Blue Squad relaxes at Wanganui

Press, 5 August 1981, Page 3

Blue Squad relaxes at Wanganui

NZPA Wanganui The Blue Squad, one of the highly trained police teams escorting the Springboks round New Zealand relaxed over cards in the warmth of the Waverley Rugby Club's rooms yesterday while the tourists trained on the domain. The "Blues" took over from the Red Squad al the week-end and their policing role has so far been vastly different from that of their colleagues.

To the casual eye it could have been a normal rugby practice. The Springboks not chosen for today's match against Wanganui left their hotel by bus about 9.30 a.m. for training at Waverley. north-west of Wanganui, and a trip in the country. They were accompanied by the Blue Squad, but the freezing cold temperatures and the lack of anti-tour feeling quickly drove the police into the warmth of the clubhouse, from where they could observe the practice field in comfort. Tea and

scones, a game of cards, and debates about the relative strengths of the Springboks and the All Blacks added to the relaxed atmosphere.

Outside, about 200 primary schoolchildren joined a big crowd of Waverley rugby supporters to watch the Springboks go through their training routines.

At times as few as three policemen were outside the clubhouse. The only other obvious signs of security were heavy chains on the door of the Springboks' changing shed and a locked door at the front of the clubhouse which effectively cut off the fastest access for the police had an emergency occurred. In the clubhouse the assistant Springbok manager. Mr Abe Williams, was hunched beside a transistor radio for the outcome of yesterday's meeting on the tour at Parliament. He declined to comment on the proposal that the"third test be cancelled.

The Springbok manager.

Dr Johan Claassen, said later, however, that it was "very interesting."

Meanwhile, hopes were high in Wanganui last evening for a trouble-fre.e'match for the Springboks today. A. protest spokesman. Mr Don Milne, promised there would be no chanting or singing by the group which intends to gather outside the main gates Of Spriggens Park.

Wanganui Action Against Apartheid wanted the protest to be non-disruptive to spectators and non-provocative, he said.

The police had promised not to erect barriers because of the nature of the protest, he said. Elsewhere in the city, “call for justice" gatherings are planned in two churches. The Springboks themselves are revelling in the relaxed atmosphere. After a heavytraining session, those who travelled yesterday went on to visit farms. Others wandered round the shops and played golf.