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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 37, No 24. September 18, 1974

Frenzy

Frenzy

This situation however has changed over the last few months. In their activities, and in particular the activities of Ward (War Against Recreational Disruption), a situation has been created which causes me considerable distress. It is not that New Zealanders have suddenly gone mad, and are flocking to the banner of these pro-apartheid groups. In terms of their activities in New Zealand, Ward, SAFA and other similar groups are still the same as they were a year ago. What does concern me greatly about the activities of Ward, is that as a direct result of its activities, it is responsible for severe pressure being placed on black and coloured sports administrators and sportsmen inside South Africa. In their frenzy to win debating here in New Zealand, Ward has placed in jeopardy the security and future of many South African sportsmen.

They have dreamed up a desperate ploy, aimed at shoring up their diminishing support. In so doing, they have introduced a whole new dimension into the debate. It is this new dimension I would now like to examine.

When Mr Fenton of WARP was in South Africa at the beginning of the year as guest of the deceitfully named pro-apartheid sports group — the Committee for Fairness in Sport — he was quoted in The Evening Post (4.3.74) as saying that he was preparing a document which rejected Government interference in sport. This document would be signed by leading non-white sports administrators and sportsmen in South Africa. "It is a very powerful document," Mr Fenton said, "I prepared it myself. It should be released simultaneously in South Africa and New Zealand next week."

Mr Fenton

Mr Fenton

Four weeks elapsed and there was no sign of any report. I wrote to Ward and asked when the report was to be released. In time Mr Fenton replied, stating that he was waiting for more information. No date was given as to when the report would be released As time passed and no report arrived, I eventually gave up all hope of ever seeing this powerful document. That was, until a week ago.