Reporter’s Diary (Press, 10 September 1975)

Endurance horseback riding could soon be introduced in Christchurch, thanks to local enthusiast Miss Maria Kirkman. She has previously participated in an endurance ride at Burwood Station near Te Anau and is eager to establish the sport locally to gain more practice. Kirkman is seeking enough participants to conduct an initial ride of 25 miles, likely to take place near Darfield in December 1975. The endurance rides are regulated under strict veterinary supervision, ensuring that any sound horse can compete. In other news, renowned physicist Professor Paul Dirac is scheduled to arrive in Christchurch today to deliver a series of lectures at Canterbury University as this year’s Erskine Prestige Fellow. At 73 years old, Dirac won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 for his atomic work and is famously known for predicting the existence of the magnetic monopole using quantum mechanics. American scientists have claimed to detect a monopole this year. Dirac's wife, Margit, accompanies him on this visit; she is the sister of another Nobel laureate, Professor Eugene Wigner. Significant events are also happening in Christchurch’s cultural scene. The Royal Christchurch Musical Society's choir is celebrating its 500th concert on October 18, inviting past choristers from across the nation. Established over 115 years ago, the choir plans to perform Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis," a piece that has historical significance as it was also performed for the choir's centenary in 1960. Former members attending will be treated to supper after the concert. Meanwhile, a Creative Leisure centre has opened in Christchurch today at Aldersgate, the premises of the Methodist Central Mission. This initiative is an expansion of a successful “Try Your Hand” scheme from the Arts Festival and aims to provide opportunities for locals to engage in various arts and crafts. The centre is open every Wednesday to Friday, featuring equipment and materials for activities such as pottery, weaving, and painting. Courses on both creative skills and personal development topics are also offered. Additionally, following a substantial fire on May 7, Ralph Gracie Ltd., a men’s wear shop on Cashel Street, is conducting a series of fire sales to clear stock and recover from the incident, with another auction planned for remaining men's wear. The Young Socialists are running an educational weekend at Canterbury University on September 13-14, focusing on topics such as homosexuality, International Women’s Year, and social change, featuring discussions with political candidates. Lastly, there has been confusion surrounding tourism costs. The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Tirikatene-Sullivan, mistakenly indicated that promoting New Zealand tourism abroad would see a 15 per cent increase in costs following the recent 15 per cent devaluation of the New Zealand dollar; in reality, these costs are expected to rise by 17.7 per cent, excluding further exchange rate changes.

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