Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Students' Paper. Special Issue 1965
[Pat Caughley]
Pat Caughley, aged 21, is ompleting a BA this year with a double major in Political Science. Her other subjects include Geography and International Politics. After leaving school she worked for two years as a Bacteriology Trainee to enable subsequent full time study. She is keenly interested in Journalism [unclear: serving] on Salient as a feature writer (1964) and Political Correspondent (1965), and at present is general correspondent and secretary of N.Z.S.P.A. Snorting activities: Tennis and Squash Clubs.
Her adminstrative experience ranges over House, Public Relations and International Affairs sub-committees plus the Political Science Society Committee.
Policy: Women's Vice-President has a double function. First as assistant to the Chariman in administration and policy making ensuring that student opinion is represented. Secondly under a new stream-lined process, to oversee and be thoroughly familiar with the policy and action of five portfolios, co-ordinating their decisional at Executive level. More could be done to bridge the [unclear: gap] between students and Exec. Faults lie on both aides, but as an Exec. member I will do all in my power to keep students well-informed and to promote a health interest in student politics. I would like to see several 'Address and Reply' debates each year with the Exec. accounting for itself, explaining notion or non-action and accepting suggestions. Due to the good work of the last Executive and enthu[unclear: siastic] student involvement we are at last making some headway with the Govt. as a legitimate pressure group on the subject of bursaries, fees and [unclear: accomadation]. But unless activity is maintained the encouraging start could go for nothing. I intend to see that this Executive continues to exercise one of its most important functions - to be the voice of rational and constructive criticism within the community. We should not be a 'knowledge factory' but on articulate group in a democratic State competing with similar groups.
Women especially have a problem in finding well paid jobs over the holidays. I feel a full investigation into the positions and wages offering is necessary and the results should be communicated to the student body. I strongly support the right of Exec. to take an informed and responsible stand in International affairs.
N.Z.U.S.A.; I believe that this body acting as co-ordinaton of all universities, leading negotiator with the Govt., and representing N.Z. students overseas is essential. will support any efforts towards improving N.Z.U.S.A., and making their officers responsible to students.