Spectacular Study Of Under-sea Life (Press, 27 November 1974)

On 27 November 1974, a documentary titled “Islands of the Friendly Fishes” was showcased, revealing an in-depth exploration of marine life around the Poor Knights Islands. Produced by New Zealanders Jan and Wade Doak, alongside marine scientist Dr Walter Starck, the film provided a captivating account of the diverse and tame fish inhabiting these waters. It captured not only the variety of fish species but also their interactions with each other and with humans. Dr Starck effectively communicated his scientific insights, making the documentary both educational and engaging. The film featured simple yet revealing experiments, including placing a male parrotfish in a plastic bag within another male's territory to observe the subsequent reactions. The underwater cinematography was praised for its clarity, avoiding murky visuals, and it included remarkable elements such as a fish changing sex and stunning footage of black coral formations. The documentary concluded with a light-hearted scene, showcasing a jam session within one of the island's caves. Ultimately, the film advocated for the establishment of a marine park encompassing the Poor Knights and its surrounding waters. In another programme, "Country Matters," the play “Crippled Bloom” by A. E. Coppard was staged, which examined themes of human emotion and jealousy. It featured an explicit love scene between the characters Potter and Nan, which, while integral to the narrative, was noted for its lengthy depiction due to camera constraints. Actress Pauline Collins made a welcomed return as the character Ruby, recalling her earlier acclaimed performance in “Upstairs, Downstairs.” The news segment also touched on the programme “Nationwide,” which first faced criticism due to an unproductive interview with a Cook Islander but later regained credibility through its thorough coverage of the Young Nationals’ conference at Curious Cove. The conference highlighted shifts in political thought within the party, featuring insights from Gavin Muldoon, the son of prominent politician Mr Rob Muldoon. He presented himself as a more liberal voice, advocating for better living conditions in prisons, contrasting with the traditional views of his father. The item offered a balanced perspective, including various opinions on the political direction of the party.

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