1983: The last great royal tour
Good morning neighbours, an old gem for you...
Around 20,000 people came out to watch the Prince and Princess of Wales do a walkabout in Cathedral Square on April 28, 1983, despite “chilly, intermittent and penetrating rain”, but The Press also wondered if royal tours were approaching their use-by date.
The tone of the paper’s editorial was very different from that struck 30 years earlier, when the Queen toured.
“Rapid communications and travel have removed much of the novelty from Royal appearances in New Zealand,” The Press said. “The charm and interest remain enhanced this time by the presence of the future Queen, Princess Diana, and the baby who could some day be King William V.”
The Press looked into the future: “Before the end of the century Prince Charles can probably expect to be King Charles III. His son, at present in Auckland, may well still be on the throne in the unimaginable world of the year 2050.
“Although New Zealand has not the vigorous republican movement evident in Australia, the question is reasonably asked here whether an hereditary monarch, living 12,000 miles away, will continue to be the most appropriate head of State for New Zealand.”
Despite this, every move was still recorded and star power was very evident, as The Press reported.
“A faint touch of blue shone through the clouds about 10 minutes before the end of the walkabout. It highlighted the Princess’ hair and brought favourable comments from a cluster of young girls.
“Many people were surprised at how tall and slender the Princess is. ‘Her face is thinner than I expected, but much prettier,’ said one woman.
“The glowing natural complexion of the Princess needed little highlight, just a glimmer of gold eye-shadow, a touch of mascara, and a subtle lip-colouring.”
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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