Election on today’s protest?

Press, 15 August 1981, Page 6

Election on today’s protest?

Christchurch anti-tour protesters should not create a situation on which the Government could base a snap election on the issue of law and order, said Mr Pat Kelly, president of the Wellington Trades Council, yesterday.

He said that the Justice Department had been put on alert for an announcement bythe Government on Wednesday for a snap election based on the issue of law and order. The announcement would depend on what happened in Christchurch this week-end. The Internal Affairs Department was already urgently looking for polling booth officers, said Mr Kelly. He encouraged those opposed to the tour to “register the strongest possible pro-

test” without allowing the Government to “seize upon the situation.”

“If we allow him (Mr Muldoon) to manipulate us to create that situation that he is seeking, not only will we be doing the black people of South Africa a disservice, we will do our own people a disservice.”

He urged protesters to have restraint in their actions and to adopt the approach of protesters at Palmerston North and to go no further.

The struggle against apartheid went beyond the tour, Mr Kelly said. “It is absolutely important that the citizens of Christchurch understand the great responsibility that rests upon their shoulders,” Mr Kelly said.