Reporter's Diary (Press, 21 June 1978)

An Ashburton man recently sustained a back injury, prompting his workmates to transport him to a doctor using a forklift when he was unable to stand. They carefully rolled him onto a pallet and drove him to the surgery. Complaints regarding the new computerised electoral rolls continue to emerge, particularly from voters in the Sydenham electorate. Many residents, including one voter who has consistently participated in elections, found discrepancies in their enrolment cards, which were mistakenly sent to Auckland instead of Christchurch. Despite having a different middle name from her mother, the voter has been erroneously removed from the electoral roll by the computer system on two occasions, leading her to feel overlooked and unrecognised. Auckland residents are experiencing similar issues with the new Parliamentary rolls. Charlie and Joyce Parker of Otara received multiple cards indicating they were enrolled in five different electorates. Since moving from Wanganui to various locations, they have sent the incorrect electoral cards back to the Chief Electoral Officer, but have yet to receive a response. The Post Office has suggested that individuals receive incorrect electoral cards visit any post office to fill out a new enrolment form. Next week, the National Gay Rights Coalition will launch its annual Gay Pride Week, a celebration of homosexual rights and identities throughout New Zealand. Events include disco dances, forums, and a memorial service in Christchurch honouring homosexual soldiers who died in World War II. A highlight of the week will be “national Blue Jeans Day,” inspired by similar events in the United States, encouraging participants to wear blue jeans, a fun way for homosexual individuals to express their identity. In a fortunate turn of events, Cyril Welds, a Midlands man aged 62, discovered his garden was filled with four-leaf clovers, leading to a series of winnings in the British National Savings “Premium Bonds” lottery, amounting to over $3600. In response to his newfound luck, he began selling the clovers for $1.80 each. Several people reported winning significant amounts in bingo on the same day they received his clovers. However, the Inland Revenue Department is now investigating Mr Welds's earnings from clover sales to ensure compliance with income tax regulations. Finally, a notice from the Avon Theatre highlighted an incident where patrons had to leave a film early to retrieve their vehicles from the nearby Noah’s parking building, which would close for the night. In response, the car park quickly put up a sign to inform theatre-goers that it would remain open until the theatres closed, ensuring clearer communication in the future.

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