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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 25, No. 10. 1962.

From The Left

From The Left

Sir,—We are a number of independent students including some left-wingers who to protest at Mr Maxwell's column "View from the Left." Though we do not question Mr Maxwell's to have a column we most emphatically question his right to become the self-appointed spokesman of the left.

His odd compilation of gossip with unfounded and almost McCarthy-type assertion grossly maligns not only the left but any independents and radicals who consider there are bad defects in our societies alms and attitudes. It is a pity that Mr Maxwell does not follow his cynic's practice and introduce facts and figures into his writing. One would think that a student who has been hero on and oil since 19S1 would have a more mature approach and a greater [unclear: depict] of understanding of social and political problems and happenings. Parts of his column indeed are so nasty and small-minded as to nauseate any person who sets value on objective thinking and reasoned discussion.

To quote:

1. "Persistent rumour . . . that he (Governor-General) has bought cars at factory price with overseas funds and sold them al handsome profit."

The writer then suggests that the Government should take action to squash the rumour. Perhaps the best way would be to prosecute Mr Maxwell for publishing a criminal libel.

2. What a fine bouquet of left-handed compliments ho finds for Mr Hackett.

"Colourless uninspired and unprepossessing" . . . Neither has he (Mr Hackett not Mr Maxwell) impressed thorn (Parliament). The Deputy Leader also by Implication lacks ability and intelligence

Ono hopes that his party hierarchy will not take disciplinary action against Mr Maxwell for belittling the deputy loader of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Finally, the paragraph headed "Back Stabbing." This is more startling for the ignorance it reveals than for the information it imparts. The press reactions to Menses' and Marshall's visits and statements were at best tolerant and at worst irritated by the pair's interference and concern. At this stage it is likely that Mr Marshall can do anything more than the permanent officials are already doing In fact, it is a typical political gesture beloved of both parties, one that creates an Illusion that the government is being active and enterprising when it is mere sound and fury signifying nothing.

We cannot consider Mr Maxwell as of the "Left." It is not in talking about happenings that are far away and which we can only marginally effect but it is rather in the day to day problems of the University that we can truly see whether a person is "Led" or any kind of radical. Mr Maxwell has failed dismally here, for ho has not taken a radical line himself. But ho almost always supported in autocratic and right-wing Executive; its actions and policy.

We ask that the column be renamed so that Mr Maxwell is no longer able to suggest that he has the confidence of the Loft, or to masquerade as its spokesman.—Yours, etc.

G. V. Butterworth,

M. C Rowlands.

J. F. Turner.

D. S. Tossman,

Joseph Fliegner.

W. Dwyer.

On reply:—To paraphrase Harold Laski, we are all good leftists. Mr Dwyer in his own way, others in a leftist way.—Val Maxwell.'

Sir,—Much as I might desire the existence of a revolutionary situation "at this University at the moment," I have had sufficient experience of such occasions to appreciate that the possibility does not appear even a remote one. Although I can understand Mr Maxwell confusing revolutionary individuals with such a situation I cannot accept that he is entitled in any way to speak for the Left.

It is typical of the pseudo View from the Left" that the Communists should be represented as the extreme Left. My understanding of the Loft is a revolutionary, progressive movement battling for a new and better social order and having for its inspiration the much-abused, sadly betrayed principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

While it is true that the Communist Party has masqueraded under their auspices in its efforts to grasp power, It is oven more tragically apparent that, on be coming the government, the Party destroys Liberty for the individual, perverts Equality in the erection of a Now Class and substitutes a spy-infested ruthless police state for Fraternity.

Mr Maxwell's Ideology Is far from clear. But whether he speaks for the decayed Labour Party or the state capitalist Communist Party ho will still find himself in the same camp with the conservative and reactionary parties—those selfish, stupid and oppressive elements of the Right.—Yours etc.,

W. Dwyer

Sir,—I am pleased to see that Mr Dwyer has changed his mind as to whether or not a revolutionary situation exists at this university.

It is accepted practice to include the Communist Party in the pantheon of the Loft, although it has long forfeited this honour.

My political position should be clear to any intelligent reader of this column. Unless my wife has paid my subscription I am not a member of the "decayed Labour Party," neither am I a member of the "national capitalist Communist Party." The only political groups to which I belong are the Socialist Club and Socialist Forum.—Yours etc.

Val. Maxwell