Just a few words I feel are necessary to rectify a totally misleading statement made by you in the issue of Salient, June 12.

You quote my saying: "As a Maori first and a postgraduate student of English second, I say that this (by her) is the greatest poem in the English language."

My dear Roger, you must be deaf.

I distinctly remember making this statement in reference to Hone Tuwhare's "The Old Place" Cassette tape recordings since replayed have confirmed this, as have the many other people there.

You haven't exactly kicked me in the heart, dear boy, but like yourself I resent being misquoted, particularly in reference to something immensely Important...like Hone's poetry. And I am the first person to realise and admit to the inadequacies of my own...which is why I have not yet published any. And probably never will.

If you must shovel shit, check your facts first please. After all, isn't that an understood prerequisite of "good journalism"?

Although this letter is a late piece of feedback, as I rarely if ever read student crap-sheets these days. I do hope you'll admit to your misapprehension; and I'll quite happily concede that the place got the better of your hearing. Or something like that.

On July 25/26 the Evening Post and the Dominion carried adverts calling people to sign a petition, and demonstrate outside the National Party conference, against proposed reform of the homosexual laws and for the extension of "the perfectly good homosexual laws" to women. The "Young Christians" (headed by Richard Wardle) who placed the adverts, also wanted increased penalties prescribed under the present law. Mr Wardle has also been airing his views in Salient.

The supporters he claims (e.g. Pat Bartlett) have, in fact, proved rather reluctant in their supposed support, and various disclaimers have been published.

SCM feels that any oppressive situation is wrong; at present, NZ homosexuals are very much discriminated against and SCM supports all attempts to remove this discrimination.

The laws against homosexuality should be repealed, so that homosexuals aren't prevented, any more than heterosexuals, from fully expressing their "normal" humanity.

What do people think Salient's latter page is for — as opposed to what it really is for? Judging by some of the letters appearing of late might I make some suggestions. (a) That we are surrounded to raving lunatics who threaten to come out into the open to reveal themselves as the demented fools their letters suggest they are.

(b) That some people are incapable of constructive, critical thought and disguise or avoid this by writing "witty" letters.

(c) That certain Individuals have nothing better to do than scribble the moronic letters that I refer to.

(d) That we're all insane and the Pink Carnation Club is the one true answer. I strongly suspect the second choice be the correct one. For fear of identification and attack by this dangerous and vicious element I sign myself

I must voice my outrage, indignation, disgust, horror end alarm at the totally unwarranted, scurrilous, corruptive, iniquitous, arrogant, backstabbing, merciless, subversive, communicated anti-religious comments made by one R. Steele with regard to one of the most eloquent, esoteric, aesthetically satisfying publications ever ejaculated from a pen. To criticise our Hero, mentor of the people, guardian of goodness, righteousness and wholesomeness, and tooth facing by Royal Appointment is not done.