RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30897, 2 November 1965, Page 38

RANDOM REMINDER

CITY COUSIN, COUNTRY SLICKER

A visit to Christchurch not long ago of an American group specialising in folk songs and guitars meant much to many, but to none more than a young Christchurch man who, although of studious habits and admirable mien, was really with it when it came to folk songs and guitars. With the group, but not of it, came the young man’s cousin, of similar age, from one of the more obscure outposts of the North Island. And an invitation from him to meet the American musicians was accepted more than readily. It meant going to the hotel where the visitors were staying, and there Johnny Townmouse was greeted warmly by his cousin from the country and had a tankard of beer thrust into his

hand. He was only 18, which didn't prevent him from enjoying his beer, but which occasioned fleeting thoughts about the laws of the land. They were sharpened with the second beer and the airy wave of the hand with an inquiry into when he would meet the Americans was greeted. But across the room he could see Americans, also drinking beer and in earnest conversation. His impatience was forgotten a moment later when a sergeant of police and a constable came into the lounge and began making meaningful inquiries. And it was about this stage that the country cousin who was a bona fide guest of the place, disappeared, and so did the police, although they made it clear they were coming back.

So our young hero, to strengthen his position, took out a magazine embellished by a cover picture of the musical group, and went across to the Americans to ask them to autograph it. Although the group had had them twitching in the aisles from Patagonia to Patea, they seemed extremely modest men, and had to be prevailed upon most earnestly to sign the pictures. But they were busy at it when the police returned, and then retired without further ado. A moment later the cousin came back too and said they- had better get upstairs if they were to meet the musicians. And it was only then that our young hero discovered that his photograph was illustrated with the autographs of an American basketball team.