‘Tragedy for sport'

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 6

‘Tragedy for sport'

PA Wellington l The controversy surround-: ing New Zealand's participation in the Olympic Games! had been a tragedy not only! for this country, but also for the future of international; sport, said the Leader of thej Opposition (Mr Rowling). "The New Zealand team: did not deserve to he thrown into this acrimonious de-l bate,” he said. “It is most unfortunate fori everyone and I hope it doesn't affect the performances of the very fine team we have sent. “It is clear from the size of the boycott that New Zea-1 land’s image in the world has 1 suffered and that the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Edmonton. Canada, ini 1978. are in real danger of| being a very small affair indeed.” Mr Rowling said , "It is also quite possible: that the Montreal walk-out"

1 could adevrsely affect New, Zealand's trading interests,; particularly in the rapidly) growing mutton market of; I the Middle East.” he said. “I urge the Government to ■ embark upon a major diplomatic campaign to remedy ■ the position and, in particular. for the Prime Minister, i Mr Muldoon, to cease insulti ing African leaders.” Mr ■ Rowling said. ■ Mr Muldoon need not [agree with either their : method of Government or, their views on New Zealand,, but should accept the reality; :of the situation which was isimplv that their nations felt! (strongly about the South' 'African issue. "The Prime Minister; should not be surprised there iis some confusion in the! 'world about New Zealand’s' position on apartheid. He and. other spokesmen have said; so manv different things it’s 'no wonder some countriesl

’ihave misunderstood the posi-i , it ion.” | Although considerable! '[damage had been done to; (New Zealand’s position in the; 11 world it was not too late to - start patching up “this dip-; ilomatic mess,” Mr Rowling; -[said. ,[ At a press conference; -[earlier today Mr Rowling rjsaid that unless some very 'effective fence building was :[ undertaken by the Govern‘[ment the effects of New Zealand's actions in the weeks .(leading up to the Olympic ' Games could seriously affect) ; its export position. :| He said that New Zea-1 land s markets in the Middle! East could be the first to) (suffer as a result of the re-; ■ lationship between black (African nations and the Arabi iworld. ( New Zealand exports, par-1 ; ticularly dairy exports, to the) (West indies could also be I Ihit, he said.