Reaction (Press, 23 December 1976)

On 23 December 1976, Mr Rowling expressed his deep concern regarding recent events affecting the Labour Party, particularly in light of the North inquiry and its implications. He stated that he was upset about the consequences that had emerged from the inquiry's terms of reference and confirmed his belief that Sir Alfred North had operated within those limits. However, he remarked that Sir Alfred was not present during a crucial period in June and might not have fully understood the pressures involved. Mr Rowling raised questions about the origins of the information that had reached Mr Muldoon regarding a separate incident. He questioned the credibility of the source and Mr Muldoon's authority to make statements based on hearsay, highlighting the importance of disclosing the author of such information within parliamentary privilege discussions. He did not believe police procedures had failed, but he maintained that the source of the information warranted further investigation. Addressing a specific mention in the North report about the Moyle incident gaining traction within Parliament, Mr Rowling asserted that it was not common knowledge to him. He indicated he had only heard vague rumours floating around in Nelson, which Mr Moyle later acknowledged. He noted that he had been informed quickly by Mr Connelly after the Wellington street incident, and believed the situation had been satisfactorily explained to him at the time. While he could not recall Mr Moyle's whereabouts during the incident, he noted their long-standing professional relationship, stating that no suggestions of homosexual behaviour had been communicated to him and that everything had seemed normal. Regarding Mr Moyle's decision to contest the Mangere by-election, Mr Rowling indicated that this was the only major issue he had experienced with Mr Moyle, whom he regarded as a capable Cabinet Minister. He acknowledged that Mr Moyle had his reasons for standing up for his actions, which Rowling could partially understand, asserting that Mr Moyle, from a personal standpoint, believed he had to take this stance based on his convictions. The Mangere by-election is noteworthy as it will mark the first such election since the Muldoon Administration took office following the General Election in 1975. Mr Moyle holds the seat by a margin of 1,604 votes, making the upcoming election a significant event in the political landscape at that time.

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