TRUE TO OUR COLOURS?

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30478, 27 June 1964, Page 12

TRUE TO OUR COLOURS?

IB U

WHIM WHAM]

Every possible means consistent with the Christian ethic had to be used to oppose apartheid . . . “One of the ways in which New Zealand could effectively make its views known is by putting a ban on sport with South Africa . . My personal hope is that all Church people will say ‘No support* for sport with South Africa . . .“—The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, the Rt. Rev. E. A. Gowlng, to his diocesan Synod.

Rt Rev. Sir! beware how You blaspheme The Sacred Cows of Sport to which we bow. There's Divinity about a Rugby Team, The Sanctity of Cricket you’ll allow. Athletics no less holy We esteem: There’s a Commandment, latterly, that Thou Shalt not profane the Running Track’s high Status (Can YOU run a four-minute Mile in Gaiters?)

Apartheid has its Converts, or if That’s Not What they are, we’ll call Them starryeyed, Who love their Running-shoes, their Balls and Bats,

And use them valiantly (it’s not denied.) They’re honest Christians, decent Democrats, Rt. Rev. Sir! you’d hurt their simple Pride By stirring up the Spoil-sports and the Cavillers To brand our Heroes racist Fellow-travellers.

If They return with Views inclined a Shade More sympathetically to the Laws And Policies which Dr. Verwoerd’s made To sever Black from White—why, That’s because They ve had a good Trip, winning the Applause Due to a Race well run, a Game well played! It’s not THEIR Fault if Line-out, Scrum or Scrimmage Masks Apartheid’s unlovely Public Image

Men before God are equal, yes! how right, Rt. Rev. Sir, You are! but Sport’s another Thing, when a new triumphant Tour’s in Sight, Such Scruples we must rise above, or smother. Your Maori Friend’s an Honorary White, Superior to his somewhat darker Brother. Even Bishops may have Prejudice to eliminate And learn from Sport’s Apostles to discriminate!