RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31316, 11 March 1967, Page 42

RANDOM REMINDER

LOST ONES

Because children should be seen, but not heard, they should not be hidden assets. But the carelessness of parents, coupled with wander-lust of the children themselves, can have people scurrying around madly in search-parties. Typical of the fearful mix-ups which occur was the experience of the middle-aged farmer and his middle-aged wife who took their adult daughter and two friends to Woodend beach. They all had lunch together, and then the young people went oft for a swim, having arranged for the older folk to meet them on the beach

a couple of hours later. The middle-aged couple had a nap in their car, then set off for the beach, plenty of time in hand to meet at the appointed hour.

They were walking towards the beach when they came upon a small boy, crying bitterly. He was lost, and he was grateful for the sight of a friendly face or two. He flung himself into the couple’s arms: they seemed to need all four of them, so deep was his distress.

The middle-aged couple instituted a search, and ultimately restored the boy to his parents. Only minutes later, while head-

Ing for the beach, they were drawn to a small girl by the sound of her deep sobs. She had lost her way and didn’t know where to find her parents. Our retriever friends swung into action again. It took longer this time, but they were able, ultimately, to stand aside with gratified smiles while reunions were effected.

So they made a third attempt to reach the beach. But they were by then very late for their appointment And there was no-one to meet them. The adult girl and her friends were busily engaged searching for a middl&aged farmer and his middle-aged wife.