Springbok tour

Press, 2 May 1981, Page 14

Springbok tour

Sir, — I have known Mr Ces Blazey long enough for him to appreciate that I am no fervent supporter of HART. He may be surprised therefore to learn that I have marched in the anti-tour procession to the Square. My reasoning is simple. Though I dilike the condition of blacks in South African society just as much as many other New Zealanders do, my altitude is based more on the prospect of harm to this country than on anti-apartheidism — pragmatic rather than Christian feeling. In my opinion the N.Z.R.F.U. among whom in the past I have counted many friends, has on this occasion adopted an entirely wilful and selfish attitude. I am aware, from television interviews, how acutely uncomfortable Mr Blazey feels. And with good reason — for he, an honourable and entirely sensible man with a great record in sports administration, has been thrust into an entirely unworthy position. He has my sympathy and best wishes! — Yours, etc.. GORDON INNES. 1932 All Black. May 1, 1981. Sir, — Congratulations to the Timaru City Council which has decided it is elected to £ govern the city, not to take sides on the Springbok tour. It is a pity that our own council cannot recognise this but, considering that we have a Labour dominated council, the chance of this appears remote. State- . ments by the Deputy Mayor, Mr Lester, that it is for the benefit of the city fail to convince, and it appears that Mr Lester is not at all concerned with the citizens who elected him to serve them but is only following Labour Party policy dictated from Labour Party headquarters. So much for independent councils free from outside influence. -- Yours, etc., S. HANSEN. \ April 29, 1981. Sir,—lt amazes me in these days of supposed enlightened advanced Christian educated New Zealanders, that they still bury their heads and ignore the facts of segregation in favour of furthering their own ends ' k such as the South African 4 rugby tour and even an elec- , \ tion. One does not have to visit ; a place today to be enlightened ;• k as we have such magnificent ; fi libraries. I went to Cape Town * and saw around. I am prepared

to bet that many rugby players who have played against South Africans with Maoris in their team have been called “nigger lovers,” because that is what they called us in Egypt during matches in Cairo (inter-Army) because we had a Maori battalion with equal pay and equal rights, which upset both their whites and their black troops. They do not intend to change, but rather get much tougher, as the blacks get more enlightenment. They can’t change; it is bred into them by church and school. — Yours, etc., M. TAYLOR. April 28, 1981.