Reporter’s Diary (Press, 8 January 1988)

The discovery of ancient cuneiform tablets in Mesopotamia has led to the revelation of what may be the world's oldest recipes, as reported in “The Press” on 8 January 1988. Three clay tablets housed in the Yale University library showcase a sophisticated 4000-year-old cuisine. The majority of the recipes feature familiar meats and seasonings, but some, such as samidu and suhutinnu, remain unidentified by scholars. One highlighted dish, stewed kid, includes an array of ingredients such as garlic, onions, leeks, blood, fresh cheese, and fat, suggesting the use of potent seasonings. In a contemporary social development, feminists have welcomed a move by Britain's Islington Council, which has rebranded its Gay and Lesbian committee to the Lesbian and Gay committee. This change reflects a commitment to address the disadvantages faced by women, particularly lesbian women. In a light-hearted note on gender equality, a Christmas gift intended for Katie Chapman, an assistant buyer in an engineering company, has sparked criticism. The presents, which included a girlish calendar and a bottle of aftershave, highlight ongoing gender stereotypes in the workplace. Moreover, Czechoslovak surgeons have made headlines by inserting a heart pacemaker into 99-year-old Josef Pik, earning him the title of the country's oldest "battery-operated granddad." Surgeon Milos Novak noted the rarity of such procedures on elderly patients, although he mentioned that just two years prior, a 108-year-old woman in Britain had received a similar treatment. Pik attributes his longevity to a lifestyle devoid of smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and an appreciation for beautiful women. On a historical note, visitors to Christchurch might find solace in excerpts from a 1917 edition of “The New Zealand Motorists’ Road Guide,” which reveals that navigating the city's one-way street system and signage has long been a challenge. The guide outlines strict parking regulations, such as limiting unattended vehicles on specific streets to no longer than five minutes in various areas, demonstrating the complexity of traffic laws even decades ago. However, these rules appear convoluted and perplexing, as highlighted by an especially intricate regulation from the 1917 guide that details complex parking restrictions in Colombo Street. The historical perspective reinforces the notion that the struggle with traffic regulations is nothing new for Christchurch motorists.

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