police asked about ’Bok head

Press, 14 November 1981, Page 11

police asked about ’Bok head

p A Wellington Policemen and policewomen throughout New Zealand are being asked if they W ant to accept the Springbok was brought to New Zealand as a prize for the first provincial rugby team to beat the Springboks. When they completed their provincial matches unbeaten, the Springboks decided to give it to the police. But so far the police have not "picked up the pass.” The Commissioner of police (Mr R. J. Walton) has said that the matter had been put on the agenda for the November 23 police executive meeting, one of three each year attended by

all the country's police commanders. “I want-a consensus view on this one,” Mr Walton said. He had asked his commanders to consult policemen in their areas and bring the opinions of their districts to the meeting. Mr Walton said he had taken this approach because there was some division within the police as to whether the head should be accepted. It is believed that the head is being held by the Auckland Rugby Union until the police make up their mind. Mr Walton said he did not know its whereabouts. “All I am sure about is that we haven’t got it,” he said.