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Network News investigations in Hawaii show that an American intelligence agent is linked with the Maori loans affair. Reporters investigating the deal the Prime Minister has called a scam discovered that a Honolulu businessman working with the Maori Affairs Department, Robert C. Allen, is an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Those findings, along with other new revelations are detailed in a special report later in this bulletin.
Government troops have shot dead 12 people in the Philippines.
The record freezing weather that has blown across Europe this winter is now sweeping through the United States.
Other stories:
The Police investigation into a $2 million cocaine haul has spread from Auckland to Australia. Detectives say its possible the 2 kilogram consignment was destined for the Australian market.
Arson squad detectives in Wellington are investigating what they believ is the fourth attempt in three months to burn down an inner city high-rise building. The latest attack on the Para Rubber building happened early this afternoon and comes only a week after the last fire there.
There’s going to be a new style tax pack for wage and salary earners to wrestle with this year. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has dressed it up, hoping the changes will help the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who get confused trying to fill out their IR5 forms each year.
The Stars and Stripes syndicate is unhappy with New Zealand’s decision to back Australia in the final of the America’s Cup. The Americans had urged New Zealand to stay neutral if they didn’t want to throw in the lot with Dennis Conner, but the Kiwis were unable to cast aside Trans-Tasman traditions, and they’ve decided to trial with the Kookaburras. Speakers: Michael Fay (NZ Challenge Chairman), Marlin Burnham (Stars and Stripes).
New Zealand has lost its chance to qualify for the final of the soccer Youth World Cup.
A special report on the Maori loan controversy. One of the Hawaiian businessmen involved in the Maori Affairs loan row has been publicly associated with the Central Intelligence Agency. United States Lawyers have linked him with a CIA front company which laundered Agency funds in Honolulu. While Maori leaders still believe West German financier Max Raepple, and the loan deal, are genuine, Network News investigations have revealed big discrepancies in the stories told by Raepple and his Hawaiian middleman. Reporters Bill Ralston and Ric Salizzo went to Hawaii and filed this report. Speakers: Herbert Holt Kauahi (Uhane Kahea Leader), Michael H. Gisondi (Financial Planner), Winston Peters MP (National, Tauranga), David Lange (Prime Minister), Rayner H. Kinney (Developer), Robert C. Allen (Developer).
The American Embassy was approached on the CIA connection this afternoon, but a spokesman said no comment could be made.
Weather.