Police happy with 'orderly' MardiGrass

[xShivaspacetechnologyx]

Police happy with 'orderly' MardiGrass

 

AAP | 08:40am May 7, 2012

 

POLICE have congratulated organisers of an annual cannabis reform rally in northern NSW, saying it was well run and orderly.

 

The 2012 Nimbin MardiGrass protest was "very well-managed", says officer in charge, Inspector Nicole Bruce.

 

"We're very pleased with the co-operation received from the MardiGrass organising body," she said on on Sunday.

 

"There has been a very low incidence of violence and crime."

 

Insp Bruce was unable to give final numbers of arrests due to ongoing operations but said they were low compared with previous years.

Police estimate the protest crowd of about 5000 was also down despite near-perfect sunny weather.

 

But with about 100 officers taking part in Operation Taxi on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, organisers say the high police presence may explain the dip in attendance.

 

Road blocks were staged leading into Nimbin on all three days.

 

The protest marched through the main street of the town led by local Aboriginal people of the Bundjalung Nation followed by dance group the Ganja Faeries, community organisations and a group carrying an oversized prop known as The Big Joint.

 

Thousands more people lined the footpaths and listened to speakers in Peace Park including Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) president Michael Balderstone and Southern Cross University law student Jim Moylan.

 

"Ever since human beings have been around we've used the herb," Mr Moylan told the crowd.

 

"We've used it for cloth, shelter, warmth and medicine.

 

"It's only in this modern, mad age that we take nature's gift to us and make it illegal."

 

Mr Balderstone said he hoped next year for the 21st MardiGrass police would be able to sit down and "have a choof".

 

"The reason I smoke nyarndi (an Aboriginal word for marijuana) is simply to feel good," Mr Balderstone proclaimed.

 

"Without convincing the politicians, we're going nowhere," he said.

 

"Talk to your local politicians, make an appointment, explain what prohibition is doing to you.

 

"For most people pot isn't a big deal and it really should be seen as a health issue."

 

After the rally Mr Balderstone told AAP he thought the "cops had been great".

 

"I really would like to applaud the police," he said.

 

"It was hard to get in but once you were here it was cool, a very relaxed vibe.

 

"Imagine if this had been an alcohol festival."

 

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/05/07/413475_tweed-byron-news.html

[Tracybee]

There's nothing as nice as a happy policeman/woman

"Cops have been great."

Lets ALL applaud their fine work.

Thanks to Sgt Balderstone also

 

Just got back from Nimbin.

Thanks to all you AusStoners I met for helping me PUSH my Kombi

out of that ditch too!!!