POLICE HEAD REPLIES TO H.A.R.T.

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32566, 27 March 1971, Page 20

POLICE HEAD REPLIES TO H.A.R.T.

An open letter from Mr T. Richards, chairman of Halt All Racial Tours, to the Commissioner of Police (Mr W. H. A. Sharp) criticising the police attitude to the demonstration at Waimairi Beach during the visit of the South African surf life-saving team, and to demonstrations generally, was printed in “The Press” on March 20. Mr Sharp yesterday issued an open letter to Mr Richards in reply.

“Your main objection to the police handling of the Waimairi demonstration,” says Mr Sharp, “was that there were only five police-

men in sight and they did not protect the demonstrators against those among the 1500 spectators who were throwing eggs, pies, etc. “Although there were only six policemen standing between the demonstrators and spectators there were in addition. three sergeants and 11 constables moving among the spectators. The number of policemen present was therefore 20. “The main object of the police was to prevent any physical encounters against the demonstrators and in this they succeeded. In a written statement one demonstrator has since told us that had the police not been present they would have been attacked. Similarly, another demonstrator confessed: ‘For once in my life I was glad to see the fuzz.’ Throwing of objects “It is true that objects were being thrown at the demonstrators; however, thankfully, although some were hit, nobody was injured. If all the police in Christchurch were present they still could not have prevented objects being thrown, as quite naturally die culprit waits until the police are not looking or hides in the crowd after throwing something. “As a matter of fact, one constable was hit by an egg, but this offender could not be found either.

“This is borne out by the published remark of another demonstrator: ‘I congratulate the police present, who had to share the smashing of eggs, for their patience and restraint, helped by passive demonstrators.’

“It is common knowledge that this would not be the first time the police have been pelted while taking their stand between demonstrators and the object of the demonstration. I certainly agree with the latter part of the quotation. If the demonstrators had retaliated there could have been real trouble, and I take this opportunity to thank you and your associates for’your restraint. “I have seen all the newspaper accounts and television coverage of the Waimairi demonstration and there is no mention of neglect of duties by the police. I believe therefore that you do not speak for the demonstrators as a whole. “Further evidence of police

good will comes from a demonstrator, a university lecturer, who said he witnessed the police foil an attempt to interfere with the sound system being set up by the demonstrators. “It is also a fact that police arranged for surfing officials to remove boats, trailers and life-saving equipment from the area where the demonstration was to take place, to facilitate the demonstration. General criticism “The latter part of your letter amounts to a condemnation of police attitudes to demonstrators generally. “Not long after assuming office as commissioner, I issued a comprehensive set of instructions relating to demonstrations, and I know for a fact that they have succeeded in their aim, which was to defuse confrontations between police and the demonstrators. “Apart from complimentary

remarks from demonstrators, the success of the instructions is shown by subsequent press coverage of demonstrations and the total absence of complaints to the Ombudsman, Ministers of the Crown or myself. Arrests have been few and far between, and must be contrasted with the ever-increasing number of demonstrations throughout the whole country which are now almost a daily occurrence. “For example, this year’s biggest demonstration, which was at Woodbourne Royal New Zealand Air Force station, involved demonstrators from all over New Zealand and, rightly or wrongly, was described by some as including the ‘hard core’—whatever that is. This demonstration passed completely without arrest or incident. But you would be aware of this because you were there also. Even one of the speakers at this demonstration, Tim Shadholt, described by the ‘List-

ener’ as the High Priest of Protest, had kind words to say about the police. “However, there is no room for complacency. Both police and demonstrators must strive even harder in the face of the new phenomenon which manifested itself in the Waimairi demonstration, namely, the counterdemonstration. “No useful purpose” “No useful purpose is served by berating each other in the press. May I suggest that next time you have misgivings about the police, you should, as is becoming the practice, discuss them with the local police and, if necessary, with me?

“It seems to me that re-, criminations can produce only escalation, and that a little less emotionalism and a lot more understanding are required. I am always more than willing to play my part towards achieving this end.”