Steven Wallace Shooting – Waitara Reaction – Russian Submarine – Interest Rates - ERB
STEVEN WALLACE SHOOTING: The Police Investigation into the fatal shooting of Steven Wallace is out. The policeman was
acting in self defence. The report completely clears the police. This angers family and friends of Wallace. The family
says it is not acceptable to be shot for being angry. The family has been consistently at odds with Police since the
April 30th shooting. Wallace had been drinking but had not been taking drugs. The police report runs to 185 pages. Part
of a transcript of evidence given by Constable A is read out by TV3’s Gordon McBride. Police concede that they could
have provided comfort sooner to Wallace though the shooting was not survivable. For the Wallace family the matter will
not be laid to rest. They are considering the possibility of a private prosecution. A lawyer who has been running an
independent inquiry into the shooting says he has extra evidence which will be used he says. Police say that race was
not an issue in the shooting.
POLICE SHOOTING WAITARA REACTION: In the wider community the decision not to charge has stirred strong feelings. Within
minutes of arriving at the home of the officer a TV3 crew was moved on. Police reinforcements have been brought in. The
police are asking for calm and good sense. In the streets the people do not appear to be happy with the decision with
most saying it stinks.
RUSSIAN SUBMARINE: A second attempt to reach a submarine sitting on the Arctic seabed failed this afternoon. Families
are waiting for their loved ones in port. The bow of the submarine has been severely damaged. The first and second
compartments are believed to be flooded. The crew in the boat are thought to be in the dark. A British mini-sub is being
prepared to help. American rescuers now think any rescue would be very difficult. A submariner rescued in the distant
past recalls
INTEREST RATES: The Reserve Bank announced today there will be no increase in official interest rates but warned an
increase could come later in the year.
ERB: The ERB completed its painfully slow passage through Parliament today. Handshakes and hugs for Margaret Wilson
follow dire warnings from the opposition. The Government says that the bill will not cost jobs. The bill has taken 65
hours to debate. The filibuster went on and on. Dave Morgan was been watching. Robert Stewart of Skope Industries says
it is now a matter of wait and see what attitude the unions take.