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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 37, No. 7. April, 17 1974

Don Carson — Presidential candidate

Don Carson

Presidential candidate

Don Carson

Don Carson

Presidential candidate

Expressed student opinion will determine my actions throughout the remainder of this year if I am elected President. SRC is the policy-making body of the Students Association and no member of the Exec can disregard its directives. Those who disagree with SRC policy have the opportunity to change it through a democratic process instead of choosing to make allegations about the operations of a mythical clique. I will continue to be available to all students wanting advice, support or just to talk.

I am an Arts student, the present Sports Officer, and have been active in student affairs for the past three years. Because of this experience I have an extensive knowledge of both the way the university and student activities are operated and of the personnel involved; this is important knowledge for a President especially when he is elected in a by-election to lake office immediately.

The provision of student car parks in Wai-te-ata Road is a recent positive achiev-achievement that I can claim. As Sports Officer it is difficult to separate personal achievements from collective efforts, or bureaucratic functioning. Because of Sports Council policy I have initiated, a small number of elitist and badly run clubs will find it difficult to receive grants this year. Better grants will be available to those clubs which deserve them.

If elected President, my primary concerns will be among the areas listed below and I will work towards them at both the SRC and Exec level.

1)Academic workload is the most immediate problem facing the majority of Victoria students. Activity in social, sporting and political life has dropped off alarmingly in the last year.
2)Because of the pressing needs of work, SRC has declined as an active forum for policy discussion. I intend to cooperate with the SRC Co-ordinator to give a high priority to providing opportunities for wider student participation and involvement in areas as diverse as capping or the forthcoming ZANU appeal raffle.
3)The cafeteria facilities can and must be improved. Wastage on perishable items must cease and retail buying of fruit and vegetables must be replaced with wholesale buying. The number of food outlets in the Union and their efficiency should also be investigated.
4)The first priority for Welfare Services must be the provision of adequate creche facilities; the theatre foyer is not a long term solution. There are vacant university buildings in Kelburn Parade which could be used for a creche.
5)The Staff Club in Rankine Brown is a privileged facility. If regular liquor provisions are obtained for the Union, the Staff Club should revert to library use. Staff and student relations will be enhanced by sharing recreational facilities.

I make no apology for, or secret of, my political beliefs. Last year I was on the executive of the Wellington Committee on Vietnam and have worked with other organisations for progressive change both on and off campus. I will give continued support to progressive groups such as the Tenants Protection Association, the National Anti Aparthied Committee, the Committee on Vietnam, Pensioner's Association, and others.

My previous experience has been: Sports Officer, SRC Rep on the Joint Committee of University Council, Publications Board. Victoria International delegate to 1973 May and August NZUSA Councils.