Random reminder

Press, 4 January 1978, Page 27

Random reminder

COMMUNICATION PROBLEM

She was a young mother with her first baby. As they lived on an isolated farm, everything for the baby had to be ordered through one of the shops in the nearest small town, which was not really too near. One such item required for junior was a potty. She did have one, but it proved to be somewhat unstable and not really suitable for a small baby who could barely sit up. So, on her next trip to town, the young mother ordered a pot. She had great trouble explaining to the male shop assistant, who was not at all familiar with the requirements of babies, exactly what she wanted. Having had no experience of babies her* self until her own, the young mother was not sure what was available either. The dialogue, therefore, was something like a management versus union meeting. Neither side was able to agree on what was required until .’he young mother suddenly remembered a rather

natty high chair she had once seen. The chair part of the apparatus had a faise bottom underneath which a potty could be placed. While she did not want one of these, the principle of a kind of chair around the pot was exactly what was wanted. She described this arrangement to the shop assistant, who was immediately all smiles. He had the picture now he said and, confident that he had indeed and pleased that talk had not broken down altogether, she left him writing out the order. Some weeks later she received a call to say that the goods could be collected any time. The young mother prepared herself and her small daughter for another long trip to town. She did one or two other messages before arriving at the shop. She paid the shop assistant, who offered to carry her purchase out to the car. It was a gallant gesture, and she thanked him kindly for it, but she was sure that she could manage the baby as well

as the potty. The shop assistant was equally sure that she could not, and insisted that she open up the car while he went to get it from the back of the store.

The young mother had strapped the baby into her car seat and was making a small space beside her to put the potty when she heard the shop assistant say from behind her, “By the way, madam, this is "called a commode, not a potty chair.’’ Mother and daughter turned and to their amazement saw the man staggerubg ybder tge weight of an extremely solid wooden throne, complete with arm rests. It was surely the most commodious commode that had ever been constructed.

Fortunately the assistant saw that the small, blue-eyed, blond girl would be in grave danger of disappearing for ever if perched upon that kind of potty: a neat little plastic one with a solid base was delivered soon after.

HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS Burwood; General wards, 3.15-7.30 p.m. Maternity. 3-4 p.m. and 8-8.30 p.m. Calvary: General wards, 11 a.m.-noon, 3-4 p.m., and 7- p.m. Christchurch Public: 2.304.30 p.m. and 6.30-7.30 p.m Christchurch Women’s: Maternity, 3-4 p.m. and 8- p.m. Gynaecology. 2.30-4.30 P-m. and 6.30-7.30 p.m. Princess Margaret: 2.304.30 p.m. and 6.30-7.30 p.m. St George's: 3 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. LEISURE Swimming pools: Centennial 7 a.m.-5.45 p.m. 6.308.30 p.m.; Q.E. Il Park, 7 a.m.-8.30 p.m.: Waltham Park, 10 a.m.-5.45 p.m.; 6.308.30 p.m.; Jellie Park 10 a.m - 8 p.m.; Sockbum Park and HalsweU Swimming centre. 10 a.m.- 5.30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.; Wharenui, 10 a.m.-12 noon, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Canterbury Museum: 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Art Galleries: Robert McDougall, 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m.; C.S.A.. 2 p.m.-4.30 p.m Public Library: 10 am.-9 p.m. All sections. Wildlife Parks: Orana 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Willowbank, 10 a.m.-5.30 p.m. SERVICES Emergency doctor If you cannot contact your doctor, or a doctor in your area, telephone 69-133 for information. Urgent pharmacy: (15 New Regent Street) 6-11 p.m. Citizens’ Advice Bureau; Telephone 68-413 or 66-490. ' REFUSE PITS Bexley: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. I Paparua: 10 a.m. - noon Walmalri: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 12.30 - 4 p.m. Heathcote: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.