Reporter’s diary

Press, 23 November 1987, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Santa claws MINUS a cat door, a young Christchurch couple are adept at anticipating their cat’s calls of nature. One evening he did not return when called. The next morning the cat was discovered inside the house. No windows or doors open added to the mystery, and the pair even accused each other of sleepwalking. The next evening, same thing: no cat when called. Shrugging, the couple settled down to watch a horror movie. At a predictably scary bit, scratchings emanated from the walls, then spookiiy dribbled down the chimney. Just before the couple turned into hysterical jellies, out from , the chimney came a sooty Purrfect. At this time of year, if it’s good enough for Santa to make grand entrances via the chimney, it's good enough for a cat equipped with four built-in crampons. Posthaste

MAIL for one north-west suburb in Christchurch •was delivered almost an hour early on Friday. A colleague in that area received only a pamphlet which extolled the virtues Of N.Z. Post and its wondrous services to the public. The (uncharacteristically whrly delivery was, surmifjd colleague, so

that the postie could .attend the rally in Cathedral Square against - Post Office closings. Tuckered out THAT the familiar twostorey green house opposite the old Normal School in Cranmer Square is for sale is now well known. Perhaps less well known is that the building was the only commercial undertaking in Cranmer Square, serving as the school’s "tuck shop.” The small white cottage next to it, also for sale, is thought to date from 1863. Treasure chest ONE A. Willink won the Jessop Challenge Sculls at Emmanuel College in 1871. The handsome trophy he (or she — although it is unlikely) won turned up in the bottom of a box full of junk which was bought at a public

auction in Christchurch recently. Doubtless A. Willink will be in no position to reclaim his prize, but his descendants might be. If so, the finder of the trophy can be contacted through us. Looking blanc SIGN seen on a red , truck delivering to a wine bar: "Van Rouge." Hot, hot dogs IN these merry months When store catalogues appear to breed in mailboxes, there is even one which specialises in imported doggy knickknacks. Although this year’s catalogue continues to pamper pooches it does include an advertisement for burnt-wood etchings of dogs, with the words: “Custom burning of your dog available.” —Jenny Feltham