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Sir—I do not wish to be critical of the comments made by P. J. Kelly, but I cannot help being an Asian to defend my right as one. I cannot understand why P. J. Kelly should stand up and speak so violently against a group of students so small a segment of the total University enrolment.

I do not wish to make assumptions as to what his grievances are but perhaps he finds the languages they 'chatter' too disturbing. Surely you do not expect foreigners who were not brought up in an English-speaking community to speak English among themselves. Would it not be more expedient if they were to communicate in their own tongues? It is true that some do "chatter" but this is an individual characteristic and not inherent in the Asian society, just as there are flaws in any society. Again what you termed as "arrogance" depends on individual and not as whole.

Perhaps you would like to hear my comments on this. This does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other Asians other than my own—just as P. J. Kelly's comments did not necessarily reflect any body else other than his own.

I have no complaints of your treatment here as I have been treated fairly and equally on most occasions. I do perceive some prejudice and intolerance [unclear: t] times ut this is not a reflection of a sick society but only the weakness of a small minority within the framework.

However I do feel that there is a lack of communication between Asians as a whole and New Zealanders and consequently producing a lack of understanding between the two groups. I believe it is the intention of most Asian students in New Zealand not only to study but also to make as many friends as he possibly can during his brief stay here. Each of us when we say farewell to this rich land of yours we will carry with us a mixture of experience and shades of impressions. On the other hand we have behind us the tiny notches we have made in your society. As we come from different social and cultural backgrounds we are new to your ways of life just as you would feel the same if you were visitors in our countries. We are trying to adapt as much as possible to your ways here while at the same time preserving our own identity which is most difficult.

It is impossible for us to change ourselves as we are born with them—our colour, our feature will always remain with time although our ways of life may eventually change.

Perhaps if one of us were to break this barrier of communications we would be able to foster greater international understanding and goodwill. The question is who has the greater initiative—the visitors or the hosts?