Cross-appeals are flying. The intended victim is petrified, not least because the man who attempted to have him killed is at large. Among the hardest his places are hospitals where a large percentage of nurses and doctors are off work, thus greatly magnifying the extent to which hospitals are stretched by the crisis. The annual disclosure of assets required of cabinet ministers and under-secretaries brings no great surprises. The Prime Minister and some others own shares in various meat processing organisations.
Many ministers own one or more farms, either in whole or part.
Philip Burdon is a major player in the mushroom industry in NZ, and is a director of Lloyds of London. Of those required to disclose their wealth, a few, including Justice Minister Doug Graham say their only asset is the family home. The businessman then made the mistake of discussing this matter in a bar in the hearing of a senior police officer. Wellington District Commander Gerry Cunneen said that one of his officers has either made a very grave error of judgement, or worse, has acted corruptly in contravention of his sworn duty. The businessman may face charges for having persuaded an officer from his sworn duty.