‘Truth’ article condemned

Press, 25 August 1976, Page 6

‘Truth’ article condemned

The National Party’s Waikato division secretary, Mr Trevor Barber, has condemned “Truth” newspaper f.or a statement that the Raglan Member of Parliament, Miss Marilyn Waring is a lesbian. “Truth’s” front page yesterday carried a picture of Miss Waring and a heading in large type “M.P.’s odd love affair.” “Truth” also mentions an eleventh-hour attempt by solicitors representing another woman to stop publication of its report. Lawyers approached Mr Justice Beattie last Saturday night seeking an interim injunction against “Truth.” The application was granted, but action by “Truth’s” lawyers resulted in the injunction being discharged on Monday afternoon.

Yesterday Miss Waring attended Parliament and asked an oral question on transfer expenses for women teachers. It was suggested in Parliament Buildings that she proposed to make a statement to the news media or a personal statement to ■ the House, but she did not do so yesterday. According to the Press Association, Mr Barber said in Hamilton yesterday that he had no reaction to the “Truth” report from the

Raglan electorate. “It’s news to us. If the allegations are true we were not aware of it,” he said.

He said he was not a buyer of “Truth,” because it “indulges in the type of journalism that does not appeal to me.” While “Truth” claimed it had a duty to advise the public and the electors, the allegations were based on hearsay, with no admission from the person concerned. “Is it fair to condemn a person on unsubstantiated hearsay?”