Call For Republic Atcanty

NZSPA Reporter

Christchurch: "We'll be there, but we are not sure how," said New Zealand Republican Association secretary-treasurer Bruce Jesson. commenting on the news that "the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) would open the new Canterbury science block at 11am on August 19.

Mr, Jesson said the association intended to make its presence felt at the opening, (However, the opening will be held in the same week as tournament.)

He said the RA had a membership of 50, mostly in Christchurch. The majority, he added, were not, contrary to common belief, students. There was no intention of forming a new political party, to avoid cutting across members' present allegiances.

"In rebelling against New Zealand's Britishness we are affirming our New Zealand-ness. We categorically refuse to accept a situation we consider intolerable, and our rebellion is latent in every thinking New Zealander," said Mr. Jesson.

The association has adopted a New Zealand ensign minus the Union Jack in the corner as its symbol on publicity.

Mr. Jesson (22), a fourth-year law student, and two other students were arrested and held over Anzac weekend after painting slogans in support of the association, then called the Committee to Oppose Royal Tours.