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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 19. August 1 1977

Former VUWSA President replic to A.Chen

Former VUWSA President [unclear: replic] to A.Chen

Dear Salient,

I have lust read the Alex Chen [his real name?] letter in the July 25 issue. Concerning what he believes to be facts about MSSA. While I cannot comment on many parts of his letter, he makes references and false assertions, to actions of mine while I was President last year.

He states that "MSSA was divided by a few individuals under the direct backing and support of VUWSA President, Gyles Beckford". My involvement last year was to act as an independent chairman for the initial meeting which discussed the formation of MSSA. As such I lent my support and backing to the students concerned, as I had done for many clubs in the past and as I was obliged to for any students or club seeking advice or assistance.

Alex Chen further states, "who [Gyles Beckford] I believe drafted a press statement to start off about the issue on marriage of convenience in the name of the new MSSA". This is little more than a shabby, deceitful lie. The fact is that I was approached with a Press Statement written by the new MSSA on the issue. Quite naturally they sought to liase with VUWSA, which was similarly upset by Gill's racist intonations and insulting manner on this issue. I wrote no part of the Press Statement but merely arranged for its typing and made my contacts in the Press available to them.

YEP, IT SURE IS A PUZZLE!

One can but speculate on the identity and motives of Alex Chen for writing a letter which can only be described as a vicious distortion, and shabby smear mongering.

Perhaps Alex Chen could also find out "the facts" about my attendance at the AGMs of MSA for the last three years, or about my assistance and involvement in such clubs as the International Club.

As for his remarks on the ISC, Alex Chen shows that his distortions are surpassed only by his ignorance. To my recollection MSSA played an active role in planning and participating in the ISC as did the Fijian Club and the International Club. Please be consistent, if you are attacking MSSA for being "a mouth piece" and "a tool" then also attack the other clubs involved. Between them all they ensued that the ISC was a success.

Finally, Alex Chen offers to give us "further analysis". Indeed, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss with Alex Chen, personally, "his analysis" of the above matters. He can contact me at anytime. However, somehow I think he might not want to, but then honesty and openess have never been the characteristics of right wing scare mongerers.

Yours etc,

Gyles Beckford.