Reporter’s diary

Press, 10 January 1987, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Sports injuries? EXPERIENCE has shown that this is the silly season. The latest issue of the “British Medical Journal” claims to have discovered a “hyperextension injury to the proximal interphalangeal joint” of a man’s finger which was suffered while competing in a gumbootthrowing contest. The journal calls for “training in the correct techniques” for throwing a gumboot. Snooker also rates as a potentially dangerous sport, with a case description of “penetrating orbiticranial injury with a snooker cue.” It was not an injury sustained in the normal course of play, but it occurred when the person holding the cue was punched by someone else. Modern executive WITH THE heat of summer upon us, Christchurch shops are selling all sorts of devices to kill flies and other nasty buzzies. One has aroused the curiosity of some shoppers with this bold lettering: “Executive electronic flying insect killer.” We can only assume that executive in this case does not mean that mozzies and flies have taken to the air with brollies and briefcases under their wings. It probably has more to do .with executing the little beasts — a far cry from the humble fly swat. Passing thought A BUMPER sticker noticed in Christchurch yesterday: “Undertakers are kept in business by overtakers.” Return of the ... MOTORISTS who thought they saw a wool waggon being pulled by two Clydesdale horses along

Ferry Road recently were not suffering* the effects of the festive : season. There really is a restored wool waggon which has now been for three excursions from Ferrymead Historic Park where it and the two gentle giants are kept. The delighted stares from others on the road were ample reward for Mr Barry Marchant and Mr Angus Ritchie who own the two Clydesdales and the wool waggon, which Mr Marchant spent about 15 months restoring. ' ... working horse THE TWO Clydesdales are popular attractions at Ferrymead, but volunteers to help work with them, especially during the week, are “desperately needed,” says Mr Barry Marchant. They need fit, retired people with experience in working with Clydesdales, and who can exercise the horses at Ferrymead in small jobs, by giving rides, or going further afield. Anyone who would like to help is asked to ring the Ferrymead Trust office at 841-708, or 841970 and leave their name and a telephone number. Righting wrong WRITERS will probably not vie for the latest literary award from West Germany: the $27,000 Karl Kraus Prize for the worst user of language. The award is made on the condition that the writer not only swears never to burst into print again, but also agrees to denounce his or her writings. Last year’s winner — critic Fritz Raddatz — has yet to denounce himself. When he does it should make good reading. —Jenny Feltham