BEAVER
NEWSPAPER OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
STUDENTS" UNION
Issue 231
December 3 1984
DEMONSTRATION MOBILIZES RECORD NUMBER
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^ weekend J ^ for two ^ in Paris!
Ji 01
Wednesday November 28th, saw what was allegedly the biggest student demonstration for 10 years. An estimated 33,000 students from all over the country assembled in various locations around London to protest against the proposed changes in grant contributions.
A rally was held in the Queen attempted to prevent access to Elizabeth Hall where 2000 stu- the bridge itself, overwhelming dents were able to listen to numbers of students succeeded

were
speakers, while the main body of demonstrators gathered in the Jubilee Gardens. Despite the cold and rain, the group was kept interested for a while by encouraging quips from NUS representatives. Despondency and disillusionment soon spread, however, due to the apparent inactivity of the NUS. Several hundred students, acting quite independently of the NUS organisation, finally spurred the entire Jubilee Gardens' assembly to progress towards Westminster bridge with the intention of lobbying Parliament. For the following 2 hours, student movements and activity were based entirely upon mass initiative in the face of total ineffectiveness on the part of the NUS hierarchy.
The main group of students were confronted by mass police ranks near Westminster Bridge and though police spokesmen
in breaching police lines. Westminster Bridge was occupied, students 'en masse' sitting down in the road. Another group took similar action on Waterloo Bridge, and West End traffic was completely disrupted. A third group of students proceeded to Downing Street to hand in 20,000 letters of complaint about the proposed cuts to the Prime Minister. These students, having achieved their objective, set a precedent by blocking traffic in Downing Street for the first time in history.
Arrests were made throughout the afternoon and early evening (an estimated 180 in total). The police on Westminster Bridge were quickly backed up by officers on horseback and carrying riot equipment. Their behaviour was abrasive and often unnecessarily aggressive. One or two students let the
majority down by throwing torches towards police lines, which only provoked and worse still justified the use of force. However, it became apparent to most people that the right to demonstrate peacefully, secured at such cost in the past, had ceased to exist in the eyes of the Metropolitan Police Force.
The NUS finally surfaced at around 6.00pm and National President, Phil Woolas, addressed the students on Westminster Bridge. Amid heavy criticism, Woolas showed complete ineptitude and lack of leadership qualities. His pitiful attempts to organise a coherent plan of action were a disgrace to student organisation and were symptomatic of NUS failures from start to finish.
It was only the strength of feeling among students encamped on the road that led to any further resistance to police efforts to end the protest, but the lack of a coherent plan coupled with police dispersal
tactics (including arrests and overt aggression) finally caused the demonstration to peter out. Slight injuries were reported among both police and students.
The demonstration received top billing on both BBC and ITV national news broadcasts and as an exercise in bringing the attention of the government and the nation to student anger over the proposed cuts, the protest was a huge success. Questions must surely be raised, however, on two issues: firstly, the shocking behaviour of many policemen, once again ommited in the TV coverage, and secondly the farcical performance of the NUS who did themselves no favours. Their organisation of the demonstration only served to increase the general disillusionment of students towards the NUS.
Ed Richards Becky Lunn
INSIDE
CHRISTMAS QUIZ
CAPTION COMPETITION
INTERVIEW WITH DRPATEL
MEDIA INVESTIGATION
WOMENAND DRINK
SOCIETIES
SPORT
LONDON ARTS
p'a^2
LETTERS
Beaver, 3 December 1984
EDUCATION DEMO GETS YORKSHIRE TREATMENT
Dear Editors,
My recent visit to Ferrymoor Riddings pit brought me face to face with the brutality of HM Police Force as they charged a peaceful picket time and time again. As I fled, it left me feeling shocked, scared and understandably angry.
The same feelings returned to me last Wednesday (21 Nov) following the demonstrations outside the Dept. of Education and Science against the Government's plan to cut grants and abolish the principle of free education to all. For no apparent reason two students were arrested for obstruction resulting in a spontaneous march on nearby Kennington Police Station. This was good humoured, with no overt anti-police senti-•'ments proclaimed.
From the steps of the Police Station, a senior officer demanded we disperse, ignoring our demands for information about
our interned colleagues. Students were also being picked out for arrest, as the police signalled to each other indicating desirable 'catches'. Without warning the crowd of some 500 were charged by a wave of blue uniforms, knocking people and banners to the ground. In all, eight more were arrested, despite their attempts to disperse quickly. Then, with the use of over ten vans (loaded with riot shields, just in case!) and at least 100 officers, the crowd was physically forced back to the grounds of the GLC.
Using the same 'riot' tactics as in Yorkshire, the Police totally overreacted to a passive demonstration where, just like the miners, students were showing they are going to fight for a decent standard of living and the right to study/work.
Yours
Julian Cooke
NOT ANOTHER OCCUPATION!
Dear Editors,
"Oh, its only the students making fools of themselves again. Haven't they got anything better to do?"
This is the only reaction the general public will have to the occupation of Connaught House. Every time something happens of which the left-wing students of the LSE disapprove, their only impulse is to occupy the administration building.
In our opinion this shows the limited and unoriginal imagination of the LSE Laboup Club. Not only does this not achieve any positive result, but it helps to further the LSE's bad reputation as a h6t-bed of revolution in the eyes of most people.
Ed Kemp Razeen Salih (LSE Conservatives)
NO TACTICAL ALLIANCES
(Copy to Beaver of letter addressed to Andrew Tinney, Chair of LSE FCS)
Dear sir,
I am writing regarding your suggestion to me that LSE Liberals should join the FCS and other non-socialist groups for discussions on co-ordinating future action in Union meetings.
I put your suggestion to the Liberal Meeting. The response was an overwhelming rejection (after several minutes of hysterical laughter). LSE Liberals wish to inform you, and any other political groups, that we always have, and always will, act in Union Meetings according to the principle of Liberalism that we cherish. We seek no
tactical alliances. We are not looking to create a block vote. We believe our members and members of other parties should vote according to their own conscience. We therefore expect to find overwhelming support in the meeting for the majority of our motions.
If this rejection alienates some Tory hacks, so be it. We in the Liberals have to be true to our philosophy and our Liberal goals.
Yours faithfully, Helen Phillips
BEAVER CREDITS
EDITORS: Lucy Cohen, Eleanor Edwards Societies Editor: Dayo Forster
Photography: Mark Moore, Peter Williams, Tobias Fitter
Arts Editors: James Bailey, Toby Kramers
Beaver Team: Ed Richards, Hugh Sergeant, Becky Lunn, Richard Jones, Lynn Horton, Carol Atack, Jakki Trenbath, Nathalia Berkowitz, Gilli Wedon, Richard Cranmer, Paul Redfern, Amanda Farnsworth, Giles Perritt, Alan Peakall.
Other contributors as credited. Many thanks to all.
Photosetters: Gee Graphics, 15-27 Gee Street, London ECl
Printers: Cambridge Heath Press, Mentmore Terrace, London E8.
Publishers: London School of Economics Students' Union, East Building, Houghton Street, London WC2.	_
ON SELLING SANTA CLAUS
Dear Editors,
It is a fortunate man who is blessed by his friends. It is an even more fortunate one who is blessed by his enemies. Michael Moszynski is such a man. His enemies set out at last Thursday to convince us of two things, and failed to convince us of either.
Their failure to convince us that Moszynski would not pay the money was inevitable, but their failure to make us even want to pay it was appalling. With Christmas coming, it is a hard man indeed who could leave a miner's child Santaless; for even John Paul Getty II has chipped in £100,000 in a spirit of Christmas cheer. However, it was beyond the capacity of the Labour Club speakers to evoke in us that feeling that had moved Mr Getty; and he is not normally the most generous of men.
The Labour Club has failed to sell us Santa Claus at Christmas, and it cannot expect much success with the same product in the cold light of January 1985. The Union Meeting that under Ed Lucas (who he?) would have lain down its life for the miners' minors in defiance of any government edict, has grown to realize that even Santa Claus requires the Government's permission. The NUM knows this; Michael Moszynski knows this; Ed Lucas, upon discovering this was so disillusioned that he left us; while Dave Jackson has realised it but cannot afford to tell the rest of the Labour Club, and they, saddest of all, remain as yet unaware.
Yours sincerely,
Rory O'Driscoll
Beaver's condolences to Dr Patel for his waterlogged belongings
DISLOYAL TO ENTS?
Dear Editors,
It was with some amusement and concern that we read Simon Bexon's two contributions to Beaver in a previous issue. In a letter he was defending the Intro 3all as a member of the Ents Committee, yet on the Arts Page he was slagging off the Flesh For Lulu gig, which as a member of the Ents Committee you would think he would feel responsibility for.
Ents does have its faults, but other members of Ents feel that if we have criticisms, the appropriate method of airing them is in the Committee - not through Beaver or questions in the UGM under pseudonyms.
Yours,
John Donkersley Tony Smith
Question: who are these men, and why should you beware of them?
GROUNDS FOR VICTIMISATION
Dear Editors,
In a letter earlier this month, Robert Shrimsley stated that victimising people on the grounds of their beliefs is as bad as doing it for reasons of their colour, creed or their sexual leanings.
Patrick Harrington is fundamentally evil in his beliefs. If he is 'victimised' because of them, it will never equal the sort of things that he and his fellow thugs have, organised against people simply because they were black or Jewish say.
Nobody should be oppressed for what they are, be they black, gay, Jewish or whatever. Nobody whose beliefs are non-oppressive should ever be dis-, criminated against. But when
people's beliefs directly restrict other people's lives, they cannot expect to go unchallenged. The European Convention of Human Rights recognises that those who restrict others' rights forfeit their own. When certain beliefs are positively harmful to groups of people, then for the protection of those groups it is both right and necessary that the holders of those beliefs should be kept in check. To suggest otherwise is dangerous nonsense. Asian families in the East End of London, who have been frightened to walk in the streets all their lives, can testify to that.
Yours
Richard Snell
WHERE I STAND
Dear Editors,
I feel that I must speak out against the accusatons levelled at Independent Student during last Thursday's censure motion on myself The second speaker proposing the motion declared that I was acting "independently from the Union", by not obeying its members wishes, and that this was not the type of independence he liked. He was totally wrong in his interpretation. My position always has ben that the Union General Meeting is sovereign according to its Constitution, and that as an Officer of the Union I am bound by i-ts decisions. However, once the Union exceeds its authority by attempting to force me to act illegally, I am not obliged to follow such a course. That is not disregarding the legitimate channels through which students at the LSE can make policy decisions.
Independent Student campaigned extensively and successfully last year on a platform that was quite clear. Student Union sabbaticals are paid for by all students studying at the LSE, and so should act in their interests, not the interests of the political parties. Unlike student union officers who are members of the Labour Club, I am not controlled by any political caucus. There is no undated letter of resignation hanging over my head to make me jump at their every whim. I am responsible to^ the Union membership, who have the ability to remove from office, and they have now voted overwhelmingly on two occasions not to do so. If I had taken my stance and been a Labour Club sabbatical, the Labour Club would have dated the letter of resignation which they keep, and I would be out of a job. So who is disregarding the UGM? I wonder whether the Labour Club is going to change its mind yet again, for who can foretell? The Liberals lost their credibility through their indecisiveness, and it would appear that the Conservatives, who are so busy condemning picket violence in the UGM are unaware of certain activities of their members (re: an LSE FCS member seen stoning police in Yorkshire).
Perhaps the last word ought to be left to Simon Ellis, who said in his letter to me "I quite agree that the Union is best served by those who keep their political beliefs away from its running". I know where I stand. Do you?
Yours sincerely,
Michael Moszynski
leaver, 3 December 1984
FIT OF PEAK?_
page 3
Dear Editors,
May I continue the long tradition of ex-Union officers spilling their conciences on the pages of Beaver? When I took on the job of Returning Officer I was undertaking to organise a minimum of three elections, on Thursdays, despite 54% of my formal teaching time falling on a Thursday. Over the course of an academic year there should be plenty of recovery time to make up for the missed lectures and classes. As I started my report at the UGM on the 22nd I had advance knowledge of George Elwin's resignation, requiring a third election THIS TERM. Alas, I came here to get a degree, not run elections every other week (an appallingly selfish attitude I know). I was free on Tuesdays, hovyever. Elections on a Tuesday are within the constitution, but not the electoral regulations - but I made the electoral regulations,
so I could change them, subject to UGM ratification. This not being forthcoming, I felt I should resign, as I could no longer do the job as I wished, ie. be present all day on polling day.
The UGM is sovereign, if it is the desire of the meeting that elections are on Thursdays and not Tuesdays (or any other day, at the whim of the Returning Officer), then they shall be on Thursdays. It has occured to me that the job is not likely to be as intense as it has been recently. The margin of Dave Jackson's victory reflects the damage done to the centre by Ed Lucas' lemming leap, and now Messrs Shrimsley, Cooper, Hoben and Elwin have conspired to abort the resurgence of the right. The result of the next few elections seems a foregone conclusion. By now the Union will have a new Returning Officer and I will give as much help as I can.
Chastened Alan Peakall
THE CUT-OFF HEADING_
Dear Editors,
Thank you for printing my poem 'The Cut-Off Captives' in your last issue.
This poem (a parody of Rupert Brooke's fine and famous sonnet 'The Soldier') was my protest against the Government's highly controversial Police and Criminal Evidence Bill which became law on October 31st, 1984. Unfortunately, my heading (over the poem's title) which explained this, was omitted through lack of space.
My heading furthermore explained that this new and iniquitous law now gives the police power to hold a person "in police custody" for 36 hours
incommunicado, that is without the right of letting anyone know that they are being held by the police, let alone the right of consulting a solicitor during that time.
So a person released from the 36-hour detention can take one step outside the police station and be taken back into the police station for yet another 36 hours, and so on ad infinitum.
Thatcher now talks about there being a "threat to Democracy" in Britain today, yet, judging by just this new law alone, the greatest threat to Democracy in Britain today is Thatcher herself.
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas - even though it is 1984.
N. Racine-Jaques
R.I.P.
DAVID BETTER.
YTS FORLSE NURSERY _
Dear Editors,
We are writing to you to express our contempt and disgust at the behaviour of David Better, former member of FCS. His self-centred actions during the occupation of Connaught House show him to be the careerist we always knew him to be. Considering that only 6 weeks ago he stood as a candidate for the Chairmanship of the FCS on a pro-Reagan, pro-Contra, anti-Striking Miners, anti-Gay, anti-Socialist platform, it came as no surprise that on this extreme right-wing programme, he received only 4 votes. Gradually realizing his rank unpopularity in the LSE FCS, he decided to look to the left for support. But considering his grave concern for the only clan he cares for - the middle class - this is not surprising. This is clearly a fundamental mistake on his part because the only Party suitable for David Better would be the David Better Party.
We can only express our deepest condolences to whatever political grouping he now attaches himself to.
R.I.P. David Better.
Yours,
Simon McVicker Nigel Kilby David P Webber
Dear Editors,
As editors, you do of course have the first say as to what is printed and what is included from every article submitted. However, the effect of your editing of my article "LSE Nursery" was to give the impression that I support the Youth Training Scheme. You ommitted a crucial paragraph that stated that many socialists (including myself) do not support YTS as a scheme.
However, at the LSE the employment of one YTS trainee in the nursery would provide them with employment and training for a year. If the LSE nursery were to consider this they would subsidize the very low wage YTS trainees receive in order to make it more acceptable. The principle of VTS is disgusting - providing short term, low paid labour for employers who normally are not interested in training their employees. However, if the LSE were to provide training, a subsidized YTS wage and some opportunity to a 16 year old, wouldn't it be better than yet another school leaver on the dole?
Fiona Sorotos
(The Editors wish to apologise for the effects of their editing -the unsatisfactory result was due to ignorance not malice!)
AT THE UNION WITH RICHARD CRANMER
A COCK AND BULL STORY
Tuesday 20th November (or thereabouts) - an emergency meeting but Dave Bull is not among those present. Eventually third string Chris Hartley takes the chair. The issue is the NUS Day of Action on the morrow, and the Open Committee recommendations. These are a 'work-in' in the Library overnight and attendance at the following day's march to the DES. A number of amendments follow, but eventually Dave Jackson, with great drama proposes an amendment demanding immediate occupation of Connaught House. As we fled towards the exits, Chris Hartley is heard to wail "I've made a big cock-up of this", but the will of the people has prevailed, and nobody seems too unhappy.
Needless to say, the occupation produced some memorable moments, notably a debate on whether drink and drugs should be allowed (answer "yes and no"), and David Better's rather theatrical withdrawal from the FCS. Master Harold and the boys (SWSS) were naturally in the forefront with HW ingenuously asking "could we build some sort of barricade?"
By the UGM of Thursday 22nd (I think), Dave Jackson was able to report that in terms of publicity, the occupation was a great success. He also pointed out that the Court of Governers had sat and agreed to the appointment of a Sexual Harassment Officer (a quick delivery that would have drawn ripples of applause in his native Yorkshire).
Rory O'Driscoll thought he had spotted and error. Had the Government changed its policy? No, but subsequent events were to show the value of the publicity gained as 30,000 as opposed to the projected 3,000 turned up at Westminster and the shock waves have been felt in at least 80 Tory constituencies.

m
Simon Ellis states his case
The writing seemed to be on the wall for the Services Officer Malcolm Lowe for failing to remove grafitti from the Three Tuns toilets, but after some indelicate inquiries from Mike Moszynski about the size of his bladder, he survived (until next week) the howling mob's demands for his resignation. Not so Returning Officer and Gentleman Alan Peakall.
27th November - progress is being made on the sexual harassment front, while the Catering Committee reports that the Brunch Bowl may well stop subsidising the Staff dining room. The assessment of lecturers is one step closer, and so it would seem, is the Alternative Prospectus. Legal ways are being found to pay the miners' families but, nevertheless, the Labour Club put in yet another motion of censure on Moszynski.
So, Bar Wars II gets under way and we wait to see whether Mike will go the way of Lucas Skywalker, or whether as three weeks ago, the censurers will disappear into a black hole.
Labour's case is rather undermined by the fact the proposer Simon Ellis had written to Moszynski earlier in the term, congratulating him on the good work he was doing; and it seems doubtful whether not having a Treasurer will help paying the money, or whether a direct payment will be immediately frozen.
The motion is defeated, and Labour's credibility, riding high after the election and the occupation, is somewhat diminished.

Solid support!
IN DEFENSE OF THE NURSERY
Dear Editors,
It is disturbing to find the Students' Union Women's Officer proposing the LSE nurseries as the latest frontier of Thatcher's New Brittania.
Just two comments on Fiona Sorotos' article (19/11/84) on "the" LSE Nursery, as it applies to the over-2's nursery.
1. She makes the snide implication that the LSE nursery is "regimented" without any evidence to justify that judgement. To back up her call for cuts in the quality of care by such unsubstantiated slurs is to do great disservice to students who may be deterred from using the nursery. Certainly there is discipline at the nursery as there must be, if only for the children's safety. By what criteria does she judge this excessive? By the discipline required by the staff for the harmonious play of 15 children (or don't workers there have rights?). Would any of the parents agree with her? Certainly none of the children in the over-2's nursery that we've observed would! Our daughter Sarah has attended the nursery now for 18 months. The most impressive aspect of the nursery is her delight in going and the warm affection of all the children for each other. Is this a sign of a regimented, unharmonious nursery? Factors of safety, workers' rights.
parental wishes and the children's happiness are of relevance; not Fiona Sorotos' prejudice.
2. Should YTS workers be employed (if they are available)? We do think it desireable (i) in addition to the proper complement of trained nursery staff (which is 7); (ii) if the trainees develop new skills (which means that the effective staffing of the nursery falls, since the trained staff will be working with both trainees and children); (iii) if there is the prospect of trainees going on to full-time training or a job in child-care and thus YTS is not a cruel con-trick on trainees for whom subsequent training/jobs don't exist; and (iv) if YTS is not simply for doctoring unemployment figures. YTS trainees are not a substitute for trained staff.
No well run nursery is cheap. Local autliority nursery places cost an average £60 per week in 1981-2 (New Society 22/11/84). Nursery care is only cheap if unpaid or low paid workers are systematically exploited. The hardship faced by low-income parents must be considered as a problem in its own right. To suggest that their financial struggle whould be solved by gross exploitation of other low-paid workers and by cutting the quality of care given their children is shameful.
THURSDAYS
U.G.
1. P.M.
OLD
THEATRE
Cathy (Matron), Renee and Claire, who have looked after Sarah in the over-2's nursery, have done a superb job and deserve support. Perhaps Fiona Sorotos should work there or leave her own kid(s) there and find out.
David Godden Judith Godden
page 4
- - ^ < • V ^	» I • . •
Beaver, 3 December 1984
OCCUPATION WINS PUBLICITY
CONFRONTATION IN KENNINGTON

1
charged, pushing them back up the street. In the confusion, eight more arrests were made, including a member of LSE.
The march continued under heavy police escort to Jubilee Gardens where the demonstrators briefly reassembled before
departing. Despite its relatively small size, the rally received'a great deal of national press coverage and the NUS plan further days of action to keep up pressure on the government over grant cuts.
Lynn Horton
A spontaneous success
YET MORE
The NUS day of action on 21st November saw LSE students set off to join other London colleges marching to the Department of Education. Police attempts to keep demonstrators away from the DES building failed and a large group of students sat down in front of the steps. Others stood about chanting and listening to speeches. Despite the obviously peaceful nature of the rally and the fact that staff were free to enter and leave the building, individual police officers openly admitted they had orders from the outset to arrest students for obstruction.
When word came that two students had been arrested, demonstrators spontaneously marched to Kennington Police Station to find out what had happened, followed through the streets by a large contingent of police tried to control the traffic. Once outside the police station, while students debated whether to send in a delegate, large numbers of police reinforcements arrived in vans. A senior officer appeared with a megaphone and ordered everyone to disperse. As students began to comply, police surrounding them linked arms and
INDEPENDENT DEFENCE
Dear Editor,
Whilst it is laudable that you have finally seen fit to acknowledge the existence of Independent Student after ignoring us for so long, it seems to be a pity that you do so in such an apologetic and derisory manner.
Take the article in the November 5th edition of Beaver for instance. Independent Student, we are told, "by definition is not too sure where it stands." By whose definition? Not by the voters at LSE for sure, and not even it would appear by the authors' own, as in the same article they accuse Mike Mos-zynski of "playing martyr to his manifesto". Is that the action of someone who doesn't know where he stands? I think not.
Furthermore, even ignoring the fact that there has never been any desire within Independent Student to become an associate society of the Union, perhaps Messrs. Richards and Sergeant could explain to us all how in view of the fact that Independent Student so recently polled 362 votes for the
GPC election, they feel that we would be unable to raise the twenty signatures necessary to set up such a society.
This bias and ignorance of the workings of Independent Student was continued by Richard Cranmer in his 'At the Union' column in your November 19th edition. I would have thought that the events of the Union meeting of November 8th would have provided an opportunity to point out the spineless hypocrisy of those on the Left, who having submitted the censure motion on the Senior Treasurer, lacked the guts to speak on it or even to admit responsibility (and I thought that such "childish bitching" was the preserve of Independent Student - just one of the many hypocritical insults that the Labour Club threw at us last year in their 'Briefing'). But, surprisingly enough, Mr Cranmer seems far more concerned with the editorial makeup of Independent Student's newsletter, which judging from his comments, he knows nothing about (after all, how could he know anything? Can it be the same Beaver who described us as "the most inaccessible and elitist political cli-
A surprise motion at the November 20th Emergency General Meeting led to a spontaneous 24 hour occupation of Connaught House. A majority at the meeting had just endorsed the Open Committee's plan for an all night "work-in" in the Library in support of the NUS "Day of Action' against grant cuts, when General Secretary, Dave Jackson, proposed students occupy the administrative building as well. This amendment was passed overwhelmingly and everyone hurried out of the lecture hall and flooded every floor of Con-naught House.
Startled porters warned students "anything you break will go against you", adding afterwards, "make yourselves at home". Within half an hour, students were in full control of the building. Plans were made to guarantee the Student Health Service remained open and the Accounts Department was not disturbed. The rest of the afternoon was spent making
que at LSE"? Small world isn't it?)
Given the success of Independent Student at the polls - the election of the Senior Treasurer, representation on the Union Executive, twice topping the poll in successive GPC elections, twice sending the delegation leader to NUS Conference, not to mention similar successes on the Court of Gov-erners and the Finance Committee - don't you think that its about time that you and your columnists stopped sneering and recognised what we have achieved?
On behalf of Independent Student,
Richard Tull
RACISM NO BAR
Dear Editor,
There is nothing in the character or vile opinions of Patrick Harrington to inspire sympathy. His politics are obnoxious and, so it seems, is he. But that is not adequate justification for the inconclusive and sporadically violent pickets that have followed Harrington around the numerous suburbs
leaflets and posters to publicize the occupation and contacting the press. The night passed peacefully for those who remained despite rumours that students might be locked in at 9.20.
The following morning, porters and students turned away staff arriving for work. Although the protest was directed against the government and not the university, some staff members were clearly unhappy. Several tried to push their way into the building, while another was heard calling the occupation "silly" and "fatuous".
Weary students gathered at 1pm and voted to end their sit-in, amid claims that "first year students will never see another occupation like this again". In terms of publicity, the occupation was held to be a success as it received coverage in all the major newspapers and was mentioned on both radio and television.
Lynn Horton
of north London to which he has been despatched by PNL administrators anxious to see Harrington finish his degree in comparative obscurity.
To take autonomously, and in contravention of all accepted concepts of civil rights, a decision to obstruct in every possible way the lawful education of an individual is itself extraordinary. To use as mitigation the fact that the individual's views are deemed to be intolerable by people who disagree with them is equally bizarre.
There are several prominent figures at LSE whose violent instincts and undemocratic, even revolutionary fervour make them a political and personal threat. Nobody attempts to deprive them of education. There are many people who espouse sexism within LSE. Is ittinly racism that is so noxious to warrant such extreme tactics of attrition? If it is, will those individuals who inscribe racist graffiti around LSE be hunted down and driven from completing their courses? Will those members of LSE Conservatives who are from time to time accused of racism (almost always without reason) be pick-
IRISH NIGHT
(A wholly impartial review!)
A packed Three Tuns thrilled once again to another night of entertainment and sheer jollity provided by the Irish Society, aided by Ents and the bar management.
The multitude that swam around in that thick alcoholic haze was drawn from all sections of the student population. They took a break from occupying Connaught House, abandoned the Library and vacated the hovels of residence to sing, dance and consume the cut price Irish whiskey in record time
The trio of Brendan, Dave and Jody, otherwise known as "Shanty Dam", were surely the best band that the Irish Society has found to date. Masters of the occasion their varied set ranging from the rowing "Wild Rover" to the poignant "Town I Loved So Well" had the crowd singing along raucously or prompted glistening tears in the eyes of drunken Derrymen.
Meanwhile the issue of how many pints the bold O'Driscoll could consume before collapsing had become the subject of heavy betting. In the end, punters, he surpassed the legendary figure of three to down a magnificent seven and collapse on the steps of the Old Building around 11.00pm.
Mr Phil O'Hague, our esteemed Social Secretary was later heard to comment that Irish Night was "the best entertainment at LSE" - and surely the most profitable!!
As the drunks were ejected they were all content that they had really enjoyed themselves. If you didn't have a good time you must have been somewhere else.
Sean O'Neill
LETTERS...
eted as they go to lectures? Or is it only racists who are honest enough to proclaim publically their deservedly unpopular opinions who abdicate their right to education? Or is it merely racist political organisers who should not be educated?
Abhorrent though racism clearly is, I find no rational or moral defence for the tactics adopted at PNL, nor for the mentality that is so arrogant and dictatorial as to lay down which opinions shall be permitted and whch not, and still less for the unpleasant relish with which the Left have adopted the issue as a crusade allied to a spurious and imaginary socialist struggle, embracing among others Arthur Scargill, parti-cualrly since he is a man who happily endorses governments whose attitude to democracy and to trade unionism is not dissimilar from that of Patrick Harrington.
Yours,
Andrew Cooper
Beaver, 3 December 1984
page 5
BARONESS YOUNG; FULL OF BREATH
"Princes and Lords may flourish, or may fade", rants Oliver Goldsmith. "A breath can make them as a breath has made."
Baroness Young required few breaths to establish herself on Monday. She cut a pleasing enough figure in her matronly grey outfit; her deft economical gesticulations did much to dispel the owlish impression that clung to her initially.
Once the predictable reference to the ante-diluvian joke had been made; that is, the Lords being full of nothing but overpaid geriatrics, the Lady took us on a vivacious verbal expedition of that hallowed place. She alluded to the BBC's plans to televise the Lords: "the BBC will pay for the privilege."
Quite an Education
The peeress's face became quite an education in itself: there were soft lines of sympathy as she insisted on the enjoyable content of discourses in the Lords; then a practised hardness came over her features as she went on to outline Government defeats in the chamber.
"Clearly" she persisted, "the collecton of peers could be seen as a 'moving bus', supplemented by the recipients of the New Year and Birthday Honours." Technically, at present, the Government whip could command 418 of these passengers in a vote, the cross benches 219, the opposition 136, the Lierals 41 and the Social Democrats 41. On she went; the 65 defeats for the Government since 1979;
Baroness Young
and in particular the twenty or so between 1983 and 1984...irrefutable evidence, apparently, that the Chamber should be kept despite Labour's discontent.
Between 1981 and 1982 there were 41 sittings after 10pm. The peeress presented a grim picture of life after 11.30pm. She reiterated that she could never know for sure if the Government would win a vote on any particular issue... a low voice behind me declared that he could think of six impossible things before breakfast as well.
Constitutional Matters
In a sharp, school mistress-type tone, we were informed how the Lords had renewed interest in constitutional matters, a Bill of Rights and the scramble for political reality around proportional representation. The perspicacious members had led early legisla-ton on abortion, homosexuality and the environment by private legislation "what ever you rriay think of it" she added tentatively. Radical legislation to reform the Lords had no friends however. One memorable alliance against change had Michael Foot and Enoch Powell on the same side!
With the onset of LSE questions, the Lady became less precise and decisive in her diction and meaning: a prompt on defence cuts occasioned a curious tour into the competing economies_of 40 countries of the Baroness's acquaintance. She assured us of a budget increase in defence in real terms.
Congratulations on the withdrawal plans from UNESCO
urged a sombre reflection from her on the need for the scientific and cultural aims of the organisation - but its politicised objectives had become unpalatable.
An inquiry into the Hong Kong 1997 safeguards forced the Baroness onto the government's remark of its being the best possible agreement. We must accept that China could have annexed the colony during the past 40 years. There were visible smiles as the Lady commented that we must trust this major communist power.
There was no commitment to a call for more aid to the Afghan rebels. Mass UN condemnation was called to our attention, as well as the 5th anniversary of the invasion on December 27th.
Rocky Ground
Baroness Young struck rocky ground on the issue of student grants. She remarked that the present system already contained a loan element. There was favour for an American type system which allowed the opportunity to work and earn money. When pressed that such a system would affect the mid--die income range she returned that the system was and still is under close examination. When pressed again on the idea that savings might be pushed into secondary education, she referred firmly to an inspector's report wich concluded that expectatons of teachers, parents and pupils add to results as well as finance. The Baroness's final word on aspirations in the real world we would to well to consider.
David F Gregory
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page 6
Beaver, ^'December 19^4
A NEW FACE IN THE CORRIDOR OF POWER
Despite this age of student moderation, the LSE Students' Union has acquired a new General Secretary, Dave Jackson, who is a self-confessed revolutionary marxist. While skilfully juggling his clamouring telephones, he found time to talk to Beaver.
Bom in South Wales, Dave lived in various parts of the country with his family before settling in Sheffield several years ago. He lived in a working class area, but was brought up "dead left-wing" in a middle class family. Dave first became involved in politics at the age of twelve, when refugees from the Chilean revolution stayed in his house. Later he joined CND, becoming the Schools' Secretary for Sheffield, and he was the chairperson for his ward Labour Party while still at school.
Once he was at LSE to study geography, Dave continued his activism. In his first year he was wrongly accused of beating up members of the Ents crew while picketing the game of a chess player who supported the South African regime. The following year, Dave was heavily involved in the successful campaign for extending the nursery facilities at LSE. At the Union elections he stood for selection as the Labour Club candidate for General Secretary, but was defeated by Debbi Hindson.
The next year, Jackson took a year off from University. He spent six months working as a guard in the London Underground before heading for Nicaragua for another six months. There, as well as doing a geography project, he worked for Sheffield City Council 'twinning' a town in Nicaragua with Sheffield.


the crest of the ?
On returning to the LSE, he was studying hard, when Lucas resigned. "Just for a laugh I stood" he said, "and here I am."
"The most important issue in the election was the miners' money". Expressing great admiration for the miners as heroes and martyrs for their beliefs, he is confident that they will eventually receive the money. He says all legal avenues will be explored until a way is found. It would be impossible to make the payment illegally since the cheque would be frozen by the bank, benefitting no-one. On the other hand, Jackson would be more than willing to go to jail over the payment if necessary, in the hope of earning favourable publicity for the cause.
Apart from the miners' strike, there are other issues on which Jackson intends to act. The results of the sexual harassment survey at LSE have shown the seriousness of the problem, and Jackson will be supporting the setting up of channels through which women can make complaints. Also, he wants to establish student assessment of lecturers, which could actually influence their reappointment. He will, of course, be continuing the campaign against the governmen,t cuts of student grants.
Jackson appears to differ from the previous General Secretary in his lack of political aspirations. As someone who does not believe that reform of Britain is possible by parliamentrary means, he is not interested in merely talking. He sees himself more as an activist in the Union movement.
And as to a career? "I wouldn't mind working back down the tube!"
Jakki Trenbath
INDIA AFTER INDIRA
Mrs Gandhi was assassinated almost a month ago, but the intense debate regarding India's future continues unabated. The LSE Overseas Students Society invited Mr Nirupam Sen, Political Minister at the Indian High Commission, for an informal discussion.
that Mrs Gandhi belonged to the past, his assertion that she was assassinated precisely because the situation in Punjab was improving, and his insistence that the government was not to blame for the widespread riots in the country were all conventional arguments.
Mr Sen made at least one faux
The discussion, initially intended to centre around the personality of Mrs Gandhi and her contribution to Indian politics, soon veered towards com-munalism, a problem which has long haunted India and the entire sub-continent.
Like the first in the series of talks on "India after Indira" with Mr Ashish Ray, this one was expected to be a mere exchange of political views, but the charged atmosphere of the discussion proved otherwise. Mr Sen, who opened the discussion, said nothing contrary to what would be expected from a government official. His statement
pas, however. In referring to the massacre of Bengalis in Assam in 1983, he first insisted on projecting the incident as a "peaceful demonstration", but when pressed by students, conceded that "some foreigners" (meaning Bengalis from Bangladesh) were actually killed.
Mr Sen's political convictions, did not meet with unanimous approval. He was challenged time and again by various students disagreeing with the entire notion of Mrs Gandhi's government as a major stimulant of socio-economic growth in India. One opposing view put forward was that the British
Raj had merely been replaced by a party politics having no aims other than the furthering of personal objectives through a communal divide and rule policy. Small-scale protests against governmental inefficiency had been crushed with an iron hand.
"Shoot on sight" orders had been effective in intimidating an illiterate and impoverished population. The solution to this political stalemate was radical structural changes in the socio-economic and political framework of the society. Heavy applause followed this contribution indicating where the general sympathies lay.
Meghnad Desai, who followed Mr Sen, made a thought-provoking speech. His main thesis was that India is, in essence, a- Hindu society. In a country with numerous ethnic, cultural, and linguistic divisions, Hindu culture offers the only unifying force worthy of the name. He then went on to say that India, with its multiethnic and multi-linguistic population, does not fit the conventional definition of a nation state. Since the departure of the British in 1945, the Indian subcontinent has split into three countries, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. As the recurrence of violence throughout the subcontinent proves, communal tension did not disappear with the British Raj.
The implication of Dr Desai's speech was simply that given India's multi-ethnic population and the domination of Hindu culture, dissatisfied minority groups are bound to exist. The unrest in Punjab should not, therefore, be viewed with surprise. One student queried
WITH THE TORIES
Closet doors have been opening all over the LSE; from behind text books and the Liberal Party, students disenchanted with the old campaigners of the left have been flocking to S78 on Mondays at 1pm.
For why? I hear you cry. For the same reasons that Lenin and the first communists fled from Brussels to London in 1913; that Shirley, Bill, Dave and Roy assembled at Lime-house in 1981 - yes a new force in politics is being forged - the LSE Conservatives. They have
whether a Hindu India meant that the policies of the Indian government were furthered at the expense of minority groups, especially the Muslims. Dr Desai disagreed, but refrained from taking a political stance.
Mr Sen opened his speech by suggesting that Indira Gandhi belongs to the past. Events, however, prove otherwise. The fierce riots which have swept India since her assassination reflect the fears of the nation for the preservation of its integrity. India is undoubtedly now facing its greatest crisis since independence. Mrs Gandhi dominated Indian politics for two decades. She fashioned the Congress Party in her own image, ruthlessly eliminating all opposition, so now, after Indira, there remains a vacuum. Whether her son, Rajiv Gandhi, has the ability to fill it remains to be seen.
Kashfia Mansur All Rahman
broken free from the 'old School tie image' (gucci pullovers have been removed, shirtsleeves rolled up, and collars loosed for the battles to come). Yes they have been called impotent, but dynamism is the watchword for the future! The feeling among conservatives is optimistic and progressive.
The foundation of this 'new right' was laid with the election of Andrew Tinney as Chairman, while other posts; on the Executive were filled with down-to-earth, get-up-and-go types. This new image was projected well in the election campaign for General Secretary and with the best series of speaker meetings at the LSE so far this year.
Reaction among potential conservative voters is always delayed, but a steadily moving groundswell is clearly discern-able, especially amongst first years who have not been tarred with the old image. The new-style members are hardworking and keen and it can be of little comfort to Liberals and Socialists to see the Conservative phoenix rise at LSE once again.
No longer factional, wets, sog-gies, and drys all have a role to play and they can all help in the battle against rabid socialism in LSE.
Closet doors are opening all over the LSE...come out and
join us
Jack Frost Nasty Nigel Kilbey
l^ea^;en,^3. Ue.cember. 1984
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First prize in this super Christmas Caption Competition is a weekend for two in Paris, courtesy of STA Travel, the world's greatest youth and student travel organisation. All you have to do is think up a suitable caption for the picture of our General Secretary Dave Jackson (above).
The competition is open only to students of the LSE. Entries must be handed in to the Beaver Office by 1pm on Monday December 10th in order to qualify for a place in the competition. The judges are the Editors, Beaver photographer Mark Moore, General Secretary Dave Jackson, and Bob Deffee from STA Travel. The winner's name will be announced at the Union General Meeting of 13th December by Bob Deffee. The judges' decision will be final.


COURT OF GOVERNORS:
CONCESSIONS ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Student representatives secured a major victory regarding the issue of sexual harassment at Tuesday's meeting of the Court of Governors. The meeting, chaired by Sir Huw Weldon, was attended by other important and influential figures including School Director, Dr I G Patel, Lady McGregor and Mrs Hattersley.
The Joint Standing Committee agreed there is a need for a woman to be selected from the academic staff with specific responsibility for monitoring incidents of sexual harassment. Further liaison was called for between the School and the Students Union on how to select the candidate and the qualities required. The Committee propose that a female lecturer should have part-time responsibility for providing counselling for all female students. These
developments represent the culmination of a long fight by the Women's Group. The Academic Board also showed interest in some of the other proposals arising from last summer's survey on sexual harassment and there is a possibility that self-assertiveness training, aimed at helping women to counter intimidation, will be made available.
A proposal for a woman sub-warden or academic resident in all School Halls of Residence was sympathetically received and passed to the Inter-Halls Committee for comment. Also discussed was the need for an extra assistant in the Nursery and the problems which would arise if this entailed an increase in fees. The question of student housing shortages was deferred until the publication of the relevant report and Student Governors expressed dissatis-
Your Caption
CHIPS WITH EVERYTHING
Cross-party unity and careful pre-planning allowed students at the Catering Committee Meeting on 26th November to secure major concessions from the School on matters important to all students at the LSE.
Persistant, incisive questions on the budget led the Committee to acknowledge the anachronism of Brunch Bowl subsidies to staff amenities. The profit from the Brunch Bowl and Pizzaburger were used to offset losses on staff catering facilities, as shown by the fol-
faction at the prices charged in various student catering outlets.
Elwyn Watkins was optimistic after the meeting, which was nearly called off at the last minute due to the occupation: "This proves that if students work with the School instead of against it, and examine matters in detail, they can actually achieve things".
Gilli Wedon
lowing figures: Brunch Bowl -profit £8.871; Pizzaburger — profit £2,251; Staff Dining Room - loss £1,929; Staff Common Room - loss £922; Beavers Retreat - loss £1,858.
After protracted discussions, a commitment was extracted from the Committee in support of Iain Crawford's idea to provide a subsidized meal each day for students. Furthermore, the Committee agreed to reconsider the long-term financial structure of LSE catering; specifically agreeing to the need for increased subscriptions from members of the Senior Common Room. Smoke was seen to be rising from some of the staff members on the Committee as Elwyn Watkins continued to press for even more specific commitments, seizing on the Committee's failure to claim 100% of its entitlement to a subsidy from the School's funds. Elwyn, fully supported by Mike Moszynski and other student representatives secured a prom-
ise from the Committee's Chair to "get it done", as he acknowledged, against the advice of senior staff members, that "we've got a good case".
The pleasing impression which emerged from the meeting was that, in catering at least. Student Union finances seemed to be on a sounder footing than those of the School.
As Iain Crawford commented after the meeting: "It's good to see what students can achieve when they present the School with a united front".
Jack Frost Nasty Nigel Kilby
Next Beaver 28th
January
page 8
Beaver, 3 Decentber 1984
THE MANY SIDES OF THE MOON
Dr Eileen Barker, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at LSE and a prominent member of the Sociology Department is also a highly respected writer on the sociology of religion. Her recently published book, "The Making of a Moonie", is the result of several years research. Dr Barker is one of the first researchers to have gone into Unification Church camps and workshops to gain personal experience of the Moonie way of life.
I asked her what reaction she received from Church members she encountered. "Sometimes I was treated as a friend, sometimes as a visiting academic and sometimes as just another Moonie. Of course they tried to convert me but I was never tempted, not even once". It is understandable that a trained sociologist would find the Moonie message easy to resist but a significant number of young people do not.
Why does someone become a Moonie? "I'm quite sure it is not because they are in any way stupid or insane, as many people outside the Church believe. In fact, I found the more unbalanced ones were less likely to join. Those who do tend to be young, idealistic, and looking for a way to contribute to society. They look around at the inequality and injustice in the world and they want to help." Most converts come from a religious background and are looking for a religious solution to the problems of society. The Unification Church provides an answer: a "higher" purpose, bringing in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, and a practical way of achieving it -unless members work as hard as they can for the Church, Satan will succeed in his efforts to prevent the new Heavenly era.
Headlines in the popular press such as "Moonies Break Up Happy Families" and "The Moonies Kidnapped My Son" have become familiar reading in recent years. Stories about parents being unable to see or speak to their children and claims that members of the Church are only allowed "out" if accompanied by a fellow Moonie are commonplace. However, Dr Barker found little evidence of physical coercion. She points
out that 90% of those who attend a Moonie workshop do not join the Church and the vast majority of members who leave, do so after a few years of their own free will. "It would seem that if physical coercion is used, it is not terribly effective. In most cases, members can go home and have contact with their parents; they are certainly allowed to go out by themselves. In my opinion, the Press gives an unrepresentative picture".
One of the methods the Moonies do employ is known as "love bombing". Dr Barker experienced this treatment herself. "I was love bombed frequently in California. The Moonies show you an extraordinary degree of affection and literally shower you with love and attention. Personally, I felt rather staid and British about it all". This very open gesture of concern does, however, appeal to many who eventually join the Moonies. They are attracted by the prospect of entering into a loving, caring family atmosphere which has perhaps until then been missing from their lives.
The leader of the Unification Church, Sun Yung Moon, is now serving a jail sentence in the US for tax evasion. It is widely believed that Moonie leaders are simply exploiting young converts in order to enrich themselves. Dr Barker disagrees; "There is no question that the members do work incredibly hard, but it is possible that Moon genuinely believes the message he preaches. He began the Church in the 1950's in Korea with no hope of monetary gain at all. It is true that he now has a lot of money and power but the evidence also suggests he is sincere in his faith".
Dr Barker's book questions many of the assumptions widely held about the Moonies and their way of life. Far from approving of the movement, she sees several "frightening" aspects in their fanatical beliefs. It is clear, however, that many of the fears expressed about the Unification Church are misplaced; a reading of "The Making of a Moonie" will at least help to redirect them.
Amanda Farnsworth



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"NO CRUMBS FROM THE RACIST TABLE
Leading representatives of the South African liberation movements reflected the current mood of determined resistance of the South African people at a conference last Saturday. Four delegates from the LSE Anti-Apartheid Group attended the conference organised by NUS and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. We were told by a speaker from the African National Congress that "no crumbs falling from the racist table will satisfy the people's hunger for freedom".
In the light of the British Government's recent proposals to end free higher education for some students, we were particularly interested to listen to a representative of the women's federation of the ANC describe the struggle of South Africans for education. All South Africans have to pay for their education, and black South Africans see education as so important that they are often ready to go hungry in order to pay school fees, and where necessary even build their own schools. Education is however also used by the racist government to prop up the apartheid system. For example, blacks are encouraged to leave education as soon as possible, which means that knowledge and expertise remain in the hands of the white minority. We were horrified to hear that education of infants was often assigned to
99
conscripted soldiers with guns at their side.
The United Democratic Front and the ANC are demanding that this education for servitude be replaced by an education for liberation. The Anti-Apartheid Group at the LSE is particularly interested in supporting the Freedom College established by the ANC in Tanzania. With 700 students and teachers from all over the world, the college incorporates ideas about education from which even such an enlightened institution as our own could benefit. The authoritarian staff-student relationship has been rejected as inefficient and unhelpful, and students are encouraged to be active contributors rather than passive note-takers. The furniture factory and dairy farm run by the students as part of their education not only help to pay the costs of the school, but are so successful that they are now employing local Tanzanians. In participating in this project we will not only be investing in the future of a free South Africa, but may get some ideas for improving on the shortcomings of our own education.
We also listened to the lawyer for the Durban 3 (trade unionists currently seeking political asylum in the British Consulate in Durban) speak of the need to "recognise Apartheid as an international crime against humanity". There was an urgent need, he claimed, for a concerted world-wide effort against this appalling system.
Meanwhile, the three in the British Consulate are left to wonder whether our government will throw them onto the mercy of the South African security forces. If they are expelled, they will face an indefinite period of detention without trial. The Anti-Apartheid Movement is demanding that our government offer them permanent asylum.
A representative of the South-West African People's Organisation (SWAPO) explained that in- Namibia today, after 100 years of foreign occupation, there is a conscripted South African soldier for every five adults. This is a tribute to the level of resistance maintained by the Namibian people. Britain meanwhile, continues to flout the UN resolution demanding Namibian independence by buying Namibian uranium. When we are told how cheap nuclear energy is, we should recognise that the continuing deaths in Namibian mines are not being included in the costs.
Altogether, it became clear to us how important it is that the people of Southern Africa should not be alone in their struggle. A government which not only refuses dialogue but wages war on its own people cannot survive for long, especially as world opinion turns against it. Students in colleges around Britain and here at the LSE are a vital part of this international movement against apartheid. We meet every Wednesday from l-2pm in A40. We call upon you to join us in this fight for freedom.
Ginny Baumann
Beaver, 3 December 1984
page 9
THE LONDON ARTS
THEATRE
Ma^ie Smith's shrewd Hillament
"OH! I GOULD LAUGH IMMODERATELT'
So says Maggie Smitti as Mrs Millament, in William Gaskill's production of William Congreve's "The Way of the World' at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, fresh from its run at Chichester. The quotation is apt, and one would need to be uncharitable in the extreme not to enjoy this happily straightforward production.
The plot may at times seem intricate, but do not let that worry you; it is reaUy a simple taJe of a dead marriage, several adulterous relationships, a fresh marriage, a proposed fraudulent marriage, a thwarted ideal marriage and the odd nasty condition in a will, with a liberal sprinkling of sub-plots. None of it matters in the slightest, and you will be able to work out who the villains are from the darkness of the wigs. Bearing this in mind and the fact that the characters have been treated to names such as Foible, Mincing, Petulant, Sir Wilful Witwoud and Lady Wishfort, it should be apparent that this is an utterly typical restoration comedy. Mr Gaskill has accordingly and rightly decided that it should be treated as such.
A traditional production of a traditional play does not however, excuse the two-dimensional sobriety which afflicts Sheila Allen as Mrs Fainall. Nor the certain staleness in, and worse, soundness of the styles of Michael Jayston as Mirabell and Frank Barrie as FainaJl. The play does however soon come to life: firstly in the form of one of foppery's foremost fellows, Witwoud, as played by John Mof-fatt; Moffatt is the master of the unwritten gesture, and he shamelessly exploits the audience's susceptibility to several camp set-pieces.
Congreve's heroines, Mrs Millament and Lady Wishfort (Maggie
Smith and Joan Plowright respectively), might also be said to rate rather high in the camp stakes. But here this is not so; there is nothing easy about the richness of the characters which these two ladies give us. Maggie Smith's shrewish Mrs Millament never takes her calculated scheming to the point of pomposity; there is always a sense of desperation in her search for her ideal spouse. Smith's masteiy of the art of the pause is difficult to appreciate unless it is witnessed. On seeing that the titled gentleman at her side is a country bumpkin, her "Oh! Rustic!" with its half-pause, conveys several contrary reactions in one fleeting moment. I must however, admit that I found her accent a little too distractingly nasal, not that anyone objected - it has been quite some time since Maggie Smith last appeared on a London stage.
Similarly with Joan Plowright: her Lady Wishfort was a surprising treat; she used a warbling haughty voice which had the sort of jovial dignity which Beryl Reid can muster when at her peak. This Lady Wishfort is an essentially amiable great lady in decay; strength and sheer weight of presence steer her well clear of caricature. Plowright uses Deirdre Clancy's marvellously theatrical costumes to the full; occasionally seeming to be not quite sure whether she is a hovercraft or whether she is about to unfurl her wings.
This play is very much an ensemble piece and the fact that it has already had a considerable run in Chichester means that London audiences are seeing this play performed with the requisite overall mix of respectful restraint and vivacity. An almost classic production of a classic play.
FOOL FOR LOVE
Sam Shepard's new play, 'Fool for Love' (National Theatre), is an engrossing drama set in a motel room on the edge of the Mojave desert, and is the tale of two lovers who have long ago discovered that they share the same father. 'Fool for Love' reveals the consuming hatred and naked passion felt by both partners for each other; brave, spirited May (played by Julie Walters), and her physical, brutish brother Eddie the cowboy (Ian Gharleson). As the drama unfolds, we realise that for Eddie and May, history is being reinacted - Eddie has assumed the role of his father; a shrewd callous loner who divides his time between two women, yet invariably returns to his work in the desert which serves as a drug for his masculinity and energy. It is May's lot to suffer the despair, frustration and love which the two women bore for Eddie's father.
Julie Walters and Ian Charleson bring alive the most intense feelings of jealousy, distrust and loathing which are so thinly divided from the powerful yet destructive love and need which these two characters, who know each other with such cunning and intimacy, cannot free themselves from. 'Fool for Love' is a physically and emotionally agressive and draining play, packed
full with near hysteria and violence, yet finely balanced through tense, pregnant silences, and an inevitable gut-twisting humour. Relief is also provided for in the shape of the ghost of their father (Tom Watson), whose calm knowledge and eerie involvement in the present grasps our attention. May's date, Martin (played by David Troughton), completes a superb cast and his naive simplicity and honesty provide a striking and ludicrous contrast to the complex feelings displayed by the others around him.
Occasionally the play appears a little staged; the action and violence are almost predictable, or certainly not as spontaneous as they should be. In addition, the feelings of passion which are of such central importance in driving the play foreward, seem sometimes to be missing; they are lost amidst the incredible loathing which the lovers display for each other. These flaws do occasionally surface and detract from the overall impact of the drama. However, despite these criticisms, this excellent play is performed and directed with great skill and intelligence, leaving the audience exhausted, yet admiring of aJl those involved in the production.
Francesca Joseph
EXTREMITIES
Rape, like celery, is something which gives me shivers when I think about it. They are both things whose existence I acknowledge with abhorrence and which I have no desire to observe at close proximity. Extremities was probably therefore, not the ideal play to watch. It is blissfully free of celery, but quite unequivocally and luridly about rape. The author, William Mastrosi-mone, perhaps to make up for being named after an Italian pudding, has written a play which is endured rather than enjoyed, and not necessarily even that, for I left before .the end and wished that I had left before the beginning.
The plot, loosely speaking, is that Marjorie (Helen Mirren), dressed in a manner less sympathetic souls might describe as contributory negligence had she not been in her own sitting room at the tiem, is nearly raped. Rather than contact the police, or find a neighbour, she sprays ammonia in the eyes of her attacker, then ties him up and imprisons him in her fireplace, while she retires to the garden to dig a grave in which to buiy him alive. The point that Mastrosimone is striving to make is of the legal bias against women and the extremities to which that bias forces them. This is a serious point, and the attempted rape scene is chilling and effective, although utterly unenjoyable. Unfortunately, all the sincere feeling that evidently went into the play is wasted because of the fact that the plot is totally ludicrous, and the dialogue irredeemably implausible.
I gained the strong impression that the audience were very embarrassed, with the exception of three pinched-up and sour-looking women who were spiritually, although not actually, wearing dungarees and who had obviously only come to the play in order to be reassured that all men are bastards. They probably left the theatre captivated.-1 left the theatre early and a little saddened that such a serious subject, with such theatrical potential had been rendered ridiculous by a play in which the political and social message never stands a chance of surviving the dreadful plot, the crass and vulgar script, the undulating and irritating bogus American accents, or the set, which looks like nothing more than a photograph from a Habitat catalogue.
Andrew Cooper
Extremities
page 10
TRUMPETS AND RASPERRIES

Like 'Can't Pay, Won't Pay' and 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist', "Trumpets and Rasperries' is firstly immensely amusing, and only secondly a political parable. Like Dario Fo's two previous offerings, we have an abundance of hysterical policemen leaping about in fits of power-crazed paranoia, and we have a 'message' which in this case is that the owner of Fiat, the incredibly rich Agnelli, has greater influence than Aldo Moro because where Moro was a part of the Government, Agnelli, like others who are as wealthy as he is (and there are very few of them), is the state.
The plot is mindblowingty complicated. A shop steward at the Fiat factory is making love in the back of his Fiat 126 (which, we are told is quite a squeeze), when he finds himself involved in a horrendous accident. Whilst being shot at by two morons that he has just risked life and limb to save, he saves a third who he finds to his disappointment is Agnelli. As he says "its like
Arthur Scargill finding that he's rescued Ian MacGregor". He is understandably most upset. In the process however, Antonio (that's the Shop Steward), has used his jacket to put out the burning and mutilated Agnelli.
When in hospital, Agnelli is identified as Antonio, who in turn is a prime suspect of the kidnap of Agnelli. In effect then, Agnelli is accused of his own kidnap. In an amazing operation, the mutilated Agnelli emerges from hospital intact but looking just like Antonio.
Meanwhile the real Antonio has been hiding in a cellar where he has been reduced to organizing the cockroaches into Trade Unions, while his wife is reduced to hysterics by Agnelli's understandable failure to recognize her. The police are shouting at each other because of Agnelli's refusal to admit that he is Antonio and still less that he has been responsible for his own kidnapping. Not surprisingly, their investigation into the kidnapping of Agnelli is not getting very far.
Trumpets and Kaspberries
There follows a fast and frenzied farce in which Agnelli and Antonio, both played by Griff Rhys Jones,-manage to confuse themselves and everyone else, spagghetti and stew are shoved up peoples noses, Antonio's wife Rosie forces herself to lie by pretending that she's a Sun journalist, people wearing balaclavas find themselves dressed up in furniture dancing around Rosie's living room, like Cinderella the real Agnelli is discovered by his shoe size, suicide is put off by the urge for a cup of coffee, the police start getting really worried when they find that they have knee-capped their own judge, and Antonio declares that if he could find a third of himself he would be good - if this is, heresy, he's not the, type of character who would worry about it.
I can't begin to tell you when or how these events occur. In short, the play is as confusing and amusing as Italian politics itself - you have to see it to believe it.
Toby Kiamers
SOAP OPERAS -
Early next year a new bi-weekly drama serial wiU arrive on our screens in the form of "Easten-ders", the BBC's latest weapon in the war of the channels. Soap operas have always attracted large audiences, and Eastenders, which is essentially that, should prove no exception. The story, so the publicity says, is "an ongoing saga of life in the East End of London, focussing on a regular cast (rf over twenty characters who aU live in or around a fictitious Victorian square; a mixture of council owned, and privately owned properties." In fact, a typical soap opera, the only innovation being their "healthy mix of ethnic groups".
Most producers, despite the popularity of this type of programme, shy away from using the words 'soap opera'. Dallas is 'family drama'; Coronation Street is 'domestic drama', and Eastenders is to be a 'twice weekly serial'. During my research for this article, I was often told "you can have the info, but this isn't a soap opera". The name soap opera originates from America, where daily serials about patriotic households were sponsored by the soap manufac-tueres, but fiction of this sort is much older, appearing in magazine serials like those of Dickens and Hardy. In this country, the earliest broadcast soap opera was 'Mrs Dale's Diary', set in the household of a middle class doctor. Since then we have had The Archers, Emergency Ward 10, General Hos-
pital, Emmerdale Farm, Coronation Street, Crossroads, and more recently Brookside to mention just the. successes. And yet, although characters and settings have changed, the format differs very little from its early pioneer.
So what distinguishes a soap opera from a normal drama series? Perhaps most importantly, it tends to be centred on a place rather than on particular people. Characters are dispensable as illustrated by Channel 4's increasingly popular Brookside. Secondly, there is continuity between episodes. A series like Z-Cars, although it ran for 16 years can't be classed as a soap. There is no real episodic structure, and while some crisis might be resolved with one set of characters, there must always be another looming on the horizon to keep the audience intrigued.
Soap operas are a serious business and to avoid a slip up in the story, which some fan would be bound to notice. Coronation Street employs a full time historian, Eric Roser, to check through scripts for inaccuracies and continuity. There is also much competition between the various soaps. In fact, this summer there was a whole legal wrangle over whether Coronation Street was copying Brookside. No actors or members of the production team are allowed to reveal the plot, and they are quite hable to lose their jobs for doing so. Audience figures are closely watched, and scandals like Deirdre and Mike's
r
Beaver, 3 December 1984
."OF MICE AND MEN" - MERMAID THEATRE _
Beside a sandy bank of the Salinas River crouch two scruffy figures.
As the light draws in they huddle around a tiny fire and heat a meagre ration of beans, So convincing is Kaufman's adaptation of Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men" that the audience is readily transported in spirit from a small modern theatre just under Blackfr-iars Bridge to the heart of the California outback.
The play centres on the unlikely but touching relationship between wise-guy George and his well-meaning simpleton companion Len-nie. Lumbering and awkward, Len-nie loves to be reminded of the legend they both live; how they travel from ranch to ranch looking for casual work, earning enough for a night of libations at the local cat-house and then moving on.
Even this first scene is a powerful one; Lou Hirsch as George wavers between frustration and tolerance. Lennie is vulnerable and demanding. In the middle of the wilderness he wants ketchup on his beans. George's dilemma unfolds as he reminds Lennie how easily he could survive without him, and yet he knows he can never leave. It is a father-son relationship between two grown men.
Complications arise as soon as Lennie has to deal with the real world. They find work on a farm where the only obstacles to happiness are other people. Curley, the boss's son, played by Christopher "Mike the Cool Person" Ryan struts about, soon becoming the character we love to despise. What he lacks in stature he makes up for in malice against the innocent Lennie.
Director Geoff BuUen emphasizes one point throughout. In that tough world full of lovers, they all want companionship. Susan Penhaligon
plays Curley's wife, a winsome blonde who would be out of place in the gritty bunk house, except that estranged from her husband, she wants company too. Almost as unlikely as the Lennie-George rapport is the trust found by three contemporary social outcasts. The ageing cripple, the black and the simpleton are rejected by the other hired hands but unite in their isolation.
Ultimately it is Clive Mantle's superb and touching portrayal of Lennie which wins our admiration. He draws a fine line between joy and despair. Is he laughing or ciying or both? Who knows? In the space of two and a half hours I became as protective towards Lennie as was long-suffering George. It made for a bitter and desolate outcome. All credit to the cast for being so convincing. This play, set in the wild west, managed to avoid all the cliches of dust kicking hick cowboys, and made for compelling and moving theatre.
GUU Wedon
affair in Coronation Street can be employed when the figures appear to be falling. In fact, though the risk of running short of plot is very slim. Being based on life, they are self-rejuvenating. The ploy is to introduce sufficient numbers of new characters to keep the plot interesting. This has successfully been done by the Archers as characters grow up and marry. But this is one of the great weaknesses of the American soap Dallas. As most of the characters are permanent, and the guest stars are very much like one another, the repetition of plots tend to be tedious. Even the shooting of Bobby does little to raise a stir.
The appeal of the soap can also vaiy, but generally falls into three basic classes. There are the glamorous American soaps, which hold their appeal in the sceneiy, costumes, and houses of the ultra rich, all beautifully presented on 35mm film to give that glossy feel. The characters are nasty and exaggerated, but perhaps we are supposed to conclude from this that it is better not to be too rich, there has been a long history of interest in the Mves of those richer than ourselves as clearly illustrated by the Royal Family's following. Secondly, there is the gossip element of soaps. The "fly on the wall" feeling of being able to look into other people's houses and know what would normally be none of your business. This factor is largely used in British and Australian



Hilda, dear HUda!
soaps. The last attraction (also in British and Australian soaps), is the basic reality of the soaps and ordinary character's roles with whom people can easily identify. This is a technique almost unique to soaps. Naturally, all drama attempts to reflect reality, but for most people this reality will be so withdrawn from their own experience that they must passively accept the re^ty to eryoy the programme. The mundane and down to earth qualities of the soaps allow almost anyone to identify with one character and the problems that they face as a viable critic. This makes the reality of soaps a vital factor, as viewers wiU soon lose interest where they find the characters unconvincing. Cros-
sroads for example, has lost much of its audience through its bad acting and appalling presentation.
Whilst they may evolve, soaps will never leave us completely but I t.hink the current offerings have a limited life span. Even Coronation Street will probably not reach the year 2000, by which time all the old favourites, including The Archers, will be a thing of the past. Phil Redmond has stated that he doesn't want Brookside to last forever, but I predict it will outlive Eastenders by a good few years.
Ava Uorgenstern
Beaver, 3 December 1984
MUSIC—
HUE_
MOTOWN CHARTBUSTERS (WHO TOU GONNA GALL?)
Where does one take the LSE Social Sec for his birthday? How about somwhere that's new, original and full of vibrant talent. Bailey's is the place, the nightspot, the club - the event! All somewhere in the middle of Watford town centre. The talent on show, apart from the waitresses (Quote from the Social Sec -"Why have all Watford women got big bums?") was the Motown Chartbus-ters (who you gonna call). The line up had Mary Wells, Martha Reeves and , top of the bill, Edwin Starr.
With drinks reasonably priced we settled down to await the cabaret and observe the bums, boobs, beUies and burgers, with an a la carte menii of chicken or scampi in a basket who could refuse a nibble? When, we wondered, would the DJ play 'Agadoo'? Well he segued it into New Order and Chaka Khan - ah, such mastery of the turntables!
To the acts. Mary Wells was gross, looking like a coloured blow-up doU with an ill-fitting yellow wig. She had no stage presence, no hits (other than 'My Guy') and no voice but had all the speed of her brother Alan in sprinting through her set in less than 15 minutes. It seemed longer.
Then Martha and her VandeUas (the Muffins evidently being on holiday). She looked a lot better than Mary and did have some backing vocals. But all was lost by an appalling ?A. which caused Martha to drown out the backing vocals, the band and the audience's reaction to the scampi. She hit us with "Dancin' in the Streets" but no "Jimmy Mack". Result - definately third finger of the left hand.
AH was not weU. Could Edwin save the day? He bounced on stage and greeted us, while his band tuned up and his belly stopped wobbling. A bit like Tigger with a better voice and worse dress sense - Tigger would never wear glittering satin. Edwin has charisma, he Jiad the audience behind him all the
way. From 'S.O.S.' and 'HAPPY Radio' through 'Eye to Eye Contact' and 'War', he was undisputed master of Disco soul. 'War' was brilliant, much better than either the Jam's and indeed Frankie's versions. He sounded sincere when he sang the lyrics. His sense of humour shone through when he gave us a chorus of 'Relax', a tribute to a modern band who in ten years might, just might, be in his callibre.
The evening was a success, the Social Sec. was happy, pissed and dribbling. Say it again Edwin.
Tony Smith
PINKO'S AT PUTNEY
It is a wet Tuesday night in Putney Bridge, deserted rainswept streets. I have not been to this part of town since - well, Gerry Rafferty was in the charts - but it looks as dead as ever.
But Ron says come down and see the Pinko's, they're great, so here I am standing in the rain when I could be in the Library; they'd better be good. Mind you, being raved about by Ron is not the best thing that can happen to a band, Ian Curtis killed himself two days after Ron decided Joy Division were the best thing since sliced bread. Never mind, I'm here now, so let' lend an ear.
The support have just started as we squeeze through the open spaces to the bar to anaesthetise the ear drums. Last time I heard them the Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen In Love" was their best number, now it's their worst - they've come on a bit. Still too much like Duran clones for me, though.
Several struggles to the bar later (the place has filled up a bit) Johnny Pinko are on stage. What did I expect? Not the collection of five dissipated hea.vies and a trans-
vestite drummer I now behold, that's for sure. Musically they are early Stranglers meets early Springsteen, loud clipped bass, vocals almost buried in sax, guitar and keyboards. People dance, sweat flows, time passes, the bouncers are trying desperately to clear the place as soon as the band are off-stage, it is weU past closing.
Yes, a good night, I'U go again, even take a friend. Some of the others that Ron brought along weren't so impressed though, crept away early expressing a preference for Abba.
Cyril Serpent
6RANDSLAM
Grandslam are the band Phil lynott has formed on leaving Thin Lizzy; a band who potentially could be quite interesting and exciting. With Liz^, lynott was a charismatic performer, never allowing them to become a run-of-the-mill heavy metal band. This was confirmed by his solo albums and the release of 'Yellow Pearl'; yet the performance turned in by his new band last week at the LSE rarely showed that side of him. Instead, most of the time was spent churning out the sort of boring power chord sequences that cretins like Iron Maiden specialise in.
There were a few exceptions; for example, "Yellow Pearl', which they started with, 'Parisian Walkways', and the Lizzy tune 'Cold Sweat'. 'Dedication' was the only new song which stood out, and this was only because it was so similar to the old Lizzy style. This general lack of originality was summed up when for an encore - which they didn't deserve anyway because most people had left - they performed an abysmal version of 'Whiter Shade of Pale'. I couldn't help but feel that
Lynott has become something of a parasite. Just another ageing star trying to make a quick buck by churning out the old classics, and offering nothing new or exciting. Yet even at that he's failing -Saturday saw no more than two hundred in attendance. Judging by that performance, I don't think it will be long before we see lynott on the cabaret circuit doing 'Whisky in the jar'.
Jim HcCailnm
ALISON MOYETATTHE DOMINION
On Sunday night Alison Moyet proved herself to be the best female vocalist on the music scene today. From the first strains of 'Love Resurrection' to the last note of 'Don't (jo', the audience was captivated by the personality and presence of this excellent performer. The sheer power of her voice was used to the full in songs from the first Yazoo LP ('Upstairs at Eric's'); 'Situation' had everyone dancing in a matter of seconds. But she also has the ability to tame that power, and the audience was absolutely silent as she sang the ballads 'Only You' and 'Winter Kills'.
Many people feel that Alison Moyet whould turn her talents to more jazz and blues. That sentiment was proved correct tonight as she sang 'That Old Devil Love' - an old Billie Holliday number. I have to say, blasphemy though it may be, that I actually preferred it to the original. I hope someone from Ronnie Scott's was there. The new album, 'Alf, out on CBS Records, was also given a good airing.
The amazing set, full of strip lighting and spotlights, was at its most spectacular during 'Honey for the Bees'. Moyet has claimed that
page 11
the lyrics to this song are meant in a spiritual sense, but somehow I have my doubts.
Perhaps the nicest thing about Alison Moyet is that she seems to be totally unpretentious; someone threw her a cuddly toy, whe went over to thank him personally and even sang a song for him. She also tells terrible jokes: "Anyone here a Marvin Gaye fan? I think someone sold you a duff ticket".
The only thing left to say is that Alison Moyet is simply The Best. Beside her, Sade and Helen Teriy just pale into insignificance.
Amanda Farnsworth
'PUNK GREDIBILITT
'Punk credibility' is about to be restored to LSE Ents (along with financial viability?)- The Christmas BaU is to be headlined by Pete Shelley, former Buzzcock and possible genius.
With honest and direct classics such as 'Ever Fallen in Love' and 'I don't mind', he established the trend toward campy punk and wimp angst that the likes of Mighty Mouth Morrissey have profited from so greatly.
In recent times he's moved away from the bloodlessness of the Homosapien period, immediately after the Buzzcocks split, towards an acoustic-based twanginess that is both lively and fun. I can't think of a better way for Ents to end this term, and all at a special Xmas price of £2.50 advance and £3.00 on the door. Anyway, be there, or uh, be somewhere else!
pp Phil Vague
FILMS-
TAKE ME TO THE PICTURES
It is a pity modern music is not the food of love. Still, when its performed with love, then Play On! And play the Talking Heads, do. "Stop Making Sense" is Jonathan Demme's film of them in concert. It is refreshing to see a band in the real screen world of the cinema rather than on plastic video, refreshing too to see bands play virith the sparkle of Talking Heads
and films made with the care of Demme. He saw the band on the 1983 tour in Los Angeles and contacted lead singer David Byrne, saying it was really a cinematic show and "the way to see it to its best advantage was to make it into a film".
Demme wanted long takes, and didn't want constant cutaways to the audience - this together with
A slippery person
his enthusiasm and the chance to develop lighting ideas not normally available on tour persuaded the Talking Heads to invest $800,000.
They now have an excellent film; the first half is a guide to what's good in music in the '80's, the second continues with todays best live band in concert. Demme captures the Heads interactions on stage, directing the camera's atten-
tion to each moment of theatre.
Each song is a new video - the lighting creates new moods for, and entrances old interpretations of the Band's work. Byrne worked with Jordan Cronenwith (Altered States, Blade Runner) to capture the deep warmth of 'Take me to the River', and the tense, awake, scared rabbit feeling of 'The Catherine Wheel'. Watch out for great big words, great big shadows and pictures of home! The band were recorded digitally on 24 track, and part of the $800,000 creates the film sound, which is so good - and without the distortions of a concert hall.
Demme's skill is shown not in the excellence of the TH show, but in that he allows it to come through. He had to set up the cameras, let them play and curtail any desires for cinematic technique! The exercise of control is also a feature of the Talking Heads - the responsibility that allows them their freedom. The band were well rehearsed and disciplined, so that the changes in attitude and dii'ection, which were very slick, do not jar the mind; and their foolery and rislf-taking (what other big band takes risks these days?) do not spoil the sound. The Heads are part comedy experience, and part a serious slice at cities -but the shows are a celebration of life through dance and music. The work they do is evident and their controlled anarchy has all the passion and some of the ignorance (for purity see Mozart!). Their
restraint means all the movement in the show wakes up the audience rather than creating movement in the mind which puts men to dream. Their unpredictability on top of this professionalism creates moments of drama that is purely theatrical.
There was talk last year of that other David B bringing theatre into rock music - but Bowie's theatre is bare by comparison; not a piece of theatre, but a show; a suntanned Tommy Steele performing his greatest hits. Byrne creates a Serious Sunshine Tour, and suppresses laughter and ideas, not Bowie's romantic showmanship.
Don't worry serious students -they're still arty, they do pay homage to the past avant garde, but they know its wrong to be childish and fun to be childlike. If only the wild, erratic boys of today would go disciplined!
Byrne left before the end - after the singing was done - and he can sing live (Bowie, Costello, Dylan, Jagger take note). This film shows others how to show. Soon to be a classic. SEE IT! (JO, GO, (lO! 90 minutes of wonder from 26th November at the Classic Oxford Street and Screen on the Green.
Greg Thompson
page 12
Beaver, 3 December 1984
THEKILLINOFIELOS


SS'I^-A
Fields of
I wish I could bring myself to believe in the much-vaunted renaissance of the British film industry and its darling David Puttnam. But what do we have? Chariots of Fire is so much Tory eyewash whilst Gandhi is well...un-convincing. And here I fear is another example. The plot and original sentiments aimed at in the Killing Fields are difficult to fault, it's in the execution that the point is lost.
The story is simple enough, based on the true account of American journalist Sydney Schanburg in Cambodia and concerning itself with his friendship with his Cambodian guide, interpreter and all-round guardian angel, Dith Pran. In return for getting Schanburg all the best interviews and saving his life every now and again Pran, admittedly partly through his own fault, gets left behind in Cambodia when the Americans ship out.
Post-Yank Cambodia is not a happy place and most of second half of the film details Pran's attempts to escape from the horrors of the new Khymer Rouge regime.
In their attempts to bomb the country back to the Stone Age the Americans seem to have met with remarkable success. The children -the "untainted ones" - have power of life and death over their fellow countrymen - a power which they seem content to throw about like confetti. Meanwhile those who held professions before the revolution are encouraged to "come out" at public meetings, confess their sins and receive forgiveness; only to be taken away under cover of the night and have pretty light blue plastic bags pulled over their heads. As all this stomach-churning is trundling on in South-East Asia, Sydney is back in the States being showered with prizes and having a tough time with his conscience.
The makers would have you believe that the overall themes of friendship, loyalty and heroism shine above the number of corpses on display. Regrettably this is not the case. Most obviously if you're going to make a film about a relationship, then it's fairly important that some attempt is made to explain what it's about and how it
works for both sides. The glaring fault here is that director Roland Joffe never allows this crucial relationship to develop beyond that of master and servant, leaving one wondering why on earth Pran should owe such loyalty to this irritable American who is obviously prepared to use him without compunction or perhaps, compassion. Another problem is that the film runs too long by about half an hour, leaving one groaning for it to reach its obvious conclusion. 1 must admit the final nail in its coffin came for me when Pran and Schanburg are reunited in the inevitable freezeframe embrace to the dulcet tqnes of John Lennon's "Imagine". But then we aU have different breaking points. Oh shucks, 1 gave away the plot. But the subtlety!
The overall sense is that Puttnam, in trying for once to create a hard-hitting heavyweight, has in fact sired a middleweight that pulls its punches and eventually collapses, corny and sentimental. This fihn lacks distinction.
James Bailey
A TRIBUTE TO PABLO NEBUDA,
Pablo Neruda is probably one of the most celebrated South American poets. He is renowned for both his fine verse and also his forceful political convictions. He died in 1973, and to celebrate what would have been his eightieth birthday, the Chile Cultural Centre and the Victor Jara Committee organised a tribute to him. It took place on the 25th November at the Victoria Palace Theatre - a curious venue for such an occasion. It must be said that the performance was organised to further the cause of political change in Chile, with Pablo Neruda as the flagship. Whether or not he would have supported this occasion is Irrelevant.
Maggie Steed, a fine though little-seen actress was compere for the evening. She started with an introduction of the current political situation in Chile, and a few words on the life of Pablo Neruda. The first act was a very lively Chilean folk group, Quimantu, who played an extraordinary variety of guitars and pipes. They were followed by Adrian Mitchell, who had just returned from a tour of Chile. He recited a few of his poems, including one about Victor Jara, the legendary Chilean folk singer who was killed by the present Pinochet regime; then he spoke of his impressions of current life in Chile. Osvaldo Torres was the next guest.
and highly popular; he sang some very moving songs about life in the north of Chile. Before the intermission, the Chairperson of the GLC, Ultyd Harrington, made what he Insisted was a wholly apolitical speech, about the suffering people of the world, and how the audience should collectively give £1,000 to an Arts project In Chile. During the course of his Impassioned plea, which sounded like a Chief Whip's address to a political conference, he slipped In the proud fact that he was the first citizen of London, not the Lord Mayor.
Following the interval, Maggie Steed read some of Pablo Neruda's poems to the musical accompina-ment of Quimantu, which was truly beautiful. In complete contrast next came the reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson who recited his poems about the Brixton riots. Then another shift of tempo for probably the real celebrity of the evening, John Williams. He played some wonderful pieces by Spanish and South American composers.
The evening was entertaining, though I felt that somehow the tribute was bastardized. Throughout there were hints of how the working people of the world could and should unite. The collection for the project in Chile was passed around in 'Greenham Common' buckets, and several references
were made to the Miners Strike Fund. Half the audience were Chilean expatriots, too caught up in their revolutionaiy cause to notice the plugs for other political causes. The rest were 'cause mercenaries', people who follow whatever seems to be the current underdog cause. These are dangerous sheep, who follow blindly without ever rationalizing consequences or aims. The constant fight for change, which we see all around us can be very dangerous. The alternatives must be considered and evaluated. There is nothing beneficial in change for its own sake. Unless there is a viable alternative, it is just regression, taking the beloved cause not forward, but back into confusion. The only way to progress Is to take some time to consider when Is the best time to institute change.
I was disappointed that what should have been a celebration of the life of Pablo Neruda turned out to be a cause bandwagon. All are worthwhile causes 1 have no doubt, but their relevance to the real issue of concern on this occasion, the Chilean political system, is doubtful. Pablo Neruda is a fine poet, and he is quite capable of expressing his feelings through his poetiy, without people conjecturing about his feelings today.
Ashwath Mehra
RED DAWN
"The film that shocked America!" proclaimed a massive poster, as I trundled into the dingy Classic Cinema on Oxford Street. The only thing that caused me shock as I squirmed into the seat was the size of the screen, or rather the lack of it.
The plot is simple. One morning in sunny, happy mid-western USA hundreds of parachutes with funny-looking and slUy-speaklng men land in a schoolyard and proceed to shoot a teacher and some kids who were stupid enough to look out of the classroom window. Six rugged outdoor types manage to evade capture and head for the hills as the town falls to the Cuban and Russian invasion troops, who are very nasty people indeed. Led by the star college quarter-back, the stupendous or rather, spasmodic six, acclimatise to conditions in the wild, are joined by two high school gals, and form a guerilla outfit called 'The Wolverines'. The Wolverines gain fame as they create havoc In their home town shooting hundreds of commies (how do they do it?) and blowing up ammo dumps. However, even the Wolverines are not Immortal: a couple escape whilst the rest are killed in action.
Undoubtedly this film intended to sponge on the mass sentiment of the American public; undoubtedly It succeeded. Reports reaching Britain told of an anti-communist fervour sweeping the nation. Even Alexander Haig, the genial geriatric ousted from high politics, said that it was an Informative fihn which emphasised the need for arms control. Quite how the American political brain ticks Is a source of constant wonder and amazement. Quite simply. Red Dawn is an appalling propaganda fUm, dangerous and totally undeserving of any praise.
The film critic in The Observer commented kindly, writing that it contained moral values, and was a relevant exercise In examining human relationships. What drivel! Sentiment there may be, and of the most vugar sort, but sympathy certainly not. Oscar Wilde would have shuddered had he had the misfortune to see Red Dawn; there is no hint of artistry in it. John MUius has directed a dire epic; It should be immediately confined to the waste bin. I would have preferred to have spent the evening at my local curry house.
Reg Blimey
TO THE FEET FROM ITS CHILD
But in time, stones and bits of glass,
streets, ladders,
and the paths in the rough earth go on teaching the foot that it cannot fly, cannot be a fruit bulging on the branch. Then, the Child's foot is defeated, falls in the battle,
is a prisoner
concemned to live in a shoe.
Bit by bit, in that dark,
It grows to know the world In Its own way, out of touch with its fellow, enclosed,
feeling out life Uke a blind man.
These soft nails of quartz, bunched together grow hard, and change themselves into opaque substance, hard as horn, and the tiny, petalled toes of the Child grow bunched and out of trim,
take on the form of eyeless reptiles with triangular heads, like worms.
Later they grow calloused and are covered
with the faint volcanoes of death, a coarsening hard to accept.
But this blind thing walks
without respite, never stopping
for hour after hour
the one foot, the other,
now the man's,
now the woman's,
up above
down below,
through fields, mines,
markets and ministries,
backwards,
far afield, inward,
forward,
this foot tolls In its shoe,
scarcely taking time
to give itself in love or sleep;
it walks, they walk,
until the whole man chooses to stop.
And then it descended
underground, unaware,
for there, everything, everything was dark.
It never knew it ceased to be a foot
or if they were burying It so that it could fly
or so that it could become
an apple.
Pablo Nernda
With grateful acknowledgements to the Estate of Pablo Neruda; Translator, Alistair Reid; ExtravagaJia, the collection of poems; the publishers, Jonathan Cape Ltd.
Beaver, 3 December 1984
page 13
ECONOMIST'S BOOKSHOP
WITH BEAVER PRESENT A GRAND
CHRISTMAS QUIZ OPEN TO ALL STAFF AND STUDENTS £20 BOOK TOKEN FOR WINNER
"WHO SAID"
(National/International)
(
1.	I'm sure if I have any plans, the press will inform me.
2.	Ronny is a very soft touch, and I don't want anyone taking advantage of him.
3.	You ain't seen nothing yet.
4.	The dole today is better than anyone could have dreamed of in the 1930s.
5.	Solidarity lives because you. Father Jerzy, died for it.
6.	Today we were unlucky, but remember we only have to be lucky once.
7.	Politics today requires mastery of TV. I never really warmed to it and it never really warmed to me.
8.	She has fought resolutely for the class she represents and there are some lessons we might learn from that.
"WHO SAID"
(At LSE)
1. I'm not biased, I just don't like the way you lot dress.
2.1 don't have anything against homosexuals. I just don't like them and I don't think they like
3. Ed never really supported freedom of speech; he would not let me talk about chips - he did not like them.
4.1 am a trendy Labour supporter: I worship the miners, I hate the Liberals, I wear a donkey-jacket and I approve of political cliques. Why do you all dislike me?
5.	I am not an angry person, I just like shouting.
6.	Look, right, we'll pay the miners straight away right, but I've been busy, right.
MUSIC/ENTS
1.	They suggested that the Revolution started after closing time.
2.	He might have left the whisky in the jar but he's still back in town.
3.	A pound of Shakespeare attracts old singer.
4.	A black and white television watched by fresh-faced students.
5.	A recurring dream is a completed Common Market.
6.	Who's the sexiest and most beautiful Social Secretary in the whole world.
VISITING SPEAKERS
1.	Who propped up his doomed protegee.
2.	Eternally optimistic, a condemned man has visited twice.
EVENTS
1.	He finds it difficult to philosophize on a Friday morning.
2.	If home is where the heart is, where is home.
3.	Where did the occupation really take place.
4.	Name more than 3 union officials, mandated to be at the occupation, who were there.
5.	Did Sir Keith Joseph really spend the night on the toilet biting his nails.
6.	How many people really turned up to the march on the DES? Was it:
(a)	Daily Telegraph estimate: 0003
(b)	Guardian estimate: thousands
(c)	Robert Shrimsley's estimate: "noone relevant"
(d)	Police estimate: "enough to justify charging at them"
(e)	None of the above
DEATHS IN 1984
3.	Although no longer in his
purple patch, still in his purple 1. Starred in the year he died, cassock.
2. Killed diplomatically.
4.	The wet who turned out to be
a wet blanket for the FCS.	3. Died in his golden temple.
5.	Who was Banking on a socialist upturn.
6.	The aristocracy surfaced to explain the secret of eternal youth.
WORLD (General)
1.	Who gained 10 with a bang.
2.	One out of 50. Where was one and whose was it.
3.	22,000 - 725: Explain.
4.	England beat Turkey in a recent football match 8-0: name the year and the country of the last team that England beat by more than this score.
5. Is the world's 2nd greatest athlete gay? Where did this feature and who did it refer to.
4. Best known for his rise and fall.
POPPED LOONS
(For those whose egos were shattered or at least took a dent this term)
1.	The Jekyll and Hyde of politics; he changed once too often for his own good.
2.	Who stood and failed for the Court of Governors, under the pseudonym of "Icki Wallop", for the ambitious person's party.
3.	An American socialist rumoured to have been a victim of the Bruncii Bowl mafia as FCS rejected his dogma.
4.	He had it Thursdays, wanted it Tuesdays and returned with nothing.
LSE POLITICS
1.	Reputed to be the richest socialist on campus, he recently changed the colour of his Beatles wig.
2.	Leading Victorian moralist, clean-living young man and a generally good chappie.
3.	The old man in a hurry; was Lucas his protegee or is he Lucas' protegee.
4.	Who had their inaugural meeting this term and couldn't even agree on policy at that.
5.	Stood for General Secretary on a platform of fighting all the imperialist war preparations at the LSE, critics suggest he propped up the poll because he had no proof that Cruise missiles were sighted in Florries.
6.	Who's been censured more times than he's had hot dinners in wine bars.
EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING
1.	Who lost Swindon before the election.
2.	What could you get for £10 and an Eton old boy's tie.
3.	One does not join ... one is invited.
WORLD AFFAIRS
BAL- 4. Why?(refers to 3. above)
"NEW FACES"
1.	Otherwise known as "Nasty", "Killer", or simply "Mr Angry".
2.	The man behind Mr Angry's voice, he jacks up Killer's instinct.
3.	They are the mythical LSE "Gang of Two" and seem to think they are important because of it.
4.	Are they in fact important since rumour has it that "he of the good dress sense" won a coveted TACT award.
1.	Where and why did Mrs Thatcher, Dr David Owen, Neil Kinnock, David Steel and President Zia come together in solidarity.
2.	Who won the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize.
3.	Rajiv is the third, Indira was the second, who was the first.
4.	Len Murray has retired, who has succeeded him.
5.	The husband and wife both threatened with gaol.
6.	His son addicted to heroin, which Prime Minister cried on television.
GEN. SEC. ELECTION
1.	Who may have rigged the timing of a TV appearance to suit the elections or alternatively, rigged the timing of the election to suit a TV appearance.
2.	Who burnt all his ties a week before the election and resented that the Conservative Party only had fascist tendencies.
3.	Who cantered into fourth place on a platform of limited nuclear war (within the bounds of the Brunch Bowl).
4.	Who received 66 votes because people mistook LSM for LSO and Revolutionary Communism for September Resits.
5.	Who won.
MISCELLANEOUS ADVENTURE
1. Which token crumpet Editor of Beaver and Independent Sabbatical Senior Treasurer are currently involved in the hottest love affair since Bobby and Pam Ewing.
A
(Perpetrators of this quiz: Ed Richards and Hugh Sergeant. Editors' decision final)
P.N.L. ANGER
At lunchtime on Wednesday 28th November, a group of PNL students noisily invaded the LSE after attending the Central Criminal Courts where 2 of their number had been sentenced to 3 weeks in prison for offences in connection with the Harrington picket.
They proceeded to Florries and explained to students there how upset they were that we hadn't supported them in their protest outside the courts. They asked everyone to join them in picketing Pentonville Prison that afternoon.
At this point. General Secretary, Dave Jackson, appeared and suggested the PNL contin-
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gent go down to C018 where an NUS meeting was in progress. Once at the meeting, PNL students wanted to know why the NUS hadn't supported them.
but they don't appear to have received a very satisfactory answer as at this point, the NUS delegates walked out.
Mark Moore
Anybody sighting the above should contact the General Secretary via his pigeonhole in E297.
page'14
Since the beginning of this term, LSE has had a new Director. Ex Beaver editors, Richard Bacon and Iqbal Wahhab went to meet Dr I G Patel to discover more about his background and his policies for the School.
The first impression of LSE's new Director was of a very quiet yet friendly figure. As we shook hands and introduced ourselves, a big smile assured us that he was pleased we had come. Indraprasad Gordhan-bhai Patel is a very different character from his predecessor, Ralf Dahrendorf, though his curriculum vitae is no less glittering.
Patel has held a variety of senior jobs in the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, as well as advising the Indian Government on economics. Although he became a Professor when he was only 24 and has spent the last two years as Director of the Indian Institute of Management - a quasi academic post -it is as an administrator and economist that he is best known. From 1977 to 1982, he was Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
After taking first class honours from Baroda College, University of Bombay, he came to England in 1944 to study economics at Cambridge. This was during the period when LSE was evacuated there and he attended lectures by Hayek, Laski, Robbins and other LSE staff. "Professor Kaldor was the man who first taught me macro economics". Patel spent two years at Harvard, returning to Cambridge in 1949 to present his PhD. On his return to India, the University of Baroda gave him a professorship in economics and he became Principal of his old college
BEAVER TALKS TO DR PATEL
Civil Service and the IMF, he returned to India once again in 1961 as Chief Economic Advisor to the Finance Ministry. Such a hectic career path seemed strangely at odds with this quiet and mild-mannered man.
He spoke very warmly of Mrs Gandhi, whom he had known well and was deeply shocked by her assasination. When the Congress Party split in 1969, Patel was Permanent Secretary to the Department of Economic Affairs and had to see Mrs Gandhi almost every day to tutor her in the complexities of national finance. "Of course, I knew her before, and loved her." Immediately after her assassination, he described Mrs Gandhi to a Beaver reporter as "the greatest patriot of my generation", and expressed the hope that there would be a similar unifying influence in the future.
He is clear about his role at the LSE: "The Director is essentially a means to an end. For a School like this the end is teaching and research and the job of the Director is to facilitate the task of these two main groups ... and sometimes to act as a bridge."
He was unpeturbed by the highly politicized atmosphere at the LSE, saying it was healthy to have as much debate as possible. "If you are studying medicine and cutting up dead bodies it's different, but when you are studying society, minds are on practical problems. It's only understandable that (students) discuss things they are interested in and excited about." He did not, however, seem to favour direct action and although he described the recent occupation of Connaught
House as a "relatively civilized affair", he also expressed puzzlement; "I am unable to understand why the students think disturbing their own institution and its functioning can further their interests. The institution functions for their benefit and for no other reason."
Was the example of Sussex University, where the authorities charged the students union £3,000 for time-wasting caused
gave his own view that raising fees was in the interests of neither the UK nor the developing countries.
Suggestions that the profits from the Brunch Bowl, used by students, were helping to subsidise the loss-making Senior Common and Dining Rooms were greeted with caution: "This point was brought up when we met the Students' Union nlembers of the Court of

Dr Patel: glad to be at the LSE
by an occupation, likely to be followed at LSE? "I don't answer questions like that", was his reply, though he added that both sides have to try to understand and "keep things in proportion".
As a foreign national, what is his attitude to overseas students' fees? "Well, let's face it, there is no way you can reduce overseas students' fees. It is government policy and therefore, we can only change it by changing public opinion." Patel
Governors. We have no intention of allowing one part of the School to subsidise any other part. If the facts are as you say, the matter certainly deserves looking into, but I have not yet had evidence to show that the facts are as you say."
A recent survey, sent to all LSE women, showed that over half of those who responded had experienced some form of unwanted sexual harassment. What did he think of the idea of a Sexual Harassment Officer in
Beaner, ^^D^etfiber 198,4
the School, as recommended in the ensuing report? "We don't want to call somebody 'officer in charge of sexual harassment'. What we have agreed to, is an advisor for women students who will review whatever complaints come to her and give advice. If she feels a particular complaint needs investigation, she will initiate one, although she will not necessarily undertake it herself Where there is a prima facie case for disciplinary action, this will be initiated." He stressed that he did not wish to see the creation of a separate process of disciplinary action which would be "blowing it out of all proportion".
Did Dr Patel think the Webbs would be happy with the present state of LSE? "Yes. In so far as we have tried, against all odds, to retain complete freedom of opinion and expression and maintained freedom of enquiry." He continued by saying that the Webbs would probably have wished to see a greater emphasis on continuing education, which has become difficult in modem life. "They had a very positive outlook, believing that social conditions could be improved but conclusions can only be reached after careful, detailed analysis of the facts". He thought this tradition had been maintained and this was why a plurality of viewpoints would always be found in the School."
Patel sees the need for a "social and political consensus" in society and the establishment of a more equitable distribution of income in order to tackle the dual problems of inflation and unemployment. He sees this happening by "giving everybody a stake in the opportunities that are available to the community as a whole." He is unwilling to accept the use of force to achieve this or any other goal. His favourite word, by his own admission, is 'consensus', which on the one hand tells us very little, but on the other hand a great deal, about how he intends to run the School._
OCCUPY? OKGAINlSJiV
'Death to the Pedagogic Gerontocracy'. Thus proclaimed the banners in 1967 when LSE students embarked upon what is still, despite the best efforts of subsequent Union activists, the most infamous and relevant occupation in LSE, and probably British history. The pedagogic gerontocracy of course remains, while the occupation as a legitimate, almost reflex political tactic has reached its apotheosis.
Our most recent occupation had much more vague objectives than its venerable 1967 ancestor, and carried a message that was a little more comprehensible, but it was a typical example of the genre.
Our's was an occupation of unspecified ends. Indeed, the only specific point of the exercise to be stressed by Dave Jackson, for whom this was not the first occupation, nor one suspects the last, was that it indicated conclusively the fact that we are able to undertake the physical task of occupation with comparative ease when we choose to do so. Or, to take a less charitable interpretation of the words used by the General Secretary to justify the occupation to the Union meeting, we occupied to prove that we can occupy. To be fair, we were being aked by NUS to undertake direct action in support of their imaginatively named Day of Action, but it was not without
The politics of student direct
~	[action
'J
zeal that the new General Secretary led an occupation, as opposed to some other form of protest within his first full week of office. As it turned out, the occupation that resulted seemed to be suffering a serious identity crisis. Nobody, not even those who took part, has been able to agree whether the action was an occupation or a 'work-in' (where else could one work?). In the Library they were working-in, but that term became something of a euphemism once they moved to Connaught House where they were in but not working.
If nobody who took part could tell the difference, it is worth asking whether there is a valid political distinction
between occupations and work-ins. It is significant that a number of London's less politicised colleges avoided occupaton, even for such a finite period of time, and opted for work-ins as a less objectionable way of participating in the NUS campaign. All the colleges who took this view stressed that work-ins are equally worthwhile (or as some said worthless) politically, but less likely to offend college administrations, whose attitudes are not intrinsically more unreasonable than our own, whose work is cold-bloodedly obstructed by occupations, and who, like the general public (without whose sympathy we cannot hope to influence government), probably attach some
educational significance to working rather than lounging about telling jokes as a form of protest. Work-ins are not customary at LSE because in general LSE students, or at any rate, those who can be bothered to observe the politics of the School at all, do not care whether they annoy the administration or not. This posture derives from the paranoid assumption that the School is out to get us anyway, a confrontation mentality typified by a'leaflet distributed to Freshers during last year's 'Intro Week' entitled: 'LSE: what it is, and how to fight it'. A second point is - and this is not a joke - that work-ins involve working, and most Union politicians do not like working.
What political tactics one employs depends of course on what one aims to achieve. If our main aim was and is to achieve publicity, as the new weekly Union Information Sheet alleged, occupations probably remain the easiest option (there are veritable shoals of metaphorical red herrings to be fished for here, in particular why the satanic Tory press would voluntarily give us thousands of pounds of free coverage if it made us look like anything other than slobs and layabouts). If however, our purpose was to create an impression of righteous indignation and great solidarity at some financial atrocity, a more tactful style of direct action would surely be more effective. In the context of nationwide student activity, and as a result of the uncharacteristic restraint
shown by those who wiled away an uncomfortable night in Connaught House, our occupation (for such it was), was comparatively successful, both in terms of Dave Jackson's chirpy if unshaven appearance on the Nine O'Clock News, and as a damage limitation exercise. But it had no coherent political objective, so its success was neither surprising nor worthwhile. It is hard to envisage the School administration ever yielding to an occupation; to do so would be to ipvite occupations at every subsequent dispute. Ultimately, there is nothing short of guerilla warfare that can force the School (or the Government) to defer to the Student Union view; occupations cannot do so, nor can work-ins. Work-ins however, are more acceptable in other ways as a barometer of student feeling, they are not the most iconoclastic form of protest or the most imaginative, and should never reach the knee-jerk status of occupations, but force has never swayed administrators in our favour, while reason sometimes has. If they don't care about student concerns, there is nothing we can do; if they do care, they require not battering, but a clear indication of deep and widespread feeling to be convinced. Work-ins, and the political direction they entail might even help to mobilise that deep and widespread support that has never been a part of any occupation - except of course the ones in 1967.
Andrew Cooper
BeaOeK-3' Det^mber 1984
P9€e 15
BROADCASTING
What happens when you turn on the telly?
We all watch television, and a smaller number of us listen to the radio. Most of us read newspapers as well and even have some idea of who owns the newspapers and, broadly speaking, what kind of bias we're being spoon-fed (if you don't then you missed parts one and two of this series...). But with the broadcasting media few of us know the colour of their politics or give much thought to their potential for more insidious forms of bias.
So, when we turn on the telly or the radio what exactly is happening? Are we being "reconstructed'? One analyst decided that television watching, particularly amongst growing children, engendered an ethic of consumerism, ie. people just sit in front of a screen and consume: participation, discussion, exchange die their various deaths.
Barrage of Criticism
The broadcasting media are awake to the dangers of their technological profession, and claim they are "doing their best" to ensure impartiality in reporting, selection and ommis-sion (put this way it already sounds impossible). Indeed, such a claim derives from the charters upon which the BBC and IBA were set up. The BBC Charter "requires the BBC to refrain from expressing a point of view on any matter of public controversy or public policy...for the BBC to take sides in any controversial issue would in any case be contrary to it's own long-established policy of impartiality...the essence of impartiality is balance." (BBC Handbook)
'Balance' is a tricky notion. In theory, it means juggling a set of viewpoints so that they all have equal weight; in practice it often seems to take on the character of the "balance of power" in international affairs where balance means one side having more clout than the other. Con-fusion often arises when balance is conceived as being in the middle of the political spectrum (cheek by jowl with the SDP/Liberal Alliance?). The




barrage of criticism levelled by various organisations at the broadcasting media suggests that this balance,, whatever it may be, is not being achieved.
The 1975 study of television news by the Glasgow Media Group demonstrated that the selection of news was made on the basis of what was 'important' and 'newsworthy'. The Prime Minister made a speech in January 1975 referring to industrial stoppages caused by both management AND labour: in 29 subsequent references labour alone was mentioned. In some strikes such as the 13-week strike by Glasgow dustcart drivers, the media focused not on the causes of the strike but on its effects: the mountains of rubbish piling up. No striking driver was actually interviewed on television though there were 20 interviews and 102 bulletins. 'News' will be the one worker who defies a strike call (graphically illustrated by the media's current treatment of the miners' strike). Likewise, the media representation and under-representation of women, black people and ethnic minorities simply reinforces current prejudices.
State Intervention
State intervention in broadcasting is evident in the long
list of productions dealing with Northern Ireland which were banned, censored or delayed. Governmental control extends further than this: any government minister can require the BBC to broadcast any announcement, and the Home Secretary has the power to ban any programme or any type of programme. The infamous secrets act,as described in our last article, also applies.
Because of the hierarchical structure of the BBC, control does not have to be explicit. Information on ' what is not acceptable to the Board filters down the hierarchy and is obeyed. Minutes of meetings held by the Editor, News and Current Affairs (ENCA) graph the opinions of the Board and show, for example, that during the Falklands War, decisions were taken to toe the government line. At ITV, programme content is much more subject to ratings (and hence clout pulled by advertising revenue). If people don't like watching it, it has to be changed. This is illustrated by what happened to Channel 4 News. The whole format was changed in response to low audience figures. The BBC not subject to these pressures, so the content of its programmes is determined by carefully chosen producers and edi-
tors, who in their own turn can exert subtle control. For example, an unsympathetic interview is more effective if accompanied by harsh lighting; the views of someone filmed in profile at a distance are less likely to carry weight than someone who is allowed to address the viewer directly looking straight down the camera without the intermediary of an interviewer.
®thic of Consumerism
The problem of balance and bias is therefore complex and influences not only our views of politics but also our entire view of reality. At the moment, TV would have us believe in such universals as the Persil Mum, the Flora Man, and the Milky Bar Kid (the nuclear family?) The larger definitional problem of balance is that it is based on an implicit assumption of a one-dimensional reality which has one centre from which all else can be impartially surveyed, a calm eye of the storm. But there is more than one storm, more than one view. If television and radio engineer the complacent unquestioning acceptance of contemporary reality as cosy, generally white, middle-class, patriarchal, and productive, as
the norm then all else is abnormal: the everyday lives of people in Northern Ireland are something akin to fiction, and certainly not as coiffured as Dallas. It then takes something like the recent exposure of famine and death in Ethiopia to make people feel that there is a reality outside their own and one which has a tragic and fatal character: hunger. Far-away has ceased to mean far-fetched — but for how long?
The problem of media bias is not simple. Most solutions simply swap one systematic bias for another. Is this a demand for revolution rather than reform? Some critics are quite forthright in their view that no real change will occur until the political structure of our society is itself challenged. And if we are going for media pluralism where do we draw the line?
In the end we must examine the meaning of the term 'public interest'. At the moment it seems to exist merely as an ideal, or an heuristic device that by its own nature lends itself to the creation of bias. There can be no monolithic or homogeneous 'public interest' ruling all our days till the end of time.
Giles Perritt Randal Flynn
STUDENTS UNION INFORMATION CENTRE E203
(ABOVE FLORRIES SNOOKER ROOM)
BRITISH RAILCARDS • • •
NUS/ISIC STUDENTS CARDS • • •
ISIS TRAVEL INSURANCE
DISTRIBTUION; A REPLY
As an ex-employee of John Menziesi of five years standing, I would like to reply to the article entitled 'Distribution' in the issue of Beaver dated 5/11/84. Having been closely involved in the operations of both JM Wholesale and JM Retail, I find the comments made in the article misinformed and shortsighted.
Perhaps I can shed some light on why W H Smith and John Menzies refused to handle Private Eye for some years. Private Eye, shortly before the refusal, published an article which accused W H Smith & Son and John Menzies of malpractice and misdemeanors bordering on criminality. These accusations were totally unsubstantiated. Unlike the MP accused of having two girlfriends/boyfriends, who would sue the Eye and receive undisclosed damages, Menzies and Smith took the view that a magazine given to persistent lies and fabrications (witness the number of successful libel actions at the time) should not be available through their outlets. As with any retail/ wholesale chain in a free mar-
ket they had the right and ability to refuse this product, as a publican may refuse to serve a customer or a shop may refuse to sell glue or weedkiller.
Private Eye continued to be available to its readership on subscription or from the many other retail outlets who wished to stock such literature. John Menzies has recently felt that Private Eye has placed more emphasis on truth and now stocks this magazine again. When discussing crucial issues of media freedom it is as well for commentators to appraise themselves of the facts.
Magazines and daily newspapers are sold in two different ways; sale or return (SOR) and firm sale. SOR journals are easy for outlets co stock as surplus copies at the end of the week can be returned for full credit. Firm sale and part SOR journals however, represent a cost to the outlets which order them as surpluses either have to be destroyed or credited sometimes at only 5% of their value. Hence newsmanagers, who are often required to keep waste down to 1% of material ordered, have an onerous task to maintain a good selection of newspapers and
periodicals, while keeping within that tiny figure. It is not the fault of the newsagents or wholesalers that journals are placed on firm sale (eg. the Radio and TV Times), but that of the publishers. The need to move away from restrictive practices in the media industries should be addressed not to the wholesalers, retailers or publishers but to the two big print unions. If SOGAT '82 (not SOGAT as quoted) and the NGA were asked to give a full list of all news handling staff not in their union, I could provide them with the postage stamp, upon which to write.
The retailers and wholesalers are fed up with the abuse hurled at them by angry customers because of non-publication or shortages and by the sort of sanctimonious articles which appeared in Beaver. I ask those writers to direct their criticisms where they belong and not at the beleaguered wholesalers and retailers who, if they were like my wholesale and retail branch, did everthing possible for the consumer.
Andrew Tinney
page .16
Beai/er^ 3, PepemberJ984-,
WOMEN AND DRINKING
Sp'.rueaWith»dash ::vccii.2. ¦ gin OT coccnct
Sparking w.th ti-rjc sc-ds c: '.emcnade Over see. Dubonnet Red vrur wav
Although alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, it is still a drug which has a powerful and sometimes dangerous effects on our minds and bodies. In the last twenty years, the number of women damaged by drinking has risen to unprecen-dented heights; six times as many women now die from cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism is becoming increasingly more serious in women. Why?
Because of the values of our society, women are encouraged to be dependent in some ways but not in others. Its still expected that we should be dependent on a man and its usually accepted to be dependent on sugar, coffee and so on. Dependency is only seen as a bad thing in women when it interferes with our roles - as housewife, as mother and as
worker.
Demanding Roles
Aiming drink at women^
Often women start using drugs as a way of coping with the demands of these roles, such as a drink to pep us up before the drudge of shopping, and as women we're trained to meet the needs of others before our own. Thats why the reasons
women are given for not drinking are usually to do with our servicing of others: "don't drink for your baby's sake".
Alcohol is a depressant drug which slows down our brains and central nervous system, making us think and behave less efficiently. Continued drinking can lead to permanent liver damage and ultimately death. Statistics have shown that women's bodies are more easily damaged than men's by drinking, for example they get drunk faster than men and feel the effects of alcohol for much longer. Drinking directly affects the menstrual cycle, since concentration of alcohol in the blood is higher, and it will remain there longer; during pregnancy, alcohol can pass through the mother's bloodstream into the baby, which can result in deformity of the child.
Drinking also affects the moods of women more than those of men, especially at ovulation. Its still frowned on if women drink too much, which may make them feel guilty and ashamed, and can this lead to attempts to hide their drinking and eventually to drinking in isolation. A vicious circle is often created whereby women drink to lift depression which in turn makes them more depressed and in the long run
can accuse anxiety and agoraphobia.
Drinks advertising is increasingly aimed at women. Women are told that it will make them sexy, liberated and glamorous. This offers them an image which has nothing to do with their lives; in reality women often drink because they are unconfident, lonely, unhappy and have little support. Howerver, if they drink too much the stereotype is very different from the glamorous image of the advertisements: women are labelled as bad mothers arid wives, sluts, neurotic, dirty, mad, inadequate and pitiful. This is a very different picture from the drinking man who is often seen as a misunderstood, creative anti-hero, or 'a bit of a lad'. The myths and stereotypes of women alcoholics promoted by advertising and the media need to be challenged; the reality is that the rate of increase of women drinkers is faster than that of men and the effects considerably more dangerous. For men and women alike, the secret of success is believing that your well-being and future health are more important than the cosmetic straight-jacket society has designed for you.
Becky Lunn
HARD CORE PORN IN COLLEGE
The Royal School of Mines, a constituent union of Imperial College holds, a biannual event called "Hon. Porn Night." It is now organised for Tuesday 11th December. The evening is devoted to the showing of hard core pornographic films portraying bondage, sadomasochism and bestiality. The evenings also include strippers and lesbian acts on stage.A union officer, the "Hon. Pornographer' has the job of organising such events. "Hon. Porn Night" is held in union rooms using union equipment and funds. This use of union facilities means that Imperial College is seen to support this event and is now an outlet for the porn industry. A number of the students at the college believe that the event is an insult to all human beings and degrading for women; They decided to take action.
On the 8th November 1983, a motion was passed in ICU UGM condemning "Hon. Porn Night" and calling on the executive to enforce the prevention of union funds and facilities being used for the staging of pornographic events. However, this was made ineffectual by a motion that allows constituent unions to do whatever they like, irrespective of ICU policy. Throughout the campaign the students opposing Hon. Porn Night have met with derision and attempts to stifle free debate. This year they have proposed a motion about the general issues of human respect, sexuality and rights. ICU have so far in a remarkable attempt to prevent debate refused to discuss this motion. Their student newspaper is also censoring public discussion on this issue. Democracy is being abused by those who support the status quo. Even the Rector of the college. Lord Flowers has spoken out against the male chauvinism and apathy prevalent in his college.
How does pornography translate women's oppression to sexual titillation? Women do not have a voice in society. Men rule for us, men write for us, men decide for us, men have even written a language that women must express themselves with. The female body is mastered, raped, beaten, murdered, masturbated to, but most obviously silenced and bound like a slave. This silence is the key. Women have their faces obscured, their mouths silenced by a penis, or reduced to a sex organ alone. Women are afraid of wanting sex, inviting sex as slaves who think and do nothing else. The female being is denied a face, a personality, intelligence, and a soul, reducing her to a body and primarily her sex organs - making her more sexually desirable. A mutp moron with a vagina and two breasts. In this way, women become material objects who can only be 'loved' physically.
Pornography is often dismissed as funny and amusing, and condemnation of porn is dismissed as petty lunacy by the loony lesbian left. One example may seem irrelevant, but it is part of a framework, which is so deeply rooted that we are not always aware of its existence - the oppression of women. Women's minds, silenced by men, women's bodies silence by pornography, and women's existence silenced by rape. Imperial College may seem an isolated incident, and hopefully it is as far as porn in colleges is concerned, but as far as porn in general is concerned, we have a long way to go. Closing every strip club, and stamping on the problem from above, won't stop it. Eradication of porn requires a complete re-evaluation and a restatement of men's image of women.
Fiona Sorotos
THE LIBRARY - FACT NOT FICTION
The Library is the largest of its kind in Europe, and perhaps the world. However,criticism is widespread and the Library Committee seems largely ineffectual. In fact, one present student member went so far as to say "the Library Committee is the best example of how a committee does not work."
Criticism is of a general nature - specific allegations that the Library has underspent its budget two years running are unfounded. In fact, the budgets for both the Teaching Collection and Periodicals were overspent. The Teaching Collection budget increased by nearly two thirds from last year, as did Periodicals by over a quarter. Because of these increases there were obviously less funds available elsewhere.
It is true however, that the number of items bought overall has fallen by twenty-one percent over the last year. So, although the budget was overspent, in real terms we received less books for our money; the reasons being the weakness of the pound, especially against the dollar, and the fact that books continue to increase in price faster- than the rate of inflation. Furthermore, the Library is receiving less gifts of books from institutions than it used to, and in the past these donations accounted for about half of the annual acquisitions. All of this has meant that the Library has inevitably become more selective. This is an area which the Library Committee wants reviewed. At the moment, the Geography, Philosophy and Psychology sections are not well enough stocked. This is a situation that is becoming worse.
More generally perhaps, the Library is too specialised. There is too much concentraton on material needed only by postgraduates and those doing research. The Library does not cater enough to the ordinary degree later. For instance, the Teaching Collection does not have all the basic texts.
Despite this. Library staff are too often blamed wben a book cannot be found. Books are usually not where they should be, because of actions by other students. The habit of "squirreling" - hiding stocks of books for your own consumption - is something that seems fairly widespread. This is totally selfish and seems unecessary in a reference Library. Stealing of books, given the elaborate security measures is a feat that seems to be far too easily accomplished; from hiding them on your person to using a fire alarm as an occasion for walking out with an armful. Certainly last year the almost weekly fire alarms resulted in the loss of much stock.
Razoring pages out of books is the easy option for those who cannot even be bothered to steal them. When it discovers books have had portions razroed out of them, the Library quite often binds photocopied pages in, or simply places the missing pages in the Offprint Collection. This habit is particularly annoying as until somebody tries to use the book it goes unnoticed. When a book is stolen, a missing book slip can bring it to the attention of the Library so it can be replaced.
With so much abuse of the system, discussions on what needs to be done are frequent. In the past it has been felt that the Library Committee has been unsuccessful. This has been due to student disinterest once past the initial elections, and also because the Library is too autonomous. Last summer the closing of the Library during a month when masters degree students needed it most for their exams, was only forestalled at the last moment through emergency meetings. Th^ present Library Committee feels that consultation will be greater this year, particularly as the members have been active in getting things done in the past. There is need too, for students to think about their actions and the effect they have on everybody else. By stealing, hiding or mutiliating books, th^ not only directly deprive
others, but indirectly themselves as less money is available for new books.
Solutions to the problems are numerous; though in practice not very feasible, some even talked of bringing back a closed Library system. This would be very ironic, as the present system was adopted to overcome the limitations of the last closed access system when obtaining books was even more difficult. Free photocopying has been ruled out as too expensive. Perhaps a large expansion of the Offprint Collection would go some way to curbing stealing and razoring. The Library has gone someway to try to control the level of losses: the installation of the GEAC Computer System and the changing of the over-sensitive smoke detectors have led to a considerable fall. More security systems have been rejected, primarily because of cost, and perhaps because they are not always wholly effective. The system then seems likely to remain as it is for the foreseeable future.
As far as the future is concerned, there could be great changes that will make the present arrangements quite inadequate. The proposed charging of tuition fees, grant cuts and maybe even the impostion of VAT on books will mean that the Library is going to become more and more important. These impositions also mean that there will be increasing pressure on already overstretched resources. The Library will have to meet these increased demands. More books, and books of a less specific nature will be needed - and perhaps even a large expansion of the Teaching Collection. In turn the School must increase the money available to the Library as the purchasing power of the Library should not be constrained. The grant from the School should obviously rise with such factors as the increas- ' ing price of books and the weak pound. At present, financial constraint is hampering both the stock of books, and the possibilities of constructive change.
Richard Jones
Beaver, 3 December 1984
pagelj
GAY RIGHTS: RUGBY AND AFTER_
In the last issue, Beaver reported the arrest of LSE students following a demonstration in support of gay rights in Rugby. The court cases arising from these arrests have been adjourned until December 14th, when a further adjournment is expected. In this issue we examine the events which led to that confrontation in Rugby main street, events which appear to vindicate yet again the first law of holes (when you're in one, stop digging) or the Lance Principle of public practice (if is ain't broke don't fix it).
It was Rugby Borough Council's own desire to introduce an equal opportunities clause, originally in response to a circular from the Community Relations Executive, that started the whole contretemps. In the course of discussion with their unions, the concept of equal opportunities was widened to exclude discrimination on the basis of age, sex and sexual orientation. This recommendation worked its way up through the various levels of Council committees achieving full approval by Council on July 17th. However, the words "sexual orientation" attracted the disapproval of an independent councillor, Keith Judge, and by the time of the next Council meeting, September 25th, he had organised sufficient opposition to have the words "sexual orientation" deleted from the clause.
To achieve this he had to have 10 seconding signatures as the motion was one which sought to overturn a policy decision within a year of its adoption. Amazingly, among those signatures were those of councillors Denis Carr and Gordon Collett, the two Council representatives on the working party which had originally recommended its adoption. Deletion was then always going to be a formality though in the event it took place in an uproar.
According to Rugby Council this simply means that their policy on employment of gay people has not changed. This assurance sits uneasily with the lurid language employed by many councillors opposed to the inclusion of the sexual orientation category in the equal opportunities clause. Furthermore, though the Council state that they will "continue to appoint the best qualified, most capable and most suitable candidates", since sexual orientation is now explicitly not an invalid criterion for deciding on suitability the upshot of the controversy appears, if anything, to have reduced rather than increased job security for gay people working for Rugby Council. While the Council claims neither to practice nor to be aware of any cases of discrimination in its employment practices due to sexual orientation, nonetheless there appears to be a widespread belief among gay and non-gay alike that for a Rugby Council employee to publically announce their homosexuality would be to invite their dismissal.
NALGO have said that they would go on strike were this to happen to one of their members, but so far noone has been willing to make themselves a martyr for this cause, neither Rugby's gay employees nor indeed those Council members who had originally supported the sexual orientation proposals. It is doubtful how long or how solid a NALGO strike on this issue would be. Only Islington
MP Chris Smith, who "came out" while addressing the meeting appears to have put his career on the line over this issue. With other West Midland Councils, such as Sandwell, following Rugby's lead, a climate of opinion is being created which may prove very difficult to alter. For, as LSE Gaysoc Chairperson, Martin Dockrell accepts, homosexuals do not have the political clout to force through changes in employment legislation on their own account, but need to rely on sympathetic left/liberal parties who are willing to regard gay liberation as part of the process of human liberation.
Paul Redfern
ANOTHER BATTLE IN THE WAR
Many people addressed the rally in Rugby before the arrests tool- place, including a local Laboiir Councillor, a Labour MP, a Labour MEP, local gay people and perhaps most significantly, a NALGO representative. It's always difficult for a non-gay to speak on gay political issues to a highly politicized gay audience, but the speech from the NALGO representative was more positive and aware than any I have heard from a trade unionist.
Support is growing for nondiscrimination from more and more quarters. Council after council is including or has already included nondiscrimination clauses in their employment policies. The Rugby exception, however, is not unfamiliar. A group of right-wingers have decided to use their power to stop "men in frocks and earrings" from working for the council. Their buddies on Sandwell council follow their lead. In the past the fight-backs were originally at ground level, principallly through gay organisations such as Gay Rights at Work. In the 1980s gay issues have ceased to be perceived as electoral liabilities to the extent that the Labour opposition in Rugby and many other elected representatives can unite in public opposition. Now we have a major trade union pledging its support at national level.
Eight years ago a school teacher in London was sacked for being gay. Last year the GLC wrote to him saying he was welcome to have his old job back again any time he wanted. In 8 years time, I suspect Rugby will have a non-discrimination clause. Even now, they will be so taken aback by the reaction so far, that people are already less likely to be dismissed for being gay, for fear of another
coordinated response against the Council.
Rugby is a temporary setback, but there have been many in the past decade. There will always be your Joe Bigot who leaps up and says its time somebody "spoke out" to "stop the rot". But Rugby Council is under siege and time is on our side. We may even lose this particular battle but we are winning the war.
Richard Snell
The long arm of the Law
BIFFEN DEFENDS
LABOUR FRONT BENCH
John Biff en
The Leader of the House of Commons, Mr John Biffen, has praised the leadership of the Labour Party for its commitment to the rule of law. Speaking last Monday at a meeting of LSE Conservatives, Mr Biffen singled out for particular praise John Cunningham, for his advice to Labour councils not to defy the law, and Neil Kinnock for the distance he has put between himself and Mr Scar-gill and picket violence. He did have a word of warning, though, for those Labour MPs tempted to choose which laws to obey. The law should be challenged with a view to reform, not challenged and defied. He added that Labour MPs who thought otherwise would hasten the demise of the Labour Party. Commenting on the noisy protest by about 30 Labour MPs during a ministerial statement the previous week, Mr Biffen thought it an isolated incident which did not indicate a willingness to carry
out further disruption of Parliament's work
Earlier, Mr Biffen had described his work as Leader of the House, a job which he claimed gave him a unique view of the workings of British politics. In a speech which was well-received by the 60 or so students who attended the meeting, Mr Biffen maintained that there existed far less division in politics than was apparent. Question-time, the occasion of Mr Biffen's comments on Labour and the law, occupied most of the meeting. In response to the latest Government proposals on student grants, he emphasized that the proposals were still at the discussion stage, and not yet law. He thought that pressure would be brought to bear on the department to modify the changes.
Another questioner asked to what extent rebellious or "inde-pendently-minded" backbenchers were needed in Parlia-
ment. Mr Biffen replied that such people were essential; he had always been against a conformist line in politics. As an MP he had himself rebelled against the 1970-1974 Heath (Jovernment on the EEC and incomes policy. Mr Biffen was nevertheless anxious to say that an MP should not abuse the trust of his electors in going too far in rebellion. He later mourned the political demise of Edward DuCann after his defeat in the 1922 Committee elections, describing him as a "very effective shop steward". He was not so kind to former Prime Minister Harold MacMil-lan whom he had thought of in the early 1960s as a "cynical ageing man" who should have moved on to make way for more progressive elements in the party. His surprising remarks came in reply to question concerning the most exciting debate he had witnessed since he entered the Commons in 1961. This turned out to be the Profumo Debate in which, Mr BifTen alleged, the real target of attack was not Profumo but MacMillan, who was devastated in the debate by the "cold passion" of MPs such as Nigel Birch. MacMillan's subsequent departure was "not unconnected" with that debate. Other questions ranged from the sinking of the Belgrano to the current miners' dispute.
Mr Biffen is a strange^ but much underestimated figure in the Conservative Party. Although committed-to monetarism, he is very much a traditional Conservative whose concern for the quality of politics comes above ideological considerations. At the LSE he spoke with both wit and sensitivity, qualities essential in the post he currently occupies in Mrs Thatcher's cabinet.
Philip Groves
MOSZYNSKI SURVIVES
At a tense UGM on Thursday November 29th, the Senior Treasurer survived by a comfortable majority a motion of censure brought against him by members of the Labour Club.
This is the second time in the space of three weeks that Mos-zynski has faced such a motion, and although this time he faced
a hard campaign from his detractors on the Left calling for his removal, on the day support for him proved to be solid, and it now looks as if he will be staying in office for the rest of the year. When Beaver asked him how he would feel about being challenged for a third time, his answer was very straightforward: "bored!"
page 18
Beaver, 3 December 1984
DON'T MISS HOGMANY

Beautiful Edinburgh
There is a well known circuit for overseas students who wish to see something of Britain while they ^re here. That circuit includes a trip to Scotland, usually comprising a weekend in Edinburgh in early summer. Undoubtedly one of the reasons is to avoid Scotland's harsh winter climate, yet this inevitably means missing the most distinctive time of the Scottish year. I am, of course, referring to Hog-many, New Year's Eve to everyone else.
All the usual tourist haunts, the Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Scott monument, to name but a few, are open up until Hog-many, so you can combine the best aspects of Scotland's traditions without losing the heritage.
The importance of Hogmany is that it is a celebration — a welcoming-in of the New Year. This gives we Scots an excuse to indulge in our favourite pas-stime - drinking. Whether you stay with family or friends, celebrate Hogmany at home or in the streets, this is one feature you will not be able to avoid. However, if you are teetotal
don't feel you can't join in the fun, the friendliness and celebration is genuine.
If you don't have friends or relatives in Scotland, stay in a guest house. They are not busy at this time of year and at Hogmany you will be warmly received. To savour the atmosphere the best place to be in Edinburgh is near the Tron Kirk from 10pm onwards on 31st December. The Tron Kirk (church) is half way down the Royal Mile on the corner of South Bridge. If you are unsure ask for "the Tron" or simply follow the crowds. The reason why I say "an5rwhere near the Tron Kirk" is because from 10pm onwards (pubs close at 10pm on Hogmany) anything up to 20,000 people will be there waiting for the bells to ring in the New Year.
The chances are you won't hear the bells as everyone is singing and shouting. As midnight approaches don't be surprised if you are hugged and kissed by people you have never set eyes on before. Join in, its all part of the tradition! It is important to realise that in
Scotland Hogmany is celebrated far more than Christmas. Until the late 1960s most people only had a half day hdli-day on Christmas day but several days after Hogmany. If you enter into the spirit of things you will soon see why! When you return to where you are staying the traditions associated with Hogmany are worth remembering. If the first person to enter the house after midnight is tall and dark it will bring the household good luck in the New Year so they will reward you with food and drink. Another tradition is called "first-footing", where the .first person to enter the house is given a drink. For many the celebrations only really begin at midnight and if you can take 'part you are sure to be made welcome.
One point to remember is that there is very little activity immediately after Hogmany as most people are recovering. Buses do, however, run between Edinburgh and London.
Jim McCallum
CARR SAUNDERS: EXTRA CASH FOUND TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS
Residents at Carr-Saunders Hall and adjacent flats vi^ill notice improvements in the coming months following two successful attempts to increase the money spent on facilities.
Firstly, a discrepency was noticed between the amount of interest being collected by the School from deposts on flats in Fitzroy and Maple Street and the amount being returned to the Hall Society. Until a couple of weeks ago, the interest was calculated as the amount accumulating from each student's £45 deposit from the start of the academic year until the following Easter. At this point, residents in Carr Saunders get their deposits returned but flat-dwellers don't receive their money until the summer.
although interest is still accumulating.
After investigation into the figures, Hall Society President, Elwyn Watkins, discovered the error and brought the matter to the attention of the Accounts . Department, who accepted that the Hall had been underpaid by a considerable amount and agreed to backdate the payment. The three year's interest owing came to the not insignificant sum of £608. A spokesperson for the Accounts Department said that although it was not generally School policy to pay interest on students' money, this was a justifiable claim.
A questionmark still hangs over the fate of interest on a further £40 deposit paid by all residents in Fitzroy and Maple

Street Flats. At the Inter-Halls Committee last Friday, members heard that the School's accountants were against paying interest on this money for fear of setting a dangerous precedent. This means that at the moment, the School is pocketing interest at 9.05% over 8 months on approximately £8,000 of students' money.
Elwyn Watkins was advised to bring the matter before the Standing Committee of the Court of Governors in January. He admits it will be a tough fight but if successful, a further £420 will be paid to the Hall Society.
This wasn't the only good news. Following pressure from both Elwyn Watkins and Jim McNally, the Inter-Halls Committee has agreed to help finance improvements to the bar at Carr-Saunders. Friday's meeting agreed to a £1500-£2,000 contribution towards buying new furniture for the bar.
Residents may already have noticed refurbishment of the Carr-Saunders' kitchens. Extra money became available following a surplus in revenue of £71,994 (!) which came largely from vacation visitors, this summer being a boomtime for London tourism.
So, with the returned interest money and the extra revenue made available by overseas visitors it seems that at least one hall of residence will see several benefits.
Gilli Wedon
UIEIFHRE
DISABLED STUDENTS
A meeting for disabled students will be held on Wednesday 5th December in the Three Tuns to investigate the possibility of setting up a society which would decide how best to spend the money from the Disabled Students' Fund.
HARDSHIP FUND
A record 97 applications were received for support from the LSE Hardship Fund this year. With that number of applicants, the money has had to go round more thinly than before. Decisions on awards were made last Thursday, so if you haven't heard the results of your application, check with the Welfare Office.
HOUSING BENEFIT
The Foreign Students Housing Benefit eligibility saga rumbles on. The latest, though probably not the last, word on the matter is that the DHSS currently say
foreign students can claim while the Home Office say they can't. Until this conflict is sorted out, it is probably a good idea not to try and claim.
TRAVEL NEWS
As part of their "election manifesto" London Regional Transport are raising fares from 6th January in line with inflation, which they reckon at 9% since the last fares adjustment. The increase is not spread evenly across the board, as there is a need to keep fare collection simple, fares rising in 5p or lOp steps. The minimum fare rises to 25p, but all other single zone fares are unchanged. London students, on their relatively inflexible incomes will feel the brunt of the changes, the two-zone bus fare rising 10% to 55p and the two-zone travel card going up a swingeing 17% to £21.10 a month.
On the same day British Rail fares rise, so there is little point trying to switch to a cheaper way of reaching college (apart from cycling or walking).
It is ironic that the government, having cut student travel
grants (to save money) and raised LT fares via its proxy LRT (to save money) could now be faced with travel claims as the rise in costs takes London students over the £250 per annum threshold for making an excess travel claim under the new regulations.
If the current news is bad, future news is better. In May, when the 1985/6 timetable comes in, British Rail will radically revise their fare structure, with either cheap day returns or saver fares available by some trains on all routes in place of the present plethora of discount fares. Good news for students is that instead of getting a couple of pounds off a saver ticket, rail-card holders will get a third off, and still a third or a half off on other fares: watch for further details.
Alan Peakall
KARATE CHAMPION,
Dirk Robertson, 1st year sociology student at the LSE, last week won a title at the British National Karate Cham-pionships and hopes to travel to Japan next year with an international squad. Dirk, who is a 2nd Dan Black Belt, trained in Nottingham. He teaches karate to mentally and physically handicapped children who
benefit greatly from the techniques of physical coordination and mental concentration which karate has to offer. Fame and glory have their price however - Dirk returned from the championships, bloodied but unbowed, his broken nose neatly mended with sticking plaster.
Eleanor Edwards
. '
^	I
Dirk Robertson
Beaver, 3 December 1984
page 19
SOCIETIES "N THINGS
MONDAYS DECEMBER
PSYCHOLOGY SOC "Military Incompetence" by Prof N.F.Dixon. 8075 6.30pm.
GAY SOC Grand Xmas Party starring "The Moonlight-ers"(Carol & Jan). S175 7pm.
TUESDAY4
BAHAI SOC Regular meeting to discuss and debate on moral, social and religious issues. All welcome. S167 1pm.
CHAPLAINCY OPEN FORUM "St Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan way of life" by Brother Keith SSF. Graham Wallas Room 1pm.
HISTORY SOC Lecture on "Sex, marriage and politics in the 12th century (The lion in winter revisited)" by John Gil-lingham. New Theatre 6pm.
PHOTOSOC
Urgent General Meeting E1961-2
Emergency meeting to get some action going. We need active organisers on the committee, so could everyone who is, or is interested in being a member of Photosoc please try and get along.
(NEW!!) HANGLIDING SOC E195 l-2pm.
WEDNESDAY 5
DANCE SOC Big Apple Health Studio presents Body Conditioning 2pm, Aerobics 3pm. New Gym 80p each, £1 both.
MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE SOC "The role of ASEAN" by Dr M.Leifer. Refreshments provided. A85 4pm.
The Sterling Club
"Developing Countries and the IMF".
The speaker will be Mr Azizali F Mohammed, director of the External Relations Department of the International Monetary Fund. Mr Mohammed has been director of his present department since 1980, and has been extensively involved in international finance. Before joining the IMF, he was adviser to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, and worked for the Pakistan Ministry of Finance.
He will be discussing a very topical subject, and trying to answer such, questions as: "is there growth for developing economies after the IMF?" Especially in the context of the current problems facing many underdeveloped countries and
required to make or later unless impracticable to do so) within twelve months beginning the date on which the search was made.
"POLICEMEN'S LAW"
Finally, the time for which a person or a vehicle may be detained for the purpose of such a search is such time as is reasonably required to permit a search to be carried out, either at the place where the person or vehicle was first detained, or nearby. However, none of these powers authorise (A)A constable to require a person to remove any of his clothing in public other than an outer coat or jacket or glove or (B)A constable not in uniform to stop a vehicle. What an unexpected dose of Liberalism on the Government's part! After having stripped you of most of your dignity through these stop and search powers, they prevent the constable concerned from physically stripping you of your inner vestments.
The purpose behind the Police and Criminal Evidence Act is to define police powers in a clear and specific manner. But it may be argued that within this clarification process, there has been an extension of police powers. Perhaps in theory the Act is a sound proposition, and if all officers were reasonable and non-prejudiced these problems would not arise, but unfortunately, many are not. What may happen in practice, is that a small minority of police offenders may consider it an open license to enforce their own law.
If you ever happen to have the misfortune of being stopped by a constable, I hope that this article will be of some use. However, do remember to be polite to the officer of the law. Show him that you know what the law is, but in the process do not ridicule his ignorance. Remember he can always get you for obstruction. If you happen to be black or gay you may have a tougher time. But for heaven's sake, don't do what the anarchists say: "the policeman arrested me in the name of the Law; so I punched him in the name of Liberty!"
Percy F. Marchant
(with many thanks to Prof.
Zander for all his help).
the seeming unwillingness of the super-powers to assist, this should prove a very interesting talk.
PARTY PARTY!
The meeting will be followed by an incredible WINE AND CHEESE PARTY!!!
THURSDAY 6
PUBLIC LECTURE:"The American Election and the Health of the American polity" by Prof H.C.Mansfield, Harvard University. New Theatre 5.30pm.
GRIMSHAW CLUB "Discussion on Arms Control and Disarmament" by John Weston, Foreign Office. Graham Wallas Room 6.30pm.(Limited space-if interested contact Gavin Heys through Grimshaw Club pigeon hole in I.R. Dept by Tues 4th).
CYPRIOT SOC - XMAS party. Live Cypriot and Greek music with traditional dancing. Greek food and wine will also be served. Tickets £3 in advance, £3.50 at the door. A45 7pm.
OVERSEAS STUDENTS SOCIETY Dancing on the Thames - a riverboat disco on the Swanage Queen from the Tower Bridge Pier 8-12pm.
FRIDAY 7
DRAMA SOC General meeting S017 1pm.
LSE CND meeting S017 1pm.
GAY SOC disco C018 8-llpm. Also evening of women performers featuring Ova, Sheila Smith & others.
Two LSE Christmas Cards are being sold in aid of the LSE 1980s Fund by the Economists' Bookshop, Clare Market and the Students' Union Shop, East Building. The message inside each reads "With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New
MONDAY 10
DANCE SOC Funky Dance C018 1pm £1.
TUESDAY 11 LUCY'S BIRTHDAY
BAHAI SOC Regular meeting S167 l-2pm.
LSE CHAPLAINCY The School Carol Service Shaw Library 5.30pm.
MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE SOC Disco at the Hippodrome. Tickets available from committee.
PAKISTAN SOCIETY
Benazir Bhutto, speaking on "Prospects for the Restoration of Democracy in Pakistan".
6-7.30pm in the Old Theatre, Main Building
WEDNESDAY 12
DANCE SOC Body Conditioning 2pm, Aerobics 3pm. New Gym.
Year". The cost of the card shown opposite is £1.25 for a packet of 5 cards with envelopes. The other card, plain white with the LSE crest in School colours, is £2.00 per packet of 5 cards.
LEGAL EAGLE.
This week, our Legal Eagle has been given the task of investigating your civil liberties as under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which has been recently ratified by Parliament. He shall be considering the powers of the police to stop and search in this article.
Ever since the onset of the grounds for suspecting to be
Police and Criminal Evidence Bill in Parliament, the Government has come under heavy criticism from various factions as to turning Britain into a Police State. In order to pacify some of its dissenters, both within and outside the Conservative Party, the Government reintroduced the bill in November 1983 with a few changes. In some quarters it is still felt to be an extension of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The GLC Police Committee Support Unit Discussion Paper No. 2 entitles it 'Policing by Coercion'.
As the Law stands .today, a constable may exercise his power to stop and search you or your vehicle in any place as long as 'it is not a dwelling'. Clause 1(2) states:
A constable may (A) search: Dany person or vehicle; 2)Anything which is in or on a vehicle for stolen or prohibited articles; and
(B)May detain a person or vehicle for the purpose of such a search.
ANGUISH
However, to placate us, lest we howl out our anguish at these questionable measures, this section is subject to the constable having reasonable grounds for suspecting that he will find stolen or prohibited articles. Everything hinges on the term 'reasonable'. Would these be reasonable grounds to a reasonable person, or to a constable considering the circumstances involved? Some may argue that this gives the Police considerable leeway in construing the situation when deciding upon the issue concerned. Which in turn brings into question the issue of prejudice within the police force. However, the draft code of practice lays down strict ground rules on this matter. Reasonable grounds of suspicion must be related to the individual concerned, and the officer must have the same 'reasonable grounds for suspicion' as required to make an arrest.
In the course of such a search if a constable discovers an article which he has reasonable
stolen or prohibited, he may seize it.
An article is prohibited for the purposes of this part of the Act if it is an offensive weapon (i.e. any article made or adapted for us for causing injury to persons or intended by the person having it with him or by some other person), "or an article made or adapted for use, in the course or in connection with him, for such use by him of causing injury to persons, or by some other person. Simply, what all that complicated legal jargon means is that a very wide series of articles can be construed as being offensive or prohibited.
"REASONABLE STEPS"
A constable who detains a person or a vehicle in the exercise of his powers of stop and search need not conduct a search if it appears subsequently to him that no search is required or that a search is impractible. This in theory is supposed to benefit the person stopped from having to undergo the trauma of the search process, if the constable on closer inspection thinks it not necessary. However, what may result in practice is the power to stop without searching in order to perhaps harass to a certain extent without having to keep a record. Records are only made/ kept for stop and seach incidents.
"Further it shall be his duty subject to when it is not practicable to take reasonable steps before he commences the search to bring to the attention of the appropriate person:
1)	if the constable is not in uniform, documentary evidence that he is a constable.
2)Whether	he is in uniform or not that the constable shall not commence the search until the person stopped is told
(A)The	constable's name, and the name of the police station to which he is attached.
(B)The	object of the proposed search.
(C)The	constable's grounds for proposing to make it and
(D)That	the appropriate person has a right to obtain a copy of the record (which a constable is
STUDENT UNION FINANCE
THE ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING WILL BE ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 6TH AT 1PM IN THE OLD THEATRE. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE A DIRECT INPUT INTO WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES - SO COME ALONG. COPIES OF THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AVAILABLE FROM ALL SU OFFICES, AS WELL AS COPIES OF LAST YEAR'S ACCOUNTS.
LSE INDIA SOCIETY EVENTS
WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER-
Christmas Party at London's latest Discotheque, "Shaftesbury's on the Avenue". Tickets £1, available from committee members and main foyer.
An Indian Arts exhibition presented by Mrs Anita Kapoor from Delhi.
WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER
A superb Indian film in the afternoon.
AIESEC-FUTURE EVENTS
3-6TH JANUARY- National Conference in Edinburgh (Any member may attend).
11-13TH JANUARY- Reception weekend in London.
ii^.—.
LSE CHRISTMAS CARDS
page 20
Beaver, 3 December 1984
BEAVER SPORT
HOUGHTON STREET HARRY
CHESS REPORT
I decided to contribute this offering in the hope that LSE's great and glorious achievement would not be lost in the mists of time. I am, of course, referring to the magnificent victory won over the chess-board in the Pugh Cup. LSE is once again the premier chess college in UL.
The proceedings got underway at 10.20 on a cold, miserable, wet, etc. Saturday at ULU, having survived several attempts to expel us as a result of yet another administrative cock-up. At first, things looked far from bright as two of the 2nd team, who had only been recruited the previous night, quickly lost. By the time the clock struck 6.00, however, LSE's name was once again on this most cherished cup (or would have been had it not been nicked). Three players largely contributed to this triumph, each with two victories out of two. Firstly Darren Lee, whose genius and flair proved too much for his opponents; secondly John Cooper, who had already won the UL Lightening Tourament, and whose carefree manner and attitude, as well as considerable skill, helped towards his two victories; and thirdly Tony Gould, whose positional prowess was conspicuous by its absence and so had to rely on two ingenious (if rather 'cheap') combinations. Three others should be singled out for praise: Tim Twentyman, nobley leading the 2nd team, who secured a win over a considerably stronger opponent with a last gasp piece of opportunism; H C Wolf, whose win in round two (for the 2nd team) ensured outright victory for the 1st team; and 'Alan' Khor, our non-playing captain, guru and mentor, who saw the team through to victory and perhaps most important of all, bought the drinks afterwards.
Later, as I was peering at my reflection in a glass of amber nectar, I asked myself what had been the point of wasting a whole Saturday staring at a rubber board and 32 bits of plastic with absolutely nothing (not even money) to show for it. So I resolved to write this report in order to win some recognition for this triumph and make it all worthwhile.
Anthony Gould
THE DANCE SOCIETY REPLIES
The Dance Society would like to invite Mr Peakall to participate in its classes and illuminate himself on the nature of its activities. As is clear from his ill-informed article in the last edition of Beaver, he has not even bothered to approach any of the Society's organisers for a clearer picture.
The Dance Society has been in existence at the LSE for nearly four years. One would have thought this to be a sufficient amount of time to dispel any misguided ideas about learning "outmoded social graces in the ballroom". The Society's name is not a mistake, and it has plenty to do with the Athletic Union. Having a membership of eighty, it provides a popular alternative means of exercise that is indeed "strenuous". Do not imagine that dancing "in the accepted use of the word", let alone fitness, is effortless.
Monday's class of one and a half hours is by no means secondary to the main event on Wednesday - afternoons, and v/as, in fact the original class offered by the Dance Society. It is taught by Evrol from the Pineapple Dance Studios and consists of warm-up, stretching exercises leading on to dance steps that are combined and performed in the form of a
routine. Evrol stresses precision and control, often the hardest things to achieve in exercising. There is certainly no taking of pulse rates as this is a feature unique to Aerobics.
By contrast, the emphasis of the Wednesday classes is on fitness. The first hour of Body Conditioning is a work-out on individual areas of the body aimed at strengthening muscles. It has little to do with yoga. The second hour of Aerobics is broken up into three sections of varied exercises that raise the pulse rate, maintain it and then lower it. Both classes are given by professional instructors, Carih and Vicky, from the Big Apple Health Studio, who are trained not to teach people how to "ponce around in tights" nor to engage in dangerous exercise. Their instructions are to be taken seriously and an-individual's physical limits are recognised. The advice to keep breathing throughout is not for those who "intend to stop", but a necessary reminder, particularly during stomach exercises.
Perhaps if Mr Peakall had gone to join the Dance Society in E65 and not A65, he might not have written such an unfortunate, glib and inaccurate article.
S Jones (President)
R Preston (Treasurer)
FOOTBALL
LSE V 6-0
ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL
In their pursuit of the League title, the LSE fifths claimed a further scalp - the victim this time being RFH. But this was not done without difficulty. In RFH, the LSE side found their most difficult opponents so far this season. It was a match played on a treacherous surface and under appalling conditions. Characterized by enough wild assaults, rugged challenges, fouls, misunderstandings, loose passes and general unpleasantness, it was surprising that the fixture produced 9 goals.
The LSE lads were leading 5-0 at one stage thanks to a glorious hat-rick by the lethal finisher, Francis Grant. The other two, one being an own
goal and another being a typical John Davey chip, injected much-needed confidence into what was a depressing side. In defence, David Burt did well to restore at least some order. In midfield, it was Nick Packer who sparkled after being recalled to the team. As the game progressed, confidence leaked and unwarranting panic led us to giving away 3 goals in the space of 15 minutes. One of which was a penalty after Kri-ton Metaxopoulous had recklessly handled for no apparent reason. The LSE sixth goal was scored by Jimmy Toh in the dying seconds of the game.
Jimmy Toh
HOCKEY REPORTS to io.ii.84:
LSE (I) 11 QMC (I) 0 London Cup
LSE's day out in the country proved to be quite refreshing with a convincing victory against QMC. LSE overwhelmed their .opponents in both halves of the game, with LSE defence hardly troubled.
Anne 'watch the stickwork' Kenton gave a strong captain's display with few goals; Shannon Ellsmore scored a hatrick, and the goalie nearly bagged a pheasant.
LSE(II) 2 Sussex l(UAU) LSE(H) 0 Kent (II) 4(UAU) LSE(I) 0 Kent (I) l(UAU) LSE(I) 4 Imperial (I)O(UAU)
LSE Women's Hockey gave an impressive display of teamwork in their third UAU match. LSE opened the scoring soon into the first half with a goal from Shannon 'Skirtless' Ellsmore. LSE built on this lead with other goals coming from Dunkleber-
ger (guess the nationality), Walsh and Kenton. Although LSE's chances of qualifying look slim, it certainly hasn't been for want of trying.
Julie Oldroyd Catherine Gilmartin
LSE 2nd XI 0 v Surrey University 5
Despite the impression given by the score, this was not a close match. Our secret team was so select that we only allowed 8 to play plus a goalkeeper who had never played hockey before. Our critics might call this a pre-requisite for the 2nd XI but they would be wrong; the only pre-requisite is an ability to push one's way through the crowd of rugger players to the front of the bar after a match. So if this is your forte or even if you enjoy playing hockey, we look forward to hearing from you in the near and desperate future.
Shireen Kanji
Burrough Hill Lad's emphatic victory in Newbury's Hennessy Gold Cup was doubly significant. He not only became the first horse fed on oats from North Farm, Fawley to win the race, but he also managed to produce an awe-inspiring performance. To win the Hennessy carrying twelve stone in weight is a feat which could only be likened to Sebastian Coe achieving Olympic victory with one leg. The absence of R ichdee , the only horse I informed you could possibly beat Burrough Hill Lad made his triumph inevitable; the bookmakers displayed enormous generosity and I was very happy. The Lad is perpetually improving and should now go on to make mincemeat of Wayward Lad in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. On the same day I feel obliged to put forward Ra Nova's case against Gaye Brief since most racing tipsters are obssessed with the latter (usually because it gives them a rare winner!). Richdee ought to win the SGB Handicap at Ascot at generous odds.
In Chepstow's Welsh Grand National, Righthand Man might at last justify my past eulogies and reach immortality; sadly. Lucky Vane could have other ideas.
Over the Christmas period, it might be wise to regularly invest in the below.
Koddy Armytage's Dargai could win if he finds a bad enough race to contest. Bunda-burg who has given Stuart Matthews one of the few winners in his training career, might give him another over hurdles. Rose Ravine can prove positively electric in soft going, while Fred Winter's Playboy should score on several occasions. The Man Himself, Sula Bula and the tough Basan Sunshine are not to be missed. Similarly, Cymbrandian and the potentially brilliant Clyde Court will not find many opponents capable of even stretching them. I wish you good luck, although with the above information you shouldn't need much.
BASKETBALL REPORT
LSE chilled in Brighton '
The LSE missed winning the AAU South-East Regional Bas-ketball Championship by seconds. But the team's third place finish secured it a spot in the ongoing college playoffs.
An underestimated Surrey team roared to a five point lead over the sleepy LSE squad in the first half of what amounted to the championship match. Despite hard driving by American guard Mark Bebe, the LSE could not catch up. Only with ten seconds on the clock did they tie the score at 43. But Surrey clinched its victory with a basket at the buzzer, and the LSE men took defeat into their final match.
There they stomped Imperial College 88-72. Brad Robins shined in his performance, coming off the banch to score at
will. In rapid sequence he hit two distant shots and a graceful layup to put the contest out of reach.
Now the team must regroup for Exeter, where the college championships will be held in January. The popular press agrees that Alec Campell and Mike Lewis were the weekend's disappointments. Campell, the American football player, roughed up referees and opponents alike in a flurry of fouls that kept him on the bench; Lewis seemed timid, but was easily replaced with Andy Gan-ner and Tom Sullivan. These two stellar itinerant players, along with high scorer Tom Gentilly, will smoot'h the road to Exeter for LSE.
John Maynard Jumpshot
THE VERY LAST LETTER!
MEA CULPA
Dear Editors,
I am writing to try and explain why I resigned from the SU Exec, and NUS delegation. In the Exec, elections last term, I tried to persuade one of the other Conservative candidates to stand down because I felt that he was doing nothing to help us get elected, and I went to as far as offering him money. At the time I didn't really consider what I was doing, and I gave the matter no further thought until the present time. At no time did I actually bribe anyone and I was elected to the Exec, fairly.
When the matter was brought up in TACT ,the true politician would probably have denied it. I could quite easily have done so, for no-one could have proved that I had offered any money.
and it would soon have been forgotten.
Why then, did I admit it and resign? I admitted it because I now recognize that what I had attempted to do was wrong, and that by denying it I would only be committing further wrong. If I had denied it I could have no self-respect. Resigning was a much harder decision to take, for I had been elected fairly and I believe that I have done a good job since being elected, but under the circumstances I think it was the best course of action.
Some good will come out of my mistake, for I've learnt from it and I shall now have more time to get a reasonable degree.
Yours with regret
George Elwyn