FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31142, 19 August 1966, Page 2

FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

(Bp ROSEMARY YOUNG)

Father is the oldest title in the world—yet until quite recently special days and ceremonies were dedicated only to mothers.

Somehow the breadwinner was always taken for granted. In fact, it was not until the death of William Jackson Smart, an American Civil War veteran who raised bis large family of babies single-handed after the death of his wife, that Father’s Day dawned. It was instigated by Mrs John Bruce Dodd, of Spokane. Washington, who successfully presented a petition to set aside the third Sunday in June each year as a day for honouring fathers. In New Zealand, the first Sunday in September is set aside. This year Father’s Day is September 4. Father’s Day was inaugurated with a memorial service in June, 1910, and has grown in strength year by year. Even so, it has nowhere near reached the importance of Mother’s Day. It is mainly a greeting-card occasion with an inexpensive gift thrown in. Since many men are embarrassed by too open a display of affection, the cards are usually lighthearted. Choosing a suitable gift sounds easy until you come to buy it and then it seems so difficult that more often than not it takes the form of something to wear-socks, ties, cuff links, or perhaps a sweater. Yet, equally acceptable would be a gift connected with a favourite hobby or pasttime. For the do-it-your-self man there are all sorts of tools and gadgets and pieces of equipment and for the home gardener the list is almost limitless.

It can range from a simple packet of seeds to flowering shrubs or exotic plants. Special watering equipment is unusual but usually well received. For the garden there is a wide range of cans in plastic, including one made from high-density polythene which is extra light and has a genuine non-drip brass rose. For speedy weed killing on the lawn, there is a 24in-long spray bar attachment, made from brass with plastic and stops. The specialist gardener would also be thrilled by a de luxe pair of secateurs with gold-plated adjustment parts and safety catch. They are no gimmick; their specially tempered stainless steel blades will cut easily and cleanly through a branch Jin thick and will definitely not split it. The wide-opening blades can be adjusted for precise cutting—and replaced if they become worn. The handles are of forged light alloy, covered with a red plastic. Not all men are gardeners, many are collectors. They like unusual “bits and pieces” —such as models of old cars.

for example. In his “Models of Yesteryear” series, one manufacturer has a delightful selection of authentic models, correct in every detail and beautifully enamelled. They make wonderful ornaments. Or, they are also obtainable mounted on a polished wood box, on single or double trays and on single or double penstands (below). If your father is an enthusiastic motorist there are plenty of gifts for him from stretch covers to protect the driving seat from getting shabby and the seat of his trousers becoming shiny, to accessories such as spot lights, reversing lights, side mirrors, road maps or a shampoo kit.

Perhaps he is probably a man who likes to spend his leisure reading or listening to music. An excellent range of long-playing records includes everything from “Oliver” to the "Mikado,” from Joe Loss with “In the Mood for Dancing” to a collection of Chopin waltzes with Moura Lympany at the piano. There is also a wide choice of books, both in price and subject matter. Paperbacks costing from 4s 6d include many best-sellers. More serious reading includes two recent titles, “Faith under Fire,” by Canon L. John Collins, and "A Question of Colour,” by Peter Griffiths. Canon Coilins was the leader of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. In this book he presents his views on the Church, race relations, marriage guidance and contracention. Peter Griffiths was catapulted into the national scene when he defeated Patrick Gordon Walker in the 1964 General Election. His representation of Smethwick has been short-lived, but his book

on Britain’s colour problem, is bound to make a lasting impact. If none of these suggestions sounds sufficiently exciting as a tribute to the man in your house turn to the unusual and unexpected. What about throwing a party for him?

Whatever your gift, remember the day itself should be memorable, too. That early morning cup of tea. or perhaps even breakfast in bed should be only the beginning. The day’s menu should be planned round his favourite dishes and you must firmly refuse to let him help with the washing up. Above all, do not forget to tell him just how wonderful he is. He may just laugh it off, but deep down he will get a big thrill out of the whole thing.