RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33263, 28 June 1973, Page 28

RANDOM REMINDER

MILD OR BETTER?

We don’t want to enter into a discussion about whether the water they use in service stations to top up your battery is pure and distilled or whether it comes from the nearest tap. We don’t know; but we do know it’s better to use water from a tap than no water at all. A Cashmere man we know is meticulous about using distilled water; and because of lingering doubts about garage water he has for years collected rain water for this purpose. But the drought eventually depleted his stocks and he was forced to rely on water from a local service station. The man there was helpful. He disappeared into the back and returned with two gin bottles full

of water. Was the water distilled? Of course, said the man; and what’s more so was the stuff that was in those bottles before. They parted on that cheerful note and the incident was forgotten until Sunday morning, the time he reserves for spit, polish and general maintenance of the car. The bottles were gone. In their place was a $2 note and some small change. Our friend would be the first to admit that he’s no Sherlock Holmes, but he has reconstructed an interesting little drama that indicates there is honour among thieves, that some people have an awful thirst and that disappointments await us at every turn. You see, he left the bottles in the back of his car and on Saturday even-

ing he and his wife visited a tavern with their friends. They enjoyed themselves thoroughly and did not leave until after closing time. Thev dawdled over the goodbyes and did not return to their car until at least 10.30 p.m. And between 10 and 10.30 someone noticed the gin bottles, apparently full, on the back seat and decided he needed them more. But at least he had the decency to leave some money in recompense—or perhaps it just fell from his pocket as he lifted the bottles. Our friend likes to pic ture the expression of that thief as he pours a drink and raises it expectantly to his lips. And he is in two minds about whether he wishes the water was distilled.