Campus Contraceptives

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 16

Campus Contraceptives

Sir, —As a mother of three and a taxpayer, I was more than surprised to read your article on contraceptives for students. Do we provide bursaries and scholarships to students of our universities out of taxpayers' money only to be told they may leave off their studies because of low moral standards, or must we accept this kind of thing? Does the majority rule? Do the girls have no standards? Do the university teachers and leaders have no concern about this? Is it a man’s world? —Yours, etc., WONDERING. August 24, 1968.

Sir, —I am disgusted at the suggestion of our future professional people to instal a contraceptive machine. This cheapens sex. Is it not possible for these university students to endeavour to set a good example and join with those people who wish to raise the standard of morality? It is a flagrant purpose which will lead to anything but good for the individual and the country. It certainly does not lead to respect. lam oldfashioned enough, I suppose, to believe good morals are best.—Yours, etc., BETHUNE. August 26, 1968.

Sir, —It is my opinion that most of those who have reached hurriedly for pen and ink to lodge horrified protests against the installation of campus contraceptive-vend-ing machines, the students themselves, and “Unmarried Mother of Ten,” in particular have overlooked a vital factor in this discussion. If these machines are made freely available to one and all, particularly students, where are we going to find the students of tomorrow?— Yours, etc., EX-STUDENT. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —1 have lost any respect for or sympathy with the type of student who so coolly suggests campus contraceptives. These self-indulgent types have no real need for any such machine. They have no doubt been managing quite well for long enough, but feel that this might ease any slight conscience pangs they may have had about the matter. Apart from the harm which could be done, by the suggested condoning of this behaviour, to young people entering university the name of Canterbury University will lose any dignity it ever had. Thank heaven for the decent young people who still have high principles and selfrespect and do not wish to be or have any decidedly “shop-soiled” article when they decide to marry.—Yours, etc., i SELF RESPECT. August 27, 1968.