Random reminder

Press, 22 June 1978, Page 16

Random reminder

EYE FOR A TOOTH

Publicans are never easy people to surprise. The very nature of their work brings them into contact with all manner of customers, some of whom may even change character in the course of their stay. But there is always a new experience awaiting. Recently a Christchurch publican of many years standing took part in a week-end bowls tournament. At the end of the day there were the customary drinks and when the numbers had dwindled to just a few there was a large collection of glasses to be washed. The publican, citing his experience in such work, volunteered to do the washing up and away he went, closely watched by his associates, who sat back in feinted awe at the excellence of his work. But suddenly the glass-washer lost

' his rhythm. He had come across a particularly difficult glass to get clean. He applied the usual techniques, but a solid white lump remained glued to the bottom of the glass. Dispensing with his shake and swirl methods, the man probed a finger into the glass and much to his surprise the “foreign body” turned out to be a human tooth, which seemingly clung tighter to glass than it had to its previous home. As no-one had reported a missing tooth, it had to be assumed that its owner had not noticed its departure, which set the asssemhly thinking. How could a tooth severed loose by alcohol come to rest in the glass? The odds surely favoured a somewhat different direction.

There could be only one explanation for it. The unfortunate drinker had had one too many Rusty Nails.