Reporter’s Diary (Press, 9 February 1983)

On 9 February 1983, Bob Hawke took a decisive step in his political career by preemptively declaring himself the new leader of the Australian Labour Party. His announcement came before formal confirmation from his colleagues, as he sent a telegram to New Zealand's Labour Party leader, David Lange, congratulating him on his leadership. In the telegram, dated 7 February, Hawke expressed excitement about their simultaneous leadership roles and the potential for close cooperation between their parties. In other news, John Mortimer, known for his discontent regarding Television New Zealand's censorship of "Brideshead Revisited," received recognition for his work. He was awarded by the American Gay Artists’ Association for his sensitive portrayal of a homosexual relationship in 1982, specifically the friendship between the characters Charles and Sebastian. Technological innovation has found its way into personal hobbies as well. Dr John Hawley, who heads the National Soil Conservation Research Centre, has begun using a desktop computer to prepare for a piano recital after a 16-year hiatus. His computer features a built-in speaker capable of producing musical notes and can act as a sophisticated metronome, allowing him to practice difficult segments repeatedly. In Australia, the introduction of random breath testing in New South Wales has significantly decreased drunk driving incidents, but it has also had unforeseen consequences on alcohol consumption. Reports indicate that beer sales have plummeted by 30 percent, leading to aggressive pricing strategies among major breweries, which have started selling beer below cost and causing financial strain on independent retailers. A peculiar device aimed at dieters has emerged from the United States. It is a refrigerator alarm system that emits the sounds of pigs eating when the fridge is opened, designed to deter midnight snacking. Lastly, in New Zealand, the Macfarlane clan is preparing for its first gathering in Christchurch this Sunday. Clan members are encouraged to register with a US-based society that is researching their ancestry. Andrew Macfarlane, representing the society, has reached out to potential members via "The Press," and the event is being coordinated by local clan representatives. They are on a mission to strengthen connections and perhaps identify a clan chief.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand