Lecturer disturbed at ‘raid’ reaction

Press, 13 July 1984, Page 5

Lecturer disturbed at ‘raid’ reaction

A Christchurch Polytechnic lecturer in multi-cultural studies has questioned the reaction of the member of Parliament for Fendalton, Mr Philip Burdon, to a “dawn raid” on his home this week.

Ms Louisa Crawley, a former Christchurch City councillor, said she was disappointed in Mr Burdon’s reaction to an early morning attempt by a protest group to discuss the Immigration Bill.

She said that Mr Burdon should realise that for some immigrants living in New Zealand, that sort of intrusion was often their lot.

“They cannot simply tell the official to go away and

slam the door,” said Ms Crawley.

Mr Burdon had said he would not want to see such visits happen to other people. “I hope he will now do everything he can to stop the bill,” said Ms Crawley.

She had read a revised version of the bill, and had sought legal opinions on parts of it.

Most of the offensive sections remained unchanged, she said. She was especially concerned about a section that gave immigration officers the power to enter and search a suspect’s home.

Tactics such as the protest group used would be

legal under the proposed legislation, said Ms Crawley.

“One of my biggest problems has been interpreting this bill,” she said. “Parts are so unclear that they will require interpretation through the courts.”

That applied especially to the section dealing with appeals and reviews. Ms Crawley said that Mr Burdon “should turn his anger to a positive use next time he comes across a bill like this in Parliament.”