Citrus Queen’s Visit

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 10

Citrus Queen’s Visit

In the United States a beauty queen can gain a football scholarship. This has been the case for Miss Laurie Plain, the California Citrus Queen, who was in Christchurch yesterday as part of her prize-winning tour of New Zealand.

Miss Plain is studying physical education at San Bemadino Valley College in California. When her foot-bail-playing fiance moves to the University of Colorado, the athletic association there

will give Miss Plain a scholarship to attend the same university. “This is a . fairly common practice in the United States,” said Miss Plain. In addition to her studies, Miss Plain works as a nurse aid in a hospital from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

She won the title of Miss San Bernadino in her home town where her mother had won it before. Then, with the representatives of 47 other Southern Californian cities, she competed in the state contest.

The contestants had to wear bathing suits and evening gowns on stage but had

to demonstrate a talent. Miss Plain sang. In addition to her trip to New Zealand, she received prizes of $7OO worth of clothes and a diamond ring. Four years ago a reciprocal travel arrangement was established between,the Bay of Plenty Orange Festival Queen and the California Citrus Queen contests. Last year's winner of the Bay of Plenty contest, Miss Sharon Graves, of Tauranga, is accompanying Miss Plain on her month’s holiday in New Zealand.

The picture shows Miss Plain (left) with Miss S. Graves.