From: JohnH, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here in New Zealand the Government is considering a Bill that will re-introduce registration of sporting firearms. The Parliamentary Select Committee has heard submissions in four major and one provincial cities and although over 6,500 submissions were received, less than 30 of were from antigun people or organisations. At the beginning of the first hearing the Committee asked a number of 'pointed' questions from those speaking on behalf of the firearms community, but as more and more information came to light the Committee mellowed and showed an interest in the 'ordinary people from all walks of life who were firearms users' Then they started to seriously question the antigun people - who simply fell apart when confronted by searching questions. They had no answers and could not substantiate the 'facts' they quoted. They were made to look seriously wanting and agitated - even those with university degrees and high positions were flustered. At the same time around New Zealand the Coalition for Gun Control (CGC) was approaching City Councils, Hospitals, Universities, and 'selected persons' to seek their support for a 'safer community through gun control' Because the people approached had no idea of the facts, and 'helping to make the country safer' seems a sensible idea (particularly when it doesn't cost anything) most offered their support. But, unfortunately for the CGC, a number of the City Councils have found out they were being used for personal agendas and have now discontinued their support. Very embarrassing. Well, today was to be a big day for the anti gun activists. They had organised a 'workshop on gun control' at the Albany Campus of Massey University. Hers is the report from firearms owner Doctor Lech Beltowski who attended the workshop. .... I went along to the workshop on gun control today, fully expecting to fight a war of attrition with the politically correct storm troopers of the new left. Instead, the chairwoman (Dr Dupuis) and I had a chat, then along came Philip Alpers and a friend, and then along came---NOBODY. Well, that's not quite right, two young women came into the room after everyone (Philip Alpers, myself, Dr Ann Dupuis (a senior lecturer at Massey) and one other woman had decided to call it quits and can the workshop. If only I had thought to carry a camera... Lech -- John Howat NZ Council of Licensed Firearms Owners Inc -------[Cybershooters contacts]-------- Editor: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website & subscription info: www.cybershooters.org
