Reporter’s Diary (Press, 15 March 1978)

On 15 March 1978, several notable events and discussions were reported in New Zealand. A striking piece of advice from an air safety adviser has emerged for female flight attendants, specifically British Airways stewardesses. It warns women caught in a fire to "whip off your tights," as research has indicated that nylon worn next to the skin can result in severe disfigurement during such incidents. Meanwhile, the Vintage Country Fair prompted some nostalgic reflections on sanitation. The Waimairi Lions Club erected primitive pit toilets which evoked curiosity among the younger attendees, familiar only with modern plumbing. A young boy questioned the lack of familiar features such as a white seat and windows, leading to a dialogue with his grandfather about the past, including references to the "Auckland Weekly" that used to adorn toilet walls—a further indication of changing cultural norms. In a literary context, poet Vincent O’Sullivan spoke at the Novelists’ Symposium in Christchurch, proposing an imaginative outline for an "impossible New Zealand novel." His concept included a diverse cast: a successful capitalist hero, a Māori villain, a bland homosexual, a retarded character lacking profound insights, and a football player quoting Allan Curnow. He also suggested local settings and characters, such as a prefect from Christ’s College winning a debating prize for discourse on union representation, and a canon who gains recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his humility. The report also touched on agriculture, highlighting Mrs Yuilleen White from Oxford, who cultivated a sizeable pineapple from the leftover top of a store-bought fruit. She has nurtured it over four years, with neighbours suggesting she should attempt growing coconuts next, attributing her success to the unusually hot summer. In the realm of entertainment, Christchurch audiences are known for their stoic nature, but dissatisfaction arose during a performance of "Steptoe and Son," leading to complaints that outnumbered the available forms at the Town Hall. The Arts Festival programme faced its challenges as well. The craft exhibition at the Robert McDougall Gallery faced disappointment when potter Dennis Hadfield failed to show for a raku firing demonstration. A crowd of eager potters gathered early only to leave disappointed after waiting without any sign of Hadfield, who later cited urgent personal matters for his absence. Additionally, those seeking to visit a pottery exhibition found the gallery locked and unattended, emphasizing the frustrations of the eager attendees. Overall, the day captured a blend of humorous insights into cultural shifts, agricultural triumphs, artistic aspirations, and the occasionally rocky intersection of entertainment and audience expectations in New Zealand.

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