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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 4. March 23 1981

Delegates Confused

Delegates Confused

He was asked by a Canterbury delegate how the prospect of being only a short-term president would affect planning of long term campaigns. Shaw replied that at this stage it was hard to evaluate. Speaking to him later, he said he felt that he had sufficient experience and enthusiasm to put his time as president, no matter how short, to good use.

In the discussion that followed the question period, many delegates expressed both their concern and confusion at the conditions under which Shaw was standing. Was it better to leave the position of president vacant for yet another month or elect one now and risk having him resign in May? Delegates were concerned about the reaction of the news media, and more importantly, campus reaction. The first ballot reflected this confusion and no result was obtained.

Shaw was called back for further questions, this time focusing on what he would hope to do as president of NZUSA, and also on ways to relieve pressure from his other committments. After only a few questions a second ballot was held. The result: Derek Shaw 33, against 9. It would seem that NZUSA's need for a president and Shaw's willingness to do the job outweighed the risks involved in electing someone already so heavily committed.

Brian Small, Education and Welfare Vice-President of NZUSA, will be acting president until April 1 when Derek Shaw will assume the role of president till the end of the year. God and his academic advisor willing.

Michele A'ourt