Reporter’s diary

Press, 20 October 1987, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Iceman cometh DURING a car journey between Darfield and Cragieburn last week-end, one traveller counted no fewer than 25 snowmen of varying sizes and types on .the roadside. Cantabrians have emerged as exponents of snow sculpture. The snowbodies ranged from the family giant size, usually equipped with clothing and accessories (umbrella, hat, pipe), to the small, basic model. The snowbody building appeals to all ages, races and classes. Our traveller passed one woman, who had abandoned the warmth of her Range Rover to practise her sculpture. When she saw the approaching car, she left construction to lean nonchalantly and- elegantly against her vehicle

until the car passed, then returned to building.

U-boast THROBBING with pride, a Rangiora woman told “The Press” of the amazing 600 per cent increase in her flock of sheep. The van der Meys had eagerly waited for lambing and were ecstatic when two thirds of the flock pro-

duced triplets. The third ewe in the orchardists’ mob produced nothing at all. Drastic measures WALTER Hudson ventured from his bedroom for the first time in 17 years — and promptly got stuck in a doorway. As he weighs 542.95 kg stone), it is hardly surpris-

ing. After firemen rescued him, he disclosed a daily diet of six enormous sandwiches, six large bottles of soda, one-and-a-half chickens, gravy and mashed potatoes, baked macaroni, candied yams, string beans, Ring Dings, Yodels, Yankee Doodles and Twinkies. But he is fed up with being fat and has engaged the services of a black comedian, Dick Gregory, who grossed $6l million from his Slim Safe diet scheme last year. Gregory has put his new client on a diet of raw fruit and orange juice. For exercise he has advised him to lie in bed “waving his arms about like a conductor.” Under-observation THERE is no disputing the fact that Fiji has been one of the most prominent subjects recently on television screens and in newspaper headlines. Constant exposure to the troubles of the small republic has not helped some people’s ability to spell. One father wrote a question for his. Standard 2 daughter to ask at school. It is reprinted without alteration here: “The Oueen will not speak to the ex prime minister of Figie she will not except the Repulick off Figie. Q What is a Repuluck.” Crime-time viewing A VIDEO cassette recorder stolen from a young couple in Rossall Street last week had a tape still inside at the time. It was the previous Monday's edition of "Crimewatch. —Jenny Feltham.