National M.P. replies to P.M.

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33314, 27 August 1973, Page 20

National M.P. replies to P.M.

A single, unsubstantiated claim of telephone tapping was the only charge of this nature levelled at the Government or its departments while he was PostmasterGeneral, said Mr H. J. Walker, member of Parliament for Papanui and Opposition spokesman on Post Office matters. He was replying to a challenge from the Prime Minister (Mr Kirk) published in Friday’s issue o' ‘'The Press.” Mr Kirk had challenged Mr Walker to y whether or not telephone tapping had taken place under a National Government. Mr Walker said that, under section 158 of the Post Office Act, anyone convicted of telephone tapping was liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year. “In circumstances of a ‘declared national emergency,’ a Government may take whatever action is necessary to protect ,b e people, but there is absoWar crimes trial Two former members of the S.S. have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in West Berlin for the murder of Polish Jews during World War 11. Johann Baecker, aged 61, and Hans Quambusch, aged 68, were found guilty of killing 25 and 20 Jews, respectively, near Craco ,v 1941 and 1942. — West Berlin, August 24.

lutely no justification for the Labour Government to legalise telephone tapping in New Zealand —unless we are heading for a police state or a dictatorship,” he said. “Legalised telephone tapping would surely be followed by the State secretly opening mail passing through Post Office, or perusing personal files. “During my term as Postmaster-General, the only charge of telephone tapping came from a Left-wing group that threatened to use ex-, plosives to stop the then-’ proposed Springbok tour. “When investigated, it was claimed by the group the information came from ‘a friend of the boyfriend of a girl who used to work in a certain shop.’ But they did not know her name and could offer no further information,” said Mr Walker. . "Is it on this sort of ridiculous claim that the Prime Minister has undertaken to introduce legal telephone tapping in New Zealand? “I urge him to think again before he blunders in.” Mr Walker said.

Aett- V.D. drug A pleasant-tasting drink: can now cure gonorrhoea in 48 hours. The new drug, which can be taken in water, is a combination of ampicillin and probenecid. — Washington, August 24.

Style of address Dr Henry Kissinger, the United States designate, Secretary of State, exchanged banter with reporters yesterday on how he should be addressed. “Do your prefer to . .be called Mr Secretary or Dr Secretary?” he was asked. “I don’t stand on protocol; if' you will just call me 'Excellency’ it will be 0.k..” he said. — San Clemente (California), August 24.