Anti-Apartheid Banners, Placards At Airport

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30200, 3 August 1963, Page 19

Anti-Apartheid Banners, Placards At Airport

Considerably more nondemonstrators than demonstrators welcomed the South African Rugby League side when it arrived at Christchurch Airport. About 40 demonstrators carrying antiapartheid placards and banners attended. The demonstration was organised by the Canterbury Association for Racial Equality and received support from a number of university student organisations. The six police constables and one sergeant that were present “hovered” constantly around the demonstrators, but were not required to act. The tourists were officially welcomed by the chairman of the Canterbury Rugby League boa>rd of control (Mr D. C Wilson) and other members of the board. The demonstrators lined the fence between the tar-

mac and the main terminal when the plane arrived. Some of the placards read: "Africans Next Time." "Boycott White South Africa Sport.” “No Africans. No Tour.’* "N.Z. Rugby League. Why Invite Segregation?" “Apartheid No. Football Yes.” and "Kiwis or Ostriches."

Tiie players were handed a circular issued by the Universiiy of Canterbury New Left Club Most of title tourists pushed the circular into a pocket after taking a quick glance at it. Asked if he would Mke to comment on the demonstration. Mr I. Benson, a comanager of the team, said it had no effect on the side. There had been similar demonstration* in Australia “We have come here to play football; we are not interested in politics.'* he said. 'We want to play against New Zealanders."