Vietnam-Yes Or No?

Ever since the New Zealand Government decided to send an artillery battery to Vietnam the daily newspapers have carried stories of protest meetings, protest processions, letters to the editors and interviews with the opposing factions. It has been stated more than once that the rank and file of New Zealanders did not want to see New Zealand involved in the Vietnam conflict. Among phrases used in connexion with this wordy battle was "public outcry" against the Government's decision. But it seemed to us that the "public outcry" was limited to a small but vociferous section of the community. To our knowledge, no newspaper, up to the time that we went to press, had taken the trouble to ascertain the views of the man in the street. So we did - here in Nelson.

On Trafalgar Street one day earlier this month we approached passers-by (every one of whom was unknown to us) for an expression of opinion on this highly controversial subject. Of the 22 approached, 17 were prepared to give their views, but only seven would allow them to be published, with their photographs. Five said they knew nothing about it "because I haven't really been interested in it".

As can be seen from the replies to our question printed on this page, only one of the seven opposed the Government's decision - surely an answer to those talking about "public outcry".

In the past we have not hesitated to criticise the Government for decisions which we believed adversely affected Nelson, and New Zealand as a whole. But on this occasion, we congratulate the Government on its decision. Vietnam is too close to New Zealand's shores for us to continue to believe we can live in isolation. We also agree that it is better to negotiate than to fight, but when one side will not negotiate - what's left?

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Mr T. Nuttall, loader driver: "If the Viet Cong are going to be stopped, I think it should be over there. I'd rather fight them in Vietnam than in New Zealand."

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Mr Ted Low, retired: "The Government has done the right thing. I think we would be foolish to let the Americans down in this."

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Mr A. Johnston, retired: "I feel we can't do anything else but support America. If America withdraws, what is going to happen to us. We're only a hop, step and jump away from Vietnam."

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Mrs Don Illing, housewife: "As the mother of a young family I think we should look at our children's future. We should follow and support America."

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Mr A. R. King-Turner, engineer: "I do not think we should send troops yet. I think the answer is economic aid on a larger scale. I think the Government has been instructed by the United States to send troops."

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Mrs Verna Gafa, housewife: "If we want help from the United States at any time we can't expect us not to do our bit to help."

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Mr I. Davey, farm hand: "We should try to help our neighbours for we cannot expect help if we don't help others. I think we could increase our economic aid, also."