MAORI M.P. FEARS N.Z. ISOLATION

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32312, 2 June 1970, Page 1

MAORI M.P. FEARS N.Z. ISOLATION

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SYDNEY, June 1.

A New Zealand Maori politician today suggested that the All Black tour of South Africa be cancelled or New Zealand could find herself isolated from international sport.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival for a one[month visit to Australia, Mr Matiu Rata, the Labour member for Northern Maori, said there was still time for the tour to be cancelled.

He said that between 30 and 40 per cent of New Zealanders supported the cancellation of the tour, and the figure was growing. “Even at this stage we’re hopeful that our own Rugby union and our country will give a lot of thought to the issues involved in it,” he said.

Mr Rata said that the tour might lead to New Zealand losing a chance to bold the 1974 Commonwealth Games. He said that the New Zealand public did not fully realise the implication of racialism in sport nor the concern being expressed around the world.

“I remain totally opposed, not simply to the Rugby tour of the Republic of South Africa, but to the sporting relations which New Zealand has had with South Africa for something like 50 years," he said. Mr Rata said that South Africa’s concession to allow Maori players in this year’s touring team was the first time anything like this had occurred since the two coun-

S tries began competitive _ [ matches. ’ He said that if the tour ’ went ahead as planned it' i [ would be the last tour unless r [South African racial policies ■!changed. 1 1 C.A.R.E. has sent a tele- * [ gram to the former All Black, , K. Gray, congratulating him on his stand against racism 1 in sport. The organisation . has sent telegrams to 30 All Black tourists selected to go 1 to South Africa asking them : to withdraw from the tour. The telegram to Gray read: > “C.A.R.E. nominates Bob " Burgess and Ken Gray as ' sportsmen of the year. Good I on you." ; Both messages were signed

: by Mr T. Newnham, secretary of C.A.R.E. Mr Newnham said that a ■ New Zealand diplomat overseas was paying for the telegrams. The diplomat, acting in a private capacity, had written to C.A.R.E. expressing his hope that the association's campaign to halt the tour would meet with success—“for New Zealanders’ future peace of mind and welfare.” The diplomat had made $5O available through his lawyer in Wellington to assist C.A.R.E.’s efforts. Mr Newnham would not name the diplomat but permitted a reporter to see the letter from him.