Canterbury: Students Safe

Students who drank the White Swan dry in Christ-church will not face disciplinary action.

This is announced in a statement made by Mr. D. W. Bother way, president of the Canterbury University Students' Association, shortly after the incident.

"While we express our strong disapproval of the 'piggish actions' of a few of the students, we now find after a full investigation of the incident that the figures quoted were grossly inflated, perhaps by as much as 100 per cent," the statement says.

"The general public are also unaware that in the latter stages drinks were on the house," Mr. Botherway said.

"It is just another case where the actions of a few have marred the image of the 5000-strong student body," he claimed.

Canterbury students also criticised the attitude of the "Press".

"The emphasis given to an unauthorised drinking spree by a minority of students was unfair in comparison with that given to the worthwhile contributions of the students during the week," says another statement issued by the Canterbury Students' Association.

In reply the "Press" commented editorially:

"Notice was taken of the (drinking) episode only after three telephone calls from the participants ... If students choose to behave in a way that attracts public notice they can have no cause for complaint when notice is unfavourable. 'The Press' is always ready to help the students to draw attention to their graduation week activities because it believes that, on balance, the results of their appeals for charity are as substantial (as claimed) and that the 'stunts' are enjoyed by most citizens and disliked by few."