Reporters Diary (Press, 9 June 1978)

In the Magistrate's Court, counsel Mrs D. Orchard urged for leniency in the case of a man convicted of driving under the influence, citing concerns that he may struggle with another driving test under the new metric system. The presiding magistrate, Mr F. G. Paterson, decided on a fine of $200 and disqualified the man from driving for 11 months, emphasising that had the disqualification extended beyond 12 months, the man would have needed to take the driving test again. In political news, Prime Minister Robert Muldoon will be among the few New Zealanders facing a tax increase due to the new budget. His salary of $36,204 will result in an additional tax burden of approximately $200 annually. Both he and his deputy, Mr Taiboys, whose salary is $27,976, will experience this increase while other members of Parliament, earning $14,810, will see tax cuts between $6 and $7 weekly. On a more light-hearted note, the Lyttelton Road Tunnel Authority unveiled a blue “no pedestrians” sign, which vanished shortly after installation. In an amusing moment, a police officer speaking to primary school children was quizzed by a five-year-old who commented on a seat-belt issue he observed with an officer. The policeman responded that he would have acted against the officer for such behaviour. Reverend David Steedman, former minister of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, had a unique method of answering phone calls by linking numbers to hymn titles, showcasing the playful side of clergy. Carrie Fisher, known for her role as Princess Leia in “Star Wars,” is also remembered for her earlier performance as a baby in “Bundle of Joy,” starring her famous parents Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. In contrast to “Star Wars,” which has been successful for weeks, “Bundle of Joy” lasted only four weeks. The eccentric Quentin Crisp plans a tour of Australia with his one-man show “A Wine and Crisp Evening,” expressing some concern over how his performance might be received there, and revealing his reluctance to travel. John Hurt, who portrayed Crisp in “The Naked Civil Servant,” recently faced a setback when his work permit for South Africa was refused without explanation, leading to a substantial financial loss due to his inability to take part in the film “Zulu Dawn.” Hurt expressed confusion over the refusal, stating he has no criminal record or any association with leftist politics. Lastly, a fifteen-year-old girl trying to pass for older to see “Saturday Night Fever” made a blunder by asking for a half-price ticket, exposing her actual age.

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