RANDOM AT LARGE

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32119, 15 October 1969, Page 21

RANDOM AT LARGE

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

Bombay is a very hot place, although the summer is just really beginning. In other words, it is no more than about 90 by breakfast time, the fans actually stir the tepid air for a time, and not more than half the visitors to this great city are put down with sunstroke. It was therefore of particular interest to read a copy of “The Press” (dated September 22) in which it is obvious that Christchurch is already planning for its summer. There is, evidently, or rather was,

a drought in South Canterbury. The beach at New Brighton has been cleaned, to make ready for the basking bikinis and mid-dle-age spreads. There has already been a scrub fire at one oMhe beaches, the Antarctic flights were about to be resumed and someone, with a thirst ahead of bis time, had stolen a large quantity of beer from somewhere. The only reference we missed, rather keenly, was the arrival of great swarms of godwits from Siberia. Or do they leave us in the summer? It is odd how circum-

stances alter outlooks. There you all are, in Christchurch, and absolutely with it, drinking in the fresh late spring air, basking in the sunshine. And all ■we look forward to, at this moment, is a decent 14 degree frost, a few icicles here and there, a frozen pipe or two ..nd the need to have a hot drink. There's no satisfying some people, of course. Follow the sun ... a delightful idea. But when the sun follows you, its time for the electric blanket and a bit of hibernation.