‘Irresponsible Decision'

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 13

‘Irresponsible Decision '

The decision of the Canterbury University Students’ Association's executive to insta) vending machines for contraceptives on the campus was not in line with the opinion of the general body of students, and was grossly irresponsible, said the chairman of the Canterbury Youth Council (Mr R. A. Consedine) in a statement yesterday. “To describe the decision as realistic is wishful thinking,'' he said. “The statistics over the last few years prove that the availability of .contraceptives has not lowered the illegitimacy rate.

"Making contraceptives easily available to students would only increase irresponsible pre-marital sex activity and promiscuity.”

Mr Consedine said it was disappointing to think that the professional men of tomorrow and the future leaders in the community had such a poor opinion of our youth that they felt young people could not exercise self-control and act responsibly in this area of human living. “The Students’ Association, which has done much to gain public respect and is normally regarded as a responsible body, will lose much if this resolution is pursued,” he said