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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 7, No. 1 March 28, 1944

Editorial — Our Task for 1944

Editorial

Our Task for 1944

To quote Mr. Churchill, probably inaccurately, at he summed up the situation of the United Nations in a recent speech on the war, "The patient has passed the vitally dangerous crisis of his disease, but is in a difficult period of convalescent impatience and unrest…Quite!

The footsteps of war are now heard less clearly from New Zealand shores; we are no longer directly threatened. The advances of the Red Army, the successful campaigns in Italy and the Pacific, the inspiring note of the conferences at Moscow and Teheran; these have all shown quite conclusively that the initiative is now ours; we are on the offensive.

But this does not lessen our responsibilities. On the contrary, they are greater. The speedy conclusion of this war will save the lives of millions; the complete and utter defeat of Hitler and his allies, is vital to the postwar security of the peoples of the world. Are we then justified in reducing our commitments? Can we at home slacken just as our brothers overseas are on the verge of victory? The answer is obvious and its application to the University means this. Work hard, support all moves which help the war, and above all, study, study to fit ourselves for the more responsible tasks in civil life, be it as teachers, accountants, engineers or chemists.

These, as we see it, are our tasks for 1944. "Salient" hopes to assist in these tasks by attempting to become less "an organ of student opinion" than "a leader of student opinion." Its policy has always been that of criticism rather than mere reportage, of sharp and constructive comment rather than anaemic acquiescence. We will try to feature topical articles of international or local importance. These will have two functions. Firstly to forward the attitude and policy which seems to us correct; secondly, to provoke students into expressing their views in letters, articles of reply, etc. It seems that only by this means can we elicit outside contributions to the paper.

If you agree with us, let us know; if you object strongly, we offer an opportunity to burst into noisy print. Above all, do not merely accept "Salient," but read it, criticise it, and write for it.