Testing day for new M.P.

Press, 27 July 1984, Page 5

Testing day for new M.P.

PA Wellington The first official day in the job of the new member of Parliament for Hamilton East, Mr Bill Dillon, left him rather red faced yesterday. His wish to share fully in the day’s proceedings was fulfilled, but not without its problems. It all started when Mr Dillon, accompanied by a former work colleague, took a taxi to Government House yesterday afternoon, believing the swearing-in ceremony to be open to all Labour members of Parliament, and not, as was the

case, only those selected for Ministerial posts. A variety of different memoranda changing times and details of the occasion had left Mr Dillon somewhat confused about who was meant to be where and at what time, and he was already running a little late when he arrived at Government House. The pair entered by a side door, but on introducing himself as a member of Parliament, Mr Dillon was shown to the front entrance. The elegantly attired en-tourage-of equerries at the

door, obviously expecting some unfamiliar faces, welcomed Mr Dillon and showed him the visitors’ book in the foyer. He noticed that only the outgoing Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, and his replacement, Mr Lange, had signed, but he duly enscribed his name and his colleague followed suit. Beginning to realise that things perhaps were not quite as they were meant to be, he nonetheless joined the spouses of members of Parliament in witnessing the swearing-in of his colleagues.

He decided that a quick getaway was in order, however, and another taxi was duly ordered. The taxi-driver drove past the entrance where Mr Dillon was waiting and stopped instead outside a distant staff entrance. Mr Dillon signalled to the taxi-driver to indicate where he was waiting,.but the signal was intercepted by the driver of the Government limousine at the bead of the long line awaiting the Cabinet Ministers inside. The driver began to move forward, followed by the other cars, and Mr Dillon

quickly realised just what his raised hand had inspired. A few more quick signals and the matter was resolved, much to Mr Dillon’s relief. Now somewhat harassed he and his friend got into the taxi to leave the scene. The fledgling member of Parliament tried to convince reporters later that the whole matter was best forgotten, although he did concede that his signature in the Government House book would immortalise $