Reporter’s diary

Press, 23 January 1988, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Collared WE have heard of potatoes cooked in their jackets, but this is the first to have been cooked in a bib. The mystery object that the unfortunate tuber has attempted to penetrate is, or course, a plastic rubbish bag tie. The moral of this salutary tale is that non biodegradable rubbish and potatoes should never cross paths. The colonies THE British Civil Service is, apparently, first with the news. A Christchurch man this week received a letter from the British Department of Social Welfare, neatly addressed to, “Christchurch, New Australia.” New postings THE Minister of Stateowned Enterprises, Mr

Richard Prebble, has in-' directly contributed to the real estate profession’s advertising ammunition. A Nelson real estate guide this week extolled the attractions of a family home — the expansive view, the desirable interior features and amenities. Schools and shops were within walking distance, “as is the Post Office which isn’t to be closed.” Of dogs... A READER is somewhat confused over the number of containers of water that have blossomed in many Christchurch subur-. ban gardens. Apparently the purpose is to deter our canine friends from fouling the lawns and flower beds. But does the’ method work? Gardeners report that the water treatment is moderately

effective. Apparently .within the canine subconscious lies a deepseated reluctance to pollute areas surrounding fresh water.

... and men A VET, who likes to keep track of such matters, reports that Sam was the most popular name for male pets, both cats and dogs, in 1987. For bitches, Gemma and Emma headed the list, while the. favourites for female cats were Lucy and Tabitha. The traditional genderless names such as Snowy and Blackie were also ’ popular. Among the offbeat were Den (he’s dirty), Fergie, for . red setters, and Rambo for a chihuahua. Duos included Tom and Jerry, Margaret and Denis, and Ronald and Nancy. Then there were the cats Stanley and

Livingstone, named after one went missing for several days until the other found it and led it safely home. Moving comment THE five year old was discussing her move from Wellington to Christchurch, with a new South Island friend. “We’ve moved from New Zealand to Christchurch,” the newcomer to the Mainland commented. Round-up NOTE in the auctioneer’s catalogue for a recent standard-bred horse sale: “The auctioneers would appreciate the co-opera-tion of local buyers and float proprietors by removing all purchasers immediately after sale.” — Christopher Moore.