Prof. Bailey In Support:

"Children do tend to generalise from particulars, and it could be fairly argued that they might do so in this instance," he said. The booklet undoubtedly presented a portrait characteristic of a significant proportion of Maori families, he continued, but unless it was part of an integrated scries designed to show Maori families in a broad range of living conditions it could give the wrong impression.

"On balance, I would support the Minister in this situation," said Prof. Bailey. "Washday at the Pa" was something issued within the public school system—which was a creation of the public and under public control. Any government and any Minister must be peculiarly sensitive to an expression of public sentiment in this field, he said. Decisions by Ministers of the Crown must take into account the consequences in terms of public reaction of any particular action that may be taken, particularly in areas of controversy.

The race relations issue was such an area, and Ministers were justified in exercising great conservatism on matters that they judged could lead to a heightening of tension he continued.

"Much as I abhor what virtually amounts to censorship of a wonderful book, I feel the Minister has valid grounds for his action," the Professor concluded.