U.K. reaction to Tom’ report

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33479, 9 March 1974, Page 3

U.K. reaction to Tom’ report

(NtZ.P.A. staff-'Correspondent)

LONDON, March 8. Reports of rising anti-English feeling in New Zealand have, been featured in British newspapers, reviving fears of discrimination among prospective migrants.

The reports, quoting Dr [ P. Sharpies, of the Auck- ; land Race Relations Office, [ were prominently displayed under headlines such as “New Zealand becoming ] anti-English” and “Punch a Pom a day, that’s the i Kiwi way.” Britons intending to ; migrate began telephoning New Zealand house early yesterday morning to ask whether the reports were true. One elderly man. planning to visit one of his children., asked whether it was safe for him to go. “He seemed to be in fear of hi? physical safety,” said a New Zealand High Commission official. REACTION FEARED The biggest concern in New Zealand House is that Wellington will soon announce new moves to restrict the number of English migrants. After recent reports of strong feelings against migrants, such a move inevitably would be seen as deliberate anti-English legislation. Nearly 124,000 immigration

inquiries — probably representing about half a million Britons — have been received at New Zealand house I since last April. The number rose dramatically when Britain’s economic ! crisis began in November, and a weekly average of , 5000 inquiries is still being received. “RUBBISH” Mr G. W. Syfnans; chief! spokesman at New Zealand iHouse, himself joined in one “phone-in” • session on the 8.8. C. to deny the reports 1 of discrimination. “This is rubbish.” he told, listeners. “At least half New [Zealand families contain a ‘Pommy.’ If a husband or his] wife are not English, one ofi ■ their parents probably was, ; (or someone in the family will [be. “To talk of slogans like ‘Punch a Pom a day’ is absurd — it would be punching a member of your own family. | New Zealand House officials told concerned callers, to ignore the reports.