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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 37, No. 19. July 31, 1974

elections

page 14

elections

hand holding a gun

Andrew Cowlrick

Andrew Cowlrick for President: I am a full-time, third year arts student. I have had some experience in student politics, which previously I regarded as being rather like a pack of adults quarrelling over a toffee apple. Upon waking after sleeping for 2½ years I found that the toffee apple interested, and more important affected me, so I decided that I wanted a bite of it.

Being an average student I am reasonably competent to fill the position of President. The last couple of presidents gave a great example of how not to act, and what sort of policy not to have.

I see the university primarily as being a place of interaction between people, where you can extend your knowledge through your own desire in cooperation with other students. Unlike many students, I do not see it as just a degree factory. It should have a strong communal flavour, a radical change from the faceless machine which spews out numbers of examination slips, at present.

I have attempted to introduce at least three basic ideas into my policy. Its main planks are:
1)Greater representation and effective power of students on the ruling bodies of the university. Following from this an examination of increasing student workloads due to internal assessment with the object of decreasing the workload or alternately increasing the credit rating.
2)When in office a greater concentration than has previously occurred on matters that vitally affect students at all levels of their time at university, especially the problems surrounding the cafe, the financial problem of the creche, student housing and hostels and possibly most important of all the questions of bursaries i.e. when are we going to get a bigger cut.
3)Introduce a system whereby a referendum is held on all issues that Involve expenditure of student money for matters outside the university and unconnected with student benefits.

At the moment the system of elections is highly undemocratic. Only a minority of students voted in the last election for president, giving a false impression. The problems of general student apathy have to be examined and overcome to bring a more communal atmosphere to the university; to get a viable community of people, not just names with letters after them. To give the student body as a whole a greater say in the activities and decisions of their executive I would advocate a greater use of referendums, perhaps replacing SRC's (through the necessary constitutional changes) which only a very small percentage of students attend and which can be easily fixed. Alternatively a greater student involvement in SRC's by simply bringing yourself along to them.

I do not advocate a clearing out of Salient. It is up to the student body as a whole to do something if they do not like what Salient Is preaching. One can only Infer from the general Student apathy towards Salient policies that they (the student body) agree or just don't care. As for myself I think that Salient is just doing its lob. Previously right-wingers have said they will 'clean out Salient', which Is ridiculous. It is up to the students to clean out, If they wish, while everyone Is entitled to express their own views.

International Affairs: I do not advocate Interference in other persons affairs, although such things as racism (whether black of white) and neo-colonialism (usually trade based) have to be crushed, for the benefit of all of us.

I am strongly against the sending of student monies overseas to any organisation that is not based on humanitarian principles and who is partisan.

I am not promising the world and I am not making any wild promises that I could not keep once in office.

Fred Daggs

Fred Daggs: Sheep Liberation Party for President: Most students of this university are unaware of the main social injustices being perpetrated by our modern day society. The time has come to have the wool pulled off their eyes. A group of ovinitarian students formed this party to enlighten the masses after consultation with a Romney-Southdown Revolutionary Committee in the Wairarapa. From those consultations the following policies were formulated:
1)Universal franchise for all sheep attaining hogget status — one sheep one vote.
2)Introduction of an interdisciplinary course on sheep in society, an integrated programme which will concentrate on the status of sheep in contemporary society.
3)Holding of National Sheep Dog trials.
4)Abolition of Freezing Works.
5)The banning of sheep meats from the caf menu and replacement with clover, lucerne and Salients.
6)General education of the new sheep proletariat to make them aware of their oppressed social condition. Remember, our aim is to get the sheep off the farms, and onto the streets.

Arthur Pomeroy

Arthur Pomeroy for President: I am an Honours student in Classics, standing for President not as a member of any political, social, or religious group, but to serve all students in this university. You may think the President is 'top-dog' — if elected, I will be general 'dogsbody'.

Matters needing urgent attention: —
a)Extension of student services — the creation of a real, not a hypothetical student bookshop, a student-owned laundromat, and further services.
b)Bursaries and boarding allowances — full support for NZUSA in protecting students against inflation.
c)Internal assessment — if necessary, we must reorganise from scratch. Who wants students to be neurotic all year around?
d)Accommodation — at an opportune time, there has been shameful lack of support for student housing schemes.
e)University involvement in the community at large — whether through the existing complex or through University Extension.
f)Student democracy —your opportunity is now. Why complain about the views of representatives you have elected? I would support any scheme to remove the "pressure-group of the week' system at SRCs. I suggest constitutional amendment empowering a majority of executive members to call for referenda on matters of importance.

Whoever you vote for, vote for action now.

Peter Rotherham

Peter Rotherham for President: For the purposes of this-policy statement which is to be published in Salient I want to limit my comments to five points which focus entirety on external issues. This is not to say that the Young Socialists' election campaign is ignoring questions which relate more directly to students — we are continuing to demand, for example, that students have the decisive say In all university affairs, and that a system of cost of living bursaries be introduced. It does mean, however, that we believe there are some exceptionally important issues around which the association should have clear policies and be prepared to devote its resources and facilities to the promotion of those policies.

1)The use of injunctions against unions: The politicians and news media tell us that the courts are "neutral", and hand down decisions based entirely on the "merits" of each case. That is a total lie, especially in the case of injunctions used against unions. These injunctions simply amount to employers attacking the rights of unions under the cover of "the law", and it Is imperative that the association take the strongest possible stand in defence of any union which is attacked in this way. The association should even take responsibility for mobilising students around this issue if anything like the recent Andersen affair occurs again.
2)Abortion — A woman's right to choose: The Woman's National Abortion Action Committee is conducting an on-going campaign around this issue, and this should be backed to the hilt by the association.
3)The Middle East — self determination for the Palestinians: The debates and forums around this question must continue with a view to dispelling all the myths about the nature of the Israeli state. This, along with the course of events themselves in the form of continuing Zionist aggression against the Palestinians, will produce a situation where the NZUSA policy motions will be adopted by overwhelming numbers of students in the future.
4)End the terror in Chile: September 11 is the anniversary of the military coup which overthrew the Allende government, and led to the slaughter torture and imprisonment of thousands of Chileans. Activities are planned for this date by the Wellington Committee to Defend Democracy in Chile, and the association should be right behind this campaign especially in the sense of helping to promote educational material on what the situation is really like under the junta. Release all the political prisoners! End all diplomatic recognition of the Juntal Free entry to NZ for all refugees from the terror!
5)Repeal all anti-homosexual laws: The association should be an outspoken defender of all those who are oppressed and discriminated against — and that includes gays. The bigotry which exists around this question has been highlighted by the current debate in Parliament in connection with an attempt to reform the law. The most effective counterweight to this bigotry is the struggle of gays themselves for their rights, and the association must openly proclaim its support for their fight.

In running in these elections I'm therefore seeking a mandate from students to begin actioning the above policies in particular, and of course the more directly student oriented points which I touched on at the very beginning.

Vote Young Socialist in these elections.

Lisa Sacksen

Lisa Sacksen for President: I am an arts student studying English and History. I have been on the executive as secretary for nearly two years and have worked with four presidents. During this time I have seen the association moving from one issue to the next, trying in a piecemeal fashion to serve the Interests of students. In this we have not always been successful and sometimes have been contradictory, especially in the area of education where specific important problems like those of internal assessment and mid-year examining remain unresolved.

I would see my work as President es trying to provide a planned, integrated programme at the beginning of the year so that the association has definate tasks that students have set them to accomplish. A conference at the start of the first term could be one method of doing this.

This is not to say that the entire year would be worked out before we began so that there was no room for action which was not planned. As in the past when things arise that need immediate attention this will be given to them.

I feel that it must also be stressed that we cannot expect one education policy for all faculties. The type of knowledge gained in the science courses is quite different to that gained in arts courses.

We must develope our social life, for it is on this as much as on politics that the students association runs.

In the area of external politics, I think the time has come to examine questions closer to our own lives. The City Council and various government departments that reside in Wellington should be as closely examined as the wars of liberation In Southern Africa.

Using the ideas contained in this manifesto, I hope to encourage greater discussion among students on their educational, political and social lives. Victoria, while being the most politically active campus in New Zealand, is fast becoming the deadest both socially and culturally. This in itself must be examined and if possible changed.

Colin Feslier

Colin Feslier for Publications Officer: I am standing for the position of publications officer because I believe that the Student Press and its associated publications are central to the life of any campus.

I hope to initiate disscussion among students on the role of Salient, Cappicade and Handbook in the university. I feel that there are important changes needed in the field of publications and it is essential that these changes result from debate and discussion among students themselves.

One specific change that I will be working towards is the replacement of Handbook with an 'anti-calendar'. This would be produced in November and give a 'students-eye view' of the various courses and be designed to counteract the false impressions students receive from Calendar itself and various departmental handouts.

Gyles Beckford

Gyles Beckford for Man Vice-President: 1974 has shown that the executive cannot afford to be there just for laughs and a wank. The number of positions that are available emphasise the need to treat the running of the association as something which requires a true effort from all those who are elected. If elected I would strive for a better association that exists for and on behalf of the students which requires participation and contribution from every student.

The charge that a clique runs the students association is somewhat justified, as Is the contrary charge of "apathy" among students. But the clique is only one by default because page break very few bother to come forward and student apathy is often related to the weight of work loads. The man vice president can deal with some of the general problems which other officers cannot, and I would see my role as improving the lot of students and the association in as many areas at possible, A grandiose scheme? I don't think so. With other members of the executive and some SRC reps I have already started in attempts to gain a free two hour lunch time on Wednesdays. Although this will not be fully implemented next year the majority of lectures during this time should be rescheduled.

I will continue to strive for a full time overseas student counsellor. The problems which overseas students face are different and more complex than those faced by New Zealanders, and the present counselling services are not equipped to devote more then passing attention to these students. It is essential that welfare at university and their rights in New Zealand society are catered for. The case of Khoo Ee Liam and many others highlights the need to safeguard everybody's right to their own beliefs, freedom from fear of persecution because of them.

Finally, there is a definite need to look at the university itself and the quality of life on campus. Changes must be made so that students can participate in club activities, steins and booze-ups or whatever they wish. The recent Mini Arts Festival was a step in the right direction in trying to provide a better spirit on campus. But this can only be the beginning of a campaign to improve campus life generally, a campaign in which, if elected. I will devote as much time and energy as it takes.

Previous experience: 1973 — SRC publications rep; 1974 — Publications Officer (until July); 1974 — President (since July); 1974 — SRC Professorial Board Rep.

Simon Collins

Simon Collins for Man Vice-President: I am standing for a position on the students' association executive because I am concerned about two things:
1)That we, as students, have hitherto concentrated on our own education, and neglected to share the benefits of that education with the rest of society; and
2)That the Institutions of "democracy" in student affairs do not In fact provide a satisfactory means by which all students can decide issues that concern them.

I think that if I am elected to the exec, I will be in a better position to initiate, and take some responsibility for carrying out decisions on those issues, such as:

Increased university extension courses, increasingly held off campus and in the areas where people actually live and work, and taken more in tutorial form, not only by university lecturers but also by school-teachers, experts in the field, and students (i.e. us) and workmates who have already acquired the understanding and want to pass it on to others.

Pressure on the University Council and government to restructure higher education so that everyone, not only a privileged elite, can acquire an education that can help them to understand the world. Such a restructuring might produce a system In which education from the fifth form up Is split into a general, broad "understanding" course offered to everyone in their local area, followed by a separate vocational and advanced school for specific careers.

Greater publicity about university affairs in Salient, both before and after a decision is taken.

More frequent use of referenda on major issues, instead of the farcical SRC which is only a small proportion of students attend.

Less wastage of students' time spent In debates on issues such as the Middle East, that can have no practical outcome. Such issues can be dealt with by allowing those who want to do something practical about it to take space in Salient and otherwise publicise whatever they want to do (such as demonstrations and donation) and for people who support that action to do so Individually. But the students' association, as an Institution and as an expression of the opinions of a majority of students, should only be used for decisions that relate directly to the university and will have a real practical effect (apart from making rooms and other facilities available In the Union Building).

I am a second-year economics and political science student (also stage I psychology). I believe that the above-stated Issues are important; and if elected I would do my best to bring about some anion on them along the lines suggested.

Sandra Callister

Sandra Callister for Cultural Affairs Officer: Increasing concern has been expressed by many students on the impersonalization of university life and the accompanying loss of spirit at Victoria. Can any student executive afford to preach 'revolutionary class struggle' and be orientated towards distant political crises without fully facing the alienation of many students from university life? I strongly feel no executive can and would, therefore, concentrate on the following areas if elected:
1)Fortnightly union dances have met with tremendous success in bringing students together at Australia's Monash University. I hope Victoria could duplicate such a scheme.
2)Student Involvement in their own orientation programme. At the beginning of the year extensive public advertising ensured that students were a minority at their orientation concerts. I support a return to the previous policy of only internal publicity.
3)Film programmes dealing specifically with such areas of concern as sexuality, environmental problems, alternative approaches to education etc.
4)Establishment of a university 'learning exchange' such as currently runs at Wellington's Mount Cook School.
5)A more rounded and balanced student programme — folk dancing for commerce students, 'touch therapy' for law students, creative dancing for science students, and to art students. I am open to suggestions.

I am a third year arts student and would hope, if elected, to actively and regularly canvass student opinion on all cultural activities.

Barbara Leishman

Barbara Leishman for Cultural Affairs: As the present Cultural Affairs Officer, a member of the New Zealand Students Arts Council and Victoria's principal delegate to NZSAC Meetings, I am standing for re-election in order to bring to fruition realistic plans for which I have done a great deal of groundwork. Having organised one successful Mini-Festival here and closely observed Arts Festival 1973, I have strong ideas on cultural activities. I want to expand the concept of the Mini-Festival, which I think should be substantially free and offer many activities by varied groups over a short period of time.

I have ideas for raising funds for the association through such cultural activities as concerts.

Orientation sets the tone for the year and I would like to organise a wide programme over Orientation 1975 to create an enlivened atmosphere totally unlike the dullness of this year's effort.

I have already created valuable communication lines with Polytech, Training College and Massey, and obtained their contribution to activities here.

I have re-awakened activities (playwriting, jazz, poetry) which had gone underground. I can see this leading to a universities festival here in 1976, should students wish it, and could begin preparations now.

Thus I stand, not on a political slate, but for a realistic progressive cultural policy and ask you to re-affirm your confidence In me by giving me your vote.

David Chung

David Chung for Cultural Affairs Officer: No manifesto supplied.

David Cunningham

David Cunningham for Scr Co-Ordinator: It is not the mere existence of Students' Association policy that is important, it is the actioning of that policy which counts in the end.

It was dissatisfaction with the unco-ordinated state of student representation that led to the creation of this position at a special general meeting this year.

My first task after I was appointed to this position, was to compile a list of student reps, their phone numbers, addresses and which committees of the university they belonged to. Up until then the students association did not even have this information available. Having got this somewhat bureaucratic task out of the way I turned my attention towards actioning a long outstanding request for a timetable break in which to hold forums, debates, and students association meetings. Negotiations for a lecture-free period between 12 noon and 2pm each Wednesday are now in an advanced stage and it is probable that in 1975 very few lecture will be held in this period (working towards none in 1976). This will, among other things, enable more students to take part in the running of the students association.

If re-elected, I shall pursue these points:
1)The promotion of participation in the students association by as many students as can be interested. This will be done by more extensive advertising of students association activities both on noticeboards and in liasion with the editor of Salient.
2)To make this possible limits to course workloads will need to be set. This is a realistic task for faculty representatives to achieve, and I shall ensure that their efforts are actioned through Prof. Board and if necessary the University Council.
3)The present Union facilities, particularly catering, are not up to standard. It real changes are to be made, they will have to have genuine support from a large group of students. I shall be attempting to present various possible solutions to students both in the pages of Salient and in meetings. The possibility of subsidizing catering will be examined.

John Henderson

John Henderson for Src Co-Ordinator: I am a first-year student studying arts majoring in economics. I am standing for this position for three main reasons:
1)I have a good knowledge of the constitution and of the workings of SRC and I am quite sure that I can efficiently and competently represent this body at the executive.
2)I have attended many executive meetings and feel that I know a fair bit about the workings of our executive.
3)I feel David Cunningham, at 25, is becoming too old to represent students at either SRC or executive. Although I, myself, will only be 18 next year, which will be the major part of the term, I feel that I have gained enough experience to do this job effectively. I will be basing my manifesto on two main points only:
1)The streamlining of speeches etc at SRC to give every student his chance to have his say.
2)An attempt to transfer major decisions from the executive, an elitist body, to the SRC, which is representative of the student population as a whole. This is why I am standing, and I hope, after carefully considering the alternatives, you will vote for me.

John Roseveare

John Roseveare for Src Co-Ordinator: The position of SRC Co-ordinator is a crucial one if student opinion is actually going to be heard and acted upon. The supreme policy making body of students is supposed to be SRC. If decisions made there are to be implemented by exec, it is necessary to have someone whose responsibility it is to continually remind and inform exec of such decisions and the need to act in accord with them (and in the spirit of them!) If elected I would do my utmost to ensure that this was done.

The Co-ordinator should also act as a liasion between the various SRC officers and the executive so as to ensure co-operation and communication between them.

As a member of exec, of course, the co-ordinator would also be required to involve himself in the day to day workings of the association and in the formulation of executive decisions. I offer my willingness to participate fully in routine administration and to give thought and time to the formulation of exec decisions.

I have been at this place for 2½ years now. I feel it is time that I contributed something of what I have gained to the workings of the students' association here. I am willing and ready. The rest is, of course, up to you.

Detailed summaries of my attitudes to key issues facing students and the association and of my background will be visible as the election draws closer. May I say however that above all it is important that you, all of you, do vote!!

Mike Curtis

Mike Curtis for Treasurer: For the past year I have held the position of treasurer and am willing to continue again In 1975.

I want to ensure that the projects I have started continue to benefit the association and students generally. The main project I have undertaken this year is the revival of the Food Co-op which provides cheaper food for student flats, and hopefully others In the future.

I have ensured that the association moneys have been Invested at a reasonable rate of return page break (currently 9 and 10% per annum for two monthly periods).

Because of the recent changes in the constitution I am required as an unopposed candidate to obtain over 50% of the vote. Students will realise that handling both the day-to-day and long term aspects of the association finances is a task more complex than can be fully discussed in a short manifesto. I am happy to discuss any part of my work with interested students. I can be contacted at the Students' Association Office.

Diane Hooper

Diane Hooper for Woman Vice President: Not enough students here consciously know they belong to a students' association. The students' association we all belong to can be a powerful body for instigating and maintaining a better deal for each student here in this university. In being elected to the executive of this association for a second term, I would recognise that I am firstly responsible for activating the concerns and feelings of students. Recently in Salient there was an article by a Malaysian student at Monash, who said he believed that students were increasingly becoming a central element of social change. Whether or not one may be in agreement it is certain that a continued pressure on faculties to lessen the academic workload of students is necessary for us to have the time and opportunity to participate in the struggle for much needed social and economic change. The new credit system has unfairly increased the workload of students at the expense of extra-curricular activities oh campus. Creche facilities have been a prime area of my concern in the past few months. I would ask tor your vote of confidence in the continuation of my activities as Woman Vice President for 1975.

Judith Tizard

Judith Tizard for Woman Vice President: I am standing for the position of Woman Vice President of the Students Association because I feel that it is time that student representatives actually represented student views and stopped using their their positions to air their own prejudices. Student association resources and influence should be used to do something constructive about the issues that students are concerned about. I feel that the woman vice-president should concern herself especially with women in the university and make some effort to involve more women in university affairs. If I am elected I shall do my best to represent students, as a whole, and women in particular.

Peter Aagaard

Peter Aagaard for Accommodation Officer: I am a third year BA student, the present Welfare Officer, representative on Student Welfare Advisory Committee and representative on Student Accommodations Advisory Committee.

As Welfare Officer, I have done a certain amount of work on accommodation. Earlier this year I was involved In negotiating with a company down town who were Interested in building student flats. I have also studied the various proposals pertaining to the buying and leasing of particular properties by the students' association and the accommodation situations at other universities. This type of experience has given me an understanding of the problems involved in attempting to provide student accommodation.

One of my main aims, if elected, will be to implement the motions passed at the AGM which involve making the University Accommodation Service more responsible to students. Along with trying to expand this service, I will also work towards getting more student flats built. The building of more flats is the only way to solve the housing problem. It will not be solved by any scheme which involves taking houses off other sectors of the community.

The other important aspect of this position involves acting on complaints from students. Too many students are being ripped off in various ways because there has not been a student accommodation officer for them to take their problems too.

Bernard Randall

Bernard Randall for Accommodation Officer: Previous experience as South Pacific Officer and member of such committees as catering, union management, extension advisory, Pacific studies and overseas student orientation committee.

As accommodation officer I would combine the functions of administrator, implementator of SRC policy decisions and liasion officer with the accommodation service. I would also undertake to achieve the following:

Distribute to all students the booklet "Flatting A Tenants Guide' published by the National Youth Council.

Work towards immediate improvement of the accommodation service so it will assist students instead of its present policy of hindrance.

Request that the general medical services provided by the health services be available to all students regardless of whether they are flatting or living at home.

Promote the establishment of the Welfare Management Committee. The present situation is such that students do not have a structure through which to make complaints or suggestions to the various welfare services.

I am generally concerned with the quality of students' life and will put student interests at the top of my priorities. Among these I identify with are accommodation, welfare, TPA and information.

Kevin Wright

Kevin Wright for Sports Officer: As sports officer my priorities would be:
1)Try to get extensions to the gym underway as soon as possible.
2)Get the club grants increased to a reasonable level.
3)Encourage students to make much more use of all the clubs and facilities especially the gym.
4)Have a sports page in Salient every week if desired.
5)To get reforms in internal assessment so students have more time for recreation.

At present the building fund for the gym complex is only about $50,000 short, and if the money is not raised soon then there is a good chance that inflation in the building industry will increase the costs faster than the grants come in.

I feel that club grants which have fallen from $5000 in 1972 to $4250 this year must be increased next year.

Next year I would encourage a rep from each club to write an article in Salient each week if it is felt there is a need for this.

I am a second year BCA student and a member of the ski and car clubs. I was a founding member of Wellington TPA and I am involved in the Food-Co-op.

Phillip J. Tree

Phillip J. Tree for Sports Officer: I. think that it is very Important for every student in the University to be active in sport of some kind, so that he may get some relief from the academic pressures of his studies.

One of the problems I shall have to tackle as Sports Officer is that of the lease of the Kelburn Park pavilion. I feel that students should be informed more about what is going on regarding this matter, and be encouraged to have more say in it.

I shall also attempt to persuade next year's editors of Salient to re-institute a sports column in Salient. While I do not oppose some socio-political comment in a student newspaper this should not be at the expense of items relating directly to the students and their university.

I will endeavour to be an efficient administrator of the sports council. I am a stage 3 chemistry student, a Christian, and also an active member of the Tramping Club.

R.C. Craw for Sports Officer: If elected I will work for the following:
1)A tour of New Zealand by an integrated South African rugby team;
2)Free film showings in the Union Hall (or Memorial Theatre) of selected highlights of the 1974 Commonwealth Games and the 1974 World Cup Association Football Tournament.
3)More funds for all student sports clubs.
4)Free ski trips to the South Island for deprived children from Wellington's extensive government planned overcrowded housing experiment for workers.
5)A bar serving alcoholic refreshments and open from 8am — 10pm on weekdays and Saturdays.
6)'Healthy body, healthy mind' — more student and staff participation in university sports activity.

Robert Pui

Robert Pui for Secretary: This position is tedious, demanding and challenging.

Perhaps that is why no one else wants the job.

I accept the challenge, with the aim to contribute something useful to student affairs.

If you don't vote for me, there will be no secretary for the Association! Isn't it absurd??!

I solemnly promise, to give up smoking should I get elected by chance.