June 2, 1967

Opinions expressed ore not necessarily those of VUWSA.

Sense of beautiful and good essential

It is difficult to understand why our society and especially our politicians tend to disparage the student body merely because at times there are some provocative student actions.

The short-lived independence of the Taj Mahal will no doubt provide some Cabinet Ministers with solid political reasons to oppose increased university spending.

But these gentlemen should know that the function of a university is not merely to give vocational training, but to equip men with the vital ability to invigorate a society so that it does not stagnate in its own complacency.

To do this a university should provide the opportunity to gain an acquaintance with a virile feeling for values. A crisp sense of the beautiful and the good is essential.

Failure to gain this means our time is largely wasted. All that remains is the certificate of a well-trained dog.

To analyse prejudices, scoff at false idols, and even to reject the most consoling belief where it conflicts with truth, are part of the process of education.

If students cease to be provocative then, it means either of two things: that God's Own Country hides no prejudices or false idols, or that students are failing in their most vital function. The former is most unlikely—perfection escapes us.

This leaves the latter. It is disturbing to reflect that we as a body do fail our society on too many occasions.

In an atmosphere where the student is surrounded by the collective wisdom of mankind, and at an age when set patterns of thought have not hindered the capacity to be receptive to criticism and new ideas, the student still largely remains an 'ordinary guy.' What expression he does arouse to is usually pathetic—like the Taj business.

Not that we advocate provocation for provocation's sake. All that is asked is a greater awareness of the dangers of acceptance, and a greater readiness to transmit sober thought into action and reflection into speech.

If we can do this, the fate of the trained canine will escape us.

LP urgently in need of reform

The recent Labour Party conference served as a reminder of the dilapidated state the party is in. Reactionaries on the question of organisational reform succeeded in delaying change for three years.

The Labour Party has been out of office 15 of the past 18 years and present standards indicate a miracle would be necessary to change the position. As an alternative government it has failed to convince the electorate.

While it is often said parties lose elections rather than win them, some initiative is usually necessary. The Labour Party lacks three prerequisites for consistent electoral success.

Firstly a philosophy for the future which would provide a framework for specific policy. At the moment it is neither idealistic nor completely pragmatic. It has failed to imitate the Machiavellian character the National Government successfully assumes.

Secondly the Labour Party has no research department to work on policy and provide speech material for the parliamentarians. With all their obligations and duties it is absurd to expect the MPs to do all their own research. The National Party recognised this in 1944 when they established their research department.

Finally the Labour Party's organisational structure is so outmoded and the functionaries so decadent it is incapable of obtaining the necessary funds for a research department and ensuring the best candidates stand in "safe" rather than "blue ribbon" seats.

In the interests of democracy something must be done. With our gullible but accurate press it is essential an informed critique of the Government's performance be available to the electorate.

Only the National Executive of the Labour Party is capable of initiating a revitalisation of the organisation. To achieve the necessary it should:

(1) Pension off immediately Mr. McDonald, the National Secretary. He is the most powerful reactionary force in the party and at the recent conference greatly assisted the rejection of proposals to alter the organisation's structure. (see Tony Haas's article in this issue.)

(2) Assist Labour Representation in forming Regional organisations. At the moment only Auckland has a regional structure which proved most effective during the last election campaign. Proposals to effect this were rejected at the conference. Decentralisation along the line of the National Party would serve to increase organisational efficiency.

(3) Establish a research bureau immediately. A political scientist and an economist for instance, would serve the parliamentarians well with speech material.

With increased professionalisa-tion, a massive drive for membership and closer relations with sympathetic business, the Labour Party would be on the way to creating a foundation for a viable alternative government.—B.G.S.