2500 at pro-tour march

Press, 9 May 1981, Page 1

2500 at pro-tour march

Timaru reporter

Chanting “We want the tour” about 2500 people, many waving placards and banners, marched 10-deep through Timaru’s main street last evening.

The demonstration, which was without in • cident, over about Ikm from Woollcombe Street to Canon Street, reached a crescendo at the Church Street traffic lights. Music was provided by a group of enthusiastic players, on the balcony of the Crown Hotel. Supported by the Society for the Protection of Individual Rights, the march relied heavily on second-phase strength — members of clubs from town and country affiliated to the South Canterbury Rugby Union. The marchers were briefed before the march by tht organiser of 5.P.1.R., Mr G. McQuilkan. Clutching a sign saying “Don’t let HART rule your head,” he described the response as tremendous and indicative of the desire not to see politics infiltrate sport, and also as a demonstration of the individual’s freedom of choice. Associated with him was Mr M. Smith, the president of the Zingari Rugby Club which will celebrate its seventy-fifth anniversary at Queen’s Birthday week-end.