N.Z. criticised for egg incident

Press, 27 February 1986, Page 19

N.Z. criticised for egg incident

NZPA staff correspondent London New Zealand’s reputation as a “little country of loyal Royal supporters” has taken a hammering since the Queen was hit by an egg on Sunday. It could “no longer” boast of its loyalty to the monarchy, the “Daily Mirror” commented. It - said the incident highlighted "a whole new breed of people who feel no allegiance whatsoever to the Crown.”

“Rather, they see the Queen as a ready target for their protests and an ideal vehicle for furthering their aims.”

“The Times” said the incident was a “grim reminder of her vulnerabil-

ity to fanatics,” while the “Daily Telegraph” said the egg-throwing showed a “weakness in security... it could easily have been a grenade.” i The “Daily Mail” got its message across in a cartoon. It showed a toughlooking Queen juggling an egg saying, “Thank you, Perkins — I think we're ready for them tomorrow,” to an eggsplattered servant backed up against a wall.

The "Sun” focused on New Zealand’s next "potty protest” over ancient land rights. “Cheeky Maori protesters are to give the Queen a naughty 21-bum salute following yesterday’s egg attack,” it said.