Police probe ’vigorous’

Press, 11 June 1977, Page 2

Police probe ’vigorous’

Wellington reporter

The police are making a full inquiry into al) aspects of the arms and other equipment found in the possession of the Waipara religious sect, according to the Commissioner of Police (Mr K. B. Burnside). “I am rather disappointed that recent publicity appears to imply that the police are interesting themselves only in aspects relating to the Arms Act,” he said.

"We will not speculate publicly or prejudge the

situation but in the meantime the public can rest assurer that the police are vigorously pursuing their inquiries to ascertain the complete facts with full regard to all possible implications." Mr Burnside said that Detective Superintendent E. D. Pern 1 was in charge of the inquiry and his headquarters was supporting the Christchurch police in administrative matters.

The police were also in liaison with the Chief of Defence Staff (Air Marshal R. B. Bolt) because a

few members of the R.N.Z.A.F. were implicated, and liaison would ' be continued with all other Government j agencies where necessary. The police had the re- > sources to carry out a • thorough investigation which could be improved with public support, he said.

He was confident that those approached by the police would realise that it was in everyone's interest that the full facts be ; revealed and that they ] would co-operate as usual.