Salient would like to apologise for two errors in the Letters to the Editor in the last two issues.

Salient apologises for any embarrasment these errors may have caused.

I write regarding the "Anti-Propaganda (On Punk) article in last week's Salient. After reading this article I was moved to wondering whether or not [unclear: the] authors opinions are, in fact, serious. My main concern is the way the author rubbishes Keith Richard, Mick Jagger, and other members of the 'Rolling Stones'. I do not see how punk music may be compared with the 'Stones' for a start!

Firstly, very few Punk guitarists could play guitar with any sort of distinction, and even if they could play guitar in 'Repectable' better than Richards.........so what!

Secondly, who says 'Respectable' is supposed to be a "Trendy' Punk number"? If anything tries to be 'trendy Punk', its the shit that bands (?) like 'Penetration' and 'The Romones' chum out. Thirdly, I don't see how the 'Stones' may be labelled 'respectable' on "Some Girls". Even the lyrical content could not really be called 'respectable'. What's respectable about dodging dope busts i.e. "Before They Make Me Run"?

I was amazed to read that Mr Telford believes Keith Richards got off his notorious Canadian coke and heroin bust (the former being dropped by Canadian Authorities), "because he's a recognised part of the establishment." Since when has any known heroin addicted rock musician been a recognised part of "the establishment"? Also, the reasons Richards "got off his bust were stated by the judge who presided at his trial, Judge Lloyd Grayburn. Judge Grayburn said Richards "was not a criminal although he was an addict, that he should not be jailed for addiction and wealth, and that although the Stones have encouraged drug use in their songs, 'Richard's efforts have been moving him away from the drug culture, and this can only encourage those who emulate him. Because of all these facts, no jail or fine is appropriate!" (Rolling Stone 30/11/78)

Mr Telford goes on to say punk is: "an attitude of disillusionment (sic) cynicalism (?), and anger at social injustice." That line has been bandied about for centuries by disenchanted youth. And Mr Telford talks about 'trendy'....

Further on, the article reads: "Someone once told me that the Romones (brilliant, subtle, titanic) songs all sound the same." My advice to Mr Telford in this instance, is to find the "someone" who told him that, and listen intently to anything else that he/she says in regard to music, because he/she is bloody well right! I also had to laugh at the mention of "some amazing vocals by Joey Ramone" Amazing!? I wouldn't say amazing..... more like "fucking useless?".

Mr Telford says that 'the Ramones' message is simple....." —very true, but not simple as in succinct, but "simple" as in "moronic". I like the way Mr Telford states that punk is composed of "disillusioned kids, criminals and others" (?) and that Punk began in 1974-5 when people saw that music wasn't getting anywhere. These statements are incorrect. The ideals of Punk music were followed many years previously to 1974—5 under the initiation of hands such as "New York Dolls" and "Velvet Underground."

Mr Telford, where did you find this classic? "There's an equation that goes like this; the older, the richer, the most successful, the more famous, the more respectable, an artist gets, the further from reality, from his/her/its ideals, values and credibility the artist gets"!!! Bullshit. Ever heard of Frank Zappa, Van Morrison, etc. Still, if you really believe that, you'd probably make a good NME writer or sociology major.

I'm still trying to figure out the reasoning that "Punk can achieve more by bubbling under (the charts, your conscience and society - politicians in particular), than by being brought into the establishment with too much success." To achieve "success" a revolution doesn't bubble under - it bursts, Mr Telford. I'm positive that given the choice, all punk bands would rather have a smash hit and be a financial success, than "bubble under" the charts and achieve moral success, and express social comments. But then, bands don't have the choice - its up to us - the record buying public, and sales figures speak for themselves.

Mr Telford seems to think that if a band achieves financial success, it automatically loses any credibility - I think that is absurd.

David Telford is a cretin.

David Telford's clear concise prose (what!!!) in last week's Salient was absolute bullshit!

Ok, I agree with him in places. I too consider Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols a classic album and likewise I detest disco.

But his attacks on the 'rock establishment' are simply a repitition of what became almost punk cliches in England during 1977, until I think ever the punks themselves got sick of hearing it. And Repectable has got nothing to do with punk. It is a straight-out Rolling Stones rock'n'roll song (and I like it).

The fact is, punk is on the wane. Some would say it is already history. The first, and perhaps the last, true punk band were the Sex Pistols and not only have they split up but one of them is dead. RIP Sid.

Those originals still around, such as the Clash, the Jam and the Damned (now the Doomed) have become part of the 'establishment'. And there's nothing wrong with that, it just means they're getting the success they deserve.

Meanwhile some of the punk posers, for example Sham 69, are starting to realise that no-one was fooled.

Mark Wilson

No More Punk

I couldn't help but notoce the article on punk gracing the pages of your esteemable magazine in last week's issue. I take it you saw fit to print said article to demonstrate one of the reasons why you do not accept all copies submitted to you. Point taken: there are standards and the line must be drawn somewhere. But might I suggest that having made your point you spare us any further evidence that some would be journalists lack even the remotest sense of competence with the English language.

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to point out to David Telford that be speaketh a load of shit.

Another Willing Worker

The excellent suggestion of P.A. [unclear: O'Dondghue's] that I be given a column in your newspaper, is not disagreeable to me, but my natural modesty would prevent me from accepting. (As for the "high and important office" - if there is such a thing in [unclear: Salien] if the remuneration was sufficiently "high and important" and the travale itself of a lightweight nature, I could be persuaded to overcome my shyness

As for P.A. O'Donoghue himself: "his revolutionary thought" surprises me. If rumour is to be believed, P.A. O'Donoghue mixes in the company of well-known conservatives and National Party members, and, is indeed a pillar of conservatism in his own right. Is this a sign that the status quo is veering to the left?

Anarchic German Departments

I wish to bring your attention to some generally unknown facts concerning a group of diabolical subversive elements organising themselves a right here on campus. I refer to a group of anarchists whose members have caused shock to echo around the world on at least two previous occasions, once in 1914 and again in 1939. These attacks on human dignity and freedom must be terminated, by destroying this menace at its core.

I say down with the infamous German department, out with these fiends, eliminate sin teutonics and remove their twisted doctrin from the hallowed halls of this fine institution.

A Boy with a Problem

I am a shy boy of 22 finishing accountancy this year and although I have been told I'm quite good looking I have never really kissed a' girl.

My friend Erin Walker is always boasting about his conquests and he has no trouble picking up girls despite his handicap. He suggested I write to Salient and should any decent, Christian young girl wish to enter a meaningful relationship with a view to outings and mutual enrichment, she could reply in next week's Salient and maybe we could take it from there.

Concern for S.E. Asia

(May I call you Ed?) I was wondering why there was so much concern with S.E. Asian conflicts amongst a number of students. Now I think I know why. They are scared that if Australia and New Zealand were drawn into the conflict they will have to leave their secure little cocoons and go fight for their country.

[unclear: God] & the Sheep

The letter in recent Salient relating God to [unclear: heep], while distinctly lacking in taste, did con[unclear: in] a dull smattering of truth.

It is true that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Li[unclear: ng] God, is portrayed as "the lamb of God" [unclear: ho] in His love and mercy makes provision for [unclear: ople's] wrong doings) in the New Testament [unclear: is] important biblical truth items from the [unclear: ictice] of sacrificing a lamb for the wrong [unclear: ings] of the pre-Messianic Israelites.

It is relevant to mention that Jews who reject [unclear: us] at the long awaited Messiah still atone for [unclear: by] way of a lamb but Jews and non-Jews who [unclear: rive] Jesus Christ as Messiah believe that He is [unclear: e] perfect atonement for wrong acts.

Another aspect of truth alluded to in last weeks [unclear: ter] is the biblica' story about the sheep and the [unclear: ats].. The idea it that God will separate the be[unclear: vers] from atheists, hypocntet, liars, proud peo[unclear: e] etc. at the appointed time for judgement, [unclear: ockers] of God will also presumably be dealt [unclear: th] at this time.

On that final point I would like to warn pre[unclear: it], or would be, mockers of God to take count [unclear: their] actions (God is not mocked). "I will re[unclear: y]" God affirms in the Bible.

Child of Abraham

[unclear: The] Other Side of MAS

This concerns an article which appeared in [unclear: ient] about three editions ago. I am referring [unclear: the] "typical behaviour" of the Malaysian Govt, [unclear: dealing] with a worker dispute concerning MAS [unclear: alaysian] Air System).

The article raved about the strong arm tactics [unclear: ed] by the dreaded "Secret Service Squad" to [unclear: ce] workers back on the job. What the article [unclear: led] to mention was that the whole affair began [unclear: en] four or five aircrew of one flight reported [unclear: sick] (definitely not Asian Flu). The investiga[unclear: n] which followed was met by sabotage attempts [unclear: ere] MAS aircraft tyres were slashed and spanners [unclear: lged] in turbo-gan blades (not very healthy). I [unclear: nk] it only fair to provide both sides of the [unclear: ry] before such crap is put out.

[unclear: ar] - basher

"Could any moral well-intentioned" person [unclear: o] witnessed some bastard drive into a poor [unclear: dent's] parked yellow Fiat 850 (on Sunday [unclear: March] between 2.15 and 5.30) please ring [unclear: leme] at 698174.

This dastardly deed was committed on the [unclear: king] space just outside the Cotton Building [unclear: Kelburn] Parade.

G. C. Bock.

[unclear: Missing] name

In the last issue of Salient you published an [unclear: rtick] on the Mangere Bridge Dispute. If any [unclear: f] Salient's readers would like to discuss points [unclear: t] the article with the writer, or would like to [unclear: nd] out more about the Bridge worker's struggle, [unclear: ley] can contact roe at 729225.

Interesting Lectures

God knows Econ. 101 lectures are boring enough, but when analogies described as "close to all your hearts" refer to beer twilling, I feel obliged to object. We all know Uncle Bob was only trying to make the lecture interesting (and about time too!), but I am sick and tired of this ludicrous assumption that All varsity students Love Beer!

I Hate Beer!

- as do many varsity students I know, to will someone please take note!

Mexico - Catholicism V. State

In her letter (12 March) Salina described the Christians at working "to improve the livelihood of the people" and cited tome examples. Despite the use of vague generalities like "the people" it was clear what she meant. Her view is not completely without foundation but the evidence supporting it is exaggerated by Christian propaganda especially in the case of the Catholics. The Smithsonian Institue published an impartial survey in 1948 of a Mexican village which showed what the Catholic Church had achieved after four hundred years of domination.

When the first school was established it met with "the active opposition of all the fanatically Catholic population". The priest started a rival school and excommunicated parents who tent their children to the public one even though the priest's school taught only elementary reading and writing, whereas the public school with nine trained teachers offered a full curriculum without charge. The Church took anually eleven to fifteen times the entire municipal budget and the poverty - stricken condition of the villagers showed it didn't find its way back to them, not even by way of charity. Villagers who were too poor to bring money could bring corn, beam or wheat which the priest would sell.

The activities of the Catholic Church are still the same today in many under-developed areas although of course this wouldn't be reported by our press. It tends to make you agree with the statement of the French Statesman of the turn-of-the-century, Henri Beranger, who said "Against the priest everything is permissible, like the rabid dog every passer-by has the right to put down, to prevent it spreading its infection."

Headmaster Tees

I was appalled by the report our Honorable President Andrew Tees submitted in last weeks' Salient.

He speaks of the motion patted at SRC on the German Industrialists visit to N.Z. The motion was patted (democratically) by those present at the meeting. People who are genuinely interested in what goes on at SRC meetings. They voted for what they believed in.

What right has Andrew Tees got in saying that this motion is not credible? What right has Andrew Tees got in saying that this motion is Bullshit?

It seems to me that Andrew Tees is disrupting SRC meetings by a take-over bid, an expression of hit personal bias. Is Andrew Tees our President or our Headmaster.

Perhaps the students who won't attend SRC's are those who are not interested, the "apathetic body", present in all cross-sections of society. Why does Andrew Tees want to protect these no-hopers. Are they the only "support" he has? The invisible, unspeaking students.

Wilson on the Brain

Your prolific writer-of--articles, Simon Wilson, has Muldoon on the brain. An assessment of his political writings in Salient throughout 1978 and now this year reveals a bad case of Muldoonitis. Like a number of other other extreme Marxists, he needs Muldoon. Simon Wilson likes to picture Muldoon as the archetypal capitalist politician, trying to stamp the helpless working classes into the ground. Even more so than Muldoon's most fervent supporters (who are upper middle class career women and slow-minded labourers), Wilton clings to every word the man utters. What evil capitalist idea is hidden in Muldoon's latest speech? To be sure, Simon Wilton will carefully study hit subject's words to find some such terror. For Wilson, Muldoon is the centre of the New Zealand political world; in fact, he is the only person who matters in NZ. Wilson respectfully spends his hours pondering the implications of Muldoon's latest words and actions. As I said, he needs Muldoon. People tend to hate Muldoon, and by interminably equating him with "capitalism" Simon Wilson hopes to make them hate capitalism too.

There can be few more ardent followers of Muldoon about. Doesn't Simon Wilson know that Muldoon is out? Last year when he dished up hit election menu the voters had a bad case of food poisoning and voted accordingly. We know now he conned us - again - and we don't need endless extremist articles to remind us of the fact. Today Muldoon is either a joke or a bore not someone to be taken seriously. It is simply a matter of waiting till he is replaced. In all areas he is a failure - as PM, as National Party leader, as Minister of Finance, as a personality, as a promise keeper, etc

And most importantly for Simon Wilton, he has failed as a capitalist as well. The most basic analysis of hit economic record would have revealed this to Simon Wilton. Muldoon's commitment to free enterprise is purely professed. He it actually a sort of socialist-centralist. This is what makes Simon Wilson's weekly onslaught against Muldoon and hit supposed capitalism such twaddle. My advice to him is: cool it on Muldoon - there's no greater way to waste your time.

Caligula.

Compulsory Membership to VUWSA

For the information of students who object to the fact that membership of the Student's Association is forced upon them as a prerequisite to enrolment at the University, I submit the following extracts:-

United Nations declaration of Human Rights Article 20 Clause 2.

"No one may be compelled to belong to an association".

Human Rights Commission Act 1977.

Section 26.

Human Rights Commission Act 1977

It is therefore suprising to note that the Students' Association, which normally is very voluble on any issues of human rights, has, I have been told by the President of VUWSA, an Executive policy that exemption from membership will not be allowed on the basis of conscientous objection.

For the Benefit of All Students I Ask that the President of VUWSA Comment on the Association's Policy Regarding the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Answer the Questions:—

If it supports that declaration in principle shy not in fact also?

If it does not support the declaration — Why not?

For the benefit of students who objected to membership of the Association on the basis of conscientous objection, and who had their application refused by VUWSA and an appeal disallowed by the Vice Chancellor. I would point out that the Human Rights Commission (which proved very sympathetic and helpful when I visited recently) is situated at:—

Brolly - Phobia

It has been a continual source of both irritation and amazement to me in my wanderings about this magnificent memorial to higher learning to find myself for ever engaged in combat with foul hordes of the local umbrella-users. I Indeed at times I am literally fighting for space in which to breathe, such is the amount of space these fiends waste on their unwieldy contraptions.

I find it impossible to believe that the local intelligentsia still allow and even use these vicious and barbaric relics of a more brutal age. Can something not be done about this stigma attached to our beloved V.U.W.?

To further my argument one has only to examine any non-umbrella user to discover a multitude of scars inflicted by the latter-day weapon of death. Perhaps restriction to a 45cm diameter might reduce the 'brolly-toll', or indeed a prohibitively high tax on the carrying and use of these devices to perfectly suited as hand-to-hand weapons.

The Boot on the Other Frot

As a member of the Executive I would like to chunder over the wankers in this office in my full (and very tight - oh how so tight!) capacity, and my full incapacity.

I would also like to condone our President for his latest move of initiative:—

Legalising Frottage!

It is about time someone stood up and took a stance (preferably a Frotting stance) and took this very important, emotional issue in todays society.

Again, I would like to call all Frotters of the world together, and let them stand behind our most revered President.

Sasrac Made Better

SASRAC has been plagued this year by lack of interest - perhaps due to its very uninteresting nature. However, with a little humanizing and enthusiam, it could become worthy of being called the "major social event on campus".

For example, it would be improved by a little music, any form of entertainment, a change of location, organised club or departmental socials, and more people. For those who don't know. SASRAC stands for 'Staff and Student Recreational Activities Club' (I think) and is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm in the cafe.

Cafe Service Criticised

After reading the criticisms of the cateteria in this paper I would like to voice my grudge as well.

My comment is on the service (or lack of it) available at the Soft (no) Service Bar. Greeted by the friendly smile and helpful "Yes" or if you are lucky "What ya want" you proceed to order your favourite thickshake. Well, with the Govt. withdrawal of milk subsidies and a bad fruit season some measure might have been necessary but I think the half full milk flavoured thinshakes they have insult to charge 40c for are a bit beyond even us varsity students gullability.

The South East Asian Conflict

I am writing to state my position concerning the debate re the condemnation of the Vietnamese invasion in Kampuchea and the Chinese counterattack, and to clarify a few points that were made in Salient's report of it. The report is a bit misleading because it ignores the fact that the amended motion was substantially different from the original motion, which condemned the Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea and not the Chinese counterattack on Vietnam. The amendment was mistakenly accepted by us, because we were under the incorrect impression that the amendment did not condemn the Chinese counter-attack but rather called for the withdrawal of all aggressive forces from foreign territory. In the event of confusion arising from this mistake, I would like to restate my position.

The original motion was moved in this form because the mover and seconder felt that there was a fundamental difference between the Vietnamese invasion and the Chinese counter-attack. The Vietnamese invasion was thinly masked by the pretense of supporting a popular uprising by a liberation group that had been formed only 22 days before the so-called "liberation" took place. The Vietnamese are still heavily involved in Kampuchea, independent sources estimating 100,000 troops in Phom Phenn, and not only have no intention of withdrawing but are already making skirmishes into the Thai territory. The Chinese counter-attack on the other hand was a limited, strategic operation which was designed to put a stop to not only Vietnamese expansionist designs in the area but also those of the Soviet Union. It was also a defensive move against the repeated Vietnamese incursions into Chinese territory, particularly in 1978. The proof of China's sincerity is surely the fact that the Chinese have now withdrawn from Vietnamese territory.

It is up to progressive forces to fight for the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchean territory.

Grope's Bleat

To Mr "Hegehog" I say PHTHWH! Never was such a grubby, disease ridden creature considered by the almighty as an adequate manifestation of his glorious being. Wee Arthur's lapses in literary style indicate his being in the grips of a horrid perversion - the hedgehog fetish; and we all know that only sheep fetishists (such as myself) and their objects can possibly enter the kingdom of heaven. Or do we know this? Has my message to the world gone unheeded? Everywhere I go I still see sheep persecuted and unloved. Maybe a few more facts are necessary to convince you snivelling non-believers.

What is the divine colour? White. Everywhere God appears in the bible he is bathed in light, very bright or generally white. White is the symbol of purity and peace, and we all know how pure and peaceful God initially intended the world to be. So then - what animals are white. Creatures such as polar bears are white due to economic necessity, but only the sheep is white for no apparent reason. The actual reason is divinity. If they appear a dirty off-white or brown in the fields it is only because people refuse to clean them. I can tell you all there'll be great waitings and gnashing of teeth in the farming community when the great holy acceptance list comes out.

And you, Peter Beach, you evil lamb strangling person, I can understand why you sought to cover up your guilt by tittling my previous letter "Exosss Groops" knowing full well that oving divinity was the real subject. You see, I know that you run sheep in your back yard. Your only chance to avoid arch goatery is to resign, repent, and flee the country now!!!!

Finally, to this Hedgehog character I say If you are serious indeed if you are anything at all - any claim to hedgehog perfection must be supported by biblical evidence, because only through the bible can man ever understand God. And as for Exosss Groops, official corruption and stupidity has priced them out of the marker. Good night.

Bureaucratic Catering

I would like a chance to reply to 'oink [unclear: oink] on your letters page.

If this person is genuinely concerned about catering then he/she should make a submission to the sub-committee appointed by the [unclear: execu] to investigate the whole question. However [unclear: y] points have been noted.

It has to be made clear that it is not [unclear: VUWSA] itself which runs the, catering operation; the union does. The association does however have a student majority on the catering sub-commitee and the union management committee who take responsibility for the catering. There are also university officers on these committees. I hope this letter has been of some use for you honourable correspondent

(IE we are trying to do something)