TANCZOS AND DOPE

Sir - I was saddened and angry that you saw fit to publish (April 29) the
statements from some Christchurch secondary school principals, regarding
Nandor Tanczos' attitude to marijuana. Some of them have obviously not
spoken with Nandor. Some prejudge his views.

I find it astonishing that some principals wish to stifle Nandor's efforts
to find a solution to the present horrifying cannabis situation. Many
cannabis users are breaking the law. Some, mainly pushers, are criminals,
but should all users be labelled as criminals? Do principals ever drive
over 100kmh? Should we regard them as criminals? It is the school's
business to encourage discussion on all such topics.

Senior pupils are quite capable of forming balanced views and do not need
to be brainwashed. Schools should not rely wholly on the police to keep
drugs out.

George F. Ridley, May 1, 2000