Springbok tour

Press, 26 February 1981, Page 16

Springbok tour

Sir, — A study by E. Sutherland of the world-wide aid given by the National Council of Churches should change her ideas. Nevertheless, South Africa is different as, repeat ad infinitum, it is the only country which embodies racial discrimination in its laws, and, being Westernised, could have been expected to value individuals irrespective of colour. As .the N.C.C. has limited resources, I hope E. Sutherland is working hard to provide aid in the areas that concern her and which are so much in need. R. V. Shaw conveys (perhaps rightly) that South Africa is a land to which we should send Christian missionaries. In fact, the Dutch Reformed Church, firmly rooted in the pre-Christian Old Testament, is well entrenched there, and the Government actively discourages Christians who do not support its philosophy. However, they want outside contact. Cessation of . sporting contacts is thus a message of communication and an effective one. — Yours, etc.. B. ROBERTS. February 25, 1981.

Sir, —I find it strange that David Dumergue’s far-reach-ing humanitarian views have not prompted him to write letters of protest about Ugandan oppression, yet he feels able to criticise others for not doing so. Still, at least he does not stand with E. Sutherland, for “preservation of New Zealanders’ rights.” What a giveaway. These pro-tour types really should get their stories straight. Fancy crying selective morality and then saying one supports one’s own rights. Fortunately the majority of New Zealanders realise .that any rights we have to watch rugby are trivial in comparison to basic human dignity for 22 million South African blacks. — Yours, etc., J. P. SMALL. February 24, 1981.