RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 24

RANDOM REMINDER

RURAL RIDES

Those accustomed to city life often find it very strange to' be living in rural surroundings, but most of them appreciate the calm as well as the clear air. We had a note a while ago from a Christchurch couple who, after 25 years, achieved an ambition to live in a country town, and they are delighted with it. The simplicity of the life was enchanting, the woman wrote. When some community effort id being made, there is a distinctly personal approach. There was a need for funds for a play centre, so a Paddy’s market was organised. And on the day it was to be held, a utility van drove about the streets,

the driver drumming up support with a loud hailer. Two men repairing a roof caught his eye; so he stopped, turned his attention and hailer to them, instructing them, by name, to hurry up and get the job done so they could get to the memorial centre and the Paddy’s market.

If it is usual for country people to notice the arrival of a stranger, these powers of observation are shared, clearly, by the large number of dogs living in this pleasant town. Our informant is enchanted by the regularity with which trucks, travelling down her street, have a couple of dogs on the tray, and clearly on the look-out. It is obvious

they are country dogs, and those from the township appear to converge on the street from many and distant parts to demonstrate a distaste for this intrusion by all barking very vigorously and without respite. Naturally, the visiting dogs respond in kind, and the noise is appalling. After a while, order is restored, because a stout stick emerges from the driver’s window, held by a muscular arm, and a few vigorous bangs of the stick on the roof of the cab does the trick. Silence is recalled. But a closer inspection of the cab of the truck hints that the fanner must be the panelbeater’s best friend.