RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 23

RANDOM REMINDER

lIABIT When the average man takes the average woman to be his lawful wedded wife, generally speaking he has a mother-in-law thrown in as a free gift. It is a different matter when he buys a plastic aeroplane and has a free packet of breakfast cereal thrown in; he can dispose of the breakfast cereal by eating it. But in recent years ’ in these fair islands, cannibalism has been rather . frowned upon., and even were it not so, some mothers-in-law would be tough eating. But the mother-in-law in this story must have a tender heart, if nothing else, for it is much sought after. She lives in the North Island and came to Christchurch recently to proudly present her third husband to her daughter and son-in-law. On her previous

visits she had been unaccompanied and though they had been happv occasions there was always much sadness al seeing the poor old soul set off on her lonesome trip north. The new member of the family was very well received apart from one slip — advising the southerners that he had been eating his own outdoor tomatoes since Christmas. Not a tactful remark to make to a Christchurch gardener this particular year But nevertheless their visit was a happy occasion and when it came time to fly north there was much relief to know mother was returning with someone to look after and comfort her. It was a jolly little party at the airport, promises to write and to save up for further trips

were cheerily exchanged Then came the time tor the travellers to pa- > through the doors tor passengers onh Mother >aid her last farewells, kissed daughter, son-in law and husband, picked up her bag and hurried through the glass doors giving a final wave to the three she had left before marching off to the waiting plane. Step-father was momentarily stunned and just stood there, eyes wide. Then he gave his new family a hasty farewell and ran after his runawax wife. Woid ha* been received from the North Island that contact between the newlx marrieds was made only a few paces bexond the glass door. Mother had forgotten she had a husband.