"Mrs East Coast"

For Mrs Shirley Spence, who lives on a station 30 miles back in the hills, near where Gisborne's water supply comes from, life is no doubt often very quiet. But for a week or so last month, it was very much a hurly-burly for her. Selected as "Mrs East Coast" in the N.Z. Broadcasting Service's national hunt for a "Mrs New Zealand", she was quickly involved in a round of radio interviews, fashion parades, a trip to Wellington, and the judging for the national title. She didn't make that, but she did very worthily and charmingly represent the district against candidates from all parts of the country.

The announcement of the district winner was made at Radio Station 2XG. Mrs Spence is seen above immediately after the announcement, being interviewed by 2XG's June Irvine.

Hubby being interviewed by Phil May at Darton Field.

A big crowd turned out to see Mrs Spence leave from Darton Field. Mrs Northland and Mrs Auckland were also on the plane. Mrs Spence here says a few words of farewell. With her are 2XG's Miss Irvine and Messrs May and Nation, Mrs Northland, Mrs Auckland, the Mayor and Mayoress, her husband, and 2XG's manager, Mr Fowler.

About to board the aircraft at Darton Field....Mrs Spence, Mrs North (Mrs Auckland), and Mrs Hall (Mrs Northland).

On the day of the announcement, Mrs Spence took part, along with the nine other finalists, in a fashion parade at Adairs. Here she is wearing a flowered afternoon frock.