On World Animal Day 1986 shoppers in Wellington's busy Cuba Mall were stopped in their tracks by the 'nasty picture' Hidden Crimes which screened in the Sound Shell from early morning until 9pm. Confident in his subject organiser Stuart Chandler brilliantly handled TV interview which carried the Society's message, with extracts from the video, into New Zealand homes during peaktime national news.

Stuart Chandler being interviewed by TVNZ (Photo Colette McKenzie.)

As the day progressed the Mall became the rendezvous of a magnificent cross-section of NZAVS members and public. Age, social standing, dress, political, religious and philosophical aspirations dissolved into insignificance as anxious to see the much publicised film, young men with their dogs, mothers pushing prams, elderly pensioners, smart secretaries, flamboyant punks and the pin-striped brigade converged and mingled in a glorious hotch-potch. Shatteringly-dressed young people made incongruous alliance with indistinguishable middle-aged ladies as side by side they dispensed many thousands of leaflets, answered questions and dealt with news-reporters. Gratefully they were fortified and revived with refreshments provided gratis by Peter Hynes, proprietor of the Cuba Mall Amrita Vegetarian Restaurant.

Making unsuccessful attempts to look inconspicuous representatives from the Police cropped up to make 'confidential and friendly enquiries about the Animal Liberation Front' and every hour on the hour government "inspectors"... appeared "inspected", threatened and cajoled us (to no avail) to "get a curtain around the screen".

Concern of youth being the obvious emphasis of the event made speculation in the news-media resulting in a three-paged article in the prestigious NZ Listener of 22 November.

Too many to acknowledge individually gratitude must be expressed to Stuart Chandler aided by Fiona Tait. Colette McKenzie was indispensable. Simon Cottle and friends made tremendous impact. Sylvia Wilson made things possible. Margaret Gibbins worked hard and long assisted by Val Barnao, Florence Hughes and Joan Taylor.

Undoubtedly the most important ingredient in the brew was the viewing public..,. the following being some of their recorded comments:

"It really makes you think"

"It's better to shock people than let it [vivisection] continue unnoticed."

"I love animals - I should hate it to happen to my pet."

"It makes me feel sick"...

Bette Overell