Random reminder

Press, 20 December 1978, Page 26

Random reminder

ROUGH AND HEADY

It happened a year or two ago.! Newly arrived in New Zealand with two young children, the newcomers were desperate for accommodation. Sa, many advertisements were answered, many trips to outlying suburbs were made, but always the search seemed fruitless. Then just when hopes were lowest they heard of a man who wanted a couple to live in with him, the wife to attend to his cooking, housework and laundry in return for free accommodation. Well, to them it sounded too good to be true, especially as it appeared he didn't mind the children, to whom most other landlords had so far expressed strong objection. Hoping that they would suit one another they hastened to the interview. They arrived and found it was quite a presentable home that had — understandably, without a woman’s touch — gone to seed a bit. Almost at once the owner started telling them the reason why he was living alone at present. It was, he informed them in vitriolic tones.

because his wife had deserted him. While showing them around he kept up a running commentary on the subject. From start to finish he didn’t have a good word for her. At least they reached the kitchen, by which time he was thoroughly wound up. With a sudden movement he jerked a drawer open violently. “But don’t you worry yourselves abour HER.” he growled with a nasty smile, “She won’t dare show her face round here again. If she does, though, I’m ready for her.” He pointed into the drawer, which was full Uf an impressive array of carving knives of varying shapes and sizes, all nicely honed. “I’ll murder her.” he added, grabbing one and stabbing realistcally into the air, then making a movement across his throat as if about to cut it. “W-we’ll 1-let you know, ’ the* couple said weakly, beating a hasty retreat as discreetly as they could. They had no desire to be star witnesses in a murder case, but ever since then they’ve watched the news reports with some interest — and a certain name m mind.