Springbok tour

Press, 22 September 1980, Page 16

Springbok tour

Sir, — So the hierarchy of the Christchurch Diocese are abandoning the people they are supposed to be caring for and they seem to be singing as they depart with H.A.R.T. and company, "Come on Violence.” — Yours, etc., MRS R. A. BRANKIN. September 19, 1980.

Sir, — Sir Thomas Browne, that famous physician and philosopher (160582) says: “In all disputes so much as there is of passion, so much there is of nothing to the purpose.” H.A.R.T. deprived of its ‘ emotion and passion would be a broken reed. Even Mr Knox would be a much less provocative figure. But surely the Christian bishops / should heed this advice and see that their followers know what a very difficult problem faces South Africa. For example, how can you give power to people, who stone a teacher to death? Stopping the tour would',be a triumph of passion; over reason and common sense. — Yours, etc. N. YOUNG, Nelson. September 19, 1980.

Sir, — How much news do we hear of Afghanistan now the Games are over? Ask the average man in the street what he thinks of the situation and he will probably give you a blank stare. New Zealand withdrawing from .the Games,

except for the token few, did not alleviate the plight of the Afghanistan people, but only prevented our dedicated athletes from competing. Once the Springbok tour is called off there is no doubt everyone in New Zealand opposing it will sink' back into their complacent, well-heeled lives, feeling self-righteous that they “did the right thing” for the black South Africans, but what else will be achieved? Why does not our Government allow thousands of black South Africans to migrate to our favoured, multi-racially harmonious country? Why do not all New Zealand women throw away their South Africanmined diamonds and they and their menfolk cease drinking South African wine. — Yours, etc.,

BARBARA TULLOCH. September 19, 1980. Sir, — As was to be expected, the professional protesters, publicity seeking members of Parliament and church leaders are receiving prime time on TV. Now all Christians, those standing aloof from the great majority, are being exhorted to pray the tour be stopped and hopefully as a bonus, -all rugby administrators ahd supporters be struck down. Any sportsman or sportswoman from any country other than New Zealand who has competed with or against South Africans at Lords, Wimbledon or anywhere else, would be spared retribution. This might well. be an opportune time for the churches to spare a prayer for the simple people of Afghanistan, who are currently receiving the blessings of freedom and equality from the hosts of the last Olympics, by means of dumdum bullets, nerve gases etc. Not being represented on the National Council of Churches means these folk do not qualify for financial handouts, as do the guerrilla fighters of Africa. They may still derive some comfort from knowing they are in the thoughts of the good people of New Zealand. — Yours, etc., 1 D. L. QUARTERMAIN. September 9, 1980.