Maori tour of Wales

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 14

Maori tour of Wales

Sir.-On the question of Maori rugby as raised by Elizabeth Sutherland (June 1) and J. Smith (June 2) my private answer is this: racial rugby exists in South Africa as a deliberate Government policy to promote and exacerbate existing social, political, economic and educational divisions (apartheid). Therefore, racial rugby in South Africa is racist rugby. In New Zealand racial rugby (Maori versus pakeha versus Samoan, etc.) exists to promote better understanding and helps to heal

prejudice. The vast majority of these games are one-offs, the Maori tour of Wales being an exception. Therefore, racial rugby in New Zealand is not racist. However, ’to give J. Smith the unequivocal answer he requires, I think racially selected teams should be quietly phased out because of their potential to turn racial into racist, as explained by M. O’Neill (May 31).—Yours, etc., GRAEME YARDLEY. June 2, 1982.

Sir—This debate has always had an Alice in Wonderland quality. Discussing “freedom,” for example, or “rights," with an opponent who is using different reference books is as pointless as playing draughts with aii opponent who has started his or her pieces one square sideways of your own. M. O’Neill has made’ an effort to guide J. Smith out of this parallel-universe paradox. “Pedantic ramblings," says J. Smith. “Waste of time." Indeed it was, but the effort had to be made.—Yours, etc..

KEN MCALLISTER. June 2, 1982.

Sir,—l am amazed that there are still people' like Andrew Howat (June 1) who are naive enough to say that any New Zealand team should not be prevented -from competing with anyone: else. This is similar to saying that everyone should be allowed to drive on whatever side of the road they wish or drink what and whenever they like. Those who cry out for rights to play rugby should remember having rights brings responsibilities and the Rugby Union with the aid of the State showed no responsibility at all. Nor have they in all their history on these matters. I am not attempting to justify HART'S non-action as it is not my position to nor do I have to. I wonder what protest Andrew Howat has made on this issue? As the Maori rugby team does not try to be a representative national team from New Zealand representative of all New - Zealanders there is no case to answer. I would have thought everyone would be able to work that out—Yours, etc.. M. O'NEILL. June 2. 1982.