RENT STRIKE SPECIAL EXTRA
NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE UNION 8th
J A N U A R Y 1973
FREE!
No. 323
C I S I O N T H U R S D A Y T h e purpose of this special issue of " F e l i x " is to tell y o u a b o u t R e n t Strikes, a n d w h y i t i s proposed that we h o l d one i n I m p e r i a l College. A t the end of last year, several p r o v i n c i a l university unions decided that, since their h a l l fees were so h i g h , a n d were greatly i n excess of the " n o t i o n a l e l e m e n t " of £240 a l l o w e d f o r i n the grant (£275 i n L o n d o n ) they w o u l d go o n rent strike u n t i l increases scheduled o n these fees were cancelled a n d t h e fees tied t o the motional element. M a j o r centres were Surrey, D undee a n d Keele. It w o r k e d . So, at M a r g a t e Conference i n N o v e m b e r , N U S delegates f r o m colleges a l l over B r i t a i n voted to use the R e n t Strike weapon i n order to force the government t o increase student grants. A c a l l went out f o r a n a t i o n a l rent strike, a n d 25 unions have already responded positively. T e n more are discussing whether to h o l d one this week. T h a t includes us.
The Notion Imperial College Unioni reaffirm its d e m a n d f o r "£100 increase i n the grant n o w " and "the full grant for a l l who study'".
l.CU. ing
In the interests of a united c a m p a i g n , l . C . U . pledges f u l l b a c k i n g to the immediate demands of the N . U . S . f o r
1.
many
students, p a r t i c u l a r l y those
leges.
2.
SEE THEN.
Y O U A T T H E UNION
MEETING
i t p o l i t i c a l l y very difficult f o r t h e
government
to reject o u r demands.
t o use the only e c o no m ic
power we have, the
a b i l i t y t o w i t h h o l d hall and house rents, to force A n end t o d i s c r i m i n a t i o n against married w o m e n
the college authorities to put intense pressure o n
students. 3.
t o concede o u r c l a i m .
A n Interim grant increase of £65 t o cover the cost of inflation since 1971.
4.
the G o v e r n m e n t
*
A n a n n u a l grant review based on a student cost
l . C U . therefore mandates 1.
the President, E x e c u t i v e and C o u n c i l to organise support f o r the N . U . S . grants c a m p a i g n , i n particular for the U S K area activities t h e L o n d o n d e m o n s t r a t i o n o n F e b . 21st the N a t i o n a l D a y of A c t i o n on M a r c h 14th.
2.
the President a n d D e p a r t m e n t a l Representatives t o organise departmental meetings to discuss the Grants Campaign.
3.
U n i o n members i n h a l l o r house to pay their rents b i l l less £3.85 new halls levy into a special rent strike f u n d t h e contents o f w h i c h w i l l n o t be p a i d to the college unless a resolution of a n I.C. U n i o n M e e t i n g so instructs.
4.
this meeting to elect a committee to organise a rent strike.
5.
the President to i n f o r m the media, N o r m a n St. J o h n Stevas, M . P . , Secretary of State at the D e p a r t m e n t of E d u c a t i o n a n d Science, L o r d Penney, the N . U . S . a n d a l l unions i n v o l v e d i n rent strikes, H a m m e r s m i t h Trades C o u n c i l , the B r i a n t s ' " W o r k - i n " a n d the trade unions i n I.C. of this resolution with a view t o o b t a i n i n g their support.
index.
l . C . U . , observing the reduced taxation of the r i c h and b i g business concerns and the increased expenditure o n armaments b y the H e a t h a d m i n i s t r a t i o n believes that higher grants should be financed f rom these sources rather t h a n b y further t a x a t i o n o n w o r k i n g people.
DAY.
thus m a k e
in F E C o l -
WHETHER OR N O T T O H A V E A RENT
H A V E T O M A K E IT THIS THURS-
w o r k i n g class, f o r o u r c l a i m t o
demonstrate the united anger of 600,000 students
allows local authorities to p a y lower grants t o
T h i s u n i o n notes t h e "secondary but n o less i m p o r t a n t " d e m a n d o f the N . U . S . M a r g a t e Conference f o r higher grants f o r post-graduates. I.C.U. strongly urges N . U . S . E x e c u t i v e to give this d e m a n d m u c h greater p r i o r i t y a n d itself resolves t o treat i t as equal to the above four.
YOU
t o w i n p u b l i c support, and i n p a r t i c u l a r that of the organised
A n end to the discretionary a w a r d system w h i c h
I n future weeks w e shall be able to tell y o u h o w rent strikes are w o r k i n g at other universities i n B r i t a i n , o r h o w they a r e f a i l i n g. T h i s week a L o n d o n Student Press A s s o c i a t i o n team i s visiting 8 M i d l a n d s universities, a n d their report w i l l appear first i n F E L I X next week. It i s hoped that other teams w i l l visit other parts of the c o u n t r y over the next few weeks. F i n a l l y , i t m i g h t seem t o y o u that h a v i n g a rent strike is n o w a fait a c c o m p l i , h a v i n g r e a d what appears i n this issue. It is not. It is only a p r o p o s a l .
STRIKE IS Y O U R DECISION.
campaign aim-
at the deterioration i n o u r l i v i n g standards and 1.
2. O n T h u r s d a y , a t 1 p.m. i n the G r e a t H a l l , a U G M w i l l decide whether o r not w e s h o u l d j o i n the 25. T h e m o t i o n that w i l l be put t o the U n i o n is' p r i n t e d b e l o w i n its entirety. Elsewhere i n this issue y o u c a n read h o w the c a m p a i g n was b o r n at M a r g a t e Conference; J o h n L a n e explains h o w a rent strike w o u l d w o r k ; w e have a report of the C a m p a i g n C o - o r d i n a t i n g C o m m i t t e e (set up b y the N U S ) first meeting; a n d a report o n h o w the rent strike at Surrey U n i v e r s i t y last t e r m w o r k e d .
resolves on a two-pronged
l . C . U . notes the rent strikes by nine student unions last term a n d those proposed b y twenty-five unions this term, a n d expresses its whole-hearted solidarity w i t h a l l unions o n rent strike, whether against excessive rents o r f o r higher granjts as part of the N U S campaign.
l . C . U . w i t h d r a w s the voluntary levy of 35p p e r week p a i d b y students i n h a l l towards the cost o f new h a l l s a n d c a l l s f o r a l l future b u i l d i n g s t o b e financed by a wealth tax.
MARTIN'S BIT W e l c o m e b a c k to 1C.
with you and will welcome a l l contri-
I hope that y o u h a d an enjolable va-
butions.
cation, d i d n ' t d r i n k an excess of tillers')
C h r i s t m a s Spirit, and
(Remember,
exams
are
on
only
four
jlonep
T I C K
MINUTES
ikretos
Somebody
has borrowed
the U n i o n
Treasy-Kapp
Scholarships").
Anybody
in the office difficult. A n y person w i t h
1.
proximately meeting 2.
O n a m o r e lighthearted note, if any-
N U S s h o u l d f o r m an o r d e r l y queue in
P a n c a k e R a c e last Shrove Tuesday , or
the U n i o n Office.
being t h r o w n i n the R o u n d P o n d , or
things
like
refereeing
the
collected b y 1st F e b r u a r y w i l l be c a n celled and the places allocated to people who are on the w a i t i n g list.
my
g r a n d c h i l d r e n some
opened
at
explained of
of
and
famous.
proposed
Constitution*
l a m
at present l o o k i n g at the
IC
rationalising some having two
on
constitutions
for
4.
The
pass
against
of
and
the
a n article to F e l i x o n H o w to
Behave
to
and
16
3.
the of
for
Secretary,
the
for
Election
the Mr.
tions foolproof. If y o u have a n y ideas, I
of
in
will
you.
be
very
pleased
to discuss them
Supping Whatever
part
you
take
in
j o u r n a l i s m and I recommend
4.
A c t i v i t i e s , it is almost certain that the
vote.
members
Mr.
each person's glass is f u l l .
perhaps
a
couple of sentences o n w h e n to b a n g the table and what to d o w i t h the P o r t m a y
5.
a
until
of
"The
7.30 p.m., w h e n somebody w i l l bang
Ladies
and
served",
Gentlemen,
or,
7.
2.
T h e assembled
multitudes then
go
into the d i n i n g r o o m , a n d stand at their places until the C h a i r m a n has
3.
jokes,
8.
After
anyway).
the speeches, diners d o
not
and his party leave. H e w i l l the
dinner
adjourns
College
to b a n g the table if somebody leaves the r o o m before the L o y a l Toast. A t C l u b D i n n e r s he w i l l
often
be
required
to
d r i n k a pint of beer before sitting d o w n to continue his m e a l .
be
was
the
organization
an
at
products. as
to
defend
this
works
one
against I.C.U.
Union
how
fought
such
for
by
other
as
during
London
dockers
in
support
five.
offer
Resolves
all
future
printing
first
to d o n a t e
s u m of
Strongly
Mr.
£50
orders
instance,
since
that the
work-
from
to
urges
Union
defend
all
funds
this
work-
an
am-
to
use
present
7,
pointed
of
it
print-
out
that
had taken
Enterestimat-
the
same
order
as
that their
printers.
brief
discussion
'the
first
the
second—to
and
University
of
third
the
parts
donate
South
Mr. Armitage "ICU
motion
were
was
carried,
£50—was
defeat-
next
Kensington
proposed:
reaffirms
its support
i n U.S.K.
socio-political entity, a n d hopes
clubs
mot-
to
get
ed.
passed
move
to
taken i n parts.
accepted.
a
were
After
This
was
was
to
es f r o m B r i a n t s C o l o u r P r i n t e r s a n d these
to
This
not
organisations
affiliates
Wadsworth
say,
ICU
of
the
the
the
importance
Indochinese
struggle
of
people
all over
and
run
by
societies
not
only
to
on
offering also
a U . S . K . basis, that is
officers
drawn
from
as see
to U . S . K . students, b u t
the
realises
that
solidarity notes
pledges
port,
the
in
wishes
to
consider
conjunction
Colleges,
as
world
U.S.K.
t» col-
to to
any
society
become
financial
with
a
or
sup-
other
U.S.K.
group
which
U.S.K.
society
or
group."
Imperialism. the
in Indochina
Martin C. Black
shown
focus
five
to
i n g done at B r i a n t s . "
proposed:
movement
I.C.U.
a
fight-
leges.
further if a n y b o d y is
r i t u a l s — i f y o u c o m e a n d see me.
'working
that
be
struggles
supports or
amendment
U.S.
Army
only i n fact w i t h d r a w if they are
wide
just
Also
Briants printed posters
Will
3.
passed.
strength
the
had
in.
inter-
motion.
b e g a n to p r o p o s e
out b y the
confused—especi-
have
best
as
to free the
a
"I.C.U. recognises
of
it
money
available
jobs.
they can
class
fight
the
Indochina
struggle
their
fight
struggles the
method
the
2.
although
the
amended
only
working
with
a large
was
a
Union
that the people
tainments Committee
proposed
proposed
the
paying
support.
the
to
Hoskins
was
in can continue.
petitions
that
College
This
since it
Briants C o l o u r Printers are
with
at
Dis-
line
voluntary.
the
that
Briants Colour Printers
Motion.
an
Phillips
with
it is o n l y w i t h orders
accepted.
asking
taken
defeated.
defeated
was
a n d he felt that this
boycott
Mr.
the
in
asking
i n v i t a t i o n . I shall be g l a d to e x p o u n d a l l y as to the origins of some of
to
was
discussion since
concerned
Mr.
the omelettes or stuffed
peppers and a c t u a l l y turned d o w n
be
Book).
sign the
proposed
Motion
part
printed
College
of
included i n the
Mr. Corbyn
them), enjoyed
would
1.
circulated. out
been
continue
business. T h i s was
qualifications
be
explained
had
to B r i a n t s i n t h e
which
N.U.S.
to
to
often
dinners last term (and p a i d for most of
It is c u s t o m a r y at I m p e r i a l
the
part
being
to i m p a r t this knowledge, I went to 23
u n t i l after the toast to the Queen.
Hon. Secretary first
membership
T h e m e a l is then served. O n e does If a n y b o d y doubts my
The
ion on Grants.
5.
to
Printers."
best
N.U.S.
"Imperial
spirits, D.C.L. h a d
Miss Hochfelder
a
the cam-
Hence, I.C.U.:
floor
the
in Minute
pointed
Newman
The
posters Colour
the
of the
Strikes.
of
by
Limited"
of
Armitage
endment
leave the table until the C h a i r m a n suggest
leave the r o o m
the
Rent
products
being
Dowson
D.C.L.
fee/
coming
part was
when
dele-
overwhelmingly.
neighbouring bar.
(b)
(filed
The
one
passed
members
were
defeated.
a n d toasts. It is i n order
down.
(a) smoke, o r
A3
asked
making
T h e r e w i l l p r o b a b l y be some other
my
on
(filed
Company
amendment was
said a f o r m of grace, and then sit
NOT
spoke
the
r o o m after the L o y a l Toast.
happens (to
Nosh's u p ! "
debate.
proposed
boycott
should
to l a u g h at the jokes but this r a r e l y
''Oil;
the
Castledine
Thalidomide
It is i n order to s m o k e or leave the
speeches
Mr.
suggested
circulated
boycott
the
towards
the
motion
using
behalf
circulated
questions from
on
then
Mr.
D i n n e r is
alternatively.
been
Grants
on
had
Mr.
£20
for
first
during
N.U.S.
introduced
Book).
motions
Motion
on b o a r d ship.
pay
the
such
at l e n g t h
est i n t w o b r e w e r i e s
6.
the
the
Mr.
a gong or stand o n a table a n d say Lords,
the
debate
Q u e e n " . Toasts are taken seated o n l y
moveby
Front.
discussion
ing,
unop-
note
He
This
i n I.e.
in parts and the
in'
Geology,
U . G . M s , a n d he a s k e d t h e U n i o n to
which
Sherry w i l l be served at a reception
words to the effect of " M y
on
tillers
these
Briants
" I C U recognises
Represen-
to
and
had
Minute
Union
W h e n the L o y a l T o a s t is proposed, the c o m p a n y stands a n d says
b a n d of readers.
f r o m a p p r o x i m a t e l y 7.00 p.m. unt i l
which
instruction
be useful to some of m y m u l t i t u d i n o u s
1.
glass;
re-
Mr. A. S m i t h proposed:
Margate spoke
Mr. Corbyn
He
nual
So
at
Armitage
each diner p o u r i n g his o w n
to
posters
d e c i d e d n o t to
Returning
elected
Delegation
and
been
the decanter is not p u t d o w n
this term.
the
delegation,
the
T h e P o r t is passed f r o m right to left,
agrees of
pointless
was
w a ys of r e p o r t i n g b a c k to the U n i o n
organisation i n v o l v e d w i l l have its a n dinner
of
Mr.
to
organised Solidarity
ICU
After
(i
Department
gation answered
Style
be
cost
them,
spoke
in
Union
it to
elect to
Union.
of
Easterbrook
Armitage
report
and m a k i n g elec-
to
paign,
E.
C h a i r to
the
as
Honorary
at D i n n e r s . It is a r e a l l y excellent piece
the E n t s C o m m i t t e e )
solidarity movement.
by
abstentions.
The
the
meeting
donation.
Im-
a
w i t h 20
i
of
this
I C U a g r e e s t o p a y £20 a f f i l i a t i o n
2.
Session
Motion
R e t u r n i n g Officer's R e p o r t
Mr.
Solids
a n d agrees to
from
Indochina
the
Mr. A.
move
C h a i r m a n passed
Report
the I n d o c h i n a
Conference
ment
election
the
affiliates
the
November
this
up. The
voting
Conference
A very talented writer has submitted
anomalies (such as
different
Burners
Indo-
Conference.
to
ICU
delegates
carried.
declared
B y - L a w s w i t h the intention of
iniative the
1.
ap-
posed.
Union
the
organise
requests:
clarification,
for
a
overwhelmingly
tative
to
H e n c e , f u r t h e r to
motion
E.G.M.
against
passed
Officer
Solidarity
Procedure
President
John Lane, President 3.
china
p.m.
30th
the
Jowitt summed
The
Britain
port back on how I C U can help build
the
with,
Union
spoke
Gillett
This was
at College. T h i s m a y seem s i l l y to m a n y
welcomes
in
again.
Coffey
Mr.
the
when T. become r i c h
1.18
U n i o n ratifies
its results for
Mr.
and
taken
arity
b a c k to the U n i o n
and
College
were
Election
that
C.
S m i t h spoke for the m o t i o n.
to
people but o n the other h a n d they w i l l
for,
"The
1972/73",
M.
present.
that
U . G . M . of
the
Council
Mr.
things that G r a n d a d d i d w h e n he w as
be valuable
by
perial
HALL
Mr.
members
Ratification
and
them
w i t h the intention of b u y i n g copies show
350
was
motion
or p l a y i n g R u g b y , o r p a r a l y t i c i n the U n i o n B a r , I w o u l d l i k e to see
TUESDAY,
Secretary,
recommending
doing
reading the minutes of U n i o n Meetings,
their P a r k i n g Stickers. A n y that are not
ON
1972 h a d b e e n r e f e r r e d by
of me
movement,
IMPERIAL
i n the Chair; there
Jowitt
passed
ftfjotograpftf
interesting
A few people have s t i l l not collected
Mr. of
has a p h o t o g r a p h
THE
HELD
Honorary
o f m y t o o l s h o u l d send it to m e o r c o n -
disaster or w o u l d l i k e a v a c a t i o n o n the
parking
The
Black, was
body
on
T O C K
COLLEGE
i n f o r m a t i o n w h i c h leads to the recovery
is nearing the end of the course
OF
1 2 t h D E C E M B E R 1972 I N T H E G R E A T OF IMPERIAL
on
EXTRAORDINARY
UNION,
Office screwdriver. T h i s m a k e s screwing
a n d has suffered a n unexpected financial
on
A N
MEETING
COLLEGE
for
"Gilbert-
OF
GENERAL
NUS
about c h a r i t a b l e trusts and money Scholarships (the
T O C K T I C K
tact their l o c a l police station. I have some b u m p h f r o m the Travelling
T O C K
the e.g.m. minutes
re-
months away.)
on
T I C K
(Dis-
are
freshed ready for another term.
who
J a n u a r y 8, 1973
FELIX
Page 2
of t h e
will
Mr.
driven
revolutionary
and
the
Hoskings
proposed
an
amendment
that t h e m o t i o n s h o u l d n o t a p p l y to Mr.
world-
Armitage
accepted
The M o t i o n was
this
Rag.
amendment.
passed.
movement.
the
call by
National
Liberation
building
of
the
the
Front
Vietnamese for
world-wide
the
re-
solidarity
8.
The
Q u o r u m was successfully
The
President closed the meeting
p.m.
challenged. at
2.22
1
J a n u a r y 8 , 1973
John
m u x
Lane
HOW,
tells
you
WHY AND WHEREFORE
A r e y o u sitting c o m f o r t a b l y ? D o y o u get three square meals a d a y ? D o y o u get W h i z z o whiteness i n h o t , w a r m , even i n c o l d water? D o y o u enjoy sharing a flat w i t h people w h o get o n y o u r nerves 'cos i t ' s a l l y o u c a n afford? No? T h e n w h a t y o u need i s the new u p - l i f t i n g N . U . S . GRANT INCREASE. B e l o w , i n superb technicolor (that'll stump D o w s o n ) ( Y e s , w e l l , er, J o h n , try B l a c k a n d W h i t e E r o t i c o l o r ? — E d ) is a graph showing exactly has h i t how inflation YOU. A n d that g a p is getting wider each year. T h e last grant review was i n 1971. S i n c e then the value of o u r grants has decreased b y a staggering £65. Since 1962 the value of grants has gone d o w n by nearly 2 0 % .
have. R e n t S t r i k e ! B y w i t h h o l d i n g h a l l a n d house rents we c a n force t h e c o l lege t o p u t a great d e a l of pressure o n t h e G o v e r n ment. Especially if it is part of a n a t i o n a l h a l l rent o w i n g to the means test. strike, w h i c h i t w i l l b e y o u remember When since 25 universities have that t h e most i m p o r t a n t already decided o n o n e , items i n a student's b u d w i t h a further t e n discussget: food, clothes a n d i n g it this week. E s p e c i books, are r i s i ng at 9 . 4 % , a l l y i f i t is part o f t h e 7.8% a n d 8 . 9 % (alcohol national campaign for 5.5%) a n n u a l l y a n d that higher grants which the effects of V A T a n d N . U . S . is l a u n c h i n g this term.
Presidents Column
the C o m m o n M a r k e t are yet t o come, it i s time t o stop q u o t i n g figures a n d d o something about it. V o t Is T o B e D o n e ? (to In a d d i t i o n , according quote m y good friend to t h e N . U . S . , 5 0 % o n V l a d i m i r Ilyich) average of parental c o n F i r s t t h i n g i s to cast t r i b u t i o n s a r e never p a i d aside the defeatists w h o i n cash o r k i n d , a n d since say we can't b r i n g the this makes u p on average country to a standstill a n d 3 0 % o f the t o t a l grant, we exercise the power w e d o suffer a grant c u t of 1 5 %
H o w w o u l d a R e n t Strike work? E a c h student o n rent strike w o u l d p a y h i s o r her rent i n t o a special fund c o n t r o l l e d b y the Union General Meeting. T h e y w o u l d receive a receipt, a n d a c o p y of t h e Rent F u n d c o ns t i t ut i on and w o u l d have the right to w i t h d r a w their rent i f they so wished. T h e U n i o n ' s auditors would audit the accounts. A committee elected b y the U . G . M . w o u l d organ-
How Grants and Prices have risen
ise the strike w i t h the m a x i m u m of activities going o n i n the halls t o keep u p morale, meetings, c o n certs, street theatres, newssheets, etc. A l l of us must remember that i t i s the first year students i n h a l l this year w h o w i l l benefit most f r o m a grant increase. Next year they won't be i n h a l l , next year they w i l l have to p a y s k y - h i g h L o n d o n rents. It is then that a student i n L o n d o n really feels the p i n c h . S o m e a r e l u c k y enough t o be i n h a l l more than t w o years, but they are n o t a majority a n d I hope they w i l l support their fellOw students i n the campaign.
Kensington. O n F e b r u a r y 21st there w i l l be regional demonstrations i n f o u r o r five centres, including London. This would show o u r strength i n p u b l i c , get o u r demands national p u b licity a n d get us a l l o n the move for the N at i onal D a y of A c t i o n o n M a r c h 14th w h i c h w i l l be based i n the college a n d a i m t o involve as m a n y students as possible. Roight then, yew'ur interlektshals, h o w a b o u t some bright groovy a n d o r i g i n a l ideas for M a r c h 14th? S u p p o r t a n d Sol i dari ty
N . U . S . E x e c u t i v e reckon that w e w i l l be favoura b l y received i n the eduThe National Campaign c a t i o n a l w o r l d , i n trade This envisages three unions a n d also by some I n late J a n u a r y phases. sections of the press (no a n d early F e b r u a r y areaprizes f o r guessing which). based actions — i n o u r S p r i n g w i l l be a n ideal case a l l U S K colleges — time t o get the support of ideas suggested so f a r i n - the m i l i t a n t workers, 'cos clude a total refectory boythe freeze runs o u t then cott, a l o b b y o f P a r l i a and gas workers, c i v i l serment, mass leaflet distrivants, actors, hospital staff, bution/petition signing F o r d workers, etc., w i l l a l l session i n H i g h Street. be fighting the same gov-
ernment f o r the same reasons as us. I n this c o n n e c t i o n i t is especially i m p o r t a n t that we m a k e clear where the money t o p a y f o r o u r grant increase should c o m e f r o m . A r e we d o i n g d o w n the O l d A g e P e n sioners o r t h e l o w - p a i d workers? I n fact, i n 1972 a c c o r d i n g t o the F i n a n c i a l T i m e s , profits increased by 1 7 % , t h e highest i n crease since 1969. It h a s been G o v e r n m e n t p o l i c y c u t taxes o n the to wealthy, a n d V A T w i l l i n crease t h e 'burden of i n direct taxation w h i c h hits the l o w - p a i d (like s t udents) hardest. So we have t o tell the o r d i n a r y people of this country, the O l d people, the poor, the workers fighting for higher wages or against redundancy that we a r e n o t d e m a n d i n g higher grants at their expense b u t f r o m the profits of t h e i n d u s t r i a l concerns w h o w i l l , after a l l , benefit from o u r skills when we start w o r k .
Remember RENT STRIKE ? IT'S YOUR DECISION Make it Thursday 1300 Great Hall
»
tfao<
13a
Page 3
4 T h i s R e n t S t r i k e S p e c i a l E x t r a i s s u e o f F E L I X , b e i n g t h e 3 2 3 r d o f that name a n d dated M o n d a y the 8th January 1 9 7 3 w a s conceived by I C U Executive (bless their little cotton s o c k s ) a n d written a n d p r o d u c e d i n living colour b y O l i v er D o w s o n (Editor), M a r y Dunne, J o h n Lane, M a r t i n Black, S. J . N o m o , a n d W i l l i a m Shakespeare, Bart.
tZo
HO
Felix is printed by F. Bailey a n d S o n Ltd., Dursley, G L 1 1 4 B L . Advertising is by University Press Representation, Trafalgar Square, W C 2 .
fCO-1
S,2 Grant £320 = 100 RPI Sept. '62 = 100 Equiv. R P I Jan., 1962 = 100
64
100 (£320)
too
100
100
103.7
106.2
67 106.3 (£340)
106.3
106.3
6? 112.5 (£360)
to*?
-71
72
13
7*
134.4 139.0 145.3 112.5 118.8 (£380) (£430) (£445) (£465)
1 1 1 . 3 115.4 1 1 7 . 0 1 2 3 . 9 130.2 1 3 9 . 4 1 5 3 . 2 1 6 3 . 9
174?
Grand Buildings,
F e l i x l i v e s o n t h e t h i r d floor o f t h e U n i o n B u i l d i n g , a d d r e s s : I m p e r i a l College U n i o n , London S W 7 2 B B , telephone 0 1 - 5 8 9 5 1 1 1 ext 2 2 2 9 ( P O ) , 2 8 8 1 (internal). T h e Editor lives i n W e e k s H a l l , R o o m 1 4 , t e l 0 1 - 5 8 9 9 6 0 8 ( P O ) . 4 2 3 6 (internal), a n d does not w e l c o m e callers, other than v o l u p t u o u s y o u n g l a d i e s , a t s t r a n g e h o u r s o f t h e n i g h t . T r y f i n d i n g h i m i n t h e office f r o m 8 . 3 0 a . m . e v e r y m o r n i n g e x c e p t S a t u r d a y . C o n t r i b u tions a n d help for Felix are a l w a ys w e l c o m e . Published b y the Editor for a n d on behalf Un'on Publications Board.
of the imperial
College
A l l rights reserved. © 1 9 7 3 . Felix is a founder member of the London Student Press Association-
101.5
1 0 5 . 3 107.8 1 1 3 . 0 1 1 7 . 1 1 1 8 . 2 125.8 132.2 1 4 1 . 5 1 5 5 . 5 1 6 6 . 4 176.6?
Page 4
FELIX
Science in Society
Readers' Letters
W h y s h o u l d scientists a n d engineers, rather than ordinary w o r k i n g people o r p e o p l e in p r o f e s s i o n s h a v e a s p e c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o s o c i e t y ? B e c a u s e o f the s p e c i a l s k i l l s a n d p o w e r s w h i c h t h e y a c q u i r e d u r i n g t h e i r t r a i n i n g . T h e learning of scientific m e t h o d , a very powerful p h i l o s o p h i c a l tool, enables t h e m t o u n d e r s t a n d s o m e o f t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d , a n d h e n c e t o c o n t r o l it. T h e k n o w l e d g e thus gained m a y m a k e them experts in their field, a n d their judgements w i l l be relied upon by these people, p o s s i b l y in positions of p o w e r , w h o d o not h a v e t h e k n o w l e d g e . T h e c r u x o f s o c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i s f o r e a c h s c i e n t i s t t o d e c ' d e H O W h e i s t o a p p l y h i s k n o w l e d g e , w h e t h e r it i s to b e f o r t h e benefit o f m a n k i n d a s a w h o l e , o r f o r , s a y , a c o m p a n y o r a defence ministry. biased. The only neutral
take it if it is h a r m f u l to
moral
k n o w l e d g e is the r e a d i n g
s o c i e t y at l a r g e .
under
on a meter, a n d even this
e v e r y s c i e n t i s t s h o u l d be
is d e p e n d e n t
on the de-
able
sign
of
experiment
research
work,
and
apparatus.
w h i c h b e c a u s e it i n v o l v -
this
In o n e a r e a of s c i e n c e , the
ethical
come
problems close
and
scrutiny.
doctors
Medical
use
scientific
in their
method
the
reading
When
is
written
it h a s a g a i n
gone
es p e o p l e d i r e c t l y , h a s a
down
p r o f e s s i o n a l b o d y to ov-
via a b i a s e d h u m a n be-
e r s e e it, a n d a c o d e o f
i n g a n d m u s t be v i e w e d
conductto which all doc-
as
tors
mental
adhere.
C o u l d this
such.
Also,
interpreted
by
include all scientists and
perimenter
in the
technologists?
of
system
be e x t e n d e d
to
It w o u l d
the
a theoretical
exlight
to f u l l y
who
will
its
unforeseen
have
and
that
the s o c i a l s i d e in m i n d .
is to f o r m
d e f i n e d f i e l d : b u t at l e a s t
clearly
scientists
terpretations
i n d i c a t e that i n can
the scientist, a l he m a y l i k e to
to vet n e w de-
to
the
one
to a
b e l i e v e that a l l t h e re-
c o d e of c o n d u c t , t h e nat-
s e a r c h he d o e s is in p u r -
preferable,
ure
s u i t of p u r e
give
of w h i c h
could
be
or
body
fore u s e ; a s i m i l a r b o d y
Hence though
be tied
some
v i c e s a n d t e c h n i q u e s be-
tical
profitably
their
O n e of
differ.
medical and pharmaceucould
council
bear
of
work
professional
research
scientists
model,
these
in
conse-
technologists
s o m e a s p e c t s of s c i e n c e
involved
to suffer
T h e r e a r e t w o w a y s to ensure
a n d the c o n t r o v e r s i e s in
difficult
general
quences.
since
more
justiy his
to t h e
m e d i c i n e is a rather w e l l
be
Ideally,
p u b l i c , b e c a u s e it is they
experim u s t be
results
knowledge,
a
m e t h o d is to
training
in the
has a d e f i n i t e
v i e w by a representative
b i l i t y to s o c i e t y
because
science
along
w i t h the
group
he d e f i n e s h i s o w n o p i n -
training
in
scientific
s c i e n t i s t s . In
responsi-
mentioned
previously. The second,
kept u n d e r c o n s t a n t reof
social
consequences
of
t h i s w a y it w o u l d b e rec-
ions a n d prejudices w i t h
m e t h o d . There are s o m e
ognised
his
University courses along
that the e t h i c a l
results a n d c o n c l u -
p r o b l e m s raised by, s a y ,
s i o n s . A n a r e a of s p e c i a l
these lines already
test-tube
concern
the
'Science,
ogy
and
babies,
were
being c o n s i d e r e d by the
mental
scientific
respect
here
is experi-
psycology
with
Society'
and
'Environment and M a n '
a whole, a n d not by each
and race, or e n v i r o n m e n -
c o u r s e s here in I.C.) b u t
individual research
tal effects o n I.Q.
as
wor-
ker.
to
(like
Technol-
intelligence
community
the object s h o u l d be u n i -
A similar responsibil-
fied
courses
in
which
in the s c i e n t i s t
t h e s e m a t t e r s are b r o u g h t
looking for the scientific
up as a n i n t e g r a l part o f
in their
a n d s o c i a l effects of h i s
the c o u r s e . In t h i s w a y ,
r e s e a r c h a r e r e q u i r e d to
research. He cannot div-
s c i e n t i s t s w i l l be a b l e to
hold a Home
orce
keep their w o r k in pers-
ity Already, workers w h o use vivisection
Office
lic-
ence w h i c h embodies
a
c o d e of c o n d u c t . S h o u l d workers
who
undertake
undesirable research 'struck very
off?
This
difficult
since
be
is a
lies
the s o c i a l
pective, a n d society
saying that they are not
benefit f r o m it.
concern,
a
gun and disclaiming
responsibility
to
someone
draw
w h e n
is s h o t .
There
is, however, a
gap in the t i m e s c a l e b e tween
the present
a n d t h e t i m e in t h e fut-
recog-
ure w h e n s c i e n t i s t s a n d
the l i n e b e t w e e n w h a t is
these
effects a r e
to
nised
in work
is
been c o m p l e t e d then the
educated
scientist
responsible—what
knowledge
regard
a n d what
not. It c a n f a i r l y
be s a i d
that h a s
must
time
Once
neutral
with
will
because
that is l i k e g i v i n g a m a n
question,
it s e e k s
effects
from scientific curiosity, his
carefully
technologists
have
been
to be s o c i a l l y is to
c o n s i d e r w h e t h e r or n o t
h a p p e n in t h i s p e r i o d of
to
intense scientific
publish
the
results,
effort?
is n e u -
a n d h a v e the c o u r a g e to
Each individual scientist
t r a l , b u t that its a p p l i c a -
withhold information and
m u s t take the r e s p o n s i b -
that
knowledge
tion w i l l inherently c o n -
even
tain the b i a s e s a n d p r e -
piece
to d r o p
j u d i c e s o f i t s u s e r . It is
thinks
f a l s e to a s s u m e that the
mental
knowledge
large.
scientist) tral
gatherer
is t o t a l l y n e u -
in t h i s r e s p e c t a n d
that t h e k n o w l e d g e plier
(the
(the
technologist)
engineer is
an
entire
ility on h i s o w n s h o u l d -
of research
if he
e r s , a n d c r i t i c a l l y l o o k at
it w i l l to
be d e t r i -
society
at
This has broader
implications
in
h i s o w n w o r k a n d that o f others, a n d decide
the
If it is n o t , he m u s t h a v e
c h o i c e o f a j o b or f i e l d
the c o u r a g e to s t o p , a n d
of r e s e a r c h — to w e i g h
take
or
u p t h e v a l u e of t h e w o r k ,
a n d k n o w l e d g e to a m o r e
a n d to r e f u s e
responsible field.
to u n d e r -
his valuable
Students, Human Halls am Beings and Halls of Residence Sir.—As the editorial suggests, Derek Cummings' blueprint for action certainly needs some further comment. He has assumed, first of all, that the answer to the student housing problem is more halls of residence. Is this in fact the right answer? Are student needs such that they need to live in a little cube, in the middle little of a hundred other cubes, stacked one upon the other in the mariner that a child might stack his first building bricks? Why is it that the rest of the population don't clamour to live in a similar way? Shouldn't students be treated as people and given homes instead of units of accommodation? I've no doubt that some students do like living in little cubes, but don't we have enough already. Future student accommodation should be designed to cater for the needs of students who wish to live, not exist.
like I think students, other people, prefer to live in small groups, but with other students not far away. The obvious answer is some sort of student village. A flexible design would ensure that students could live in groups of two or three or even groups of up to ten or twelve. With some form of community centre, the village concept would be complete. I accept that this type of accommodation would require slightly more space than multistorey halls, but even so a fairly high density could be achieved. Students at Surrey University can vouch for in the fact that living such a village is very pleasant, and if you doubt that such a system is practical, I suggest a visit to Guildford would change your mind. The architects of the Surrey that experiment believe students are people and their vilhave designed lage accordingly. ! suggest it would be worth inviting the architects to the Union to explain their ideas for students accommodation more fully than I am able.
whe-
ther o r n o t it is j u s t i f i e d .
ap-
totally
J a n u a r y 8, 1973
skills
Having discussed the question of whether more halls are the ans wer, I feel that the rest of the article needs some discussion. Is it so revolutionary to borrow money from the banks to pay
for future student accommodation? I was unthat der the impression it was Tory government policy that future student accommodation should be loan financed? And with interest rates running at 9 per cent and rising, the suggested cost of a hall at £1 million per 300 cubes means that the annual interest repayment to our kind benefactors, the banks, would be at least £300 per student. Assuming some of this is recoverable from conference lettings, what student could afford even half that amount wnen account has been taken of cleaning, electricity, rates and even capital repayment, which would put the rent even higher.
Wages Sir—How naive is our president? I refer to his droolings in President's Column in the Christmas edition of "Felix". He asthat since colcertains lege may be serving redundancies to cleaners, the money college saves should be reflected in a decrease in our hall fees. Surely college is only planning to reduce the cleaner staff in order to keep our hall bills stable? The cleaner staff is excessively large anyway: who needs their rooms cleaned every day? If trade unionists stopped fighting for, and obtaining, large wage increases, then hall bills would not go up. One man's wage increase is another's price increase. Yours,
Of course all forms of accommodation will cost us a lot of money and that is why students must oppose all forms of loan financed accommodation, unless grants are raised to such an extent that a decent standard of living can be achieved without subsidy. Lastly on the question of rent strikes. Derek Cummings thinks tnev will achieve very little. He may be right. But I know that they can achieve a great deal. At this time last year, the University of Sussex Tenants Association organised a little-publicised rent strike. This was to oppose plans to build a totally inadequate loanhall, but in financed place to build accommodation to suit the needs of the students including flatlets to enable couples to live together if they so wish. This rent strike was supported by about 90 per cent of the tenants and after a couple of months of threats, the administration agreed that halls were not what the students wanted, but what the conference organisers wanted. This raised the question of whether accommodation would be built to suit the needs of students or conferences. The rent strike was successful, and now no new hall will be built. Instead there will be more suitable homes for students. Remember, a hall for 300 students is not just 300 little cubes. Assuming a hall lasts 100 years, it will have positively affected 30 thousand students' lives. JOHN
PORTER.
etc.,
TIM
BRADBURY
Yours till hell freezes ... Dear Oily, W h a t a r e y o u g o i n g to do about a l l those herds of c o w s that h a v e a r r i v e d in m y office? Yours, T.T.C.C.H., PAUL
JOWITT.
Our Guildford correspondent w o u l d like to express a personal opinion on this article. Firstly, does M r . Porter believe that t h e h a l l s of r e s i d e n c e at S u r r e y a r e not 'little cubes'? Does he, f u r t h e r m o r e , b e l i e v e that they are attractive? I have frequently heard t h e m r e f e r r e d to b y v a r i ous names, ranging from ' b e e h i v e s ' to ' d o l l s ' h o u s e s ' — a n d these names are n o t o n l y c o n f e r r e d by G u i l d f o r d r e s i d e n t s , but a l s o b y t h e s t u d e n t s themselves. Personally, I w o u l d rather l i v e in a n I.C. H a l l , t h a n in t h e Surrey complex. I sympathise with the concept, but please choose another e x a m p l e ! (By the w a y , does M r . P o r t e r k n o w that S u r r e y is at p r e s e n t o n a R e n t Strike?)
J a n u a r y 8 , 1973
FELIX
Page
FELIX WISHES YOU A
HAPPY LENT T E R M MONDAY g
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IC
25
w e e k h a p p e n i n g s
at S i l w o o d
J a n u a r y 8, 1973
FELIX
Page 6
poor o l d Haggis like that. Y o u c o m e back this very minute, dearies, a n d w e ' l l s a y no m o r e about it. Don't think for a m o m e n t that y o u c a n escape m e . M y dear boys are everywhere. I'm sure y o u c a n hear m e , I have these super loudspeakers a l l over the f a i r . " T h e three escapees looked at e a c h other.
Phosphorous the Jobrot and Ferocious Din
" W e l l , " said Ferocious, "things seem p l i c a t e d t h a n I h a d at first a s s u m e d . " " Y o u c a n s a y that a g a i n , " said
"If
" D e a r boy,'' proverbial b a d you d o i n g ? " "I'm
in front
gently
said Ferocious, "I penny, you would
Floating,"
of
the surprised a n d
h a d felt that, like turn u p ; but w h a t
the are
Phosphorous,
" F o r the Luigi
Rabbit
Organisation." "I r e m a i n b e m u s e d , o l d s o n , " s a i d the beginning a n d E X P L A I N . "
Ferocious,
"start
at
So Phosphorous explained about Dino a n d Whiskers and Luigi Rabbit a n d the Device a n d everything." " H u m , " said Ferocious, when " y o u s e e m to have been h a v i n g of this a d v e n t u r e so far. H o w e v e r helping us get the T w i g w o r m back — s o to speak. W e m u s t rescue you turn that t h i n g o f f ? " "Don't in
touch
i t , " yelled
t h e a i r ; I'll break
Fhosphorous had finished, more than your fair share your floating there is not in the b o s o m of h i s f a m i l y you immediately. H o w do
Phosphorous,
something
if
" I ' m ten feet
y o u turn
it off
up
sudden-
l y " " G o o d thinking, dear l a d , " said Ferocious, " b u t not a n i n s u r m o u n t a b l e p r o b l e m , m e t h i n k s . T h e T w i g w o r m is e a s i l y tall e n o u g h to c a t c h y o u as I turn it off." T h e T w i g w o r m blanched. "I c o u l d n ' t p o s s i b l y d o t h a t , " he s a i d , sponsibility, I just couldn't face i t . "
"I m e a n
t h e re-
" G i v e m e strength," muttered Ferocious under his breath. " D e a r o l d e n o r m o u s p e r s o n , " he said out l o u d , " t h e cont i n u a t i o n of t h i s a d v e n t u r e depends on your using your much-abused height at this juncture." The T w i g w o r m wrung his hands a n d bit his huge rubbery lip. "Well,
I'll t r y , " h e s a i d , " b u t d o n ' t
expect
"Good m a n , " said Ferocious, enjoying man-of-action," to your places m e n . "
too m u c h . "
his n e w role
as
The T w i g w o r m shuffled up to Phosphorous a n d got ready to c a t c h h i m . F e r o c i o u s d i s a p p e a r e d r o u n d t h e b a c k of t h e D e v i c e . There w a s a pregnant m o m e n t of silence. N o t h i n g happened. Ferocious re-emerged. " A c t u a l l y , " he s a i d , " I t ' s more c o m p l i c a t e d than I thought. T h e r e d o e s n ' t s e e m to b e a lever m a r k e d O F F ' or a n y t h i n g . I c o u l d j u s t r i p o u t a h a n d f u l o f w i r e s — a s it w e r e — b u t I might get slightly electrocuted in the process. H a s a n y b o d y got a n y i d e a s ? " There w a s a pause. "The
Gumboots!"
shouted
Phosphorous
suddenly.
" O f c o u r s e , " said Ferocious, " P h o s p h o r o u s , dear boy, I s o m e t i m e s t h i n k that d e e p i n that tiny brain of yours there b u r n s a s p a r k of g e n i u s . " "Thank
y o u . " said
Phosphorous.
"Where
are the strange t h i n g s ? " asked
" T h i s is a l l very w e l l , " said w e g o i n g to d o w i t h t h e m ? "
Ferocious.
Phosphorous,
" b u t what are
" G o o d p o i n t , " a c k n o w l e d g e d F e r o c i o u s , " A s I s e e it t h e s i t u a t i o n i s t h i s ; w e d o n ' t k n o w h o w t o t u r n off t h e D e v i c e without injuring m e. O r y o u , " he a d d e d , seeing the look of P h o s p h o r o u s ' f a c e . " N o w w h o d o e s k n o w h o w to turn it o f f ? "
"Is
MacPlumbing
that a n a m e
"He's
does,"
or a m e a l ? "
the e n g i n e e r — a n d
said asked
Phosphorous. Ferocious
facetiously.
he got me u p here
in t h e first
place." "'He "where
Phosphorous looked at the T w i g w o r m .
is patently the m a n for is he a n d w i l l he d o i t ? "
the j o b , " said
" H e went o u t s i d e , a n d he w a s n ' t before," said Phosphorous.
very
keen
Ferocious,
to let m e go
" A sticky o n e , dear b o y , " m u s e d Ferocious, "I feel w e must use l o w cunning. Function, much-taxed, grey cells, a s o l u t i o n is r e q u i r e d . " F e r o c i o u s sat d o w n , h e a d in h a n d s , a n d p o n d e r e d . T h e s o u n d s of the fair filtered t h r o u g h the w a l l s of t h e tent, a n d a b r e e z e f l a p p e d t h e c a n v a s . "Old "Do hurry. F e r o c i o u s , " whispered Phosphorous, H a g g i s m a y c o m e b a c k a t a n y m i n u t e , a n d t h e n I'll b e s t u c k here for l i f e . " jolly "Have patience, dear l a d , " said Ferocious, " e v e n o l d Einste! l d i d n ' t get a t o u c h of the instantaneous E u r e k a s . S o m e t h i n g i s b e g i n n i n g t o f o r m u l a t e if y o u ' l l j u s t s h u t u p for a m o m e n t . " P h o s p h o r o u s w h i s t l e d t u n e l e s s l y to h i m s e l f , and the T w i g w o r m tried u n s u c c e s s f u l l y to t w i d d l e his thumbs. " I h a v e i t ! " s h o u t e d F e r o c i o u s , at l a s t , " Y o u p u t o n t h e G u m b o o t s , P h o s p h o r o u s , a n d t h e n , of c o u r s e , y o u ' l l d i s appear." " Y e a h , but the boots I'll s t i l l b e u p h e r e . "
won't"
"Have patience, once listen to the rest of m y a s if a p a i r o f G u m b o o t s I w i l l then leave the tent,
"As long as he c a n catch m e alright," he said, " i t sounds tremendous. Y o u are clever, F e r o c i o u s . " D i d he detect a note of s a r c a s m , w o n d e r e d F e r o c i o u s . "Thank y o u , dear b o y , " he said, "It w a s absolutely n o t h i n g . If w e a r e a g r e e d t h e n I s u g g e s t t h a t w e p r o c e e d . P o p t h e b o o t s o n . P h o s p h o r o u s , a n d off w e g o . " P h o s p h o r o u s w r i g g l e d t h e P a r t i a l l y I n v i s i b l e G u m b o o t s o u t of h i s p o c k e t s , a n d w i t h m u c h grunti ng m a n a g e d to pull t h e m o n ; n o easy task, floating ten feet u p in t h e ai r. A s soon a s he h a d both boots securely on his feet he d i s a p p e a r e d . A l l that r e m a i n e d w a s a pair of rather scruffy g u m b o o t s , k i c k i n g slightly, w i t h no v i s i b l e m e a n s of s u p p o r t . " Re m a r k a b l e , " said Ferocious, " M o s t ccnvincing. I will n o w find a representative of the m a n a g e m e n t , as p l a n n e d . Try to look outraged, T w i g w o r m . " W i t h these w o r d s he t u r n e d a n d left t h e tent. Outside stood the w a y i n .
objected
Phosphorous, " a n d
again," pleaded Ferocious, " a n d b r i l l i a n t s c h e m e . It w i l l t h e n l o o k is floating there a n d nothing else. a n d c o m p l a i n to the m a n a g e m e n t
the old m a n w h o had taken
their
l O p on
" E x c u s e m e , " s a id Ferocious, " b u t I m u s t protest in the strongest possible terms. Having laid out the not inconsidera b l e s u m of 5 p , i n o r d e r to o b s e r v e t h e C r e a t u r e f r o m b e y o n d M a r s , I d i d not expect to be c o n f r o n t e d w i t h a pair of second-hand Wellingtons—obviously suspended from the c e i l i n g w i t h string. I d e m a n d to see the m a n a g e r immed i a t e l y . " H a g g i s , f o r it w a s n o n e o t h e r , p a l e d v i s i b l y . " S e c o n d - h a n d W e l l i n g t o n s , ye s a y , " h e grated " I s there no a scruffy w e e laddie, w i ' a nose like a potato, floating in there?" " T h e r e m o s t c e r t a i n l y is n o t , " s a i d F e r o c i o u s will lodge a complaint with the authorities."
firmly,
"I
" O c h dinna be in s u c h a hurry, s o r r , " s a id M a c P l u m b i h g , " I ' m sure there's been some m i s t a k e — y o u c o m e back in there w i ' m e n o w a n d w e ' l l see w h a t ' s u p . " " O h , very w e l l , " said Ferocious, " b u t I shall expect m y money back at the very least." O l d Haggis turned, and F e r o c i o u s a l l o w e d h i m s e l f to be l e d b a c k into t h e tent. T h e r e floated the G u m b o o t s , a s before, w i t h the T w i g w o r m trying to l o o k o u t r a g e d , a n d r e a d y t o c a t c h P h o s p h o r o u s , at t h e same time. " B u r n m e s p o r r a n ! " cried the o l d m a n . " H o w d i d the w e e laddie ever get d o w n out o ' the f i e l d ? " he turned to F e r o c i o u s . "I d o a p o l o g i s e, sorr, there s e e m s to have been some k i n d of t e c h n i c a l hitch. Y o u c a n have your m o n e y back, of course, a n d your large friend a s w e l l . " " O h , thank y o u , " said the T w i g w o r m , "that really a w f u l l y nice of y o u , it's not often y o u get this sort s e r v i c e n o w a d a y s , is i t ? " "Don't overdo i t , " whispered Haggis
"In m y pocket," replied Phosphorous. Sure enough, from P h o s p h o r o u s ' p o c k e t s p r o t r u d e d the toes of t h e P a r t i a l l y Invisible Gumboots.
"Haggis
that there is o n l y a pair of o l d b o o t s floating, a n d n o t the Creature from beyond M a r s , as promised. They will send somebody i n t o s e e . H e w i l l s e e t h e b o o t s , t u r n off t h e machine, the T w i g w o r m catches Phosphorous as he falls, a n d w e r u n like n o t h i n g o n earth. H o w d o e s that appeal to you, fellow adventurers?"
" A s long as he c a n catch m e alright," he said, " i t said
is of
Ferocious.
h a d gene r o u n d the b a c k of the D e v i c e .
" I ' l l j u s t t u r n off t h e boots out o' the w a y . "
field,"
he
said,
"I've
g o t h i m , I've g o t h i m . "
"Are
you alright,"
think s o , " said
"Come here."
on then,"
asked
Ferocious
Phosphorous shouted
of
his fallen
checking
Ferocious,
" W h a t on earth's going o n ? " out f r o m b e h i n d the D e v i c e . B u t and Phosphorous were dragging w o r m out through the door of the
them
friend.
his extremities.
"Let's
get
o u t of
demanded Haggis, coming he w a s t o o late. F e r o c i o u s the still t r i u m p h a n t T w i g tent.
" C o m e b a c k ! " shouted the old engineer, waving his arms hysterically, " Y o u ' l l no get w a y with this, y o u mark m y w o r d s . " S e e i n g the trio r u n n i n g a w a y into t h e m a z e of tents and sideshows. Haggis M a c P l u m b i n g r u s h e d to w h e r e a lever s t o o d , by the t r a p d o o r in t h e floor. O v e r t h e lever h u n g a notice: " G E N E R A L A L A R M " it r e a d , " p e n a l t y f o r i m p r o p e r u s e £ 5 . " O l d M a c P l u m b i n g grasped the lever a n d p u l l e d h a r d . Deep within the passage ways beneath, an ethereal wail began, echoing around the tunnels, a n d arousing the Luigi R a b b i t O r g a n i s a t i o n . T h e p o u n d i n g of feet c o u l d be h e a r d over the w a i l of the a l a r m . T h e c h a s e w a s o n . Meanwhile Twigworm as f i i d d e e p into them a n d the
Ferocious a n d Phosphorous were leading the fast a s they c o u l d a w a y f r o m t h e D e v i c e tent, the fair. They h a d put several tents between Device, w h e n Ferocious called a halt.
"We m u s t be us in this m a z e . "
complained,
"I
mean
I
O.K. here,"
he
said,
"They'll
y o u say s o , " said the T w i g w o r m .
Stealthily the adventurers tiptoed away of t h e f a i r . T h e p e r i m e t e r w a s i n s i g h t emerged from the shadows. "Hold fetti."
it
never
find
"Oh, I don't k n o w , " said Phosphorous, "If t h a t n a s t y Luigi R a b b i t is after u s , y o u d o n ' t k n o w w h a t m i g h t happ e n . " Hardly h a d he spoken than a voice squeaked out, s o m e w h e r e above their heads; "Hello sweeties, this is your o l d c h u m Luigi Rabbit here. N o w you've been awfully naughty, running away from
right
there,
you
guys,"
towards the edge w h e n t w o figures
grunted
Dino
Con-
" Y e a h , m a n "said W h i s k e r s . " R U N ! " bellowed Ferocious. Like a vast rubber-pistoned steam engine, the T w i g w o r m began to move forward. Cubic yards of a i r r u s h e d into h i s Z e p p e l i n - s i z e d lungs. The ground trembled a s his gargantuan feet c r a s h e d d o w n . Like a berserk bulldozer he w a s away, thrusting tents, trees, a n d D i n o Confetti a s i d e in a tidal w a v e of flowing momentum. A hastily flung carrot w a s the only sign of pursuit. O n thundered the Tiny T w i g w o r m , his arms pumping, legs s q u a s h i n g like springs at every step, h i s plate-sized eyes streaming in h i s self-generated w h i r l w i n d . A s he ran great shrieks of laughter burst f r o m h i s m o u t h . W h a t mortal creature c o u l d stand before a T w i g w o r m in full flight? A l w a y s his size h a d been a n e m b a r r a s s m e n t in the c o m p a n y of s m a l l e r creatures. N o w he w a s a c o l o s s u s in m o t i o n , a juggernaut released, his vastness a badge of honour. H i s heart sang, as h i s limbs crashed a n d c h u r n e d . "STOP." a reedy voice from somewhere behind him p e n e t r a t e d h i s r e v e r i e . It w a s F e r o c i o u s , p a n t i n g h a r d , a n d vainly trying to halt the r u s h i n g giant. S l o w l y the T w i g w o r m s l o w e d to w a l k , a n d finally s t o p p e d . H e sat d o w n , only s l i g h t l y o u t of b r e a t h . H e b e a m e d a r o u n d a t F e r o c i o u s , a n d a g a s p i n g P h o s p h o r o u s w h o s e little l e g s h a d left h i m s o m e way behind. " D i d I do alright ? " asked getting his breath back.
the T w i g w o r m .
Ferocious was
" M a g n i f i c e n t dear b o y , " he breathed, "I never expected a n y t h i n g l i ke it. I o n l y h o p e t h e b i l l f o r t h e d a m a g e never finds its w a y back to m e . "I a m g l a d y o u ' r e p l e a s e d , " s a i d the T w i g w o r m , "I m u s t a d m i t I enjoyed that little r u n i m m e n s e l y . T h e r e ' s n o t m u c h r o o m for a g o o d run in a T w i g w o r m e r y , a n d it w a s rather frowned en at the C e n t r e . " Ferocious smiled. " I ' l l b e t it w a s , " h e s a i d , " o n e a f t e r n o o n ' s t r o t a n d t h e r e wouldn't have been m u c h Centre left." Phosphorous w a s also recovering, a n d added his congratulations. " B u t it w a s modestly.
all
Ferocious'
idea,"
said
the
Twigworm.
" T h a n k y o u , " replied F e r o c i o u s , " b u t w e m u s t n ' t s i t here c o n g r a t u l a t i n g e a c h other indefinitely. That v i l l a i n o u s rabbit w i l l be after us e v e n m o r e , n o w w e ' v e r u n a T w i g w o r m through his tents. W e must press o n — a f t e r all w e are supp o s e d to be getting the T w i g w o r m b a c k to his folks, are w e n o t ? " T h e others a g r e e d , a n d s o they a l l got to their feet, a n d p l o d d e d off d o w n t h e b e a c h o n c e m o r e . T h e y h a d c r o s s e d the d u n e s , a n d w e r e w a l k i n g by the sea's edge, w h e n they noticed a huge dark object, c r o u c h e d o n t h e s a n d . A s t h e y a p p r o a c h e d , t h e y c o u l d h e a r it g r u m b ling a w a y to itself: " I t ' s n o t a s if I a s k f o r v e r y m u c h , " it w e n t " j u s t a d r o p of t h e h i g h o c t a n e stuff n o w a n d a g a i n , a n d t h e o c c a s i o n a l service. A n d what do I get? d u m p e d o n this lousy beach, that's w h a t I get, w i th no decent landing facilities, a n d soggy s a n d i n m e u n d e r c a r r i a g e . I d o n ' t k n o w w h a t a v i a t i o n is coming to." "What
" a n d get
"Get ready, T w i g w o r m , " said Ferocious. The T w i g w o r m shuffled over towards the G u m b o o t s , a n d raised h i s great a r m s in readiness. T h e note of the m a c h i n e began to fall, and so d i d the boots. T h e T w i g w o r m lunged gracelessly forward and grabbed them. There w a s a shout and a crash, as P h o s p h o r o u s reappeared o n the floor in a heap. T h e Twigworm was proudly waving the boots and shouting
"I
he
" D e a r o l d fleshy m o u n d , " said Ferocious, " A l l y o u have t o d o i s r u n w h e n I s h o u t ' r u n ' . It w i l l a l l w o r k o u t I ' m sure."
Steven Swailes
P h o s p h o r o u s floated bewildered visitors.
Phosphorous.
" T h i s is all very w o r r y i n g , " shan't k n o w w h a t to d o . "
serialisation of the book by
FOUR
com-
" H e m a y w e l l be bluffing about the " d e a r boys everyw h e r e , " w e n t o n F e r o c i o u s , " S o I p r o p o s e t h a t w e t a k e it a s q u i e t l y a s w e c a n a w a y f r o m t h e f a i r . If w e ' r e s p o t t e d , t h e jolly old T w i g w o r m here c a n get up to m a x i m u m speed— so to s p e a k — a n d Phosphorous a n d I will scamper along in h i s w a k e . I d o u b t if e v e n L u i g i R a b b i t c a n s t o p a s t a m peding T w i g w o r m . " The T w i g w o r m w a s not convinced.
Part four of a nine part
CHAPTER
a little m o r e
is i t ? " w h i s p e r e d
Phosphorous.
"I've no idea, dear b o y , " said Ferocious, " L e t us approach it a n d i n q u i r e . " D r a w i n g n e a r t o t h e c o n t r a p t i o n , t h e y c o u l d s e e t h a t it w a s a n a e r o p l a n e . It w a s v e r y l a r g e i n d e e d , a biplane w i t h m i l e s of w i r e s a n d t w o huge engines s l u n g under the wings. "It's A l c o c k Ferocious. "Who?"
a n d B r o w n , took
asked
the wrong
tu.liing,"
giggled
Phosphorous.
" N e v e r m i n d , " s a i d F e r o c i o u s , " I w i l l a s k it w h a t it is d o i n g o n t h i s b e a c h . It i s n o d o u b t s o m e t h i n g t o d o w i t h this a d v e n t u r e — e v e r y t h i n g else r o u n d here s e e m s to b e . " He w a l k e d up to the plane. " A h e m , " he s a i d , "I a m F e r o c i o u s D i n a n d this is P h o s p h o r o u s the J o b r o t . T h e tali g e n t l e m a n is the T i n y T w i g w o r m , on whose adventure w e are engaged. A r e you by any c o i n c i d e n c e in a n y w a y c o n n e c t e d with the aforesaid adventure?" " A m I connected with the aforesaid adventure, he asks,'* g r u m b l e d the 'plane, "I have o n l y been sitting here o n this d a m p b e a c h f o r s e v e r a l d a y s , w a i t i n g f o r y o u to s h o w u p , you v e r b o s e little m a n . " "I s a y t h a t ' s a b i t s t r o n g , " s a i d F e r o c i o u s , " w e have gone through c o n s i d e r a b l e h a r d s h i p to get here a n d w h e n w e d o , a l l y o u d o is insult u s . M y o p i n i o n of the A d v e n t u r e r s A s s o c i a t i o n has gone d o w n a lot I m u s t s a y . " "I s i t here f o r w e e k s , " said the plane, unaffected by F e r o c i o u s ' outburst, " a n d a b u n c h of idiots like y o u lot s h o w u p . It w a s n e v e r l i k e t h i s i n t h e o l d I m p e r i a l A i r w a y s days. A h , the style, the luxury, the subtly expressed elegance, those w ere the days. Not like n o w — f e r r y i n g offensive a d venturers about. There w a s excitement t h e n — n o w it's just one m i l k r u n after a n o t h e r . " H e p a u s e d for breath. "If those
it's excitement you crave," said Ferocious, people d o w n t l w e are about to s u p p l y s o m e . "
"then
T h e y f o l l o w e d the d i r e c t i o n of h i s p o i n t i n g finger. S c u r r y ing a l o n g the b e a c h towards t h e m c a m e a large c r o w d . A t its h e a d r a n a little furry figure, w i t h long s i l k y ears, a n d a cigarette holder. B e h i n d h i m strode a tall m a n in a b u l g i n g trenoh-eoat, a n d at his side b o u n c e d a tiny bristly p e r s o n , w a v i n g a c a r r o t . Y e s ! It w a s L u i g i t h e R a b b i t O r g a n i s a t i o n i n full strength. "Oh
dear," said
Phosphorous.
FELIX
J a n u a r y 8, 1973
Bye, bye, Binary
Apres-Ski
T h e E d u c a t i o n a n d A r t s sub-committee of the H o u s e of C o m m o n s E x p e n d i t u r e C o m m i t t e e
through the fog a n d skiing d o w n the M 1 . your beloved
December
Government
20th. If accepted, the report w o u l d
cation, a n a i m that student organisations have
not o n l y a W h i t e
fighting
(which
d i d more than just give money
to build
nursery schools) but also a Fi nance Report. Read o n . . .
University Grants Committee
-tc
*
to dole o u t amongst the Universities. Polytechnics, C o l tutions get their money
*
-X * * -K * * -X X *
* X -X * -X -X -X -X X * * X -X -X -X -X •X X X -X -X -X X -X -X -X -X -X -X •X X -X -X -X -X -X -X -X -X -X
this, Notwithstanding the W h i t e P a p e r contains proposals to b u i l d a further 11,000 units of student a c c o m m o d a t i o n i n 74/75. Places s h o u l d be available f o r about t w o thirds of the a d d i t i o n a l
f r o m the L o c a l A u t h o r i t i e s .
T h e E x p e n d i t u r e R e p o r t recommends that a l l H i g h e r a n d F u r t h e r E d u c a t i o n be brought together under one
students expected in t h e c u r r e n t quinquennium (1972-77). H o w e v e r , the W h i t e P a p e r says that " t h e Government shares the frequently-expressed view that i t is unrealistic a n d unnecessary f o r such a h i g h p r o p o r t i o n of students to reside a n d study at a distance i f e q u a l l y are acceptable courses available to them w i t h i n d a i l y t r a v e l l i n g distance of their h o m e s " a n d suggests that Universities a n d i n stitutions of Advanced H i g h e r E d u c a t i o n should lay great emphasis o n home-based students. The Government believes that since one of the biggest costs of higher education is that o f employing teaching staff, economies should be made here, and the staff/student ratio should be reduced to 10:1. T h e y suggest that " a gradual transition to this average figure s h o u l d be possible without l o w e r i n g
A National Manpower C o u n c i l should be set u p to advise students about the d e m a n d f o r q u a l i f i e d manpower. A Careers A d visory service for scholars into interests i n going higher education s h o u l d be i n c l u d e d , to tell them what jobs a r e offered f o r w h i c h qualifications.
authority s i m i l a r t o the U G C : a " H i g h e r
Education Commission".
standards". Recently M r s . Thatcher, of State for Secretary E d u c a t i o n , r u l e d such a possibility out as " a d m i n istratively i n p r a c t i c a b l e " . But M r . Neil Marten, C h a i r m a n of the S u b - C o m mittee, said that were it solely a n administrative difficulty it c o u l d be overcome.
Home-based
ing allowed to accept students f r o m outside their o w n region unless they can guarantee a c c o m m o d a t i o n in halls of residence or approved lodgings, g i v i n g priority to students f r o m difficult home backgrounds a n d the expansion o f institutions w i t h large local catchment areas.
E n d to Q u i n q u e n n i a l system A t present universities work on " T h e Quinquenn i a l P l a n " , i.e. they receive a n a l l o c a t i o n of m o n e y every five years f o r the next five years' w o r k . T h e C o m m i t t e e suggests that instead of this a five-year r o l l i n g p l a n co-ordinated w i t h a n d o n the lines of the public expenditure surveys. T h e committee expects that expenditure for three years ahead c o u l d p r o b a b l y be firmly fixed, a n d the next t w o years reasonably accurately forecasted.
students
T h e report suggests that the universities be i n i t i a l l y given a few years to i n crease the n u m b e r of home-based students, a n d if they d o not succeed the Government would be justified i n t a k i n g tougher measures. These measures c o u l d include not p r o v i d ing a n y more purposebuilt student accommodation, universities not be-
L o a n s for U / G ' s rejected T h e committee said that since, were a loan scheme for undergraduates to be introduced, it c o u l d not be done without numerous exceptions a n d special cases, it should not be considered a p r a c t i c a l i t y at the moment. T h e report d i d not, however, entirely rule out the idea. A l t h o u g h yet t o be fully investigat-
My dear Edward j On joining Europe x* xx* xxx* xD E P A R T M E N T O F E D U C A T I O N A N D S C I E N C E . xx* WHITEHALL. xxI st A p r i l 1974 x-
* -K •X -X -X *
to take the D i p H E i n stead of a three-year course w o u l d reduce the n u m b e r of places required i n H E institutions, a n d thus c u t costs. C u t t i n g costs is a major preoccupation of the W h i t e Paper.
w h i c h is
leges of E d u c a t i o n , a n d other H i g h e r E d u c a t i o n insti-
financing
T h e W h i t e Paper suggests a need for a shorter course t h a n current first degree courses, a n d proposes a 2-year course leadi n g to a D i p l o m a of Higher Education (Dip H E ) . T h i s w o u l d be o f c o m p a r a b l e difficulty to the first t w o years of a first degree course, c o u l d be offered a t b o t h P o l y technics a n d Universities, and w o u l d c a r r y a m a n d a t o r y grant to students w i t h it. A considerable n u m b e r of students opting
(UDG),
extended
T h e Universities C e n t r a l Council on Admissions (UCCA) should be extended to serve a l l institutions of higher a n d further education, suggests the report. A t present, p o l y technics a n d colleges of education have to be a p p l i e d to separately a n d individually.
for f o r m a n y years. A t present, the Universities
given a certain a m o u n t of money b y the G o v e r n m e n t
Cost-cutting and shorter courses A j u m p f r o m 463,000 to 750,000 i n the numbers of students a n d 2 2 % of eighteen-year-olds i n further educ a t i o n are the m a j o r a i m s f o r higher e d u c a t i o n set f o r t h i n the G o v e r n m e n t W h i t e P a p e r p u b l i s h e d i n D e c e m b e r * . T h e m a i n e x p a n s i o n w o u l d t a k e place i n the P o l y t e c h n i c s w h o , the G o v e r n m e n t hopes, w i l l take the same n u m b e r of students as the Universities (375,000) b y 1981. T h e n u m b e r of part-time students w o u l d increase considerably, b u t the percentage of post-graduates w o u l d f a l l f r o m 1 9 % of students to 1 7 % (an increase i n numbers of only 7,000 over the next ten years).
UCCA
been
a n d Colleges apply f o r their money f r o m a central body, the
White Paper on Education
mean
a n end to the b i n a r y system of financing higher edu-
h a v e b e e n w o r k i n g h a r d at h i g h e r a n d f u r t h e r e d u c a t i o n . T h e y h a v e p r o d u c e d Paper
ed, the C o m m i t t e e d i d suggest that loans f o r postgraduates might be a welcome scheme.
published their
report o n further a n d higher education o n Wednesday,
W h i l e y o u have been away making merry on your winter vacation, toboganning
Page 7
M y dear E d w a r d , A s y o u are aware we a t the D . E . S . have l o n g been troubled by the activities of a small g r o u p of y o u r subjects. I refer of course t o the students at present attending the Universities. I a m therefore delighted to i n f o r m y o u of the details of the W h i t e Paper we are to p u b l i s h next m o n t h entitled ' I n P l a c e of Struggle'. T h e P a p e r outlines the n e w structure of degree courses as f r o m next September. T h e basic p r i n c i p l e b e h i n d the scheme is to give students their l o n g awaited parity — financial a n d otherwise — w i th their peers in industry a n d offices. F i n a n c i a l parity is achieved b y paying the students a salary of between £20-£25 per week o n a sliding scale a c c o r d i n g to age. Students w i l l attend lectures f o r 4 0 hours per week a n d be gi ven the usual 3 weeks a n n u a l h o l i d a y . T h i s w i l l result i n the same a m o u n t of time being allotted to lectures a n d tutorials as under the present system of a 3 year degree course. H o w e v e r , this scheme is based o n one year's study to an honours degree. I a m advised b y m y colleagues i n the T r e a s u r y that this c o u l d result in either a c u t of 5 0 % o n higher education spending, o r a rise of 100% i n the n u m b e r of g r a d u a t e s — I k n o w w h i c h one y o u w i l l prefer T e l ! T o o good t o b e true, y o u say, b u t w i l l p u b l i c o p i n i o n a l l o w us to pass the B i l l ? N e v e r fear, after last year's rash of student rent strikes a n d m i l i t a n c y , p u b l i c o p i n i o n has never been m o r e solidly behind us i n o u r struggle against the student. H o p i n g the above meets w i t h y o u r a p p r o v a l , I r e m a i n y o u r h u m b l e servant, Maggie. T h e a u t h o r w o u l d l i k e to state that the figures quoted i n this letter are quite realistic.
*x-
'This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
xxXXX-
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
X* XXXXX XX XXXXXXXX* XXXXXX-
This fortress built by nature for herself
X
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
XXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X-
Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands. This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.' (Richard
W i l l it e v e r b e t h e s a m e a g a i n . . • ?
II)
Page 8
FELIX
J a n u a r y 8, 1973
REMEMBER U.G.M* THURSDAY 1300 GREAT HALL
Surrey succeed with 60 support
More to Grants Campaign than Rent Strikes
%
The
students at Surrey
U n i v e r s i ty
A s was reported briefly i n the 5th D e c e m b e r issue of
are at present
r u n n i n g one of the most successful rent strikes i n the support for their s t r i k e — t h a t is, 6 0 % of a l l students at Surrey had p a i d into the R e n t F u n d . £44,250 had been collected f r o m 950 residents by 13th D e c e m b e r ,
" F e l i x " , t h e N U S N a t i o n a l Conference
Only sixteen at C.C. C.
country. A f t e r one t e n n they were able t o report 6 0 %
1972.
Iln fact, support f o r the strike is even greater t h a n this, as less t h a n 2 0 % of students have p a i d the U n i v e r s i t y .
N o v e m b e r passed a large a n d comprehensive
o n G r a n t s . It c al l ed f o r a n i m m e d i a t e increase i n the m a n d a t o r y rate of grant t o cover rises i n the cost of l i v i n g since the last a w a r d : the N U S E x e c u t i v e i s ask-
O n the 16th D e c e m b e r
1972 the C a m p a i g n C o - o r d -
a termly basis at Surrey, the R e n t F u n d c o u l d c o n -
i n a t i n g C o m m i t t e e met at U . L . U . (University o f L o n d o n
ceivably d o u b l e as this t e r m
U n i o n ) t o discuss the p r o b a b l e outline of the G r a n t s
I
When Ingram
asked
Mel
(President
of the
have
non-residents
not
been involved i n the strug-
C a m p a i g n as i t c o u l d take place this term. D i g b y J a c k s (President
N . U . S . ) presented
a paper
t o the C . C . C .
settlement level ( w h i c h restored the 1962 level). O t h e r major demands were % an
end to discrimina-
tion
against
Students' U n i o n ) a n d Iain
gle. Non-residents are, i n w h i c h d i v i d e d the c a m p a i g n i nto 4 phases.
women
Morrison
fact,
grants
(Chairman
of
the R e n t A c t i o n C o m m i t tee)
t h e reason for their
success
at Surrey,
answer
was simple;
work, a n d careful isation.
When
attending
Union
G e n e r a l Meetings
(at the
rate of t w o a week!) a n d
their
have
giving
the
hard
strikers a l l possible
sup-
organ-
the
been
port.
rent
strike started it was neces-
A t the beginning of the
sary t o educate the mass
Surrey strike a R e n t F u n d
of students as to the issues
Constitution
involved.
up w h i c h has been rigidly
Newsheets were
was
drawn
(and a r e still being) pr i nt-
adhered
ed regularly. Posters were
down
designed and displayed a l l
w h i c h t h e money
over t h e U n i v e r s i t y . P i c k -
put to p a y the U n i v e r s i t y
ets
i n the event of the strike
were
appointed
to
stand outside the Cashier's (where
Office
students
to.
This
the only
lays
uses
to
c a n be
being settled, or t o r e i m a n y person
burse
w o u l d n o r m a l l y p a y their
wishes
rents) t o attempt
c o n t r i b u t i o n . It also states
to per-
to
who
withdraw
the F u n d
his
shall
be
suade them to pay into the
that
Rent
open t o inspection b y a n y
Fund
instead.
A
videofilm was made show-
member of the U n i o n , and
ing U n i o n officials
that
trying
to negotiate w i t h U n i v e r sity
Authorities.
Volun-
accounts
presented
should be
to
Meeting
at
a
General
least
once
the rent strikes w h i c h have
show
been t a k i n g place i n the
mass support f o r the c a m -
last t e r m , f o r example at
paign.
Surrey, K e e l e a n d Exeter.
February
Phase 2 w i l l begin t o wards t h e end of l a n u a r y .
grants, awards
discretionary and
women
married
students'
grants.
T h e activity envisaged i n not
cludes
only
strikes a n d catering
boy-
but i t h a d positive results i n that 77 m o r e students paid after they h a d been visited
personally.
other
Colleges
t h e m the benefit v a l u a b1 e
to
experience.
have
already
Aston, Birmingham, Reading and B a t h . Surrey U n i -
ance t o the strike organ-
versity has been successful
isers is that Surrey i s a
so far.
Campus University.
seen h o w m a n y other U n i versities
pecially
d r u m u p sufficient enthus-
is concerned,
but it has not meant that
iasm
Will
be able t o
to follow
footsteps.
i n their
for
the
There
These
then
proposals
were the
put
are
courses.
designated Designated
the
courses
—
( i n the
courses
at Universities
by
l i k e degree
with them a mandatory
ities. be
S u c h action s h o u l d on a local
organised Phase
3
should
take
i n m i d February. is to be a
unified It is
can
be
places
were
allowed
for
maintenance
grant
the assessment of S o c i a l Security payments.
sfc N a t i o n a l Insurance contributions paid
should
be
f o r a l l students
while i n full-time education.
level,
which
is
* grants
for courses
duration 30
greater
weeks
clude
of
than
should i n -
one-thirtieth
of
It'he f u l l grant f o r each week
t h e course
lasts
i n excess o f 30.
p a i d to a l l students regardless.
Students
on
abroad
studying
should
have
l i k e courses at A r t C o l -
of great
leges, F . E . Colleges, etc.)
ed
have their grant d e c i d -
f o r t h e changes
paign. O n e c o u l d n o t help
ed u p o n b y their L o c a l
change rates since 1967,
feeling
A u t h o r i t y , who use their
when
discretion to decide h o w
fixed.
matters
impor-
tance t o the grants c a m that
i f this was
representative for
the
organise
of support
campaign,
the
w i l l not have to that
courses
sfc U K students
ing w h i c h h a d t o decide
burgh
the venues are,
more
grant
non-designated
N.U.S.
although
not
that
the
people present a t a meet-
as L o n d o n , Cardiff, E d i n and Birmingham,
16 members.
seems incredible
there
basis. place
of predisely It
jfc the n o t i o n a l element i n
uninitiated:
a n d nora-d e si g n a t e d
strike i n M a r c h .
w i l l pay.)
% the
SOON !
must
be
dents'
cost catering
of
sturesi-
year, join Felix now and find out what it's all about. You will be welcome.
they
provision i n ex-
were
last
agreed not
instead of a grant for t h e time being, u n t i l a l l students h a d been
vantages grants should be revised annually o n a "Student
there
informed
of t h e issues i n v o l v e d i n this d e m a n d a n d the a d -
dence.
Costs I n d e x " .
If you fancy a sabbatical
make
Conference
grant
economic
ELECTIONS ARE
to
to press f o r a student wage
enough to p a y the full
FELIX EDITOR
their grant levels adjust-
m u c h , if anything, they
national
It remains t o be
has obviously helped, es-
advanc-
ed courses. ( E x p l a n a t i o n
called i n m i d M a r c h .
Keele,
O n e m o r e factor w h i c h
Dip-
or a n a t i o n a l strike w i l l be
give
has been o f great assist-
as f a r as c o m -
a n a t i o n a l D a y of A c t i o n
of
of their
been sent t o H u l l ,
munication
either
w i t h t h e n a t i o n a l Gramts
Speakers
This
support
has been sufficient
efforts
the U n i v e r s i t y are visiting
National
a C . C . C . w h i c h consisted
tinue to be quorate.
k n o c k i n g o n 1,600 doors,
the
Local Education Author-
that these M e e t i n g s
Members
of
and Polytechnics—carry
the extent o f support, and
campaign.
designation
shape of D i g b y Jacks) to
to try to persuade
T h i s was a m a m -
would
of
a n d , possibly,
organised, i n such
Fund.
campaign
M.P.s
week at the moment, a n d
m o t h task, as i t i n v o l v e d
a n especial c a l l f o r the
cotts, but also l o b b y i n g of
undertaken
its local
for this.
N.U.S. Executive
demonstrations
identify
t i o n a r y awards — a n d
rent
a door-to-door survey was
N o w Surrey is t r y i n g to
gested as a possible date
non-designated
hoped that 3 o r 4 regional
who had not yet p a i d any-
:js the a b o l i t i o n of discre-
The
has been
level of grants.
shoul d b e disallowed i n
21st
Wednesday,
result i n a n a u t o m a t i c i n t e r i m increase i n t h e
vacation
term. I f previous
the m a i n rate of
paign:
age Surrey is h o l d i n g G e n -
one to p a y i n t o t h e R e n t
w o m e n get £480).
orities of t h e grants c a m -
eral
con-
single
l o m a ( H N D ) a n d other
a b l y most i m p o r t a n t of a l l ,
those
get £275 p.a. —
4, towards the end o f this
national campaign.
discover
present, m a r r i e d w o m e n
Higher
w o r t h noting that o n aver-
to
in (at
reach a c l i m a x w i t h phase
bute leaflets.
a
of a n d
students assessment
students o n the three p r i -
This
twice
the unity
married
sug-
It w i l l i n v o l v e activity b y
teers were f o u n d t o d i s t r i -
Meetings
It is
T h e first phase has a l - as yet, p r o v i s i o n a l . S u c h w o u Id ready started, and includes demonstrations
every
A n d , prob-
t w o weeks.
motion
i n g for £65 w h i c h w o u l d restore the grant t o the 1968
A n d it s h o u l d be remembered that, as rents are p a i d o n progresses.
at M a r g a t e i n
should
might
accrue. A p u b l i c i t y drive to g a i n support
amongst
students for this
concept
is to start shortly. be
a
"threshold
agreement",
such that
any upward
The
national
major
springboard of t h e
campaign
dent
grants.
I ndex be-
Rent
Strike is p l a n n e d to b e a
m o v e m e n t o n the S t u Costs
that
for Where
higher Rent
y o n d a n agreed percent-
Strikes a r e i m p r a c t i c a b l e ,
age
Catering
d u r i n g the p e r i o d
between reviews s h o u l d
urged.
Boycotts
are