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A Matter Of Policy

We think it will be conceded that a newpaper, as such, does not necessarily have to be of a high literary or typographical standard to appeal to the general reader. While we do not intend this to be an attempted justification for the faults which are often apt to creep into "Salient", we may nevertheless examine the statement in order to discover just what are the qualities which a newspaper should possess to make it readable to the large majority of members of a community. The most important quality, perhaps, is factual reporting. People are curious; they want to know what is happening, hence they buy a newspaper.

"Salient", however, is "an organ of student opinion". By definition, therefore, it has an obligation above that of an ordinary newspaper. It must also act as a medium for the diverse and sometimes bitter comments of students on their own affairs and on the actions of others.

But we maintain, nevertheless, that before a student can have an opinion, it is necessary that he be informed of the many aspects of College life about which it is possible to form an opinion. So we consider that the policy of "Salient" should be firstly to inform, and secondly to provide opportunities for discussion. That will be our policy, and to the best of our endeavours, we will carry it out.

The Editor and Staff of "Salient" take this opportunity of welcoming new comers to the College. We hope they will make the best of their University career, and on this point would recommend that they study carefully the article written for their benefit, to be found on page three.