Occupying the Steps

Down at Parliament, two rather startled policeman spread out their arms on the main steps as demonstrators flooded past them, chanting we want Merv the top, police attempts to persuade the students to clear the steps proved fruitless. Spurious deals that the police would convey the demand to the Minister if the students moved back were turned down. The students were angry and they were not going to move.

John Elliot, Government Education Caucus Committee chairman, came out to speak, and declared that he was willing to speak on campus (he has been invited for the afternoon of the 26th). He also said he would convey the student request to the Minister.

Meanwhile, Andrew Tees managed to find himself an escort into the building and went to see the Minister. Meeting him in his outer office, Tees presented the demand that Merv face up to students on campus in strong terms (to which Merv replied, "You are an arrogant little man".)

Back outside, the students tried all the entrances to Parliament, only to find them blocked. The police resorted to outright lies, saying that the gallery of the House was full (while letting in the odd non-student who turned up.) The chanting continued, loud and long. It was one of the most determined protests for its size students have staged in Wellington for a long time.