Reporter’s diary

Press, 12 July 1988, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Seriously...

SPARE a thought for Dixon Hurunui, who must be in the running for the title of. least successful hold-up man in history. Hurunui tried to hold up eight businesses in New Plymouth in late May, including three banks, before he was arrested. At the first bank, he said he was Mr Asia. The teller stared, turned to the teller beside her and said, “This is Mr Asia. You deal with him.” Hurunui left. Next he tried a restaurant, saying he was Mr Asia and that he would send in the Mafia if he did not get what he wanted. The woman at the counter offered him food and fetched her supervisor.

... folks “I’m Mr Asia. Hand over all your money,” he demanded in the next bank. “I’m a ballerina,-” was the sarcastic reply. So Hurunui left that bank and tried yet another. “I’m Mr Asia. Give me your money or I’ll blow your head off,” he said. “Get stuffed,” the teller said. Hurunui was very frustrated by the time he was arrested, reported the Press Association. Counsel for Hurunui said that his threats ranged from threatening to blow off people’s heads to filling their legs with bullets.

Power to the

people

ONE hundred years ; ago the first electric street lights in New Zealand were switched on in Reefton. To celebrate a century of electric power (and electric power bills) there will be a reunion for those who are, or have been, associated with the electrical industry in all its branches. On September 21 there will be a reunion, with a display of electrical equipment, past and present, in the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington. In the afternoon of the same day there will be a stage presentation called “From First Light...” Those who would like to attend can get an invitation from any electrical supply authority. Know the problem? ANN Steel may have started something when she advertised in “The Press” on Saturday. Just to “jog people’s memories” and stir a few consciences, Ann asked people to whom she had lent books and cassettes to kindly return them. She estimates that there are at least 50 books belonging to her, on subjects ranging from personal motivation to gardening, worth about $3O each, that are in circulation. Most of the books were lent, says Ann, to help people. “But it

ends up costing you a tremendous amount, if they aren’t returned.” Already consciences are twitching in Ashburton where Ann used to live until about two years ago, and she expects the return of several favourite tomes soon. For future reference, she has got a place to jot down the names of borrowers: a “priority details management system.” Or diary. Building blokes THE future of architecture in Christchurch is the tantalising topic for a panel discussion this evening at 7.30 in the Stringleman Room of the Canterbury Public Library. Since new buildings cause about as much comment as the weather, there should be a large audience to hear the panel, which will consist of architects Peter Beaven and David Sheppard; city planner John Dryden; city architect Albert Louman; and historic places representative Ivan Taylor. The discussion was mistakenly advertised in early mail drops as being held on Wednesday evening. Paper... THREE hundred art works done on paper will make up the exhibition called “Paper Treasures” at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery from July 21 to October 30. Friends of

the McDougall who attend the opening on July 20 will be treated to an unusual treatment of the paper theme. Exactly what form the evening will take is being kept secret — except our mole in the art world suggests that the versatility of paper will be celebrated, and perhaps we should hone up our paper dartmaking skills, which have lain dormant since university days.

... Treasures” CHRISTCHURCH people may remember one of the works which has been chosen to help advertise the Paper Treasures exhibition. “The pleasure garden” by Frances Hodgkins caused quite a stir in 1952 when a' debate between city councillors, artists, and the public waged as to whether the work was suitable for the sober and upright portals of McDougall. While the pros and cons were debated, the painting was displayed prominently in the corner window of the D.I.C. store in Colombo Street, where it naturally attracted attention. Can't argue NINE-year-old Hannah was ready for the impromptu family quiz about banknotes. “Which bird is pictured on the five dollar New Zealand note?” “The Queen.”

—Jenny Setchell