N.Z.-Rhodesia Society Formed In Auckland

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30971, 29 January 1966, Page 12

N.Z.-Rhodesia Society Formed In Auckland

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Jan. 28. With the object of promoting understanding of Rhodesia and the Smith regime a New Zealand-Rhodesia Society was formed at a public meeting in Auckland. As its first action the new society decided to send a message of support from New Zealand to Mr Smith expressing sympathy for the position of his country. The meeting also laid down as the basic aims of the society the dissemination of information on Rhodesian affairs, the formation of branches throughout the country and the encouragement of commercial, cultural and other links with Rhodesia. Attended by 100 The meeting, convened at the request of the Rhodesian Ministry of Immigration and Information, was attended by about 100 people, including several Rhodesians and people with relatives in Rhodesia.

The Mayor of Dargaville, Mr S. S. Green, was elected as chairman of a steering committee and Mr J. R. Firth, an Auckland public accountant, was chosen as deputy-chair-man.

The committee is: Mr P. Mantle, Mrs V. May and Mr M. Lendrum, all former Rhodesians, Commander T. Ryans, a former tobacco farmer in Nyasaland, and Messrs J. Collins, A. D. Price, I. B. Madden and D. M. Gifford, all of Auckland.

The secretary will be Miss E. Rumbold, a Rhodesian. Society’s Task

The convener of the gathering, Mr A. D. Price, said the Rhodesian viewpoint was not being aired much in New Zealand at present It would be the task of the society to remedy this. Mr Price also said New Zealand was entitled to the full

story on Rhodesia and to have a full and deep consideration given to the question by its present government. Commander Ryan appealed to those at the meeting to join him in putting pressure on the New Zealand Government to recognise and assist the Smith regime.