from a Northern Correspondent
The Oxford centre has produced its third pamphlet - "The Faceless Ones" by Harry Goode. This examines the effects of Oxford University and its colleges on the lives of the citizens. The issues involved, e.g. the existence of University nominees on the Council with the resulting interference in planning decisions, are mainly local democratic ones, but as far as possible these have been dealt with from a Socialist standpoint. Many of these issues have at various times been taken up by local bodies, but this is the first time they have been drawn together and documented in a detailed way. The author shows that one of the basic reasons for the anti-social behaviour of the colleges is their constant striving for autonomy vis-a-vis the central University authority. Pre-occupation with their sources of income has led them to develop into petty-capitalists. Behind their facade of dedication to higher learning and nineteenth century customs they are large scale landowners and shareholders. The University and Colleges pursue a policy of vicious anti-unionism and their employees are among the lowest paid in Oxford. The author contrasts this with a detailed breakdown of the salaries and other perks received by the academic staff. The college fellows (including the "progressive" dons) are the direct beneficiaries of much of the surplus appropriated by the colleges from their landlord and business activities. As in Athens of old, democracy and the delights of high culture are the prerogative of the few while towards the needs of Oxford's citizens there is indifference. This pamphlet is in fact complementary to Oxford CSE's earlier one on B.M.C. The city is tom between these two giants:- on the one hand BMC which regards the city as the barracks for its wage slaves, on the other the University and Colleges which seek to m:intain their old feudal dominion over the city. The affairs of the University are shrouded in obscurity, and "The Faceless Ones" does no more than examine the tip of the iceberg. The Oxford centre hopes it may act as a stimulus to further research or even perhaps as a spur for action. Copies can be obtained for 10d. including postage from the author at 24 Stockmore Street, Oxford.