Pearly then advised reception that he was available to take a call from Paul Wrinskley but only within the next hour because he had a client appointment at Rawleigh and Gates at four. The senior reporter rang almost immediately. Pearly understood the significant influence of the media and made himself available for a talk with Wrinskley at least once a week. Both saw the advantage in keeping on good terms, but Pearly remained slightly guarded despite their bonhomie. Wrinskley had heard that the port development cost estimates had been revised sharply upwards and wanted verification and explanation, reminding Pearly of his pledge for a minimum rates rise, and he also wanted to know whether the mayor was intending to stand for a third term. Pearly had anticipated both questions. He said the consultants’ financial report would be tabled at the next council meeting and that his intentions regarding the mayoralty would be announced within a few weeks. No, he certainly wasn’t ruling out standing again, he said when pressed. The reporter then moved to the subject of the on-going coastal erosion just north of the town and the growing anxiety of property owners there. ‘Well, if even King Canute couldn’t hold back the ocean, what can we do?’ said Pearly. He got his laugh, but Wrinskley persisted just the same.

Always challenges and grizzles, thought Pearly as their conversation continued. A universal eagerness to find fault and demand remedy rather than give credit for any accomplishment. He could fill his official diary twice over with individuals and deputations with complaint, but how often did anyone come to congratulate him or affirm the council’s efforts?

After Paul Wrinskley’s call, Pearly talked briefly with the chief building inspector regarding the effect of the new building codes. The Christchurch quakes had reverberated even into national legislation. He then took the most urgent mayoral correspondence and went out to his car. The wind was still strong, swirling captive wrappers, paper and drink pottles into a corner formed by the buildings. Pearly noticed again the scratch on his car and reminded himself to have it fixed. Such trivial things took up a disproportionate amount of time and energy.