RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29070, 5 December 1959, Page 21

RANDOM REMINDER

CHAIN GANGS

There was a reference in this column recently to the distressing habit of the natives of New Guinea who made their wagers in wives, w’ith the suggestion that something similar in New Zealand might lead to an unfortunate punter * happily backing a rank outsider with his wife, winning, and receiving his dividend in assorted mothers-in-law and other females. This has prompted a correspondent to suggest other ways and means of disposing of unwanted assets, some of them highly diverting, none of theVn really practicable. Least practicable of all was the proposition that a chain letter would solve

many a life’s more pressing problems. The chain letter, with income tax, neighbours’ children, measles, and lost car keys is among the more objectionable features of everyday life. Yet there is considerable appeal in the thought of starting a chain letter with which the enclosure is “The Stag at Bay” or similar white elephant. Imagine being rid of it, once and for all, and yet enjoying the virtuous feeling that you may have done someone a good turn. Of course, it is unlikely that you would have four “Stags at Bay” to start the chain in the prescribed fashion, and, in fact, it is probably uncommon for the originator

of a chain to do anything but sit back and reap the rewards, but sending something off as well as receiving it could only be regarded as a superb example of selflessness. But care would certainly be needed in the choice of material, if the best is to be made of the opportunity. Getting rid of old medicine bottles may be an attractive proposition, but before long you would be hearing the crash of glass with the postman still three blocks away. The disposal of one white elephant is a tempting proposition; but being the victim of a stampede inspired by others is not so funny.