Sport in South Africa

Press, 16 April 1980, Page 20

Sport in South Africa

Sir, — In a democracy such as New Zealand, ' South Africa-baiters like' -the minority' group, H.A.R:T., and some of your correspondents, have every right to express their opinions. Are they so naive, so intolerant and so sure that they are the only people in our country who dislike . apartheid? It Seems so. I quote: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,” and again, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” The New Zealand Rugby Union and H.A.R.T, .will doubtless fight an interesting battle in the next day, or so and thousands of free New Zealanders will be able to make up their own minds who is right and who is wrong. I recommend a trip to Africa generally, for South Africa-baiters, in my final letter on this matter. Yours, etc., .. - JOHN LESLIE. April 14, 1980.

Sir, — Those advocating a sporting .ban on South Africa alone, are guilty of 'selective morality, but now tsome, such as M. O’Neill, suggest that only the New Zealand Rugby Union should consider its “moral obligations?* Apparently our rugby players must make political and moral judgments and sacrifices but our athletes and hockey players etc (so outspoken in the past about human rights and “selfish” rugby enthusiasts), ’ can freely'-play with whom ; they will’ without • considering ‘‘moral obligations. What a farce. Our Government- must not interfere with the'rights of our Olympic team to travel to Moscow. However, like many ; others who deplore the complete violation of basic

human rights in the, Soviet Union,. I hope the athletes and Olympic Committee will support the United /States and boycott the Games. —■ Yours, etc., E. SUTHERLAND.. April 14,-1980. Sir, — I am - underwhelmed by recent suggestions that it is morally O.K. to be chums with white South African rugbyists — despite their national sport — because (a) other countries do it, (b) there will be a communist take-over by Tuesday if we do not. My reasons for being underwhelmed are (a) the. Lions are — far from being a “notable country” — merely rugby players, apparently similar to the ones New Zealand suffers from, and (b) if South Africa is part of the “free world,” why .do so many black South Africans throw themselves from sev-enth-storey windows? But your correspondents are entitled to their opinions on what is morally O.K. I accused the rugbyists of only, political and economic halfwittedness. — Yours, etc., ken McAllister. April 14, 1980.