Reporter’s Diary (Press, 16 July 1986)

During a recent debate held by the Heathcote Valley Community Association, attendees engaged with the topic of how to appropriately address the chairperson, Minister of Women’s Affairs Ann Hercus. The first speaker for the negative side of the debate expressed his uncertainty in addressing her properly, to which Ann simply replied, “Ann,” providing a reminder of her preference for a more personal approach. The discussion then shifted to the historical context of international sports events like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, which have faced challenges such as boycotts and bans. The origins of the Commonwealth Games can be traced back to a letter written in 1891 by Rev. J. Astley Cooper, who proposed a gathering of industry, science, culture, and sport to promote goodwill among nations of the Empire. Although it took 39 years for this idea to materialise into the first Empire Games, held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1930, Cooper is still credited with planting the seeds for such an event. In a more light-hearted segment, readers were encouraged to revamp their expressions of frustration, possibly taking inspiration from an old phrase used by an American law professor in the 1940s, although no guarantees were provided for its effectiveness. A discovery made by Keith Christensen and his wife during a walk led to the unearthing of a copper medallion from the Woolston Cut. This medallion, resembling a 50-cent piece, was inscribed with the words “Dunstable House, established 1854, Cashel Street Christchurch,” along with a reference to William Pratt, a direct importer of linen drapery and clothing. Mr. Christensen is curious if anyone remembers these medallions or their origin. Additionally, readers reminisced about the origin of the term “Peggy squares,” which refers to knitted blanket squares created by a young girl named Peggy Huse during the late 1920s or early 1930s in Haywards, near Wellington. As Peggy contributed her squares to a committee, she introduced them by saying, “They’re Peggy’s squares,” which led to the term being popularly adopted. In Raetihi, a humorous incident transpired during a borough council meeting where a misprint mistakenly referred to the Acting Mayor, John Compton, as Mrs. J. Compton. This generated laughter among council members, but Compton, displaying good humour, handled the jest with grace, continuing with the agenda and responding to a voice across the room that coyly offered to second a motion by addressing him as “ma’am.” These moments of levity in otherwise serious meetings often become cherished memories among local councils.

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