Reporter’s Diary (Press, 24 April 1985)

On 24 April 1985, support for the anti-reform petition initiated by Invercargill MP Norman Jones against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill came from an unexpected source—the Mongrel Mob. A petitioner encountered a gang member outside their headquarters in St Albans, who expressed interest in the petition and subsequently gathered 27 additional signatures. This unusual alliance highlighted broader societal dynamics surrounding the bill. In lighter news, the Prime Minister's wife was featured prominently with a delightful bumper sticker proclaiming, “I love Naomi’s pink cardy!” showcasing her popularity among supporters. A Lincoln resident recounted a humorous account from his visit to the Soviet Union years prior, specifically addressing issues faced in their hotels. He described the experience of using hotel bathrooms, where the inconsistency of water supply made for a unique alarm clock system, as water would only flow intermittently. This led to slow draining baths and highlighted significant plumbing challenges, leaving a comical impression of Soviet hospitality. In another feel-good story, a Christchurch Transport Board bus driver earned praise for his kindness. One evening, during a downpour, a passenger realised she had forgotten her flat keys just before the bus's departure. The driver not only hesitated for her return but also moved the bus closer to minimise her run through the rain, showcasing a spirit of community and consideration. A teacher from Ashburton's Rotary Club faced a tongue-in-cheek penalty at a meeting for a report comment that critiqued a student's spelling while acknowledging writing improvement. This instance humorously illustrated the challenges faced in education. Innovatively tackling classroom behaviour, New Zealand teachers were suggested to adopt a new strategy from Italy. Faced with unruly students, Italian educators would threaten to call a child's mother as a final resort to discipline. This tactic apparently proved effective, drawing an emphasis on the importance of parental influence. Lastly, political blunders in international diplomacy were noted with a slip by UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who confused Indonesia with Malaysia and incorrectly referred to the United States while in Canada, exposing common pitfalls of public figures during overseas visits. Additionally, there was a humorous exchange regarding the Archbishop of Canterbury, where officials in Australia inquired on the appropriateness of beach attire during his visit, only to receive a playful reply suggesting his carefree nature. These various stories from both political and social spheres displayed the humorous and multifaceted nature of life and governance in New Zealand during this period.

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