Witness for the defence—P.M.

Press, 8 December 1976, Page 19

Witness for the defence—P.M.

PA Auckland The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) could appear as a defence witness in a prosecution brought by the police against the Mandalay Ballroom over alleged breaches of the liquor licensing regulations. Mr Muldoon confirmed that it was possible he could be called as a defence witness but did not know if he would actually be required. However, the defence counsel for Mandalay (Mr R. L. McLaren) said that Mr Muldoon’s office has let him know that the Prime Minister would be available as a witness if needed. The Mandalay faces two separate charges of breaching the liquor licensing laws — one at the final of the

“Miss New Zealand” beauty contest and the other at the “Sunday News”-Kensington Carpets television awards ceremony at which Mr Muldoon was a guest and at which he presented some awards. The first prosecution began at the Supreme Court at Auckland on Monday morning and the second is scheduled to begin on December 13. Mr Muldoon, if he is called as a witness, should take the stand on December 22. He would not say what type of evidence he would present but it is understood that he will speak about the Government’s attitude to the liquor licensing laws, and possibly of the Sale of Liquor Amendment Act which has come into force since the prosecutions were laid.