‘’unhappy Retirement’ (Press, 30 November 1978)

On 30 November 1978, a telegram was sent to H. J. Walker, the recently defeated Minister of Social Welfare and former member of Parliament for Papanui, expressing a rather unorthodox sentiment. The message, sent by Mike Waghorne, an officer from the Christchurch Health Department, wished Walker “the most reviled and unhappy retirement ever experienced by a New Zealand ex-politician.” This unusual communication highlights the contentious nature of the relationship between the two men, as Waghorne is known to have been involved in a public dispute with Walker, particularly regarding attempts made by Walker to have Waghorne dismissed from his position within the Health Department. In response to the telegram, Walker made the contents public, which brought further attention to the animosity that characterized their interactions. Waghorne expressed satisfaction with Walker's exit from office, indicating that the former minister's actions had motivated his message. At the time, Waghorne was working as an assistant management services officer with a focus on planning geriatric services and was also serving as the secretary of the National Gay Rights Coalition, indicating his active involvement in social issues during a time of evolving public discourse surrounding gay rights in New Zealand. This incident underscores the often turbulent environment of politics and public service, illustrating how personal conflicts can spill into public view, particularly when they involve elected officials and their administrative counterparts.

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