Fri welcomed after protest voyage

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33380, 12 November 1973, Page 14

Fri welcomed after protest voyage

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, November 11. The 52-year-old protest vessel Fri arrived at Opua this afternoon to a stirring welcome after eight months of adventuring.

The wharf was lined with cheering, clapping people, and tooting car horns added to the welcoming din.

There were emotional reunions for the crew with members of their families and former crew members. The Fri had sailed around Tapeka Point at Russell 25 hours later than expected. Inspection by customs, port and

police officers took two hours after 11 a.m.

Shortly after 2 p.m. the flags unfurled and she sailed towards her berth. The skipper, Mr David Moodie, said he was pleased with the results of the voyage.

“The crew far outperformed the captain,” he said. “I was totally inspired by them. They were just the best bunch of people one could wish to sail with.”

The homeward trip had been a smooth one until Friday, when south-west winds impeded progress.

Asked if he would do the trip again, knowing all he now did, Mr Moodie said: “I would do it again, but not in exactly the same way. What we learnt were different ways of beating the French at their own game. We spent last month going over every aspect of the trip, and hope we can provide a basis for discussion for the next effort. “We shall be keen to know how things went ashore, and what impact our efforts made here in New Zealand. We will take it from there,” he said. He felt that there was more interest in the Fri overseas than in New Zealand. “The Fri is probably the bestknown boat in the Pacific.” The Fri had demonstrated against nuclear testing in an unprotected and unarmed protest, which, he said, could be a lesson for the Government.

Shortly after the vessel berthed,'Peace Media representatives met to discuss the future of the protests. Mr B. Metcalf said that the Peace Media budget for the year had been $23,000. The voyage of the Fri actually cost the organisation $7OO and that of the Spirit of Peace $4OOO. Members felt that Peace Media had not been too successful in getting the message of the danger of nuclear testing and radiation across to the average New Zealander. Support had come from smaller groups and although the support of the Federation of Labour was applauded, it was felt there was need to gain the backing of big business concerns as well. “What we really need is a

whole fleet of fishing vessels right in the test zone,” said Mr Moodie.

The group felt that next year’s efforts would have to be slightly different from those of this year, to ensure continuity of interest and support.

Mr Moodie’s plans are uncertain. The Fri will stay at Opua for a week, and will probably call at Auckland before going on the slip at Tauranga on December 23. It is believed her bow will have to be rebuilt.