Guthrie: Fees Not For The Few

By Denis Phelps

'Students' fees should not be poured down the throats of a few', says the International Affairs Officer, Gerard Guthrie.

He said this after an Executive meeting on 8 April, had appproved a social budget for Extravaganza of $50.

Attempts had been made by Dan Bradshaw, Malcolm Grover, and Owen Gager to have the sum raised to $100 or $150.

Executive also granted funds for the graduates' dinners in Capping Week and for expenses connected with the Capping Drinking Horn.

Gerard, who opposed all three grants, later told Salient that, while he thought official entertaining was wise policy on rare occasions, students had the right to expect their money to show longterm results.

"No part at all of Students' Association fees should go on giving a handful of people a good time".

Asked to comment on Gerard's views, the Students' Association President, Doug White, emphasised that [unclear: Extrav] this year budgeted to break even or make a profit.

"In principle I object to the spending of student subs on grog," Doug said, although he did not oppose the Extrav. grant.

"As for the drinking horn expenses, the money is only for costs not connected with liquor," Doug said.

The Social Officer, Malcolm Grover, said that the [unclear: Extrav] social budget has been chopped far too low. He pointed out that last year's expenditure on liquor was approximately $120 (though this was partly unbudgeted).

"Participants in Extrav, are not altruistic; we have to provide them with some rewards," said Malcolm.

"The drinking horn I view as an integral part of student activities: anyway we will ensure that the cost of alcohol is covered by the purchase of tickets," he said.