RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 25

RANDOM REMINDER

DEAR DIARY

It is not always possible to derive full satisfaction from a gift received at Christmas until the flurry of the festive season and the subsequent holidays is over. Take, for instance, a diary presented to this column by one of its legion of admirers, as a reminder to keep the work up to scratch. The book was examined briefly, shut, and put down. And it is only now, when there is time for more leisurely examination of its contents. that one may indulge in its true delights. The amount of information contained in this slim volume is astonishing: everything needed to enjoy a full and satisfying life is there. How many of you were aware, for instance, that

today there should be 13 hours and 48 minutes of bright sunshine? Did you know that on July 27 the sun will rise at 7.35 a.m.? That the distance by rail between Tauranga and Taneatua is 60 miles? That the cable route from Auckland to Suva takes a slight bend to the left at the top of the page? Not all the news is good, of course. One discovers that if letters containing coin or banknotes, or jewellery, are posted unregistered, such letters will be compulsorily registered and charged double the registration fee! And it is not permissible to earn interest on more than £ 10.000 in the Post Office Savings Bank. Disappointing, that. There are calendars for this year, last year, next

year, but only one page for engagements, which rather diminishes the stature. What’s more, only half a page is allowed for a memorandum of things lent. But there are cunning little cash accounts, and pages for memoranda, and a page simply for “notes.” i And. would you believe it, just a week ago today was the beginning of Ramadan, the month, of abstinence observed by the Moslems. With such a powerful ally, this column can face the rest of the year with confidence. But,' with typical unselfishness. there is no intention to keep it all secret.' Inquiries about perigrees and apogees will be answered in a plain envelope.