The President Speaks

Sir,—It appears that a number of students have gained the impression that the Association Executive has taken little or no action on the matter of the increased fees and amended bursary system. Surely the absence of emotional outbursts in the newspapers (with no accurate factual backing) does not necessarily imply a lack of activity.

The New Zealand University Students' Association was originally set up to handle matters which affect students at all Universities and Colleges in New Zealand. The Executive has been channelling any information on cases of undue hardship through N.Z.U.S.A. and the Constituent Presidents have already met the University Grants Committee. A further meeting of Presidents is set down to be held in Wellington on March 17, 1962. Now that enrolment is over, we shall have some documented evidence both from the census forms and the Registrar's office on the difficulties many students are experiencing. With these statistics as a basis, it is more than likely that before the end of this month, a combined deputation of Vice Chancellors and Student Presidents will wait on the Minister of Education to mainly discuss the present lack of transitional provisions in the new system.

For this purpose I would appeal to all students who are seriously affected by the changes, to leave a summary of their circumstances at the Students' Association office.

I would once again refer to the absence of official press publicity from the Executive. By their very nature, nearly all the points which have so far been negotiated with the Grants Committee will have a much greater chance of receiving a favourable and sympathetic hearing if the matters are treated confidentially. I would be happy to discuss in confidence, the matters which have been raised to date, with any students who are concerned.

If our submissions are flatly refused, then the time will certainly be ripe to go to the Press and use any other means of publicity at our disposal, with all guns blazing. In the meantime however, to kick a person in the backside is not the most successful gambit to use during the course of negotiations.—I am., etc.