LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
From: Dr. 7'. P. Fielder[, Roderick Care, Lewis Nkosi, Miss Elka SchriPer, Richard Cobb and other. Alexander Kendrick, Leslie Adrian, Anthony, de Meeus.
Marijuana Galore?
SIR,--Tim Hcald's suggested solution of this prob- lem is that the answer lies with Lord Franks. This is surely unacceptable. It appears beyond dispute that no one takes any notice of the findings of any Commission; such a solution is only the face-saving device of those in authority to avoid having to take a definite stand on the matter in dispute--in this case, the question of moral delinquency.
In my time as an undergraduate (in the early part of the century), a man who was addicted to drunken- ness (drug-addiction was not known) was avoided by the other members of the university; if he be- came a habitual drunkard he was sent down, with no hope of return. There was no advertisement, ex- cept an occasional mock funeral, which the authorities sensibly ignored.
Nowadays we are apt to be victims of the 'freedom' of the press, and any long-haired, leather-jacketed, denim-trousered degenerate can count on getting the advertisement he craves, instead of being kicked out of the society of decent men, who, whether under- graduates or dons, have a better sense of dignity. Even Balliol, though it had a certain reputation for har- bouring oddities, would never have tolerated a drug- addict; and certainly no Master of that college would have descended to the level ' 'ublicly allowing his opinion, in the matter of . dispute about a union debate, to be published.
The obvious remedy is the old one; if any under- graduate. should indulge in a practice, whether of drunkenness or drug-addiction. which is clearly a departure from university manners and dignity, he should be promptly sent down; that would be the end of the matter—and of him.
T. P. FIELDEN
The Corner Cottage, Forest Green, Nailsworth, Glos.
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