News Bite 21.01.10

• A proposal to upgrade the heritage status of the Antigua Boatsheds on the Avon River is in consideration by New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Built in 1882 by two Lyttelton boat builders, the sheds have retained their original character after 128 years and are thought to be the only surviving example of commercial 19th century river boatsheds in all of New Zealand.
• Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has become the white wine of choice for Aussies, who prefer sauv blanc’s more fresh and fruity characteristics over Australia’s predominant white wine grape, Chardonnay. The decline in Chardonnay’s fashionability is also blamed by prime-time TV’s Kath & Kim’s constant guzzling and shrieks for “kardonnay”. Australian liquor retailers are finding that shoppers are asking specifically for Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough NZ over other wine regions.
• The largest Lotto prize ever claimed in Christchurch was recently bought at New World in Fendalton. Without reading glasses on when checking the payout receipt, the winner initially thought she had won $9,333 and was shocked to hear the Lotto operator tell her the full amount of $9.3 million.
• After 20 years of restoration, double-decker Tram No 26 will be back on tracks in Christchurch. No 26 was one of three open top double-decker electric tram cars purchased from John Stephenson & Co of New York in time for the opening of the electric tramway in Christchurch in June 1905. An official unveiling of the restoration will be held this Saturday (23 January) at Ferrymead Heritage Park.