Springbok tour

Press, 27 July 1981, Page 16

Springbok tour

Sir,—We have had our day of shame marches, but not foithe reasons given. That New Zealanders could so forget dignity, self-respect, self-control, and behave like a lot of mindless hooligans is surely something that will be called our days of shame for many a day to come. — Yours, etc., M. WRIGHT. July 24, 1981.

Sir,—l wish to comment ,on the Springbok rugby tour. A while ago I listened to students in the Square telling people that they were prepared to break the law and be “a thorn in the Government’s side” to prevent the Springbok tour. Since then the protesters have pulled down fences, sprinkled glass on a rugby field, and done numerous other acts of vandalism to prove their point. However, many people dislike the theory of apartheid but are sensible enough to realise that bringing politics into sport will not achieve anything for the average “black” South African. At worst someone could be badly hurt at the protest demonstrations and at best people will have no sympathy for their protest because of the disorderly conduct of the participants. After all, sprinkling glass on a rugby field is an immature action and could result in serious injuries to people who play on the field in future. Surely there are other ways of helping the people of South Africa? — Yours, etc., S. BARRETT. July 23, 1981. Sir,—l would like to reply to Messrs Mulcock and Hooper. They accuse protesters of being “violent,” “irresponsible,” and “exhibitionists hell-bent on destruction and disruption.” These gentlemen, in making these accusations, are confusing “illegal” with “non-violent.” It is entirely possible to carry out non-violent actions of civil disobedience such as sit-ins, group linkages and the like, which are also illegal. But they do not involve attacking anyone. In this city no anti-tour demonstrators have been charged with assault. The only charges laid have been trespass and disorderly conduct. which means that you are in a place where the police believe you ought not to be. An assault charge was laid against a pro-tour person. Claims that Christchurch protesters have been violent are unfounded. — Yours,'etc., PETER GEOFFREY FULLER. July .24, 1981.