The University should give reasonable rights to lunatics, as long as their lunacy springs from the free and unimpeded use of reason—which the University exists to aid—stated Dr. J. C. Beaglehole in an address to freshers recently.

He was speaking in the absence of the principal, Dr. Williams. Professor Bailey, vice-principal, had a few moments before introducing the deans of the arts, science, law and commerce. Afterwards, Mr. B. V. Galvin, president of the Students' Association, welcomed freshers to the College on behalf of the association. Mr. Galvin introduced members of the Association executive.

Dr. Beaglehole said that the University—students and staff—formed a community devoted to learning and thought; and that it lived through the young students that came to it. For that reason, he was glad to welcome them. He said that they would notice great differences between the schools and Colleges that they had left, and the University. They were now largely more responsible for themselves. This provides risks and excitement, which has made the College what it is.