Last Sunday approximately 300 people attended a symposium in commemoration of Hiroshima Day (August 6, 1945), when the world's first atom bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

Running from 2pm to 6pm with 10 speakers, the symposium was opened by the Mayor, Sir Francis Kitts.

In his opening remarks Sir Francis stressed the non-political nature of the symposium and stated that no motions would he accepted from the floor.

He said people were being forced to live together before knowing how to live together.

"Peace is not just the absence of war, it is a positive force," he said.

"It should be approached on a constructive level." he added.

The symposium was organised by the Hiroshima Day Commemoration Committee, an ad hoc committee established solely for the commemoration of Hiroshima Day.

Including the Victoria University Students Association, the committee has the support of at least 10 organisations.