Student Misbehaviour“Liberty Or Licence”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32031, 4 July 1969, Page 5

Student Misbehaviour—“Liberty Or Licence”

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND.

Misbehaviour by students has been accorded too much tolerance by the police and the courts, says an editorial in a newsletter of. the Police Association.

The editorial, headed “Liberty or Licence?,” also claims there are examples of inconsistency in court action against students charged with offences.

Recent student “excesses,” particularly during capping week celebrations, are rapidly changing the climate of public opinion against them, says the editorial.

“The police have to enforce whatever is on the Statute Book. We think that they have been too tolerant in the past over situations—public drinking orgies (mostly by underage students), damage to property and obscenities connected with student processions.

“Why should (student) floats, for example, be vetted for obscenities by the police?

Certainly it may protect the public’s sensitivities but the offences are committed when the float is constructed and on the road.

“The only service a burglar gets is ample notice that he will be swiftly dealt with when caught.” The editorial adds: “With the spotlight on the cost of our educational system, isn’t the taxpayer entitled to ask that where students on public bursaries are involved in criminal activities their bursaries be cancelled? “It is time to show those who speak so freely about citizens* rights that there are also correlative duties, a point on which the Council of Civil Liberties could do well to