Wally's tales

In my youth not many people travelled far from home. For a start, very few owned a motor vehicle. So you either walked, or used a bike for short journeys. For longer trips, Rail was the most popular and in many places the only option, However it gave a very good service, but by today’s standards, slow. As we had nothing else to measure it by, we were happy with it. For obvious reasons busses or any form of motorised traffic was not popular, possibly because our roads were so bad. Seal as we now know it, was reserved for main streets of some towns only, or perhaps some city streets. Tradesmen such as plumbers, carpenters would arrive at your home, to carry out a job, either on foot, or by a push bike with some of their material strapped their machine. If they required more, it would be most likely delivered to them by a local carrier, equipped with a horse and cart, and only latterly, by a van. A trip from Dunedin to say Queenstown was a major under taking, requiring the best part of a day to negotiate bad roads and obstacles unheard of today, such as sand drifts on central roads, which were difficult unless you had carried a shovel with all the other tools.

I remember a story Jessie Neilson (My Mother in Law) told me of her first teaching assignment, that summed up the difficulties of getting around. Teachers back then had to put in a couple of years ‘Country Service’ and hers was at Henley. This was a small settlement about 25 miles South from Dunedin. To get there she took the train to Dunedin from Port Chalmers. Then Transferred to another for Mosgiel. Picked up her bike from the Guards Van, then cycled down the Main South Road the remaining 10 miles or so. The road in those days was not sealed. For her working week, she was boarded out by a parent family until Friday, and then she repeated her trek in reverse.

Motor vehicles, like telephones, were few and far between. In fact the Port Chalmers telephone system was closed down very night by the local manual exchange, about 11-00pm. The local doctors, Police, Fire Station, Harbour Board, and a local Call Box, These were all plugged the into Dunedin Exchange by five lines that were available, so some had a limited service, the rest of the town could wait to 6-00am the next day.

The Fire Station didn’t have any electronic aids just a system of Bells on towers all set at different points around the town, you needed to recognise the tone of each bell the know where the fire was. An alarm or siren at the station came much later. But the bells alone were sufficient to muster the volunteers firemen.

I heard on the Radio recently, a documentary about the Haast Road’s commissioning. Many were calling in and giving their stories, of life before the Road opened in the area, and life in general of the small land locked communities, in and around Haast. Also there were stories from other people, some of whom actually worked on the construction of the road.

The only access to the Haast prior to the opening of this road was by sea or a cattle track from the Haast, this rough route could get in and out of this remote area, it ran along the Coast whenever the terrain allowed, and it’s traverse was only possible providing, you had several days to spare, and the rivers were ‘down’. You could also arrange to take a fishing boat trip along the Coast, to Hokotika or Greymouth, even this method took a day. The Haast Road was initially mooted as an unemployment scheme, but this enterprise was abandoned during the War years. Popeye Lucas and Bill Hewett after the War ran an small light plane Air charter service on demand to the area. But then, their landings were on a beach. or a makeshift strip. They also made a feature of flying out whitebait catches. And later crayfish tails, during their seasons.

Doug Maxwell and I walked in from the Wanaka, the Makarora end to about as far as the Gates of the Haast. That’s not quite correct, as we drove as far as we could, and then walked as far as the early builders had got to. None of this was easy, although there were bridges, pristine and every thing a bridge should be, but they had no approaches, or if they ever had these necessary parts of a bridge in the past. Without fail they had all been washed away. The bridges were just concrete structures, sitting in the middle of the river. However some enterprising fellows had left planks on the bridges, which we soon guessed why they were there, and we used them to drive on and off each bridge. There were several of these, all of which we negotiated carefully.

We didn’t meet any Deer Cullers in there, but we knew they were around, as in one workman’s hut there were unopened cases of .303 Cartridges still in their Army containers. Enough to start a war if you wanted to. They must have hunted out the immediate areas, as on our trip we never sighted any game. Nor did we sight any fellow humans. There were extensive signs of deer in the beech forest, as they had eaten out all of the undergrowth. So much so that you could now walk through the forest unimpeded by any secondary growth. As we were working our way towards the coast, the thought crossed my mind many times what a wonderful area this road was negotiating and opening up. The views were breathtaking, and everytime you turned a corner it opened up yet another wonderful vista.

What a wonderful asset the Road is. I estimate that It would only carry about 10% domestic traffic, and the rest would be Tourists. Not just overseas people, but enabling New Zealanders to now see their own country. The builders have made a wonderful job, the Forrest has been preserved where it could be, and in most parts the forest actually starts from the very edge of the road, which nowadays is sealed from one end to the other.

Personally I would like to see a little more of this country opened up and a loop road completed so that you didn’t have to retrace you steps when you drive into Milford Sound. Had the Green Party had been around when the Haast road was being mooted, for certain there wouldn’t have been any road. They would have found five hundred reasons why the road shouldn’t be built.

This City is still suffering from the earthquake even after two months. In some cases you could be forgiven if you thought the event was only yesterday as nothing has happened to restore our buildings. Many small businesses have never reopened, especially those housed in or near what they call ‘Heritage Buildings’. Most of these are still found in ‘strips’ throughout the City. When one falls over or are damaged it severely effects all others. In Colombo Street where my Chemist is situated, the four or five adjoining buildings are still sitting after two months exactly how the earthquake left them. Unfortunately, this strip has all been badly effected. To compound their problem, one owner told me, they all have different land Lords, and to complicate it even further, different Insurance Companies. So after two months of driving around piles of bricks which belongs to the aforementioned shops. They still don’t know when can they be pulled down and rebuilt, or that they can commence trading again. As it now, the road is reduced to one lane each way, as well, one side of the street is fenced off. Also, the question is, will they be able to afford the new rental, when and if they are rebuilt? The Earthquakes have never stopped, as today we must have had more than a thousand or so, many of these were insignificant but some were in the 4 or 5 on the Richter scale. As if this wasn’t enough, Colombo Street further up the street, close the overbridge, is reduced to only one way and one lane only. I should say that I personally must be getting used to then. as I’m starting to sleep through many. What does happen is that the earthquake triggers off dreams, but I don’t wake, and so far they have all been bad dreams.

I suppose I shouldn’t complain as we still have a roof over our head, no job or business to worry about. Apart from the getting around town, and a temporary loss of power and water, we have been relatively untouched except I’m like everyone one else, waiting for the next big one.

From time to time, you read or hear about other peoples troubles. Some of the scenarios are so stupid, you have to laugh. One woman whose home had been declared safe, went off shopping unconcerned. However on returning home, she was confronted with a home, that had been completely boarded up and sealed. It appears the authority had changed their mind about the state of her home, but somehow neglected to inform her.

Today I want to talk about Terrorists and Pirates. Many will jump to the conclusion when I mentioned Pirates, I’m talking about people helping themselves Intellectual Property and not paying on the Internet. More notice of these pirates is taken, yet they never physically do any harm, but only hurt you in the pocket. No I’m talking about the real kind of Pirate who have been with us forever, These are the kind who are out to Kill, Rob, or Kidnap, all on a grand scale, but very little notice of them is being taken.

In today’s world and as of old, we are plagued by Terrorists and pirates. Even if they don’t get to carry out their atrocities, after each attempt they still win, as even more restrictions are imposed onto us, each and every time when we travel. Currently we have to present ourselves a couple of hours early before departure when departing by Air. Remove our shoes, stand Obediently for a pat down, have anything sharp taken from us, no matter how small, or even how insignificant. Those carrying out these duties seem to have got carried away to point, that the whole exercise has now become ridiculous. Also, bottles of fluids are restricted in size. So the terrorists always win, because they subject whole Nations to a state where we are all chasing own tails. Having said that, and in spite of all the checks, we will never stop a determined terrorist. They will alway find a way, especially if they are prepared to sacrifice their own lives in each and every attempt.

What drives these people, I don’t know. They are supposed to be religious. Maybe they are, but as well they would required to have a very large degree of stupidity, or perhaps gullibility, to become a candidate of terror, to carry out their self imposed path of destruction. To swallow all the clap trap they are being fed. Especially what their religious leaders are programming into them. The need to be prepared to sacrifice their own lives when they blow themselves to smithereens. But for them not it’s not oblivion, when they take with them, the lives of the hated infidels. The only difference is they are told they will be met at the Pearly Gates and escorted into paradise. What a pity that someone has not managed to return, to tell them that they have been fooled, and all the expected virgins are old harridans, and that they all smelt like their camels.

If everyone followed the rules, by especially those in charge, they would be able to stop 99% of the attempts to bomb, or take out an Aircraft. The most successful attempts that have been made are when correct procedures were not followed. Unfortunately the prevention people have to be correct 100% of the times, where as the Terrorist only has to break through the security screen once, to achieve in his attempt of destruction.

The Pirates are a different matter, and have been active on the sea since man first pushed a boat out to sail the seven seas. They are not religious, but more honest in that they are only out for personal gain. By forbidding sailors to go about their lawful tasks unarmed, the authorities are making them sitting ducks. Trying to fend off a pirate with only a water hose is pathetic, and perhaps those who make these rules should also be sent out to sail around the Horn of Africa armed with a hose. They don’t seemed yet to have considered escorting vessels as we did during the war. Another ploy could be vessels armed to the teeth disguised and employed like the ‘Q’ ships.

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It was with surprise what I heard on the radio today. The latest court news relating to the eviction of three women by the Housing Department from their State homes, this was still on going. This eviction action was brought about by the women having ‘Mongrel’ gang connections whose members were constantly hanging around, and whose behaviour had been constant threat, and a source of annoyance to all the other tenants. Goodness me, when the Housing Department won their case which was a clean cut, to evict these women and troublesome partners, whose behaviour was turning the life of other tenants into something no one would want to put up with.

However it now seems, even though the Housing Department won their case they were not evicted. Because they won a ‘stay’ of eviction with an appeal, and other legal ploys, and have managed to delay any action for many months. It now seems they with the assistance of their legal team, and of course your money, which is being doled out by the bucket full from ‘Legal Aid’. They have tried every legal manoeuvre available, so far lost each and every manoeuvre. And who do you think who is really is paying for this judicial charade? You are, ‘Silly Billy’ All Legal Aid comes direct from the Public Purse. So far it must have cost the State at least a million dollars, which is only my guesstimate. It seems now it would have been cheaper to build each woman a new home, and gift it to them. I have every sympathy for the people who live near by. They seem to have been forgotten while lawyers played their legal games.

No one wants to live in close proximity of any Gang activity. These gang members are only tenants by default, being companions of the women concerned. They could be dubbed as a group ‘Neighbours from Hell’. As far as the Law is concerned after a year of this nonsense, only confirms my opinion that it’s a stupid Ass. It makes one wonder how far do you have to go in law, until it is deemed Vexatious. Everybody is intituled to their day in court. but not eighteen months. What is wrong here? is the judiciary pussy footing around. Or is it because they are Maoris? I have no proof of this, but am willing to bet my all that this so. The Maori leaders seem to be reluctant to tackle the gangs who have proved themselves to be a breeding ground for criminals. It has been reported too that they are a major supplier of drugs, in both the cultivation, and the manufacture of same.

Alcohol when coupled with excessive consumption and becomes ‘Alcoholism’ has been a huge problem for many people. It also seriously effects the victim’s family and their employment. Society has tried several solutions to assist and correct the situation, from gentle persuasion, to even the outright forbidding sale of alcohol. But nothing seems to work. I was lucky in that I was born into a family where no one was addicted to alcohol, or where it was a problem. However my life and work since has since brought me close to many people who were addicted. I was able by chance, to witness first hand the misery that it wrought onto some families. The people so effected will lie, cheat, and generally make anyone’s life that is close to them a misery. Nothing matters so long as they get their regular fix of alcohol. They keep on making promises too that they have no intention of keeping. However the other side of the coin is, when not drinking, they are the nicest of people or friends.

I came into contact with liquor at an early age, when inducted into the services. I was turned overnight from a student under tight parental control, into what was deemed a man. This brought with it all the freedoms that go with being an adult. I should have known too, all of the responsibilities as well that were involved and come with this status. At eighteen years of age, I was now free to wander into any Hotel Bar, order anything off the top shelf if I so wanted. However without the assistance of a War, I would have had to wait another three years for this privilege.

I was never cut out to be a drinker. I never liked losing control, and I thought a ‘hang over’ was too big a price to pay for a night out. I also have a private theory that people who over indulge in regular ‘Binge Drinking’ sessions, don’t suffer any after effects. Liquor is also a social drug, another danger is pier pressure which is also part of the problem. Today’s youth have a culture where adolescents are keen to demonstrate how they can ‘hold’ their liquor, but instead for some, it is a terminal situation, and they are ending up on a slab in the morgue.

The above brings us to another aspect of drinking, and that’s driving while drunk, over and above what society deems to be the legal limit. Something has to be done in this area. We have had several cases recently of people being charged up to sixteen times for this offence. With our soft judiciary trying in vain to rehabilitate offenders, already they have in most cases already lost their licence to drive. Short of locking them up there is not much they can do. But they are not addressing the problem. Statistics has shown that the soft approach doesn’t work. I’m of the opinion that the Scandinavia scheme does. After one offence, lock them up, but only for the weekends for a year or so. There is no need to rush out and build new jails. It doesn’t even have to be in a secure complex. An unused military camp will do. However should any decide to take French Leave, keep them in chains or restraints. Something has to be done, as they are putting all other road users lives at risk by their cavalier attitude.

It would seem today we have a large section of our community who respect no one. Parents, Police, or anyone who is in authority. ‘Nobody is going to tell me what to do’, is their constant cry. But somehow we have to get the message through to these people, and get them off the road before they kill any more innocent victims.

Do I think anything constructive will be done? No not really, not until a member of a VIP’s family is the victim. Then perhaps our thinking may change.

 I’m watching with Interest the latest antics of the Aussie Acting and Film Union that’s holding the Sir Peter Jackson to ransom over the production of the Hobbit Film. This Union like most, sooner or later is destined to fall into the hands of power crazy people. Over the years we have had dozen examples of just how bad they can be. They seem to forget their prime function of looking after their members and welfare, without hurting other workers. More often than not, it becomes a personal ego trip. Not so long ago we never took a Holiday without the worry that the Cooks and stewards of the Maritime Unions yet again would be holding the country to ransom and tying up the Strait shipping. They didn’t care one jot about the disruption they caused to their fellow workers, and that’s what most of us are. In the case of the watersiders they were as bad, and one time held out so long in a strike, that the Government stepped in, and most lost their jobs. On this occasion the Union was deregistered as this time their leaders seemed to have lost all sense of reason. I was about to say that I have never had much to do with Unions, but on reflection that would have been a lie. At one time I was actually the National Banks Southern Guild representative. I didn’t ask or campaign for the job, but was given it by the management, who wouldn’t take no for an answer. Back then we had both a Union and Guild looking after the Bank Staff’s interests. When I went to Wellington to bargain for better conditions, the Union business took all of one minute to transact. All other business was then conducted by the guild, which wasn’t a militant organisation. I soon discovered that you could get what you wanted by a softly, softly approach. Much later the position was reversed and the Union became all powerful, and a pain in the butt. They seemed to prefer the confrontation approach, and one day they called a strike. I was a manager at the time, they had phoned my staff at the end of the day, to tell them that they were on strike immediately. However I was horrified next morning to hear a radio interview with the Union Secretary, that they holding a meeting with the city staff that morning to decide what action they were to take, and whether to strike or not. Yet they had my staff already out and sitting in the sun. I quickly reversed the situation and recalled the staff to put them back on side, until the Union had decided their next move. They did call a strike and my staff as it turned out were the only ones in the country still working. The media were quick to point this out to the union, and within a minute I had a Union Representative, chocking with rage on the phone advising me that he would see me sacked. He also called me several other undesirable names. I stopped him in mid stride and suggested that he address me from now on as ‘Brother’ as I was still a member of his Union. Something I hadn’t got around to resigning from. Before he could recover, I also demanded an apology, or I would also call a press conference and tell that they had decided to strike before any meeting was called. So the staff of all the Banks were actually being led along by the nose. The proof was that they had called out all of the outlying Branches a day early. He hung his phone up at this point as he found out he had met someone he couldn’t bully. I’m listening to the radio this morning and the main feature is concerning IHC and their staffing of their houses. It’s not so long ago the system of housing handicapped people was in large institutions was discontinued. These had all facilities for a sheltered life. However this system was superseded for what was called a more normal lifestyle, buying homes in residential areas. I don’t know who dreamt up their rules of conduct and their protocol, as they were turfed out of the homes at 10-00am in the morning, and not allowed to return until 4-00pm in the afternoon. I only found out about this from my Sister who came across a bunch huddled in an open Bus Shelter sheltering from the rain. This was at Port Chalmers where there is no where to go and while away their day, until they can return again to the comfort of their home. This was carried out in the name of progress. Here in the City I often come across a group or two, but they have many warm refuges, in the Malls or the Public Libraries. I’m glad none of our family have been lured into the bright lights of the Acting or Film Industry. Here in New Zealand we are too small, and I suppose it wouldn’t much different elsewhere. It’s either boom or Bust. I have watched those involved during he time a film is being shot. They all seemed to be paid large sums of money which they spend as fast as they receive it. Best flat in town, a BMW parked outside, fine dining every night. Then after a few months, or perhaps a year it’s all over. Contract terminated, car returned, flat vacated, and it’s back to the Dole or Mum, until the next contract.

This letter is about my hobbies. All my life I have been keen on hunting, in fact I was allowed out with a .22 rifle (Single shot) when I was only 7 years of age. This was strictly a solo operation, but at the time it was a necessary one to feed the extended families, two dogs as there was one else to carry out this task. I know that today the police and everyone else would say that this action was irresponsible, but in this case the family said it was OK as it was filling a real need. I know too that today there are many people around who really never grow up. So in my mind, age had little to do with responsibility. These people just look old.

At this time I was staying with my Grandparents in a remote area. Grandfather was old and could no longer tramp the hills. I could have trapped my main prey, rabbits, with the steel Gin traps, but even then, I regarded them as a cruel device. There were other alternatives, set snares, or just wait on a stoat to bail up a rabbit, (The signal for this was a terrible squealing of the of the rodent). At this point, the rabbit was paralysed from it’s mid point, and unable to flee. I had no problem in taking the rabbit, instead of leaving it to be eaten alive. All of these various ways of hunting were a poor second to shooting. The local farmer was very happy to have me roaming free on his property. I was an extra pair of eyes, caring for his sheep that could be caught up in bush lawyer, or cast. Another plus, for every four rabbits I shot, he could now carry one extra stock unit.

I was also keen on fishing which was a natural adjunct to hunting, there was very little I didn’t keep for the table. With plenty of species around, many people became very fussy in what they took. Crayfish was Ho Hum, smelt out the kitchen while cooking, skate wings avoided too, didn’t look right, octopus, not on your Nellie. However I wasn’t keen on kowhai, I found for me it’s taste was too strong. I have since been told that’s it’s OK if it’s bled immediately after capture. I’m sure too that a lot of these particular fish have found their way into fish fingers, they too seem to have the same strong taste. Flounders were my favourite, I hunted these in the estuaries at wading on foot on an incoming tide with a light at night. In daylight in deeper water a different technic, to give you clearer vision, you required a light box, and a boat. Red cod were plentiful, but too many seemed to be infested with a red worm parasite in their flesh.

As mentioned earlier at eighteen years of age, along came the Army, immediately I was issued with a .303 rife a couple of ammunition bandoliers a No 1 uniform, fatigues, two pair of woollen underpants which I never worn as they scratched and itched the hell out of me. Woollen singlets and shirts, also made from course wool. A greatcoat, ground sheet, and a glengarry cap.

As soon as I was able, I transferred across to the Air Force and was accepted for Air Crew training. The Air Force treat an Air Craft as a Gun or an Ordinance Platform. Sure it’s a wonderful machine to gaze on, but it’s prime function is a weapon. There too, I was introduced to the 12 Gauge Shotgun. The principal is much the same as shooting from an Air Craft, as you are now shooting at a moving target, whether you are shooting clay pigeons at a gun club, or piloting an Aircraft. It’s all the matter of the correct lead. Or how far in front of a target you have to aim to hit it. I have been active in Gun Clubs ever since, and even went as far as studying ballistics and loading my own ammunition.

I found shooting was a selfish sport, and it didn’t involve my family. However I had plans for another activity lurking in the background, ‘Sailing’ and this sport would involve the family. They could take part if they wished. A huge increase in fuel costs, had suddenly made this sport very popular, as well as fibre glass construction methods made the purchase of a hull affordable and superior to wood. So we sold our caravan, and became the proud owners of an Aquarius 22 foot ‘Trailer Sailer’, which we named ‘Mademoiselle’. Experience ‘Nil’, but the Libraries were full of sailing books, as were the book shops. So we joined the local Yacht Club, and set out on a steep learning curve. With the wife and daughter, all full of book knowledge, we were going to win races. Or at least learn how to control this beast of a Sail Boat. Initially we were just plain awful, as we endeavoured to translate what was written in the books, into practical application. After a few years of tailing the field we learnt enough to be a contender.

I was also a member of the Dunedin Photography Society for many years, and after learning the basics of composition they taught me how to take a good photograph. From there it was only a hop step and jump to buy canvases brushes and oil paints. I was never much good at producing original works, but neither are a lot of contemporary painters. Their work being produced today, and lauded by the Art World, to me is a complete enigma and a puzzle.

Other hobbies have come and gone, but I have listed the ones that made the biggest impact on my life and my family.

Last night we had had another couple of ‘after shocks’ around 4.5. I can’t say I’m getting used to them, we should be after some 600 or more. To be frank it’s effecting our general well being, I know in my case, I’m getting very jumpy, and I’m now finding it difficult to get a good nights sleep. We have been lucky, and so far, and have had little damage to our home, mainly glass and items that have fallen from shelves and cupboards to destroy themselves in a sticky mess. possibly helped by the fact we were sitting on the right kind of ground. Many have lost their homes which were completely destroyed. Many too have had no sewerage since the quake, and won’t for some time. They have been reduced to using ‘Port a Loo’ that has been placed in their garden. What they don’t realise that this was the norm back when I was small. Many towns then didn’t have the luxury of flush toilets or sewerage. This important function was carried out by the ‘Night Man’ who called on a weekly basis and swapped the Night Soil containers. Here today the owners are demanding the Council to ‘Do Something’, but it’s not the Councils fault that the sewerage drains are fractured beyond repair, and will require replacing something that will take months.

For some it’s a double disaster, their homes are badly damaged and as they have neglected to take out any Insurance, for them it’s a double whammy. The ‘Earth Quake and war Damage’ payments are linked to their Insurance Policy. If your home is not Insured for, fire and flood, then you are not covered for the QWD either, as a small part of you premium is paid to the EQW, and this in turn is invested for the ‘Big One’. According to the newspaper today, some 5,000 are in this situation. ‘Can’t afford’, is the main excuse, but I don’t believe this story, they can afford most of the other good things in life that everyone expects to have today, so it’s a matter of priority. Even those on a benefit. Some too have no idea about cash management, after doing a stint of volunteering for budgeting assistance, I was able to see first hand about how some folk set their priorities and what they considered impossible to live without. Many are so used to being spoon fed, and armed with the knowledge, that someone will rush in to help. A good dollop of commonsense is all that’s required. I wonder sometimes what exactly do they teach at schools these days. Nothing it would seem about the preparation for life. I wouldn’t expect too much from the bolshie mob of teachers I saw demonstrating on TV. What a bad tempered lot this is. Further it’s the same group we trust our children with, expecting them to be educated. Under paid well that’s nonsense too. Do they not know what the average wage is today? It’s about half of the $70,000 they earn. Headmasters start around $150,000 and these people, have a list of 40 further demands. The Government these days is actually borrowing ‘off shore’ to pay them.

You may have gained the opinion with that outburst that I don’t like teachers. Well you are half right, I don’t like some teachers, especially those who were involved and had set up my son to fail. He apparently was having difficulty with his reading. His teacher’s solution was to give up, with about thirty other pupils turn them out of the classrooms and to keep them busy had them tending school’s gardens. Not for a moment did it enter this ‘numb skull’ that the time had arrived to advise the parents and his superiors. When we took our lad to the Otago University to discover what the problem was with his learning difficulties, only to be told very little, he couldn’t read. We were given a list of remedial reading, but when his teacher was told what had transpired. He flew into a rage for going over his head. Give this so called teacher more money? Not a bit of it, the problem is that the profession now is riddled with these people who are teachers in name only, being carried along by the excellent people in the profession. We need some way to seek out and measure their performance to see if we can rid ourselves of these misfits, who are in positions to do so much harm to our children.

To end this letter on a positive note. I have been astounded by the support and help we have been offered. Work and Income, Mercury Energy, RSA, Neighbours. All were thanked, saying we are under control, now that all services are restored, but extremely grateful for their concern. However the experience was no fun, especially when you are alone.

I seldom watch the Television News these days. The ability of the current news teams to blow any small incident into a major affair, together with their muck racking making, turn many times their ‘scoops’ which are really small incidents, into what they deem to call, ‘Headline News’. This practice annoys me so much I’m turned off. Give this tribe of so called news makers, a wounded politician, or perhaps someone else with a high profile, these awful people set out to systematically destroy them. No quarter is ever given. I liken this group to savage, pack animals, snapping at their heels of their victims day and night. I am also very surprised that their victims even want to talk to them. They should realise that when you are in a hole, for goodness sake stop digging. One result that often does happen, it actually thrusts some of the their victims, people I have previously heard very little of, right into the spotlight. Especially some of our parliamentary back bench folk. The people who gave them their name. ’The Gutter Press’ really got it right.

Everybody has done things in their youth that they would like to forget. I was snatched up during the war  by the Military while I was still a boy, so I really did a lot of my growing up in the services, and didn’t have any opportunity to do much wrong. However, if you have lived in an University Town, you would know also how that Judges over the years have treated many students brought before them very leniently. Even discharging them without conviction for many of their misdemeanours. The reason given that in many cases, it might effected their future. I think this attitude is grossly unfair. And if you were wondering where some of our maverick legal people come from, now you know. When you weigh this kind of lenient attitude against ordinary folk, it doesn’t add up. Say, if you were an Apprentice Carpenter, indicted for the same misdemeanour, you need not think that you will receive the same treatment. Strangely this dispensation doesn’t apply to you. The system in my opinion is grossly unfair.

Now we have the recent case of Garrett the politician, caught using the identity of a deceased child to obtain a false Passport back in 1984. He must been reading Federick Forsyth’s, ‘The Day of The Jackal’, as this was part of the plot. He never used the passport for any purpose and in due course it expired, but when he was exposed, the Courts gave him name suppression, and discharged him without conviction. So they didn’t regard the act in the same light as the journalists now seem to. He also had a $10 fine relating to an incident in Tonga. Hells Bells, I thought everyone over their lifetime had racked up at least one $10 fine. Many people today steal identities and immediately set about using it by racking up huge debts in their victims name. That in my mind is a real crime. Especially now with the use of credit cards. Should this happen to you, it can mean a great deal of hardship expense and mayhem in your life.

The one area that I was guilty of bad behaviour and would now like to change if I could. That was the selection of a mate from the opposite sex. When one in my estimation didn’t measure up, I just moved on, with not so much as a by your leave. If it makes any difference now I’m truly ashamed of my behaviour. Before you get your knickers in a twist about my conduct, the females in my youth were just as bad. Most adolescents as a group are an unfeeling lot, and couldn’t give a toss about anyone’s feelings. One girl who I thought was the love of my life sent me a ‘Dear John Letter’ when I was overseas, to say she was pregnant, and getting married. Another sounded exactly like her aunt, in telling me that she wanted to time to think about the continuing of our relationship All in all and given the advantage of hindsight, I think now in that case, and some others I had a lucky escape. In case you were wondering, the young lady who wanted to think it over. In time she wrote a letter to say she had changed her mind, and wanted to be reinstated. Too late, I had taken her advice, and was doing the same.