RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32462, 24 November 1970, Page 20

RANDOM REMINDER

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

We in New Zealand are indeed fortunate that we do not know real hunger; some can sympathise a little by having known the distressing pangs of thirst. This story took place a few years ago before everyone had too much money, and concerns two Rugby players, members of a country team that had been playing a match away from home. Sadly these poor, thirsty men drove penniless past pub after pub. Then, nearing home, any thoughts of atheism were dispelled by a duck. Whether it had just learnt of its mate being unfaithful; missed the mad, gay life of the Avon; or had an overdue appointment with some

optician; will never be for it met death and the two footballers instantaneously by flying head-on into the bonnet of their car. They stopped the car, retrieved the still warm bird, and silently drove on. After two or three seconds deep thought a . plan evolved that was to prove to the world that though you cannot get blood out of a stone you can get beer out of a bird. They did not pass the next hotel. In the bar, they sold tickets in a raffle for a fresh, young duck and solaced their thirst. All tickets sold, and feeling much better in themselves, they drew the raffle. But when they brought the prize into the

lucky winner he was not amused. He said he was under the impression the duck, if not dressed would at least be nude, not all togged up in feathers. A tear trickled down the cheek of one of our footballers; although in a ruck he was rugged and rough, off the field he was gentle and kind. He could not bear to see anyone so unhappy and disappointed, especially someone so big. So, there and then, by the roaring log fire in the bar. he dry-plucked the duck. Most of the' feathers went up the chimney but sufficient floated round the bar to give it a jolly, Christmasy appearance: and the proprietor apoplexy.