Minister blames Repeal for damage

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 1

Minister blames Repeal for damage

The Minister of Social Welfare and member of Parliament for Papanui (Mr Walker) has said he will answer a Repeal questionnaire if that organisation will pay the costs of vandalism to his property. He and all other members of Parliament had been sent the questionnaire by the organisation supporting repeal of the Contraception. Sterilisation and Abortion Act, 1977. His questionnaire had been sent to him by a constituent, Mrs Heather Morris and, in reply, the Minister cited vandalism done to his home in Papanui and his Wellington residence. "Those responsible clearly showed themselves to be pro-abortionists and supporters of Repeal.” he said. “On receipt of a cheque for $5OO to cover the cost of the damage, I will be happy to complete your questionnaire,” he wrote. In reply, the Christchurch co-ordinator of Repeal (Ms Honor Bonisch) said she was shocked by Mr Walker’s reaction. She said that nearly 4000 Papanui citizens; signed the Repeal petition which gathered 323,000 signatures nationally. “While sympathising with you in the matter of vandalism to your properties, the Repeal organisation can in no wav be held responsible for the actions of citizens unknown to them any more than S.P.U.C. would be responsible for those who. while no doubt considering themselves as pro-lifers.’ threw a bomb into the Auckland clinic and set fire to and destroyed premises used by the Sisters Overseas Service in Wellington.” Ms Bonisch said.