‘Black finger points at New Zealand’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33478, 8 March 1974, Page 1

‘Black finger points at New Zealand’

GVeu> Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 7.

Black South African sportsmen were “pointing the finger” at the New Zealand Government, and accusing it of holding double standards, Mr R. Fenton, chairman of W.A.R.D. (War Against Recreational Disruption), said tonight.

Mr Fenton, who has just returned from a visit to South Africa, said he would try to see the Prime Minister (Mr Kirk) next week. He said Coloured South African sportsmen were bewildered by the New Zealand Government’s action over sporting contact with South Africa when they were told New Zealanders had no objection to competing against other countries, particularly Russia and China. “The only people New Zealand is hurting by its restrictive policies are the black South Africans, as they do not get a chance to compete Xvhen Governments such as ours interfere with sport in their country,” Mr Fenton said. “The black men have learned that the whole effect has been one of a boomerang,

and they are now protesting (against the international protesters’ protest. “The action of the New (Zealand Government has hurt The Coloureds the most, and ' fhey have written to the lead(ers of international sporting bodies complaining about (the treatment they are re'ceiving. Case to P.M. “The Coloured people I i spoke to said they were com- ( plaining to such bodies as the (international Olympic Committee. I “I expect to have a copy lof that letter of complaint next week, and as soon as it reaches me I shall ask to see the Prime Minister and put my case.” Mr Fenton said he then not only expected Mr Kirk to see him but, “I also expect the Government to give credence to my evidence, and change its policies as a result. “If Mr Kirk does not see me, and will not yield to the pleas of the non-white electorate, he will have closed the door on something tremendously important,” he said.

“Let’s face it — whatever happens about merit selection, it is up to the individual (sporting bodies to say whether they want the proposed tours to go ahead. It is not lup to the Government. . “Basic right” I “If the sporting bodies turn the tours down themselves, there will be no problem with W.A.R.D.

“I am not fighting for South Africa — I am fighting for the right of sporting bodies to invite whom they’ like to this country.

“That should be a basic I right of any sporting group in a country such as New I Zealand.” Mr Fenton said he saw the South African Consul-General (Mr P. Philip) today, “as a matter of courtesy. I spent about two hours with him, and he expressed the feeling that he thought something had been established,” he said.

“We both agreed that my trip might have yielded something productive.”