Call to Govt on race relations

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33521, 30 April 1974, Page 12

Call to Govt on race relations

The Government should appoint a race relations conciliator to fill the post vacated by Sir Guy Powles, and appoint investigators in every region in New Zealand, says the chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Citizens’ Association for Racial Equality (the Rev. J. G. O’Connor) in his annual report.

He says that the task of the office of Race Relations Conciliator is at present far too demanding for one man, the executive officer, who has to attempt thoroughly to investigate complaints from throughout New Zealand. Father O’Connor says there should also be extensive publicity of the intentions of the act, and of the functions of the conciliator’s office, “It would seem that, while New Zealand’s international policy on racial discrimination has been strongly expressed. little is being done bv the Government to grapple

with the racial problem within this country.” The C.A.R.E. chairman says immigration and the Polynesian in industry have now become major issues. Auckland C.A.R.E. has been active in these areas-, he says, “and 1 feel the time has come for the Christchurch association actively to commit itself to these important areas.” Of southern Africa he says, Christchurch C.A.R.E. has decided to give support to the' committee on Southern Africa; and to leave many of the) African issues in the hands) of this organisation so the association may concern itself more with race relations; in New Zealand. “This does not mean we; are withdrawing entirely ■ from concern and interest ini the African continent.” he; asserts. “The situation and; implications in southern 1 Africa will not permit us to; do that because what is happening is everybody’s con-; cern.” Father O’Connor calls on all members to become active. “The need for research. investigation and planning calls for a greater Isharing among members,” he I says.

“We must not wait around, and just respond to prob- : iems as they arise. Information and constructive moves i should be initiated in such ; specific areas as education, housing, employment and 1 immigration.”