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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University of Wellington Students Assn. Volume 40, No. 16. July 11 1977

Letters

page 14

Letters

Letters

Beckford replies

Dear David

In the June 13 issue, L. Jenkins raised several points concerning a question that I asked of Russell Marshall at a recent forum on Bursaries, concerning students teachers allowances.

Unfortunately I think that L. Jenkins has got the wrong end of the stick about the question. The implication in his/her letter is that I would like to have seen the allowances of the student teachers cut so that university students could get an increase in bursaries. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The point of the question was to find out whether the Labour Party still bad any ideas of cutting student teacher allowances as they attempted to do under 'Filthy' Phil Amos. L. Jenkins will remember that the Labour Government saw the placing of student teachers on the STB or at least drastically reducing their allowances as a means of being able to give university and technical institute students an increase without having to pay out any more from the kitty (in fact they would have made money on the deal.) This idea was hastily dropped when there was united opposition from both university and training college students. VUWSA at the time expressed its full support for the students teachers and has remained consistent to that policy.

Hopefully this will clarify the point and L. Jenkins along with other members of this association will support the continued campaign for higher bursaries free from iniquitous anomolies, but not at the expense of the wages and conditions of college students.

Forever yours,

Gyles Beckford.

I WOULD HAVE WON, BUT I GOT OFF TO A BAD FINISH!

A few Hometruths for Social-democrats

Dear Sir

Mr Rowling, in a speech reported in the Evening Post (Saturday 2 July) was quoted as saying our Social Welfare and Taxation systems are responsible for keeping many retired people from working in their twilight years and thereby depriving the country of a valuable resource which it can little afford.

You despicable man you. Bill Rowling, where is the Labour Party of old with its means-tested benefits and redistribution of wealth policies which primarily discriminated against people of lower and middle income brackets and kept them from working in retirement.

Somehow no doubt due to the now social-democratic notion destiny of the Party our Bill forgot to mention this aspect of the past policies.

Yours

Rabid Fascist

WARNING : THE SURGEON GENERAL HAS DETERMIND THAT LIVING IS DENGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH.

Dear Editor

To overseas students from SE Asia, most of you will be more of Engineers or Accountants. Engineers are supposed to be better planners scientifically and Accountants in terms of economy

Recently, Japanese-based six billion dollars petrol-chemical industry is going to be developed in the Island of Singapore. The PM, Lee Kuan Yew will be soon signing the deal, in the name of Singapore's economic prosperity and advancement. But one must not forget the consequences that will result out of it in terms of pollution in Air, Water, Sea foods, etc. (which the people in Singapore breathe drink and eat everyday). The pollution created out of such petrol chemical plant is a slow murderous one with symptoms appearing only after a generation, deformed features in parts of the hyman body is a common one. (Although some Singaporean Chemical Engineers to be might desregard this factor because there will be a chance for the field they studied). The price will be too high for the Singaporeans to pay even some may think they are the cream of their country, it will also be too late when they finally find out the murderous symptoms of the disease caused by this pollutant. Have you heard of the Japanese Minamata disease?

Since Japan has become so polluted, the Japanese people can tolerate it no more, it was forced to move its polluting industries to South-East Asia especially Singapore with excellent port facilities and pool of cheap labour. In order not to let those countries learn the technical 'Know-how', the products are usually semi-finished and it is the most polluting part during it's production process. The cleaner part of the job will be done back in Japan to provide the Japanese with employment.

South-East Asians, especially Singaporeans, private or Columbo Plan Scholars, I hope you will share with the Japanese people the following poem written by a sixteen year old third form student after he left his village to study in the city of Kawasaki. Here this Japanese friend, Shinichiro Hogtsu wrote the following poem.

'Japan With No Pollution Hurry up and Come'

I came to Kawasaki a year ago.
Before I lived in Shizuoka.
In Shizuoka the air was clean and I didn't see any pollution.
I knew about pollution reported in newspapers and Television.
But I didn't know it was this fearful.
Because of this pollution my throat hurts and sored.
And caused my headache.
Even people are dying.
And I realised how this pollution is really fearful.
I even think of ways to get rid of pollution.
The first idea was to put all the smoke in a big balloon.
And send it off into the space.
But that idea wouldn't work because some day.
The balloon will burst.
The next idea was to place a long extension on the chimneys.
But this is too expensive it seems.
Please, I wish those who are not sick from pollution.
Would be able to understand those who are sick.
The sooner the day comes that Japan is freed from pollution.
The nicer it will be everyone.
I wish that I could play with the fish and the shells,
like my parents did in the clean clear water when they were young.

written in 1972.

Hope you all students can play your part to help prevent this tragedy from happening in your countries. Think about your further generation. Please be warned by the Japanese example and learn not to fall into the same tragic days at least for your future generations!

With concern,

Yours Sincerely

Suaran'n Ra'at (Auck.)

Cartoon of a Clown

This letter could be a forgery

Dear Sir

Having received rebuke for your admirable but ill conceived plan to stimulate debate by using forged letters from unsuspecting innocent writers (yes I'm referring to the forged Mulrennan letter). I wish Salient would stop continuing this practice.

As President of the Victoria House Students Committee it has come to my attention that two letters in the last edition attributed to Bruce Parkin and David Shilton are also forgerieses. These two students who suffer much abuse for their political sympathies are residents at Vic House and I have been advised by them that they know the authors of these letters and know their motives are, a rather underhand plot, to discredit their political persuasion.

Salient should take greater care in establishing the authenticity of its letters least you destroy your own credibility as well.

Yours

Peter Callinuos

(President)

Dear David

I just wish to point out to the same few fools forever criticising MSA, to get their information right before doing what they do. The decision to boycott the ISC was made by the members, as part of their democratic right. The committee's intention, to my knowledge, had been the contrary, in view of this. I think these critics have done that Association a great wrong (can I expect anything less of these lunatics?).

I agree with 'Do-gooder'. I think you should put a time limit on any discussions. You should close it when it is past history or become repetitive and boring. Otherwise I may get the idea you are tied in with their vindictive campaign from their 'free-ride'.

I don't want to keep the letter too long. There are too many of these inconsiderate ones already. Thank you for your space.

MSA member.

PS. I am disappointed with 'an Ex-OCF er'. Never expect him to use an 'evaluation' as a pretext to boost his Association and downgrade others.

Dear Editor

As a first year student I am indeed pissed off by the rumours and 'political' propanganda I am subjected to. So I have been told by a group of students saying that the functions of WMSSA is a political thing and that I ought to avoid them. The trouble is that I find it very enjoyable and also I find warmth arid friendliness from the people in it.

Sometimes I find that I am capable of judging for myself but with the constant barrage of 'news' from this particular group I find that I am wavering. Please do not subject me to these propaganda because I think I want a chance to judge for myself. Okay?

Yours Truly

Fresh Student.

Two woman chasing a man and beating him with canes

Women's Rights — What Women's Rights?

Dear David

At last a real man speaks up on what la so obvious.

It is most refreshing to read something in Salient so close to a man's heart instead of thet rubbish one normally associates with Student Papers, I am refering of course to the letter in the June 5 issue of Salient from the President of VUW Mens Liberation Group.

Man has been the Dominant species for centuries and women have never had the freedom of choice so I see no reason why it should start now! I can only reiterate his statements concerning women and as for now the question of abortion should be solved I suggest an alternative: have a National Referendum on abortion, the only ones taking part being men. Once and for all this would decide the question. One last word, why has the VUW Mens Liberation Group been so slow in coming forward? I suggest that 20% of student funds should go to this exception group at once to help prevent the spread of any more subversive ideas that women are equals!

Audiophile

Dear Ed

Referring to letter appearing in June 5 edition of Salient I was wondering whether you could clarify a few points for me.

The letter signed by the VUW Mens Liberation group is one of the very few letters I have read this year that makes some very sound points. I personally am sick to the back teeth of hearing about women's rights and I am glad that at long last some one has stood up for the rights of men.

What I would like to know Sir, is whether such a group as the Mens Loberation Group does exist on campus? and if not, do you feel with the large amount of clubs representing women (eg. WONAAC 8 WCC etc.) it is about time the male students banned together to stick up for their diminishing rights, while we still have them as I feel soon it will be too late.

Yours faithfully

Concerned.

A Rationalist on Asia, and Christianity

Dear Sir

In Salient (June 13) a few letters criticised 'Just an Asian' and 'Majid' because they suggested some Asian governments encouraged Christianity as part of a policy of repression. 'Just an Asian' and Majid' are correct but they could have added that Christianity has always justified the class nature of society and has promoted sexism.

The Christians have glorified the employer/ worker relationship as a model of man's relationship to God (Mark 13:34. Matt. 18:23, 25:14, Luke 12:42, 17:7) and Paul justifies it in 1 Tim, 6:1 when he says 'Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed". The bible also says "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle but also to the forward. For this is thankworthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. (1 Peter 2:18, 19) and there are other texts on a similar vein.

Scriptural references to women led theologians to debate whether women are human beings at all. For example, this subject was debated at a meeting organised by Luther at Wittenberg in 1591. Luther was the Christian who coined the laying ' A woman's place is in the home'. According to Paul the hierachy of creation from the highest to the lowest is God, man, woman, (1 Cor 11:3) and he says "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence". (1 Tim 2:11). A similar attitude is expressed in 1 Cor 11:5,7,9 and 14: 34,35 and Tit 2:4.

The above texts can be found in recent editions of the bible which means they are still part of Christian doctrine otherwise they would have been 'reinterpreted'. I have used only the Bible as a source of Christian 'teaching' because in one of the letters which criticise 'Just an Asian' and Majid' it says 'The teaching of Christianity comes from the Bible — anything else that is taught in the name of Christianity is not truly Christian teaching and should not be recognised as such".

Yours etc.

G. Herrington.

PS. If you believe religion is only superstition join the NZ Rationalist Association. 64 Sumonds St.

Auckland 1.

A Chippie Snaps Back

Dear David

The other day I went down to the Cafe for a bag of chips. After a long queue, my turn came. As usual, I said, "Chips, please". The lady filled up a bag, and to my surprise she said I was not to be served for not saying "Please" to her! She than put it down. Followed, I was fired and felt rather embarrassed. What the shit is this? The new system introduced by the management or just looking for an outlet for the frustration? If this lovely word is so important to the staff there, then why not have the fucking radio turned off so that they can bear it? or if they have hearing problem and yet so fussy, then I would suggest they get the hearing aid ready, or if not, I would suggest they pay full attention to the customers when they are talking or else there is no guarantee that they will hear it. Do you expect us to shout out loudly just to ensure that you actually receive such a lovely word?

Yours faithfully

Pissed off please.

NOW LISTEN YA LITTLE FREAK!

Don't waste your Time reading this letter

Dear Sir

I consider writing letters to the Editor a complete waste of time and just to prove this I'm going to write a letter to the Editor and waste my time, his time and everyone who reads this letters' time.

First of all to write such a letter one must have Patience, Intelligence and a Lot of Time to Spare. The first is very rare, especially amongst students, the second well.................. and the third hmm......better not incriminate myself. An important point to make when writing a waste of time letter such as this is, NOT to waste any time writing it. If you do this the letter is too compact and therefore a complete waste of time, which is after all what we are aiming for.

Another very important point to make in writing wasting time letters is this: That every non-intelligable, illogical and thoroughly frustrating point you make in reference to wasting time is in fact a valuable waste of time. There we go — wasting time again!

Well I can't sit round here all day and have you waste my time so P.O.

Yours sincerely.

Well it's a waste of time writing my name so I won't!

page 15

A Message to all who drive past Kelburn School

Dear Mr Editor

We would like to use the columns of Salient to make a plea to both students and staff at the university to take extra care at the pedestrian crossing on Upland Road next to Kelburn School.

A patrol of senior children operates the crossing during peak hours in the morning, and we are worried about the density of traffic and possible danger to the children using the patrol.

Could we ask students and staff to take extra care at the crossing, to slow down well before the patrol signs are reached and to assist the children generally in their difficult task. We feel much of the traffic in the morning is bound for the university and we would like to enlist your help in reducing the danger to the children.

Thank you on behalf of parents and children at Kelburn School.

Yours sincerely

Geoff Walker

Secretary Kelburn Normal School Association

Sports Officer for the Chop?

Dear Editor,

Who does Peter Thrush think he is kidding? His pitiful performance as Sports Officer deserves only one acolade — a steel-capped boot in his lower abdomenal regions. For those who read his manifesto last year these remarks might seem a bit strong as — praise be to God — he only promised one little promise and there's still 5 months of the year left.

The last Council meeting showed how far Thrush's devotion to duty goes. Actually he was reported to have gone to Nelson on holiday while Council made crucial decisions on the restriction of numbers of law students (some of the best sportsmen and women on Campus). Thrush's vote (as the 2nd student rep) would have tied the substantive motion but unfortunately Council was unwilling to send a scrutineer to sunny Nelson to find out which way Peter wanted to vote. Thrush has been unreliable in his attendance as a Council rep. and has voted strangely when he has been present. He is making a mockery of the student representation system.

But, to be fair, — Thrush has worked hard on somethings. Its just that be hasn't done them very well. Anyone who went ot Easter tournament will tell you what a fiasco that was and that the whole thing would have fallen apart if Thrush's fiancee hadn't done all his thinking for him.

Last year criticism of Peter hit Salient from people deeply involved in sports — Thrush failed to reply. He offered no excuses for the fuckup on ticket refunds for last Easter tournament. He was eventually censured by Sports Committee. If in last years elections he'd been opposed by a hot-dog from the downstairs cafe (without mustard) he would have lost by a margin that would make the Labour Party blush. As it was, Thrush's no-confidence vote set a new Vic. record at nearly 600 votes.

This incompetent has had the cheek to try and get his Exec. honoraria increased by 50% to $450 and yet do less work than Kevin Wright did. He's done nothing for general student activities and opposed virtually every major campaign the association has become involved in. Why some disillusioned member of the 303 Rifles club hasn't shot the bugger yet I don't know. Actually the Karate club says they'll be turning up to SRC this week to vote no-confidence in him and if that fails they'll sand which him between two roofing states and administer remedial treatment to the strains of 'Kung Fu fighting'.

Yours toughening-my-hands-in-rice.

Sporting Sam

Man wearing a santa hat sitting on a beach chair drinking a soda

Facing realities.

Ddar Editor,

Oh, Holy Jesus ! So at long last a reply to 'Boiling Red' alias 'Overseas Students Reporter' (?). Before I proceed to put your mind at serene ease for your coming redemption.... let me say that 'Boiling Red' isn't the Overseas Students Reporter nor the one who directed the attack against Christianity.

Since you have lumped all the people together who have attacked people of your kind, then obviously it is possible to lump you as one of MSA's committee members or its leader (?).

Obviously you still haven't found it ripe to offer anything to the students other than waiting for your deliverance (?) Perhaps(?). I believe in Christianity only if it is not mused as a tool for suppressions and oppression of progressive Ideas and thoughts.

Your kind of mentality is like Ah Q finding it hard to face the realities of the world and society and going around and imagining you have won a psychological victory. Naughty, naughty boy, you must learn to face the realities of the world.

Yours etc.

'Boiling Red'

Dear Editor,

The VUW Young Socialist, held a seminar at Victoria on July 2. The seminar, entitled "Maoism and Trotskyism", was an attempt to look in detail at the political reasons that underly the anti-trot hysteria in Salient, and elsewhere among the folowers of Chairman Mao's thought.

The seminar was planned from the first to be an open and fair debate.' But on the day not one supporter of Maoism turned up. Nevertheless, the response was very encouraging. About thirty people attended, and the discussion was generally lovely.

The Young Socialists plan to repeat the topics that were discussed at the seminar, during lunchtimes when it is easier for studets to attend. The next one will be on Thursday July 14 on China Today: the Purge of the 'Gang of Four'; following that will be on July 19 the topic being Maoism and Women's Liberation, and on July 26 we will present Maoism and Democratic Rights.

This letter then is in the nature of a challenge: a challenge to those who support the policies of Maoism. We believe that they should be prepared to debate the issues that are of concern to many students. But the Maoists including David Murray, Lindy Cassidy. Leonie Morris and Bruce Robinson, refused to take part in the seminar. We are presenting them with another another opportunity to present their point of view a view. After all this year they have mounted a steady campaign against the trots particularly in Salient. It is their responsibility to come out and explain openly their reasons for such a campaig. If [unclear: then] do not the Maoists are admitting that the only sort of discussion that they want is one overwhelmingly weighted in their favour.

The Young Socialists would encourage anyone who is interested in this discussion to get in touch with, members of the Young Socialists.

Yours faithfully,

J. Doorey

and

J. Robb.

ORBITING EARTHMEN ARE REAL!

Dear Editor,

May I refer to your last issue (no. 15) in which an attack was directed against WMSSA. After being in Wellington for three years I find that this is the first time I have needed to write a letter to Salient. This is particularly necessary because I feel that WMSSA is unjustifiably attacked. Having been disillusioned by all the stale politics a that have gone on for the past two years I have suddenly found a body that is capable and willing to serve the interests of the students. This can be seen by the recent success of the ISC, the many get-togethers, [unclear: pic nics] which they have organised to promote friendship, film shows, games at the gym, and also their Involvement in the cut-back issue.

At least they realised that they must look after our interests and that we are not a group of overseas students to be kicked around like a football ! Without a representative, this will give the present government added confidence to push us around like nobody's business.

As to them being manipulated by VUWSA and NZUSA I guess that there is quite a bit of nastiness in it. Perhaps the writer can offer us conclusive proof? From what I see the writer has misused the space that the Editor of Salient has kindly offered him. I guess that Malaysians shouts not attack each other but work together.

Yours ever,

Pak Long

There's a spot under the 4th bench along in Pigeon Park which has nothing to do with this letter, but I wish someone would clean it up.

Dear Whom-so-ever so this shall concern, if you're not interested Mumsy has promised me she will read this. She also said if you don't put my letter in your paper she'll be very cross with you!

Anyway I would like to say how much I enjoy reading Salient, it is the highlight of my week. The dynamic way you and your staff keep coming up with daringly bold witty articles which really reflect how light-hearted and good humoured student life can be never ceases to amaze me as I study my accountancy.

Oh dear! I've forgotten what I was going to.....

Love,

Martin Manley.

Where is the proof?

Dear Editor

First of all I must clarify that I am NOT an MSSA NOR an MSA member. Or else, I will be given an MSSA hat by you as you had done to others in your letter to Salient of last issue.

Next, as a person who does analysing and proving the validity of the statements made. I have some questions to ask you in relation to your letter:
1.On what basis did you come to the conclusion that 'WMSSA is using Salient as a means to achieve its ends of trying to woo support from Malaysian and Singaporean students by attacking WMSA'?
2.Concerning the last point of the first question, where are the facts and evidences that indicate WMSA?
3.What concrete proof have you got to say that 'WMSSA Is being treated like puppets by VUWSA and NZUSA'?
4.How do you define the word 'puppet' and the phrase' one being a puppet of another'?

Waiting to be answered.

PS. If you have no concrete evidence for you various smears and defamatory statements to WMSSA. VUWSA and NZUSA, i would say you, Slex Chen, owe an open apology to these three organisation.

Dear Dave

In the last issue of Suara Siswa, and on other occasions, MSA has claimed that VUWSA and NZUSA are Interfering with the Malaysian organisation (probably MSSA). Alex and MSA elaborate on this by giving us facts?

I attended a few MSSA gatherings but could not find a trace of this. I understand MSA had mistaken the ISC as a Malaysian conference. It is saying VUWSA should not be there, interfering. But ISC stands for 'INTERNATIONAL Students Congress' which the Kiwi has a part. Besides, VUW was playing host for this around the bush.

Yours sincerely.

Clear the Bush.

the adventures FAT FREDDY'S CAT IT'S EASY ENOUGH TO HIDE UNDER THIS HUGE PILE OF JUNK! .... EXPECT A "SANDBOX FAT FREDDY DOESN'T KNOW I'M A STOWAWAY IN THE BACK OF THE VAN! IT HAS ALL THE COMPORTS OF HOME.. BOY, IS FAT FREDDY GONNA BE SURPRISED WHEN HE CRAWLS INTO HIS BEDROLL!

Dear David

A few comments on the philosophy of 'goodness' [unclear: agaimst] a background of 3' x 6' windowless cells in Batu Gajah through godzone to Muldoon land.

Materialists view matters in constant motion. Nothing is absolute, the good has to be contrasted with the bad and the ugly. If the bad and the ugly do not exist, the term good will become uncomprehensively abstract, if it could even be found in our lexicons.

Do-Gooder wrote to Salient last week asking good soul searching questions with good intentions, it is indeed a very healthy and encouraging sign to know that some overseas students are beginning to see further than the dusty Rankine Brown windows permit. Our role as overseas students and our obligations to society are of fundamental concern to every student. However, I would rather confine this letter to comment on few points raised by do-gooder.

It is important to have a principled stand on all issues. I take do-gooder's point in that there had been repetitions of criticisms on the Hawker's sketch put up by MSA. Repetition can be boring, but unfortunately what do-gooder failed to see is the essence of this issue. He is confused and has contradicted himself as to his view on the sketch. On the one hand he said was wrong and inhumane and on the other he said it should be permitted. The issue is for more serious than a minor 'underestimation' on the part of the MSA committee.

Despite the mass of criticisms, the MSA committee has stubbornly refused to apoligise at any stage. Hence, one can conclude the Hawker sketch was a deliberate planned attempt to riducule and mock the unfortunate hawkers in Malaysia. To distort realities and propagate degenerate culture. MSA (who claimed to represent 300-400 Malaysian students in Wellington) is clearly aiming to meslead both the overseas students and the NZ public at large. Such a scheme is not to the best interest of overseas students here. Hence, "all the fuss" and there is no way you can "leave her alone".

page 16

Concerning the Residents of Weir House.

Dear Sir

Firstly, I wish to express my deepest regret that his brain hurts, and to propose a provisional diagnosis ie. His one brain cell is probably lonely.

Secondly, although I agree with his statements concerning the 'Chinder-coated hallways (although most of us endeavour to reach at least a lavatory lid or a clogged handbasin) and the 'Cistern in the Sky". I think it necessary to elucidate on some of his alluded 'facts'. Namely,

1.)The proportion of wankers, cretins and perverts residing in Weir House is decidely less than in any other hostel, like for instance, or specifically, Victoria House.
2.)With regard to the Mental Health Act 1969, forthcoming, nor nave the two (2) required medical examinations been enacted. Also, the Mental Health Amendment Act 1972 forms an integral component of the issue, in that certain members of the Police Force are of the opinion that the adoption of the procedure described in Section 35, Subsection (2) would expose them to hardhsip and danger.
3.)'Nominal years at this crystal University' indicates Mr Condom's apathy, if no more, due to the definition of nominal being: 'existing in name only'.
4.)Judging from the female visotirs to Weir House, and what I have seen, syphillis and cauliflower ears are non-existent in the House, and as the previous correspondent obviously does not or cannot 'hold his beer', he has no right to insult on the basis of glandular or beer - produced abnormalities of the abdomen.
5.)As for the comment about crashing parties, bible classes and orgies, the residents are such charming, courteous young men that they get invited to every party, their Christian upbringings are conducive to a desire to join a bible class, and you cannot hold a real orgy unless you have a Weir House man present to demonstrate the correct [unclear: procdural] format.
6.)The 'Vivian Street Brothel' smell referred to is purely and simply the natural misk of exuding sunsuality.

Finally, after noticing Mr Condom's decidedly right-wing extremist, pyromaniacal, anti-abortionist and Oedipal tendencies, together with his over-developed ego (qv 'Literary Masterpiece'), I would recommend that he voluntarily commit himself under the Mental Health Act 1969, before he is forced to plead insanity when the inevitable civil suit of slander is directed to the judicial system.

Yours respectfully

TSM (Weir House)

Cat sleeping on the floor

Back-street Abortionist Right up Weir House

Dear Dave

As a respected and well established back-street abortionist may I just say that the Weir House boys are the best behaved, most witty, charming, polite, friendly and Christian bunch you could hope to meet.

Yours Faithfully

Non Weir House Back-street Abortionist.

Dear Dave

I would just like to reply to B. Condom. MBH's letter in a recent Salient. In my opinion Weir House residents are the best behaved, most witty, charming polite, friendly and Christian bunch of boys I have had the pleasure to meet.

Yours faithfully,

Non Weir House [unclear: Resident.]

Dear Dave

As a priest of long serving I would like to uphold the honour of Weir House residents. I've had a long association with the youth of NZ and I must say I have never met a more well behaved, witty, charming, polite, friendly and Christian bunch of boys.

Yours faithfully,

Non Weir House Priest.

A Letter from Our Norwegian Correspondent

Dear Editor

Well its night time here in the North Sea, the day, for what it has been worth, has ended and I'm pissed off because the video film I have already seen and the movie: — Major Dundees Revenge; a load of Cowboy crappola about Apache bunting in the middle of the American Civil War on the Texan Border is just a pain in the butt, still all the good ol' boys from orange Texas will probably get off on it, so all is not that bad, then again they wouldn't know shit from shinola!

So here i am sitting in my room with Little Feat's 'Time Loves a Hero' playing on my fartbox of a tape recorder and suffering from a healthy dose of the flu. One is not far off the track when he guesses that is a good enough reason to write a lot of spiel to the old University mag.

It has just come to my attention that our learned I'M in all his learned wisdom has seen fit to declare that President Carter is just a Peanut Farmer whose completely right sense of diplomatic openess is worrying his allies! We'll what the hell do we expect from a semi-illiterate Chartered Accountant, (very dull job that! I urge you all to join the league to fight Chartered Accountancy!! Dull, dull, dull!) God knows, I search in vain, for a reason for Piggy's outburst but it beats me; need it be said that Carter is a man of vision who not only has a duty but a right to speak up for the world's oppressed as leader of the world's most powerful democracy It only needs to be said that Carters words forced Gromiko to say more in eight minutes about Russian Foreign policy than the Russian people have heard in 20 years! Still Muldoon must go along with Russian logic — "don't interfere with our internal affairs, it's OK if we interfere with yours in the name of the Communist International but you can't interfere in ours! "Rob go fry your head — or roll a joint or something — but for gawds sake when you speak — speak about something, speak about something you know! H'mm come to think of it that limits him somewhat doesn't it? Well having got that off my chest I gotta say that I wish you all the best in Mid-Terms and to those of you who haven't got them then I suggest you all go out, and get horribly pissed or something!

EEYOW! OH! SCUSE ME, PUSSY! STOMP

London was really a knock-out, but the aura, as well as being magical, was heavy there. One sensed all the time that because they are economically up shits creek without a paddle that the next Facist-ethnic purity convention was just around the corner. The local elections just passed saw a rise in voles and seats for the National Front — whose leader John Kendall has been quoted as saying that 'Mein Kampf' is his Bible. The mad scramble to the right has begun and Tony Parsons says in NME that the only saviour is North Sea Oil and a return to Economic Security. Well I'm doing my bit to stem the Facist tide, let it be known! Unfortunately the whole thing is reflected in the resurgence of London's cult groups; the 'Teds' are on the surge again and the Punks make Kings Road, Chelsea their Saturday domain — they are the biggest bunch of racists I have had the misfortune to come across. Johnny Rotter and the Sex Pistols are the badge carriers of this odious 'New Wave. and their latest album sports such [unclear: noble] titles as 'Anarchy in the UK!' and 'Vacant' which about sums up their mental state of mind!

What really hits it home to you is a visit to the Nashville Rooms or the Greyhound in Fulham, two great Rock Pubs who offer different bands [unclear: eacl] and every night. For the price of a pint one can see real talent and the shocking thing is that they are never going to become known because at the moment Anal Entrance and the Puke Buckets are hogging the limelight! It's a sad commentry on the state of mans direction. The only really good 'news wave' band, and believe me they are worth a listen, is Television; and they hail form New York!

FEET! MILLIONS OF FEET!

Still there is the Tate gallery with it's magnificent collection of Modern, Rennaissance, and landscapes. London has a myriad of things to see and do — the history and the tourist an still there — and one could never get bored; Chelsea and QPR are playing exhilerating football and the concern and stage shoes are a-plenty But the Political direction sucks!

Still the whole point of this letter was and still is, to tell those well known campus personalities Harding, Seton, and Coogee — Tutz, to get off their collective tushes and write. Be warned! If you don't Dild will sexually molest you with a cucumber! OK? Get moving!

Well I guess that's all.

Love and Kisses,

J. Paul Getfart.

PS. I hope the Lions get thrashed — never have I heard such a cocky bunch!

Two Lined Struggle in Apathy

Dear Sir

This is the first letter I/we/they have written to Salient this year. As President, Director and Board of Governors of the Kelburn Apathy Political Party, I feel that our voice should be heard in the current struggle for publicity by the Thorndon Apathy League and the Lapp Goch Apathy League.

I would like to affirm our apathy to everything and state that we take absolutely no notice of what is written in Salient, Pravda, or 'Censored Salient'. We take no responsibility while labouring under our natural imbecility or disease of the mind to such an extent as to render us incapable of understanding the nature and quantity of our acts and/or omissions or letters to Salient. Again, and I repeat it, for the second time, as I said before, thereupon repeating myself, our pet dog/camel Fido did not connive in the riling of this litter.

Yours faithfully,

Sincerely yours,

On our behalf,

Professor H.C.L. Acid,

Dean of the Kelburn Alchemists Club,Refounder of the While Sports Coat and PinkCarnation Society also Sub-Vice Pro Chairman of the KelburnApathy Political Party.

PS. This letter did not originate from 2 Gladstone Terrace.

I'LL BE TRAMPLED TO DEATH!

Dear David

I have recently been aware of various letters within the Salient columns from supposed ascendents of apathy, especially (and chiefly) those concerning the Thorndon apathy League. I am a 3rd year student completing a degree in Sociology — for which I am studying the structure of local philosophical organisations [unclear: hence] my anciety over the VUW apathy situation. After weeks of analysis and study it has become clear to me (and it is my pleasure and to my satisfaction to inform you), that every so-called letter since the beginning of the month before last has been a hoax! It is certain to me that; Richard (Dick) Walker (whose letter appeared in Salient May 16) is nothing and is not the newly elected member of the League, that Sir Timothy Belacquath-whoever is an Irish Git! and that the once honoured among apathetes — Cyril Bumtrinket is most probably a schitzophremic and has definitely turned into a purile little excuse for what Johny R. and Fred S. display themseoves to be marvelously.

Locally, the Thorndon apathy League is the only true League of Apathy — being brought together purely by disinterest in doing so, (or for that matter anything else). The last Genuine letter from TAL appeared in Salient at the beginning of the year, it announced the departure of the Vice-president, Neville H Toad, for greener pastures and it also hinted at the dissolution of the League, it was submitted by J Sawnoff (one of the original members).

However, having become severely bored by the situation of the League Mr Toad has temporarily [unclear: refoined] the League in an attempt to reorganise their procrastinative efforts. Welcome home Mr Toad. So [unclear: hepefully] we will be seeing the reappearance of the genuine Thorndon Apathy League in the near future.

Yours Truly.

Julie Bewly

Non-apathist.

Sky diver has ripping wheeze

Dear Chap

Just a word to tell you how absolutely spiffing your paper is when it comes to dart making.

Me (sorry). I and my fallow compatriots have found that Salient is absolutely wizard for breaking up the boredom from many lectures.

The sight of a few beautifully shaped aerofoils gliding majestically across a lecture theatre soon has everyone wide awake and poised with baited breath for any more that may follow.

Sure enough, it is not long before more people join in, and the air is soon ablate with swooping, diving aircraft.

So, Dave old boy, do not feel downhearted if some commie says your paper is rubbish, buck up with the sure knowledge that the 'old gang' eagerly await each new issue.

Yours forever;

Wing Commander Nigel (Nancy) Barnaby (Mrs) DSO, OBE, BSc (tailed).

PS. For those methematically minded it has been proven that: The boringness of the lecturer is directly proportional to the density of darts in the air space overhead.

PPS. I think that Roger Ramjet is just super! Must dash, tat-tar.

AHA! SAFETY! I'LL GO TO SLEEP UNDER THAT CHAIR 5

Dear Dave,

It was with much interest that I discovered that in reality you are a completely ficticious person.......(ie dont really exist at all). Is this scurrillious reactionary lie true?. My brother who has a very good Law Degree says that he has never heard of you or anybody who appears on the Salient Staff notes. Please can you answer me.

Love etc.

Confused.

[Ed comments.....it appears that your brother is nothing more than a silly bloody law pooh who has nothing better to do with his time than sit in the cafe and fiddle with his Jag jean jacket. People like him are going to be the first to adorn the barricades and the overturned [unclear: Seat un] buses.]

Dear David Editorperson,

If ever there has been a more burning question then I will eat my floppy hat. Can you please tell us what the word 'Trot' means?

Yours etc,

Confused greatly.

Dear Confused Greatly,

We decided that your letter was bone fide and not among the hundreds that we get from the YS seeking a bit of enlightenment every week. We suggest you read a bit of the Essential Stalin or go the whole bit and peruse the walls of the downstairs loos....next to the telephone numbers. All shall be revealed to you. By the way when you do find out there are a few people that would be much appreaciative of enlightenment. You know who we mean, but of course we can't be vindictive, can we?;

Down with Zionism

Dear Editor,

As you are no doubt aware, the most serious need on campus at this point in time is a better bloody level of debate. To start the ball rolling here is a small contribution that I wish to put to you all. Israel is not only a racist, expansionist state but it is tied hand and foot to the likes of American imperilaism. Justs as we condemned and fought against an expansionist and racist Germany in the 1940 so we must be united in fighting this so-called state of Israel.

Yours in solidarity,

[unclear: Anti-Zionist].

Sleeping cat about to get their tail squashed by a chair

Letters must be short, double spaced on one side of the page and accompanied by a rubric, a short precis and a suitable character reference. Letters should also be accompanied by a donation to the Buy David Tripe A New Frontal Lobe Fund and a lawyers letter signing away all future income to NZVSA. Letters can be put in the Salient letterbox or left in the basket at the Studass Office. Hate letters should be delivered personally. Salient attempts to print all letters except for those which are unprintable. Finally we would like to thank those readers who wrote in but we are unable to reveal the name of the person involved in the alleged bestiality scandal as there has been an allegation that one of the melons involved was undersized and the matter is now sub judice. In any case, the arm in question was already broken. We would like also to thank the reader who sent a suggestion regarding cucumbers and we intend to use this material in our forthcoming series "What vegetables can do for you". Finally, we would like to apologize to our readers for the reprinting of our previous letters spiel in the last issue. This unfortunate event occurred because our resident lunatic was on holiday and nobody else was bent enough to write a new one.