An Open Letter

Sir,—The National Committee for the Abolition of the Death Penalty is launching a campaign in favour of abolition and against the amendment to the law proposed by the Government. This letter is not the medium to detail our criticism of the amendment except to say that the proposition to have degrees of murder—capital and non-capital—is not a novel idea but one which was examined and firmly rejected by the British Royal Commission in 1953 after four years' study of such systems in practice. We see the amendment as adding more anomalies and absurdities to an outdated form of punishment. The only solution is for New Zealand to follow the lead of the 26 countries which have proved the death penalty unnecessary and useless by abolishing it.

To those of your readers who agree with us we say. help us to put the facts before the public. Those prepared to be convinced by facts should contact us and we will supply literature. If some of the University Clubs will take speakers or arrange debates we will be glad to supply speakers. Offers of help or enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary, Box 5050, Wel.