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Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Students' Newspaper. Volume 31, Number 18. July 30, 1968

One of many

One of many

Sir—I trust that this is only one of many leters disagreeing with Mr P. Kelly's views on our overseas students here and I hope that other "serious-minded white students" were shocked to read these views (whose sincerity I cannot unfortunately doubt) as I was. To those overseas students who have sent Mr Kelly's letter home, suggest that you cut out the whole page and see it within this context. If you are now unsure of yourselves and wary of your fellow-students, please be tolerant and remember that this is only one student's views. It was enlightening to find, having spoken to him, that Mr Kelly does not, in fact, despite his 3½ years at University, know any overseas student personally and seemed genuinely unaware both of their situation and problems and of the effect his letter would have.

It is a great pity that there is not more open support and encouragement both on a governmental and individual level for more extensive inclusion and integration of all races in New Zealand especially in our Universities. Perhaps Mr Kelly's letter will shame us out of our own relative 'apathy' in accepting and including our overseas students in University life and may act as a catalyst for open declaration of support and desire for the racial integration which we too readily assume exists.

It would be contrary to the personal freedom and the spirit of internationalism for which education attains, if this issue became a personal and bitter feud between Mr Kelly and overseas students for we are all involved and concerned here.

Yours etc.,

Helen M. Ross.