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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 21, No. 5. May 6, 1958

[Letter from B. R. de Clifton to Salient Vol. 21, No. 5. May 6, 1958]

The Editor:

Sir,—It was with deep regret that I learned of the intention to restrict "Salient's" right to free speech. During my two years as a student at this University, I have taken pride in the fact that I have been a part of a community whose members, while believing almost passionately in the Tightness of their own ideas, have been prepared to respect the views of, others. If this University makes no other contribution to a better life, it can surely offer this small example to a world bedevilled by man's intolerance to man. Free speech here is not a privilege to be extended or withdrawn at the whim of an Executive but a right won by students of other years, who were willing to face public scorn, fines and imprisonment rather than surrender their claim to it.

It would be unjust to doubt the good intentions of the Executive or to underestimate the difficulties with which they are faced in the present situation, but all the good intentions in the world cannot make an unlimited system of censorship consistent or just, nor free the censor from his own prejudices, however fair minded or conscientious he may try to be. If the realities of the situation call for a compromise, as I believe they do, then surely the Executive can devise some formula whereby censorship can be confined to articles which leave the Students Union open to legal action. Perhaps it might be possible to appoint some outside person with legal training to carry out this work.

It is to be hoped that the Executive now regrets its momentary panic and will follow the example of Miss Buckley who must be highly commended for her defence of the right of another to put forward a viewpoint, though it was expressed in a manner which she personally could not approve. This surely expresses the very essence of tolerance and is in the highest traditions of the University.

—B. R. de Clifton.