Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 5. March 30 1981
A Pro-Tour letter
A Pro-Tour letter
To the Editor,
I believe it's high time all these 'stop the tour' chanters sat down and gave a bit of thought to the benefits of a South African tour taking place. Forget all the reasons why it shouldn't happen, we've all heard them too many times already.
I am strongly anti-apartheid, I don't think any thinking New Zealander can be in favour of any form of Racial Discrimination, but I don't believe that refusing to play with the 'kids next door' is going to change a philosophy under which he has become accustomed to, to quote Pauline McKay (Pres. HART) "... the highest standard of living in the world".
By far the best way to change a persons actions is to change his attitudes. By mixing on an equal basis with Blacks and Coloureds it is possible to change the attitude of the White South African sportsman. It can be seen in New Zealand that the strongest "anti-Black" feeling comes from those who have no regular contact (be it work or play) with Islanders and Maoris. A change in South African apartheid laws would be far more beneficial when brought about by the benefactors of White South Africa than when it is forced upon it by outside parties.
If the government is so hell bent on crusading for the plight of the Black and the Coloured South Africans then why don't they attack the basis of South Africa's existence, their economy. They surely can be far more effectively crippled economically than morally.
If Pauline McKay really believes that the Springbok tour will be called off she's got her head up her arse! The National Government is not going to stop the tour. A complete change in attitude by the Government in an election year is about as likely as the successful completion of 'Piggies' economic miracle and Merv. Wellington's chances of being elected as President of NZUSA, and it must be clear to anyone with at least half a brain that the Rugby Union is not going to back down. Anyway how could anyone expect a government to honour the Gleneagles Agreement any more than they have done so when they were blackmailed into it in the first place.
I hope the HART supporters have the good sense not to continue with such pranks as those tried at the Veteran Games in Christchurch. Rugby supporters tend to be a lot more physical than Veteran Games supporters and competitors, and lets face it broken bones will help no one.
Signed Tour Supporter