Police and tour

Press, 2 September 1981, Page 20

Police and tour

Sir,—l would like to convey my sympathy to the anti-tour protesters in their clashes with the police. I have never seen a better example of “separating the men from the boys.” The New Zealand Police are a force for good to be reckoned with. Sadly the protesters came through as a weak, whining band of people who have created a chaotic situation in our country which has benefited no-one. “God is not the author of confusion” — these foolish people will never prosper.—Yours, etc., D. JONES, Blenheim. August 31, 1981.

Sir,—The police should not rely on their belief that the worst of the protests against the Springbok tour are now over. While it is true that the bulk of the tour games have proceeded — uneasily — one particularly grating occasion for those opposed to the tour remains. With that strange sense of the inappropriate and lack of sensitivity which have marked its deliberations and actions over this tour the New Zealand Rugby Union chose September 12, 1980, to issue its invitation to apartheid rugby, and September 12, 1981, for the tour to end. It was on September 12, 1977, that Steve Biko, leader of South African black resistance to apartheid, died in custody. The apartheid system that killed him is represented in New Zealand at present by an apartheid rugby team. It is unlikely that September 12 will be allowed to pass any less noticeably than other match days.—Yours, etc., A. J. CAMPBELL. August 31, 1981.

Sir,—The Prime Minister and others have been excusing excesses in the behaviour of the police when dealing with demonstrations on the grounds that the protesters are offering

provocation. Could the same understanding please be extended to the protesters? If some have been guilty of excesses in expressing their abhorrence of apartheid and their disquiet at seeing the police used to protect the playing of racist sport, it should be remembered that they are acting under the enormous provocation of the tour itself going ahead. Surely angry words and actions can be excused from those to whom the tour itself is a deep affront.—Yours, etc., ASH RAWIRI SPICE. September 1, 1981.

Sir,—"Police believe worst of protests could be over,” said a headline in “The Press,” on August 31. Protesters believe worst of police action could be over.—Yours, etc., M. M. STACK. September 1, 1981.