P.M. meets demonstrators

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33046, 13 October 1972, Page 14

P.M. meets demonstrators

The Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) and his wife mingled with demonstrators in a cheerful atmosphere outside the Christchurch Town Hall last evening. About 25 demonstrators, representing various dissenting organisations, greeted Mr Marshall and other dignitaries as they arrived at a reception to mark the opening of the New Zealand Law

Society’s triennial conference. Cries of “Slack Jack” greeted the Prime Minister, but Mr Marshall did not appear to be perturbed as he was immediately surrounded by the demonstrators. For a brief moment his wife appeared uneasy, but she soon joined her husband in cheerful conversation with the protesters, whose ages varied. The editor of the magazine, “Cock,” Mr C. Wheeler, who

was wearing a long red robe and judge’s wig, greeted the Prime Minister and introduced himself. He told Mr Marshall that as he was going to be elected for another three years, he should endeavour to do something about the Police Offences Act and the Crimes Act. “Oh, so we are going to win the election?” replied the Prime Minister. Before making his way into the Town Hall foyer, Mr Marshall shook hands with one man and spoke to another who said he had a grievance with the Minister of Justice (Sir Roy Jack). He and his wife listened as the young man explained his reason for the protest. Other guests, including Supreme Court judges, magistrates and other leading figures in the legal profession, took the protest lightheartedly. Many of the guests stopped and spoke to demonstrators for some time. Leaflets were handed out, and cries of “free Don Rennie” and “let Don Rennie go,” could be heard. A Wellington City Coun-

cillor and solicitor, Mr J. F. Jeffries, spent some time cheerfully examining the placards and he asked those holding them to explain their meaning. The mood changed slightly when the Governor-General (Sir Denis Blundell) arrived. Sir Denis Blundell smiled and waved to the crowd, some of whom gave Nazi salutes and shouted, “Sieg Heil.” Inspector W. J. Perring escorted the Vice-Regal couple past the demonstrators into the hall. The protesters represented various organisations, including the Abortion Law Reform Society, New Zealand Prisoners’ Union, Organisation to Halt Military Service, and the Divorce Law Reform Association. “It’s a good chance to have a go at the Establishment,” one of the group said. The Divorce Law Reform Association was represented by the vice-president of the Christchurch branch, Mr M. J. Mathews, who stood apart from the main group of demonstrators. About a half a dozen policemen were on hand, but there was little trouble.