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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 22, No. 8. August 3, 1959
"No Maoris, No Tour" — Mass Demonstration August 12
"No Maoris, No Tour"
Mass Demonstration August 12
An excellent opportunity for students to say "You're wrong" to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union on their decision to ban Maoris from selection for the proposed All Black team to tour South Africa in 1960 will be given in Wellington on Wednesday, August 12.
The Citizens' All Black Tour Association, of which the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association is a member, on that date are staging a mass demonstration of the citizenry on this crucial issue.
Though valuable, effective statements—also student demonstrations—have been issued from vast representative groups of New Zealanders, it is felt that a mass demonstration is now essential to bring the N.Z.R.F.U. face to face with what we New Zealanders really think of their unfortunate decision.
Speakers
Though at this date (July 28) complete details of the demonstration are not yet finalised, the following speakers and prominent supporters of the "ban the tour" campaign have signified their intention of taking a part on the Town Hall stage.
They are: Mr George Nepia, famous All Black full-back of the 1924 Invincibles; Mr Louis Paewai, a noted All Black of the same team and era; Dr. Paewai, prominent Maori All Black of the late 1940's; Dr. M. Winiata, eminent Maori scholar and teacher; Lt.-Col. Peta Awatere, distinguished leader of the 28th Maori Battalion in World War II; the Rev. J. S. Somerville, M.C., representing the eight churches signatory to a combined statement recently published in the issue.
Our Say
In addition to this a student speaker is being invited to take part, likewise a trade union spokesman.
A procession is to be organised, if a permit is obtained, and all legal means thought suitable and likely to be effective will be used at the demonstration. In regard to this your views and Ideas should be passed on to Mr John Hercus, Victoria representative on the C.A.B.T.A. executive.
Action Stations
As students have traditionally been to the fore when such vital moral issues are at stake, it is confidently expected that their support will be given this gigantic venture.
The meeting plans to be representative of the southern portion of the North Island, from New Plymouth across to Gisborne, and various groups are organising for the attendance of as widespread a group as possible. The organising, with their own organisers, is in the hands of Protestant Churches, Catholic Churches, Student Bodies, Trade Unions, Maori Tribal Groups, and General Citizens.
Support Needed
The meeting, to be effective, will not just need to be packed; citizens clamouring for admittance, and if needs be in overflow groups is what is required.
If you, in effect, say "No Maoris, No Tour," the occasion is planned for your participation and support.
—A.G.T.