Socred wants mixed trials

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 2

Socred wants mixed trials

(New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, February 19. The Prime Minister (Mr Kirk) should tell the South African Government that unless it permitted the South African Rugby Board to hold mixed trials and select a team on merit, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union would be instructed to withdraw its invitation, said the leader of the Social Credit league (Mr B. C. Beet ham) in a statement today.

Mr Beetham said this was the only responsible course, of action left open to the] Prime Minister, in view of his apparent acceptance of the refusal of the Minister of Defence (Mr Faulkner) to give the Army assistance the [police had indicated they (would need from him for the maintenance of law and order during the Springboks tour.

Mr Beetham said the Par- | iiamentary debate on the tour (had irrevocably made it a political as well as a moral issue.

The Prime Minister had said that the Government would not force the Rugby Union to chaneg its decision and had also said that if the tour were held the Government would ensure that law and order was maintained. “Mr Faulkner’s statement contradicts the Prime Minister’s, breaks the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility, and contravenes the primary responsibility of the Government—the protection [of life, liberty, and maintenance of law, order and internal security,” said Mr Beetham.

“There is now a major contradiction between the Government’s stated intention to. maintain law and order and its willingness and its ability to do so.

“In these circumstances all the Prime Minister and; Government can do, unless! they are prepared to counten- I ance chaos and violence, is to! cancel the tour if the South African Government will not allow the Springbok team to! be chosen on merit. This posi-i

tion should be immediately communicated to the South African Government,” said Mr Beetham.