Sir Robert on talk-back

Press, 20 January 1984, Page 2

Sir Robert on talk-back

PA Auckland The Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, held his first radio talk-back programme on Radio Pacific yesterday only because one of the station’s founders, Mr Gordon Dryden, had left it. Sir Robert gave this reason before embarking on a 9.15 a.m.-to-noon stint yesterday, handling calls “from the ordinary blokes.” Mr Dryden announced on Wednesday that he would seek the New Zealand Party’s nomination as candidate to contest the Tamaki seat against the Prime Minister.

During the early part of his stint, Sir Robert handled subjects ranging from his definition of a Maori to his opposition to having casinos in New Zealand.

Casually dressed, Sir Robert had arrived five minutes late at the station after driving from his Hatfields Beach holiday home.

While he talked with callers and the talk-back host, Chris Carter, the

station maintained tight security, locking all its doors to the public. The station’s telephone lines were jammed by callers seeking Sir Robert’s views.

On gambling, Sir Robert said, “I am not keen to cream off New Zealand gambling money and put it into casinos or lotto.

“I would sooner see it put into the racing industry where it is supporting a lot of jobs, earning a lot of overseas funds through the bloodstock industry.” .On the price freeze: This year, wage negotiations would be under fairly tight restraint although some increases would be allowed. He hoped to get away from restraints on prices and wages next year.

Education: “When I was at school in the ’3os, I sat University Entrance and School Certificate at the same time in the fifth form and I don’t feel disadvantaged. I favour leaving U.E. where it is (in the sixth form)...”