Tour decision praised

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32861, 9 March 1972, Page 3

Tour decision praised

(N.Z. P.A.-Reuter— Copyright)

CAPE TOWN, March 8.

Dr D. Craven, the pre African Rugby Board, hi claration by the Prime Mi land (Mr J. Marshall) th would not interfere in p] coming Springbok Rugby

“I admire the New Zealand Government for its steadfast policy,” said Dr Craven.

The New Zealand policy, he said, was an example which other countries could follow. New Zealand was one of the few countries in the world which had never interfered with sport at home or abroad. In Sydney, the president of the Australian Rugby Union

esident of the South las praised the deinister of New Zealat the Government dans for the forthr tour.

(Mr A. Henry) said he was pleased to see that the tour of New Zealand was to go ahead. He said he hoped the South Africans’ visit would be a big success. Mr Henry said that the Australian Rugby Union also believed it was best to keep the lines of communication with South Africa open. “New Zealand and South Africa are two great Rugby nations and as long as they continue to talk there is hope,” he said. AUSTRALIAN THREAT However, the president of the Sydney branch of the Australian Anti-Apartheid Movement (Mr P. McGregor) said that even if the Springboks only landed in Australia on their way to New Zealand there would be demonstrations, “just to let diem know they are still not welcome here.” The possibility of industrial action being taken against the Springboks as they pass through Australia was also confirmed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions. An official in Melbourne said *he council’s policy towards South African sports teams was the same as during last year’s Springbok tour of Australia. This was that affiliate unions had been advised by the council to take whatever action they thought necessary as an act of conscience to withhold their labour concerning the teams.