Reporter’s Diary (Press, 15 April 1985)

On 15 April 1985, the Christchurch City Council made headlines by budgeting $15,000 for window cleaning at its Tuam Street offices, marking the first such allocation since the council moved into the building five years prior. This decision generated light-hearted banter among councillors, as Councillor John Burn joked that cleaning the windows might distract staff from their work, while Town Clerk John Gray remarked that staff were so engrossed in their tasks that they had only now realised how dirty the windows had become. The cleaning is anticipated to continue for at least another three years. In other local news, a significant property transaction took place with the sale of the house belonging to the late former Prime Minister Norman Kirk in Kaiapoi. A real estate agent reported that the home was purchased by a young couple for a price close to the asking price of $53,500. Environmental concerns were raised by a woman who owns a holiday bach at South Bay on the Kaikoura peninsula. She expressed her alarm over the litter dumped by squid boats, which has accumulated on the beach. Among the refuse, she discovered a glass fruit drink bottle and plastic bottles, one of which contained a scent resembling Wintergreen, typically used for sore muscles. The woman noted that while the fishermen may not feel the consequences of their actions, local residents were certainly affected by the litter. A communication mix-up in Christchurch led to unexpected conversations when callers trying to reach the Salvation Army's emergency lodge accidentally connected with Gayline, the gay counselling service, due to a transposed telephone number. This incident raised questions about the reactions of those who misdialled, considering the Salvation Army's opposition to homosexual law reform. For clarity, the emergency lodge's number is 794-976, while Gayline's number is 794-796. Lastly, residents were encouraged to participate in the Girl’s Brigade annual meringue day on Saturday. Brigade members would be visiting homes across Christchurch and nearby towns, as well as Westport, selling packets of 14 meringues for $1.20. The profits from the sale would be used to support training, equipment, and other brigade initiatives. Those who missed the door-to-door sales could still order meringues by calling 515298 after noon on the day of the event.

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