Reporter s diary

Press, 21 November 1987, Page 2

Reporter s diary

Man wanted CALLING Mr Chamberlain, a retired farmer from Ellesmere, now living in Christchurch. Mr Chamberlain was among eight people who volunteered to be interviewed by form-one pupils of Manning Intermediate School in Hoon Hay. The pupils are studying early Canterbury and part of their research includes recording the recollections of elderly people in the community. Their teacher, Ms Airini Caddick, was delighted to meet Mr Chamberlain, who had flown Spitfires during the last war, was an old boy of Christchurch Boys' High, and had recently retired to live in Christchurch. Unfortunately, that is all they know. When his contact number was lost, so was Mr Chamberlain. If he would get in touch with the school at 384-139, both Ms Caddick and pupils would be delighted.

Longtime shorthand ONE Japanese interpreter is obviously as sceptical about the worth of permanent secretaries as are addicts of the television series "Yes, Prime Minister.” The “Financial Times” reports that Malcolm Rifkind, the Secretary of State for Scotland, said that on his recent trip to Japan, the Japanese interpreter translated permanent secretary as “everlasting typist.” Library prints CHRISTCHURCH at the turn of the century is the focus of attention in the Turnbull Library 1987 photographic print series. The six photographs in the set — taken between 1900 and 1914 — were by Steffano Webb, Adam McLay and J. M. Marks. They show well-known landmarks such as Ballantyne’s and Hereford Street from the B.N.Z. corner. Cycling, rowing and painting on the riverbank are

depicted. The solid, heavy cycles survived the rough Christchurch roads of 80 years ago. They have been superseded by lightweight, less substantial models, although cyclists at times suspect that road surfaces have not changed in that time to match the development of vehicular traffic. Afaugy man? DOGS may be man’s best friend but the reverse is not necessarily the case. For some hounds, the company of humans causes rashes, itching and other allergic problems, a Swedish study shows. The Press Association reports that a veterinary hospital in the southern town of Malmo said a survey of 99 dogs suffering from skin problems showed that 70 per cent were allergic to skin samples from humans. Coal for minors? CHRISTMAS approaches.

and, as usual, parents are using the threat of Santa to extort gdod behaviour from their little cherubs. The plan backfired, however, for a local couple whose Yuletide blackmail was: "Be good or Santa will give you only a lump of coal on Christmas Day.” It worked well on their older child, but the three-year-old was oblivious. Instead, the gizmominded mite cheerfully demanded: “I want a wind-up lump of coal.” Hidden agenda AT Fletcher’s annual meeting in Auckland a Maori cleric got to his feet to ask a question. Sir Ron Trotter agreed he could, providing it related to the annual accounts or the annual report. “It’s about the Treaty of Waitangi,” shouted the man. Sir Ron:, “That’s not in the annual report” Man: “That’s what I mean. Why isn’t it?” —Jenny Feltham