Protesters occupy office

Press, 5 August 1983, Page 1

Protesters occupy office

PA Auckland Fifteen nuclear protesters barricaded themselves in the National Party headquarters in Auckland for almost, an hour yesterday. It was the third attack on the premises this week. The group, believed to be university students, dashed into the building about 2.10 p.m., and locked themselves and the Auckland divisional director of the National Party, Mr John Tremewan, in his office.

The police forced their way in about 3 p.m. and led the protesters out peacefully one by one. Nine women and six men were charged with trespassing and were bailed to appear in the District Court at Auckland today. In earlier attacks blood was splattered round the

foyer on Monday morning and paint bombs were hurled at the offices on Wednesday night.

Mr Tremewan said late yesterday that he would “clean up and wait for the next lot.”

The students hung a banner out of a window — “Students Against a Nuclear Future.”

Mr Tremewan chose to stay in the office with them to ensure that there was not too much damage. The group left a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr Muldoon, protesting at the visit of the U.S.S. Texas ... but he was sure Mr Muldoon would not accept a letter delivered in that way. •

Chief Inspector J. W. Wooders said the group was not part of any recognised peace or protest movement.