AN INVITATION REFUSED

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11303, 31 August 1922, Page 6

AN INVITATION REFUSED

“A COMMUNISTIC NURSERY.” SIR POTTER, SI P., AND A DEBATE. Following the recent remarks of Mr V. H. Potter, SI.P., regarding the activities of the Victoria College Debating Society, the suggestion was made that a public debate should be held, and letters in the following terms passed between the society and Mr Potter: Victoria College Debating Society, August 23rd, 1922. Dear Sir, —I am directed by my committee to inquire whether you would be willing to take part in a debate in support of the following motion:— “That the participation of university students in current social and political controversies, in so far as at leads to association with Socialistic and Communistic parties, is to be deprecated.” It is suggested that Saturday, September 16tn, might be a suitable date, and the debate could be held at the college in the presence of all students and others interested. The debating society is particularly anxious to have overy possible viewriint presented to ift members, and can assure you that your acceptance of this invitation will be appreciated and that you will be given the fulleot opportunity of expressing your views. Awaiting the favour or your reply, I am, yours truly, F. H. HAJ.GH, Hon. Secretary. V. H. Potter, Esq., M.P., Wellington. Mr Potter’s reply is as under:—. Parliament Buildings, August 25bh, 1922. Deap Sir, —I acknowledge your communicaton of the 23rd instant. In reply to your invitation to take pari in a debate at your club, I have already expressed very strongly my opinion that your debating club is merely a nurserv for the propagation of ultraSocialistic and Communistic views, and l must decline to have any intercourse with men who welcome as their guests to the university halls convicted seditionists, and adopt the views of gentlemen whose general loyalty and attitude to British Empire and our social conditions are so well known as to need no comment. I am not to be drawn into an unseemly . wrangle over this matter, and should prefer to have no further oorresnondenae with you. Yours faithfully, VIVIAN H. POTTER. F. H. Haiigh, Esq., Hon. Secretary, V.U.C. Debating Society.