Political Science Society

The agitation at the beginning of this year for Faculty and Departmental committees had an offshoot in the establishment of a Political Science Society early in April. The aims of the Society are to hold regular discussion meetings on topical political subjects led by prominent speakers; to strive for the establishment of a departmental committee for the Political Science department; to urge students in other departments to form societies similar to this one; to publish a journal containing original research by students of the College into current political problems; and to press for an honours stage in the department.

Four meetings of the Society have been held to date. All have been well attended both by students of the department and by other students interested in politics. The first meeting, held on April 22 was addressed by Dr Dean McHenry of the University of Southern California on 'Politics—American Style'. Dr McHenry gave a very clear outline of the history of the American Constitution, and told about the political scene in America today. He gave us his views on the possibility of an American Labour Party, which he said was not likely to materialise for some time. The Society was very fortunate in gaining such a well-informed speaker for its inaugural meeting. Mr E. Theiler, the Swiss Consul to New Zealand, told us of the growth of democracy in Switzerland in our second meeting. When asked why women did not have a vote in Switzerland he gave a very convincing explanation. Further speakers have been Mr Owen Davies of Unrra who spoke of the present situation in Germany, and Mr T. McCombs, M.P., who took us behind the scenes in the Labour Party.

The Society would like to put on record its sincere thanks to the members of the staff of the Political Science Department. They gave us every encouragement when we were forming the Society and have helped us considerably throughout the year.