The new Hard Lines

Are you wondering how you'll possibly be able to get through this year? Your rent's too high, you've been stunned by the amounts you've had to pay out in tuition fees and welfare levy, you've avoided buying text books because the cost would burn a huge hole in your savings and you've no idea how much SHG you'll get but you've a nagging feeling the odds are stacked against you. You don't want to get a loan because you don't know if you'll be able to pay it off and you'd rather not have that part time job because it makes you tired and affects your study. Well, if it's any consolation, there are many other students in the same position - and some in a worse one.

With a Minister of Education who doesn't think students should be supported by the taxpayer things are not going to get better. What can you do?

This year more than ever, the crisis large numbers of students are facing must be brought out into the public eye, and the government challenged to do something about it.

Would you believe Merv Wellington once said, "Education is the greatest investment the country can make in its future, and the training of young people its best invisible asset"? Obviously, there is a missing link between the philosophy and policy of the government. Election year is a good time to point this out.

You can have your chance on April 8, New Zealand University Students' Association's National Day of Action for Education Fightback 1981. The day when hoards of Victoria students can descend on Parliament to voice their concern(anger?) at the erosion of government support for tertiary education.

But... before that day we need your help in planning activities and collecting information on student hardship. If you have any gripes and/or are willing to give up some time to get involved in the campaign just bowl on up to the Students' Association office or the organising meeting.