"Speak Up’ campaign may be developed

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33783, 4 March 1975, Page 16

"Speak Up’ campaign may be developed

The organisers of the “Speak Up” campaign in Christchurch have plans for a national development of the idea.

The campaign in Christchurch was initiated by the Christchurch South Lions Club. A district convention of Lions clubs, held at Ashburton at the week-end. has agreed to put the idea of a national “Speak Up” campaign to a New Zealand Lions convention in Christchurch on April 26. The world president of the Lions movement (Mr J. Balbo) will attend this convention.

The “Speak Up” campaign originated from what was seen as a need in the community for people to “speak up” if they see anything suspicious. Chief Superintendent G. E. Twentyman, head of the Christchurch police district, said: “Many people are reluctant to become involved.

The danger is when people will not speak up There should be a condition of concern in a community whereby its members work with the police to check on violence and social behaviour. We live on information, and we feel we are fighting a lone battle against crime and disorder if the community does not understand and help,” Mr Twentyman said. Because of the recent campaign, there had been a marked increase in the number of calls the police received, and an increase in arrests over the period.