RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32634, 16 June 1971, Page 22

RANDOM REMINDER

THE HAPLESS HANDYMAN

The ability of some men to tackle odd repair jobs about the home and make light work of them makes them the envy of those who fail lamentably when undertaking similar projects. To some, stripping down a motor mower to its bare essentials on a sunny Saturday morning and having it in full running order by noon, is mere child’s play. To others, lacking expertise in mechanical matters, a similar undertaking would be a life’s work and a frustrating one at that. It has come to our notice that a Papanui man, who holds a high administrative post in a commercial enterprise. of some magnitude, is something of a paragon when it comes to a question’ of adaptability. A genial giant of a man who stands 6ft 3in in his carpet, slippers and tips the beam at 15st 71b without them, he has huge hands and a bone-crunching handshake. What is most amazing about him is the astonishing übiquity of the man. After his marriage a few years ago he purchased his section in Papanui, leaving the construction

of his modest but modern dwelling place in the hands of experts. But the mass of eye-appealing and functional built - in furniture which adds such a touch of elegance was made and fitted by himself, and also handpolished, work which could well be the envy of masters of the craft. In the course of time, his beloved one made the announcement that the time had come for them to think about equipping the spare room as a nursery. This he did in jig time, so to speak, and then devoted his energy and spare moments to an undertaking . that would make the average husband throw up his hands with horror—the knitting of a layette for the expected new arrival. This included a large white shawl made to a somewhat intricate feather and fan pattern, a crocheted pram cover, sets of bootees, undergarments and two beautifully embroidered pillow slips. And, after the son and heir arrived, he took over much of the cooking, concocting delectable and nutritious dishes which

would have done credit to the most. capable chef in the community. But what one man takes in his stride would make others baulk and stumble. A man living adjacent to the versatile one was his diametric opposite. For many weeks his wife had been espousing her wish to have him mix some mortar and attach a garden gnome on the perimeter of their fish-pond, which was of concrete construction. He finally acceded to her blandishments and, trowel in hand, set about the task allotted to him. It would seem that he had confused the ratio of sand to cement—or was it vice versa? The ornament withstood the attention of his next door neighbour’s children for five days only before becoming parted from its base. In a moment of inspiration he purchased a tube of liquid adhesive, applied it copiously to the base of the gnome, placed it in position and pressed heavily. It gripped. A hitherto hopeless home handyman had won his first victory.