Random reminder

Press, 9 August 1982, Page 34

Random reminder

HAT TRICK Bushmen, like sword swallowers are a breed apart as they are measured by their ability to work hard probably because they are paid by their output. Those of us who have been privileged to witness a wood-chopping content will realise by the huge wood chips that cascade rapidly around them during a competition chop, that they have yet to be acquainted with the “Micro Chip.” One such group of bushmen who were operating west of our alps of necessity immune to the local moisture and paused only for meals and sleep.

They would still make time to lovingly hone their axes with oilstones until they were sharp enough to shave the hairiest arm, as they regarded this gleaming working to’pl with the same high regard as a skilled musterer would have for his best heading dog. It so happened, one morning, one axeman arrived on the job proudly wearing a new woolly hat that his wife had lovingly knitted for him. There was a certain amount of good-natured banter, but he merely grinned cheerfully. Later that morning as he wanned to the job, he carefully laid his new beadgear on a log. This proved to be too

much for the self-styled “hard shot” in the team, who smartly chopped the hat in half. The victim wasn’t happy and he expressed his comments accordingly in a voice that echoed through the dripping forest concerning “smart alecs” (a television term). It has been denied that the voice of the complainant was heard between Karamea to Big Bay, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, but his reaction produced sufficient force to warn the offender to keep his distance for several weeks but still was with a smirk on his face.

Being a affable and good-natured person the hatless man gratefully accepted a newly knitted hat from his loyal wife. This time he warily, carried it around with him for several days until one hot afternoon he left it on a stump. This proved too much for the practical joker who waited until the owner of the new woolly head warmer was out. of sight, then sidled and swung his axe with a mighty blow. A split second later he realised that somebody — guess who? — had left a tough steel wedge under the headgear. If you have ever .heard the expression - “wouldn’t it gap your axe,” - you’ll know what I mean.