Reporter’s diary

Press, 20 July 1984, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Overseas investment THE NEW ZEALAND dollar was dumped by the vaseful in Melbourne on Monday when a collection of ceramic urns decorated with scantilly-clad women went under the hammer. Two Doulton vases were sold for $56,000 to a private New Zealand buyer. The pre-sale estimate of their total value had been $30,000. Said the “Australian Financial Review”: “As New Zealanders seem to be keen on diaphonously-clad females, (or, at least, the early proprietors of Lion Brewerres, whose painting

collection was sold this' year, were), the New Zealand buy makes good sense. It makes extra sense given that a lot of money has been anxious to leave New Zealand lately, or to find a home in tangibles...” The pieces bought by the New Zealand buyer were a 71cmtall vase showing Dante and Beatrice with classical side figures and cupids, whichfetched $27,000, and another 71cm vase decorated with female figures,, cherubs, birds, and foliage, which fetched $29,000. The vases were from the estate of Paul Taylor, a Greek who built up a big collection of flamboyant porcelain during the 1940 s and 19505. <

Thank you, but... A FENDALTON man was somewhat taken aback this week to receive a gilded invitation addressed to “Mr...,” from Lancome, of Paris, announcing: “You are invited to learn the fine art of applying makeup and caring for your skin at ‘Bonjour Lancome’ participation classes... Elizabeth Reed, Lancome’s beauty director, will give you professional guidance and special tips to enhance your own natural beauty.” He has politely declined the offer. The ferries

CREDIT for honesty in advertising should go to the

Railways Corporation. An information guide for tourists visiting Wellington notes: “Ferry crossings across the Cook Strait are fairly regular, but it pays to check by telephoning 725399.” Lightning country UNSTABLE air masses over the southern part of the South Island, combined with cold weather moving up from the Antarctic, resulted in 76 lightning strikes being recorded in the Hokitika district last week-end. The strikes were recorded on a lightning flash s counter, installed three months ago because of

the Electricity Department’s concern about the frequency of power cuts caused by lightning. The instrument, which records electrostatic. discharges within a radius of 35km, is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Since its installation, 533 lightning strikes have been recorded in the. Hokitika area. Distinguished IT TELLS the story: Australian passports have a section headed “visible peculiarities.” The New Zealand passport, on the other hand, opts for “distinguishing characteristics.”

—Peter Corner