie will constructively change your kind of character. Perhaps what I can offer to you is "Look at yourself and analyse yourself before you do it to others". If you yourself are not clean I don't think you can do a critical analysis.

Also I would like to ask this question — Why are you worrying so much about WMSSA ? Do their activieies worry you so much that you think your interests are threatened ? If this is so, then I don't think that you need to cover it by trying to pull down another association. You can go ahead and do whatever you care to do but for god's sake, don't try to hurt anyone, be it either MSA or MSSA. Okay ?

You said that WMSSA is just only a tool to be used by VuWSA but you don't realise that you are being used as a tool too — propagating for the Malaysian Government ! Before I end, I think that this will not be your final letter cos' you will be writing another letter 'appealing' for your comeback — to get underway another critical dissection again.

Alex Chen Challenged

I am happy to see that there are many overseas students who are beginning to foster closer There is a relationship between themselves and local students. Also a warmer Overseas student community in Wellington after years of "nothing done" except letters appearing in Salient accusing this and that manipulation, but never see them doing any good to correct the happening which they so critically complain. One recent example is Alex Chen complaining and criticising so much — yet we never heard of a Alex Chen on Campus doing anything about Malaysian students ? ? Alex Chen, why don't you organise some constructive functions to put forward your views rather than hiding yourself under Thambaratnain's Sarong ? If you don't show alternatives, don't bark away like a vicious mad dog !

In your first letter you appear to be "good" and "analytical" but your wolf's appearance was exposed in your second letter madly attacking Malaysians. I gues you must be a frequent visitor to the late Jack de 'Silva's library. Anyway I congratulate you on your promotion to future High Commissioner to a country where there are many overseas students like your species !

Alex Chen and cohorts, when you read this letter, try to organise yourselves and do something good for the Malaysian Students, if not for overseas students. I think your gang's "white terror" will be more convincing if you list out the activities of OCF, MSA, MSSA, NOSAC and analysed it.

To those who are spending their spare time organising activities which gear themselves towards fostering closer relationships between overseas students and local students. I would like to extend my appreciation to your contribution. You will be sure of my support cos I like to have more friends that will help each other to help the needy when we go back home.

Kerosine Cowboy Rides Again

Last weeks Salient saw Malaysian politics on the campus sink to an unprecedented low shit-slinging back-stabbing affair. Not surprising though, with fanatics like Alex Chen and 'a senior student' pissing around. These arseholes know no bounds in their resolves to distort and confuse for their bigoted motive or perverted amusement.

While accusing others of smearing. Alex Chen himself is the one who messed and splattered the most shit. Unfortunately or fortunately, whenever he trys to point an accusing finger on others, the stink from his shit stained hand let fall his fig leaf.

Alex Chen has turned a blind eye to facts, choosing to gloss between lines to make up his 'evidence'. As an outsider. I don't intend to tread onto his 'evidences'. Hopefully, these so called evidences will be duly clarified or confirmed by the individuals or organisations concerned. However, there is one thing evident in his letter. That is, he chose to sneer at others on the insignificance of of their contributions and for not being in the limelight. This clearly reflects how much his tiny mentality is obsessed with self-glory.

In examining or assessing an issue, of prime importance is not who the credit whould go, but rather, whether such involvement would benefit the Malaysian Community here or even the society for that matter.

Let us take some of the issues raised by Alex Chen.

I would like to make some comments on Tan Sri Alex Chen's letter which was published on Salient July 25, page 18.

First of all, I would like to make a brief account of the formation of MSA in the early seventies.

Since the beginning of 1960, there have been Malaysians and Singaporeans studying in New Zealand. There was no MSA during that time, however, the only association which represented Malaysians and Singaporeans in the 60's was MSSA. There was no Malaysian High Commissioner in New Zealand but the Malaysian High Commissione in Australia represented High Commissioner in New Zealand instead.

Since the separation of Singapore from Malaysia the Malaysian High Commissioner in Canberra repeatedly tried to urge the pro-Government Malaysian students in New Zealand universities to form a new association called MSA. The main purpose of the formation of a new association MSA is to bring the Malaysians students to under closer control so as to spy on student activities and at the same time try to divert the attention of Malaysians from social awareness by encouraging the MSA to have more dances, more sport tournaments etc. We can still see that every year MSA allocated a lot of money in organizing a grand 'ball'. We also see that MSA President always declares that MSA is a non-political organisation. It is therefore not surprising to know that the MSA President did not say a single word about overseas student cutback campaign on the Musical Evening despite the fact that the local campaign was only few hours away. It is also not surprising to learn that the President spent some energy to explain to the audience that he had been contacting the downtown cooking experts to cook five courses Chinses meals during the grand 'ball'.

I do not deny that there are few good committee members in MSA. People like David Yap is one of the few. He worked very hard in the student cutback campaign and also attended the ISC.

However, people like Tan Sri Alex Chen is a person without pride, dignity and self-respect. Tan Sri Alex Chen laughs at those Malaysians who have been trying to restore pride, dignity and self-respect for Malaysian students. He jolly well knows that the former MSSA committee did try to put a press statement about 'marriage of convience' and the press refused to put it on. He not only did not sympathize with Malaysians but also tries to laugh at thorn whenever they have encountered difficulties.

Tan Sri Alex Chen does not like Malaysians to condemn South African racist policy. May I ask what motives Tan Sri Alex Chen has ?

Tan Sri Alex Chen had misused she register number of ISC. I would like to tell Tan Sri Alex Chen that only those who wanted to have meals during the ISC were required to register at Lindy Cassidy. However, if you did not want to stay in ISC for meals you were not required to pay and register, you can attend the meeting without any charge. Good try, Tan Sri ! Try again next time ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha !.

MSA did have a representative in the ISC e.g. David Yap. Mind you, Alex, my Tan Sri, MSA lent it's name to ISC too !

I took Another Puff

I came to varsity to follow up some subjects which hold special interest for me. Unfortunately "they" had the same idea. But it was not enough for them to invade the campus, some of them chose the same subjects as I had chosen. No, I don't refer to women but rather to that breed of creature that is seen clutching desperately to a small stick-like object (from which he/she/it draws strength). These creatures engage in anti-social behaviour when they ignite their cancersticks which produce offensive fumes and irritating smoke. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against them poisoning their own lungs but I do object to mine being so effected.

Significant progress was made when the cafe was declared a non-smoking zone, but couldn't this idea be extended ? Why do say three people in a class have the right to impose their lifestyle on the majority ? Short of declaring some varsity courses specifically for smokers I can see only one alternative: non-smokers, we are the majority, haven't we been tolerant enough, let's start telling these inconsiderate creatrues what we think of their habit and what it's doing to Our health ! !

A Non-smoker.

"The Third America"

I and doubtless many others would like to congratulate Sef Townsend on his dramatic production "The Third America", which was staged in the University Memorial Theatre on Thursday 27th July.

Besides being very enlightening about the opinions of reactionary elements around the world and about the present military Junta in Chile, the performance was a brilliant piece of acting by Mr Townsend. He portrayed a generally bewildered, down trodden, depressed Chilean peasants, a fictitious [I hope] New Zealand Varsity lecturer, a "mickey mouse" American tourist trade lackey, a general in the Chilean army and his wife ; all with startling ability which convinced all present.

The play showed up several important points about the present military regime in Chile. Firstly, it showed the present regime's power was maintained through vicious atrocities on it's own native peasant, worker, artistic and intellectual populations. The beatings of mothers till they abort, electric shocks administered to the genitals of dissidents; the assassination of liberal musicians, dramatists and academics and censorship of their work the banning of all Trade Unions and allowing only supporters of the regime to study at Universities ; all these are only examples of the kind of shit Chileans are getting.

Another point the play made was that the Chilean junta came into power largely because of the support of the American CIA in overthrowing he democratic government of Salvador Allende, and also was maintained by the money made out of fuckwitted tourists who probably would think be native Indians enjoy selling souvenirs in order to prevent themselves from starving. They rarely managed to prevent starvation anyway.

It is notable to observe the facts that despite what has happened in Chile, New Zealanders' are still able (and many willing), to go there by way of 'Air New Zealand', and 'Lan Chile' airways. Also note that despite Chile being condemned by the majority of delegates in the United Nations General Assembly for its atrocities against its people. New Zealand's position on the whole affair has been typically reactionary. We still maintain diplomatic ties with the regime in Chile, and did not condemn the actions of that regime. It is only too clear that "Dimples" Muldoon and his government is acting true to heart, considering we also have ties with other fascist pricks like the South Africans, Thais : plus-colonialists like the Indonesian Government.

I would like to express my support for any moves to alienate the present regime in Chile, and the struggles of those exiled from Chile as a result of Allende's overthrow. It's about time the NZ government and its supporters gave a stuff about something other than balance of payments, deficits and rugby, and denounced the Junta's vicious activities, and broke diplomatic ties with Chile.