RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31355, 28 April 1967, Page 20

RANDOM REMINDER

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Chance can lead a man down strange paths and leave him in situations which are foreign to him, because of his personal background, and interests. This applies particularly to journalists, who have to meet all sorts of people on all sorts of missions. A reporter is required to be a sort of chameleon, able to fit into any background without being obtrusive. Sometimes, he has to have luck on his side. One we know, far beyond the first flush of youth, can vary, in a matter of moments, from a Savile Row product to a dishevelledlooking hiker; but in the warm weather, he shows a preference for shorts and open shirt. But earlier this month, the snap in the air persuaded him it was time to acknowledge the chang-

ing seasons by the purchase of some pants. But he wanted them cool, man, and the only ones he could find, to suit the limited resources at his disposal, were of the tapered variety favoured by the younger set, tight-fitting, and of a shimmering, iridescent material. But he had hardly completed the purchase before an overseas newspaper interested in such matters required him to be present at the arrival in Christchurch of a large group of entertainers bearing strange, nursery-rhyme-style names. And from being a middle-aged square, his trousers converted him into someone who was really with it. His welcome was warm, until he sat down. Then it was disclosed to everyone that in

selecting his wardrobe for the day, he had been guilty of a sin of omission. He had no socks on. The implied disapproval of the group was clear and chilling. He has rectified the situation, rather too late, with the purchase of a pair of the most striking, luminous-looking green socks it is possible to imagine. Seen without previous warning, they cause steadfast men to recoil in horror. He is now easily identified, at a considerable distance, and while he may feel that he can go along with the younger pack, in his particular profession ft is something of a disadvantage: he is rather like the policeman who puts on a sports coat for plain, eiothee inquiries.