Reporter’s diary

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Grazie AMONG the mail for the Mayor’s office in Christchurch was a postcard from one Ezio Rosa, in Rome. Dated October 26, the postcard translates: “I am sending you a letter in memory of two New Zealanders who died in Florence fighting for our freedom. God bless them. If I am a free man today I owe it to them. I pray for them. I enclose a photograph of Rome for you to put on your city’s war memorial. Thanking you, Ezio Rosa.” On the back of the postcard (which shows Rome’s infamous “wedding cake,” the Victor Emmanuel monument) is “For you all who died for us. Amen. Signed: Ezio, Luigia, John, Zelinda.” Thank you, too, Ezio.

Sign here, Hogan SOMEONE could not resist the temptation to doctor that staid book of regulations for Australian immigrants, which is produced jointly by British Airways, Air Canada, Qantas and TWA. Air Tariff Book One Worldwide says a Malaysian emigrant needs “an approval letter for migrant entry into Australia, issued by the High Commissioner and signed by Crocodile Dundee.” Wot? Again? WHEN a beaming Geoffrey Palmer appeared in print to wish “all in Christchurch Central a merry Christmas and a very happy 1988” an Ashburton reader was horrified at the prospect of yet another 1988. “Just ask

rural people what it has been like. They would say it can’t end too soon. A repeat of a bad thing? — You’re joking, Mr Palmer.” No, he probably wasn’t. More like a return of that infamous glitch, Miss Print. Seamy side of sewing? WHILE with those embarrassing little moments of the printing trade, enjoy this snippet from the classified columns of “The Press” where someone recently advertised for a “Dressmaker’s dunny, phone ...” For a sewer, naturally. Opportunist AMONG the marchers in a Youth Against Emigration rally in Dublin recently was a young man

with a large banner, whose photograph appeared in the “Irish Times.” The banner read: “If you leave, can I have your girl friend?” Status quo PRESIDENT Reagan’s farewells in Washington have been peppered with some memorable oneliners. He told domestic policy staff that when he returns to California, he intends to put his feet up and take a long nap. “Come to think of it,” he added, “things won’t be all that different.” Reality world SIGN seen in the window of a shop in Birmingham: “This is a non-profit organisation. That is why we are closing.” —Jenny Setchell