Defence Of Loudspeakers

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 28

Defence Of Loudspeakers

(Jf Z Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Aug. 27.

The use of loudspeakers outside the city administration building after tomorrow’s protest inarch against the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia was defended by the Mayor of Auckland (Dr R. G. McElroy) today.

The secretary of the Auckland Vietnam Committee (Mr

R. F. Whiteland) had said there would be an interesting situation arising from the proposal for Dr McElroy to address the marchers at the end of the protest. He said the Mayor and council had forbidden the use of loudspeakers by the anti-Vietnam war movement in Auckland. In reply, the Mayor said Mr Whiteland’s statement was “a flagrant distortion of facts.”

“The City Council refused to permit the use of loudspeakers by the Vietnam Committee in Myers Park because there were tomplaints that they were a nuisance to residents in buildings adjoining the park,” said the Mayor. “Permission was also refused for the use of loudspeakers in the Domain again because there was a nuisance to persons using the Domain for recreation, and also to residents nearby.

"At last week’s council meeting permission was given to the Council on Vietnam for the use of loudspeakers in a portion of Victoria Park where no nuisance to neighbours could be caused Other Occasions “I want to make it quite clear that loudspeaker equipment is not being used tomorrow for any purpose different from those for which permission has been given several times this year where deputations have brought petitions on public matters,” said Dr McElroy. The Mayor of New Lynn (Mr J. R. McCorquindale), who first suggested the march said today that only those who wished to protest at the invasion of Czechoslovakia should march. Yesterday he had indicated he was prepared for a protest against French nuclear tests to be associated with the march, but today he said that the march should be confined to the one issue and appealed for “fair play” in not displaying banners on other issues. “While I would defend

every .person’s right to express views on such matters as Vietnam and the French tests I, and the other mayors taking part, do not necessarily agree with these viewpoints and would not march on such issues,” he said. Permits had been, granted for the march and for the use of loudspeakers, he said.

‘Not Authorised’

“These permits cover the Czech demonstration only, therefore people who wish to protest about Vietnam or other topics are not authorised to join the march,” he said.

A Czech group carrying a Czech flag will follow the church group, mayors and members of Parliament. The chairman of the Auckland Methodist District (the Rev. R. F. Clement) will offer a prayer for the Czech people at the starting of speeches. In the event of heavy rain the march will be cancelled and replaced by a meeting in the Town Hall.

Reference to the Auckland mayor’s refusal to meet the Russian Minister in a formal call today was made at a naturalisation ceremony for 57 people at the town hall last night. The Rev. Anton Everts, who was among those naturalised, thanked the Mayor for receiving “unimportant, run-of-the-mill new citizens while refusing to meet other very important officials who represent the style of coercion in citizenship.”

Return To Work.— All boilermakers in the Auckland province who struck last week in support of demands for a fuller application of the 5 per cent general wage order have resumed work. Members of several other unions who also stopped work are expected to return today.—(P.A.) -