The Elections . . .

"The Verdict"

Before the elections it was our policy to place the issue impartially before voters and to confine ourselves chiefly ensuring that a large proportion of students recorded their votes. At the same time, we drew attention, in a sufficiently indirect manner, to the qualities mhich we considered desirable in an Exec, member, hoping that electors would use intelligent discretion to select candidates on the basis of efficiency rather than on mere personal popularity.

Now we claim the right to speak plainly. The verdict is irrevocable so anything in the nature of comment cannot now be considered prejudicial, but it will at least give Smad the satisfaction of expressing an opinion on the judgment of the "ruling" majority at Victoria.

It must have been clear to anyone who gave the matter a moment's thought that at best the new Executive was going to lack the experience, the seniority and the stability of its predecessor. The retirement of Wild, Blacker and White, all of whom had wide experience on the Exec., or in one or other of the major activities of the College, and all of whom were graduates untrammelled by exam fetters, was serious enough. The retirement during the year of Nora McLaren after several years of yeoman service, and that of Joy Stock, meant that on the women's side also, inexperience was to be unavoidable.

Well, as it has turned out, we find that the President's; chair is occupied by an Exec. Member with one year's service as a Committeeman, the Men's Vice-President has about three months as Secretary to his credit, the women's Vice-President, a year as Committee-woman. The two Committee-men and two of the Committee-woman an new—the third Committee-woman has been on the Exec. for about three months. Only one of the six men on the Exec. is a graduate—the rest, presumably, are studying to complete this year.

Only three of those elected at last year's annual meeting offered themselves for re-election. One has become President, a second the Women's Vice-President, but the third after a singularly successful year as Hon. Treasurer, is unaccountably given his conge by the electors. Quite candidly, we are disappointed, not only for his sake, but tor the sake of the Association which has deprived itself of his valuable services. Last year showed what could be done an Exec. willing to work and to support a Treasurer able and keen to find money for the Building fund, with little sacrifice to club activities. It is a great advertisement for our appeal to past students and the public. The experience gained at considerable personal sacrifice was available to the Association, about to enter upon the biggest project it has ever undertaken. The offer has been rejected. We feel compelled to .say that the decision not only reflects little credit on the electors, but also gives the motion of thanks passed by he General Meeting all the appearances of an empty gesture.

It will be realised that the above comments are directed exclusively at the voting community as a whole and are not intended as a reflection of any sort on the member of the new Executive. The representatives of a democracy which apparently offers no reward for services rendered, deserve our sympathy. Their task is going to be a difficult one, but we feel sure that the; are all prepared to give of their best and it is Smad's earnest desire to give them full support and encouragement in their work. We believe that once they find their feet they will make a good job of things and we wish them every success!