Protesters praised

Press, 5 June 1978, Page 5

Protesters praised

PA Wellington; The Commissioner ofl Police (Mr R. J. Walton) j has commended the I attitude of Bastion Point' protesters and said that alle-| gaations that policemen had resigned over the action were “absolutely false.” On charges that the number of police used amounted to "overkill,” Mr Walton said that police numbers were carefully evaluated with the aims of: “Preventing interference from outside sources; “Ensuring that sufficient police were present to obviate the need for physical reaction which arises through police trying to control the situation with inadequate resources; “The arrest and processing

procedures alone re- ! q u i r e d considerable manpower to ensure undue delay did not occur in releasing persons who had been apprehended.” I Mr Walton said there was a genuine desire to complete the operation without any adverse reaction from the I protesters and the general i public towards policing in ; the future. The attitude of the protesters on the day was to be : commended, Mr Walton said. It helped the good level of conduct that prevailed duri ing the operation. Mr Walton said he wanted relations between the Maori people and police to be as harmonious as possible. : He appealed for an understanding view of police in- ; volvement at Bastion Point

- and for people to refrain » from any actions or words : that would increase tensions t and make law enforcement - more difficult. The Auckland branch of the Police Association was j “very angry” about some 3 i statements being made about ■ the Bastion Point eviction, 3; said the chairman (Seniorf Sergeant B. E. Matthews), i “The Auckland committee |of the association is disturb- - ed that a number of members received a great deal of . abuse at the scene, particuf larly Maori constables, who -were merely doing their duty in accordance with the 1 law,” he said. i “Assertions relating to illsi treatment in police vans and cells are totally false. A - number of protesters j thanked the police for the ti treatment they were given,” ’ ihe said.