"Cock-eyed About Guns”

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 1

"Cock-eyed About Guns”

fN Z. Press Association)

NAPIER. July 13. It was the intention of the Commissioner of Police, (Mr C. L. Spencer) to tighten or restrict the importation of firearms into New Zealand, the secretary of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society <Mr I. Robinson) said today.

He said Mr Spencer was considering this matter with a view to limiting the sale

of firearms so those crimes involving guns would be prevented. He was also considering amendments to the Arms Act which would provide for the licensing of shotguns and for the confiscation of cart-ridge-making equipment

“We feel this is an infringement on the liberty of the people, but we hold no brief with the irresponsible individual.” Mr Robinson said. “Ninety-nine per cent of the people who handle guns ire responsible people—it is only the 1 per cent who cause the trouble.” Mr Robinson said he had discussed the matter with

the Minister of Police (Mr Allen) 12 months ago because he was concerned about the democratic liberties which might be forfeited if restrictions were imposed. But it was still Mr Allen’s intention to review the act this year. “We have palled gun cubs, museums and antique arms societies to discuss this matter. The police even want to smash all old flintlocks—guns which have been part of our way of life for years. This is how cock-eyed they've got.” Mr Robinson said. The National Federation of Rifle, Rod and Gun Sports-

men had asked the president of the Marlborough Acclimatisation Society, Mr C. McNab, a Blenheim solicitor to review the act, Mr Robinson said. “You can’t legislate against firearms. Even New York, which has the most stringent laws governing the use of firearms, has the record of having the highest crime rate in the world. “If there is a revision rt will be better to place the responsibility of firearms m the hands of gun, rifle and pistol clubs—the same as they do in Europe, the United States and Russia."