The Arty Bits

In keeping with the cultural quotations from last week's column, here is one from Edith Wharton: "Mrs Ballinger is one of the ladies who pursue culture in bands, as though it were dangerous to meet alone."

Speaking of bands, the merrie band known as the Cultural Affairs Committee is well under way dealing with grants and organising many different activities. Last week we gave money to the Creche, Maori Club, WAG, Liferight, Cathsoc, and the Debating Society. As well as financial aid, we offered our help with getting an amplifier, books and toys for the Creche (if anyone has 'spares' of the last two, drop them off at Studass); help in running WAG and Liferight activities (eg. women's photography exhibition in September, Liferight social); and help for the Maori Club in repaying debts incurred by the Te Huinga Rangatahi National Conference.

Watch also for the Town and Country Players, Gary McCormick, Sam Hunt and the Jackson Duo coming soon. This Wednesday 3 June, 7.00pm in the Union Hall is the One Night Asian Affair involving Chinese, Indian and Indonesian Students, and of course the Cultural Affairs Committee. On campus we have a number of Asian students whose presence is often not recognised enough, although some interest was taken last year in the fact that many of them pay $1500 to come here. I think it is important and necessary that as a Pacific nation we encourage close ties with our Asian neighbours, and this surely will be made easier if we go some way to understanding their culture. Courses such as the Chinese Language and Indonesian Music can only aid this, and, as far as campus clubs go, we have the Malaysian Singapore Students Association and the English Language Institute. MSSA was revived in 1977, after lapsing in the 60's, and now has a membership of 100 (mainly Chinese Malaysians) from the university and downtown. The Association offers its members social functions, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations, and welfare aid in the form of help in finding accommodation.

The ELI works from 12-14 Waiteata Road, and consists of 81 students from 19 countries. There are 12 New Zealanders, and a few Chinese, Indians and Malaysians over on scholarships, such as the Columbo Plan.

The Institute has occasional social evenings with food prepared by their members, but as with the MSSA members (who are mainly doing commerce and law degrees) there is all too much varsity work to do. I can but ask all students to bury that assignment due in at the end of the week and enjoy a relaxed evening listening to the gamelan and sitar, watching slides, a fashion show and dances, and eating exotic food. It will be worth it for only $3.

Remember, culture isn't dangerous, don't work too hard, and get those grant applications in by July 13. Till next week.