CRICKET IN S.A.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29864, 3 July 1962, Page 15

CRICKET IN S.A.

N.Z. Attitude Criticised

The attitude of the New Zealand Cricket Council in refusing to declare whether it would support the membership of South Africa on any international cricket organisation was viewed wi’Ji “grave concern,” said the chairman of the Canterbury Association for Racial Equality (Mr L. Christie) in a statement to "The Press.” There was still, time to undo some of the political mischief that had been done, by declaring at the Imperial Cricket Conference to be held in England this month, that ;he South African Cricket Association would not be recognised as a responsible cricket organisation as long as it continued to discriminate against any player or spectator because of the colour of his skin, said Mr Christie.

In refusing to answer further correspondence or inquiries from the Canterbury Association for Racial Equality, which was a legally constituted and responsible organisation, it was apparent that the New Zealand Cricket Council could not answer the charges levelled or the questions asked.

“My committee, considering Mr D. A. ColviH's statement of June 23, feels that it is a further evasion of the whole issue. We merely ask does the N.Z.C.C., through its representatives, Mr J. K. Kerr and Sir Arthur Sims, intend to support the membership of South Africa on any international cricket organisation? This is the fourth time of asking. The council's refusal to meet a deputation of responsible citizens, and its cavalier treatment of our correspondence forces us to regard the issue as an international one,” says Mr Christie.