High-ho Silver and Away

This point is particularly important when one regards the report of our secretary, John Hebenton. When he finally deigned to arrive at the meeting, he was spectacularly unimpressive. He lambasted last year's Association for its missed chances in such fields as the General Election. When asked the reasonable enough question why he didn't do his job and ensure that there were election speakers here, he said that he didn't have the time — and then gave his last year's exam marks as proof.

If that was the case, why the hell did he stand in the first place? And, even more mysterious, why did he stand this year? He cheerfully admitted that he didn't have the time to do the job this year — stage three zoologists are so busy you know. 'I would willingly hand over to anyone who could do a better job' said John, and with scarcely a pause for breath that he only stood for the position because no-one else did, and he though it would be better to have a bad secretary than no secretary at all. While this touching emotion doubtless makes Zebenton a leading contender for canonisation, it doesn't explain why he felt obliged to stand for three positions this year. Hebenton seems to be eager for the honour and the glory (not to mention the honararium), but doesn't want to stand up to the responsibilities his big hearted gesture has brought him.

The first report to be presented was also the longest and the most wide ranging. It was that of last year's President, Lindy 'Hopping along for the last time' Cassidy. Although Lindy's report covered such diverse things as the national economy, unemployment and the Catering Service, the overwhelming thing that came through in both her written and spoken reports was that exec. members and SRC representatives must accept the responsibility of their jobs and assume a leading and guiding role in student affairs. To quote her written report; it is a truism to say that the Student's Association can only be as effective as its membership but there is of course the other aspect - that of leadership. Leadership in our Association must be provided not only by the the Executive, but also by the various SRC officers'. These qualities she said were absent from too many officers last year. The corollary of this is worth mentioning. We must observe our elected officers this year carefully and ensure they are doing the jobs they are elected to do.

Stephen Underwood, last year's treasurer gave his report and the prospects he gave were mildly optimistic. The main problems were catering, NZUSA and STB. In 1977, catering profits were $18,000. Last year they were down to $1,900. Fundamental changes will be required to reverse the down-hill trend. The impending negotiations with the University over Union financing will be of vital importance to the Association and it is essential that a satisfactory agreement be reached.'

NZUSA and Student Travel Bureau Ltd. were 'a cause of concern during the year. The solution of the problems of these two organisations lies in debt reconstruction and strong management. STB Ltd. has reorganised in association with the Bank of New Zealand and the future looks promising.'

This was Stephen's last report as a member of the Executive. He has been involved in student affairs for many years and has been a source of inspiration and advice to many of the more inexperienced members of the Exec. As recognition of his work for Victoria he was voted by the meeting a life member of VUWSA.' The unanimous support for this motion is a measure of the respect that Stephen has, and of the debt of gratitude VUWSA owes him.

The other officers tabled their reports, but it was left to the Accomodation Officers to provide the controversy. One of them made suggestions that were helpful and constructive, the other launched into a tirade as stupid as it was embarrassing.

Kevin Callinicos said that with officers accountable to SRC's often contradictory instructions, a certain amount of efficiency is sacrificed to democracy. He suggested that we must try and find the balance between democracy and efficiency.

Ian McElwee, after accepting totally unwarranted credit for making the staff creche a reality, launched into a tirade against the other members of the Exec. We were informed that last year's Exec was dominated by lefty politicos whose only concern was politics, and trying to perpetuate their own little clique. Apparently good Exec members "do their jobs and keep their mouths shut.' Well, well, well.

And then, dearly beloved, it was time to discuss this year's budget. A call to amend this document was immediately forthcoming. Only $500 was budgeted for implementing SRC policy, a figure that has not increased for several years. A motion that SRC receive $1,000 was tabled and passed. The other bone of contention was the cultural affairs budget of $5,500. This is the money that finances most of the clubs on campus, and was deemed by the meeting to be too small. The cultural life around this place is going through a boom period at the moment, and it is is hoped to send several acts down to the arts festival in Christchurch. The budgetry allowance was increased to $7,500, and that was that.