I was thinking the other day about budgeting something I carried out in the past, and I soon got around to thinking about what today is actually regarded a necessity for any family, and what comes under the heading of a luxury item. And over time how our perception of this has changed greatly. The first item that comes to mind is the refrigerator. Back when it first arrived on to the domestic scene. What a boon it was to families, especial in Summer when it was always a problem to store our perishables, even for a couple of days. No more melted or spoiled butter, soured milk, tainted meat. Suddenly all these worries were all over. But it’s arrival into the domestic scene, signalled many other subtle charges that were not initially obvious. Remembering back to before the home refrigerator, the first thing that happened to our daily milk on it’s arrival, was that it was scalded. Nothing to do about the bacterial count, as far as we were concerned, This was just to extend it’s shelf life. As it was then kept in a gauze covered box, on the shady side of the house. Pasteurisation was exactly what we were doing, but commercially this came along much later, along with homogenization, and then it was packaged in glass bottles. The arrival of the refrigerator actually spelt the demise of the daily milk delivery, although we didn’t know it at the time. It also made subtle changes to our buying patterns. For this item, it would have to be a necessity and a yes.

What brought all this about was when you made a budget for someone, where today do you draw the line? Our kids were still young when we were able to scrape together enough cash, to make our first purchase of a refrigerator. But it meant at the time, we had to forgo our floor coverings that we had been saving for. This is another lesson, ‘You can’t have everything’. However back then, a refrigerator was definitely a luxury item Time payment was popular back then too, but we had been brought up with the protocol. ‘If you didn’t have the cash’, ‘you didn’t buy the item’. Even back then in the ‘Good Old Days’ we had budgets. Some people had rather quaint ideas which persist even today. For instant, I always watched with amusement at the antics of an Aunt an Uncle on paydays, they put away various monies into their respective tins labelled for Rent, Power, groceries etc. Their system even persisted when they had plenty of money, and no longer needed to do this. Whatsoever, so long as it works, and you manage to keep out of Debt. But old habits die hard

Telephones, we managed when I was young with a coin box down at the town square. For urgent messages in times of need or family crisis, you would go to the Post Office and sent a Telegram which would be delivered to the recipients door more often than not by a boy on a bike. A very reliable fast service too. Today technology has leapt ahead and past what we regarded as a telephone. Even the kids of today carry a cell or mobile phone. Top of the line phones today, don’t come cheap either. They now have built in cameras, clock, access to the internet, The ability to TXT messages, radio, calculator, able to store a 100 or so telephone numbers, take messages, GPS ability. However, depending how you used it, a cell phone could be a much cheaper option than a land line. So this would have to be a yes too.

TV. Well we managed without one for most of our lives, even a radio didn’t arrive on the scene until I was a young boy. There wasn’t much to listen to back then, as it seemed that it was controlled by educated idiots. They were determined that we were only able to listen to ‘good’ programmes that were educational, and good music which was mainly classical, or of the type we receive today on the concert programme. They even dressed the announcers, (who you couldn’t see), in dinner suits. Seeing both radio and TV are, ‘now free to air’, and are a vital tool for information, to enjoy them you only require cheap receivers. This is also a yes. But pay TV or cable is definitely out.

This brings me to an Automatic Washing Machine. What a boon this has been to families. I know this has to be a yes also, as WINZ will even assist a beneficiary to buy one. It was also a late arrival on our domestic scene. Monday was the traditional wash day and what a day of drudgery that was. Boiling up a copper, then washing the clothes by hand on a glass wash board, using bar soap, which was hard on the hands. My mother came to our rescue. She purchased three ‘Chug Chug’ agitator Washing Machines for approximately $100 each which she gave to each of her kids, who couldn’t believe their good fortune.

Motor Vehicle, this is a tricky one, many families manage without one, and use a taxi when public transport won’t cover the particular task. Some families use their cars even to cross the road, and to drive their kids everywhere. They seem to have forgotten that most children were born with legs. However, if they were to total up exactly what the real cost of ownership is, perhaps then they may have second thoughts about ownership. Repayments, or cost of Money invested in the vehicle. Repairs and Maintenance, Registration, Insurance, and last but not the least, Gasoline. If they still wish to run a car, some serious readjustment to any budget will be required.

If we were to compare the lot of the typical beneficiary of today, with what they they now have, and enjoy, against the beneficiaries of yesteryear.,They would initially express disbelief that anyone could be so fortunate. They would have no hesitation in telling them that they were extremely lucky and in their eyes well off Yet our beneficiaries or low paid workers consider themselves poor, and on the bread line, Some have no idea of what poverty is.

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The Government has just pasted a Bill, under urgency too, to assist with the reconstruction of Canterbury. It’s called CERA which is an acronym for. Canterbury Earthquake Reconstruction Authority. Do we need it? This question is an understatement. Of course we do, that’s if we ever wish to see that Christchurch is going to be rebuilt in our lifetimes. There is such a maze of regulations out there, and unfortunately we have some people who have nothing better to do than play with these regulations, and frustrate the best endeavours of people who are actually trying do something. They have actually used these regulations, to even delay a competitors business plans for many years We have gathered up enough red tape over the last twenty years to stifle any growth here, as well for the rest of New Zealand. In fact we have more than enough to keep us busy for the next five to ten years trying to find a path through.

So if we wish to get started on rebuilding programme first it’s necessary to cut some of it away..Before the quake, to carry out anything new, we were required to find a way through a seemingly impossible series of regulations. With everyone and his uncle busy objecting, and tossing spanners into the works, just to cause delay. Some of these protesting folk would never be effected in anyway what so ever, but it doesn’t stop them from blocking any progress.

Yes, we have a council, but for me, and I’m not alone in this observation, We know very little or next to nothing about each and every one of the councillors. Apart from what we have read from a couple of ‘small flyers’ that we received in our letter box about each of them, this was just prior to the last election. It gave us only a thumbnail sketch of every person that was standing. It’s possibly that we elected some who are very good people, and some not so good. But we are stuck with some incompetent and time wasters, who got in under the fence as we had so little information about them. I suppose in the future we should be a little more diligent as they are paid a very lucrative salary which is approximately some $83,000 each per annum.

Then wham! we had our earthquake. The Mayor was smart enough to lock most of them out of the immediate decision making mode, He did what needed to be done, and he did it well,possibly aided too by his council support staff, Of course some councillors were calling out, that this wasn’t democratic.’What we need to do is make, and form committees’. When you have no power, water or sewerage, then you need action, not a lot of waffling talk from committees. If some had been allowed their way, They would have been still talking about what action needed to be taken. They would have been so busy forming committees, and sub committees, nothing would have been done.,When what was required was for someone to immediately take control, and make decisions

From what I have observed too a lot of the real work was being done by the ordinary Joe Blow. They have as always stuck their heads down and got on with the job, without any fuss or bother They have worked all hours to restore power sewerage and all the other services that we take for granted and require for comfortable living. They have been simply wonderful and have worked long hours. The other notable action was from the man in the street who rushed in to assist in very dangerous situations, to rescue people that in War Time would have warranted a medal. I did see a Maori youth captured on video, digging with his bare hands into the side of a collapsed building, ignoring the broken material hanging above him which if it gave way would have killed him, he was busy extricating buried people. Many in the same situation would just have walked away, but it makes you proud to belong to a Nation that has amongst it’s citizens such people. .

I’m still chuckling over a story Rod told me over a local businessman who had been denied entry into his premisses for some weeks. He badly needed access to retrieve his plant, so he could relocate He was able to do this as It was all portable. Unfortunately for him it was now locked up in the so called ‘Red Zone’. In total it amounted to several truck loads, but too it’s recovery was vital for their financial survival, and of course the jobs of his many employees were depended on it’s recovery. As he expected, he was caught exiting the Red Zone, with his trucks fully loaded with the said plant by the Police. They demanded him to explain how did he get past their tight cordon? Which by the way was considered impregnable. After much argy-bargy, he said he would only admit that he now had several Army Uniforms he no longer had any use for. And they were all surplus to requirements

I have just finished reading a news report about a kid so hungry that he ate a cockroach. Believe that and you will probably believe anything or there is something seriously wrong with his family. I should even go a step further and say that the reporter who posted that story should be fired, and possible legal action taken against him/her for reporting nonsense In an election year, It reeks of politicking of the worst kind. However it didn’t bother the Labour Party one whit. They immediately leapt onto attack, without pausing to investigate the background, or even seeking out the facts relating to this story Failure to do this and for sure, you will end up with egg on your face. Whenever I read such an expose’, I look for the facts, I’m too long in the tooth now to accept a lot of the garbage that these untrained oafs, dress up and call news.

What was missing was was the actual amount of benefit being paid to this family. Why were they in such dire straights? I would also want to know some details about their spending. Any excesses in Booze, cigarettes, gambling in their budget? Also, were they getting all the entitlements that they were entitled too, regarding rent etc. And, where were all the welfare folk? Or even the kids teachers? Did they not realise that they had a starving kid in their midst? There are always people thick on the ground these days who get their highs through giving, I’m sure someone out there would have been delighted to help.

As for the pension not being sufficient to live on. They were never meant to provide for luxuries. All these benefits were set by Labour when they were in power back some nine years ago, and the cost of living increases have been granted, and added on every year since. So why is the pension suddenly insufficient to live on? So if the Labour Party who have been carping in parliament about the Benefits adequacy. They seem to have forgotten that It was their party that set the amount and entitlements.

The Bay of Plenty times have done a much better job of reporting. Yes the kid was hungry, and reduced to eating cockroaches. But as it turns out it was a case of appalling neglect by the mother, and since this matter has focused attention on this family. Her children have since been taken from her, and placed into care. A lot of nonsense could have been avoided if the reporter in the first place done his/her job properly. And if the Labour Party hadn’t been so keen, to blow the story out of all proportion. Politics is a grubby business, which many times is lacking, what we all look for, and that’s the truth.

There are many agencies here involved in the game of helping lame dogs over styles. For some folk, they can’t believe their good fortune as they make their rounds, double, and even, triple dipping from the various sources,There appears that there is no liaising between the various groups, all competing with one another to give out help. In fact the systems receiving all the earthquake monies are loaded. Right now with money pouring in, they all have plenty to give away.

There is so much money and kind yet to be given out. To give you an idea of what’s available I have listed below what information that I can access with ease.

Red Cross To date $50 million raised

Christchurch Council Earthquake Appeal To Date $18 million raised (Nothing to date has been given out)

Salvation Army To date $13 million raised

Canterbury University Students. They have supplied free labour that has involved several hundred students to labour in the hardest hit suburbs. Indirectly they have raised $30,000. too. As well, Oxford University UK has given forty places to Doctorate, and Honour students, to attend their summer school.

Caritas To date $650,000 raised

As well as the above there has been some 80,000 clothing and 50,000 grocery vouchers given out. The Press reports too that to date, it would be impossible to quantify the amount of volunteer aid and labour that has been freely given. This is by wonderful folk who freelance their help and don’t belong to any organised group.

I hadn’t been into one of Christchurch’s Malls for some time, I had also heard too that many people were deliberately avoiding them as well. Lynn my daughter, like many here won’t venture into them, or any buildings that have glass ceilings since her recent experience with the earthquakes. Anyway yesterday I took my life into my hands and entered the Northlands Shopping Mall. What a shock was in store for me. There were so many people inside, all shopping or dining in the food court and clearly they weren’t at the least bothered, Actually it was hard to move about, impossible to get a seat in the food hall. This is not right I thought. Clearly these people have no inhibitions whatsoever about shopping in this environment. On examination, I was able to work out that most of the extra folk who were taking up all the dining space, were mainly teenagers. It wasn’t until it was explained to me by the checkout operator, that this was changeover time for the schools close by. Here In many cases, where one School has been damaged. Two Schools are now sharing the one set of buildings. The shifts change at about one or two o’clock in the afternoons. And how many students are involved in this Earth Quake solution I don’t know, but without a doubt, there were some thousands of kids wandering around the Northland Mall. Which they were clearly now treating as their campus. Certainly from my observation, there were many thousands involved.

The Eastern suburbs of Christchurch have problems of their own. Their rolls of the primary school students are down by 30% to 40% due to folk that have upped stakes and left the area. Many of the homes in these suburbs were rented or owned by the Government or perhaps Council. Many more too are badly damaged with liquefaction, and uninhabitable meantime. These folk are making do with Porta Loos or Chemical Toilets which is not very convenient, but what they will have to put up with until the Council can get the sewage system up and running again. What is going to happen to these areas in the future, is largely a matter of,now, wait and see?.

The University too is undergoing problems too, because access is still being denied to many of their buildings on their campus. Until they are inspected or rendered safe, access is being denied. To enable students to keep up with their lectures, a tent city has been erected on vacant or clear areas within their Campus, So many of the students are now studying under canvas. As well, some lectures are being put onto the Web, from where students can download. Roger who is employed by the University, he had planned to broadcast lectures on a redundant TV channel here in Christchurch, but so far the authorities haven’t taken his offer up

As if we haven’t had enough trouble, there is another dark cloud on the horizon and that’s the Insurance Company AMI who write about a third of all Christchurch’s Business Domestic and Motor Vehicle Insurance. The initial quake took care of most of their invested funds, as well as a good portion of the he reinsurance monies. To cover claims for the second quake, it would seem the well is now nearly empty, Unless the company can get a Government guarantee to buy reinsurance, the company is exposed and in real trouble. Personally I’m not all that worried, as I’m sure that the initial $100,000 which is the current QCD payout limit, will more than cover any damage to my home even if I have to replace the bricks. II also think the Government will underwrite the Insurance Companies as they did with the Finance Companies, if it’s time they require to trade their way out of their problem. The consequence of not assisting, would be catastrophic, and certainly deny the Government any chance of re-election.

One thing that is certain in the future the levy we all pay out to the Earthquake Commission for the whole of New Zealand is about to double. After what happened here, it must keep the authorities awake at night with the thought. ‘Should Murphy’s Law kickin’, which is,possible, and the same happens to Wellington or Auckland, that has happened here. They must be prepared. Also there must be a way of including he clowns, who don;t, or won’t, pay any insurance. At least get some earthquake cover, which is very cheap.

Travel when I was young seemed to be limited for only short journeys Perhaps it would be by Rail,which was the most popular, and our usual method of getting around on land at that time. So, if this was your choice, you could expect to be on a train pulled by a steam locomotive coupled to several coach type of carriages, some of which are still with us today, They were popular at the time, because they only required basic engineering to manufacture, and run the rolling stock. As well, the trains of this time were fuelled by coal, which was cheap, and something the Country had plenty of .

Yes there were even a few ships that called in from oversea, And these too were mainly coal fired. Back then, This Country and the rest of the world were just emerging from a severe economic recession. There was more evidence of this in the harbour if you cared to look, Out there were rafts made up of moored ships, for which there was no work, This situation was worldwide, and other Nations were in much the same situation. All were waiting for the economic situation to improve. So there was little activity in the travel industry

All this was to change for me when I turned eighteen, War had been declared, and the Government discovered that when they were prodded they could crank up the money machine, and Bingo! Suddenly the depression was declared to be over. Everyone had a job again. and just as quickly, I found myself in the services by default. I was now going to get my first real taste of travel. Some of this would be the best in the world, and some would be of the worst kind. I shortly found out that I was to leave New Zealand on a Luxury vessel of the Matson line, bound for America. Unfortunately for us, and as far as comfort and luxury went, it would be hard to find on this vessel, as some 20,000 other servicemen were also crowded on board, all looking for the same thing.

Once on board I had the full use of about four square feet of the Promenade Deck. This was where I had to live and sleep. We were each allocated a bare pipe framed bunk, which were stacked five or six high and four deep. All were, fitted with only a length of canvas to lie on, unfortunately for us, this was an open deck and exposed to the elements. I promised myself many times over on that journey I would return one day, and do it all again, properly. Further I would bathe frequently in fresh water, eat meals when I wanted, certainly not on a twelve hour roster. Sit on a deck chair in the sun, and not on my ‘life jacket’, Even summons up a cold beer from time to time while admiring the view. Anyway, it was a small price to pay to see the world. We must have been important too, as we were about to depart Wellington, the Prime Minister and his entourage even came down to the Quayside to shake our hands, and say that, ‘what we were doing for New Zealand, would not be forgotten’. It must have been a slow day in the Bee Hive.

On arrival in the USA we stepped ashore, grubby and sticky, caused by showering and washing for three weeks only in salt water. Laundry was something to worry about in the future. However at this time we fell onto our feet, right into the lap of luxury. Well anyway, for the next five days. This stage of our journey would be by train, and I had been allocated a seat in a plush Pullman Coach, and all the pampering that came with this style of travel. For instant, while we were away, ‘fine dinning’ on their ‘silver service’ in the ‘dining car’ for our evening meal. You returned, to find that a comfortable bed with a mattress had been made up for you, in what had been your compartment. For this stage of our journey, our fortunes had certainly taken a turn for the better.

It was too good to last, The worst trip I remember was on a Liberty Ship from New Caledonia to Auckland. To me it didn’t even look stable and It had a permanent list of about 30 degrees, and we went bowling along at her top speed of just under eight knots. On our earlier vessels we relied on their speed of thirty knots, to travel unescorted, and outrun any submarines. It was obvious this ship was not going to outrun anything and we were unescorted. The only accommodation on this type of vessel was in the holds, and that’s where we went. The same type of pipe bunks were fitted, only this time they were about twelve high. The holds were cavernous, ill lit, dark and dank, This would be a good description of our accommodation.

This vessel this time was under the control of the American Navy. The crew were wonderful, and went out of their way to make us comfortable and share what little they had. They even showed us a movie one night with a makeshift screen hung down from the bridge. Should we have stumbled into the path of a submarine I’m sure they would have dismissed us an apparition, or even a figment of their imagination, as we were still at war, vessels normally travelled at night, totally blacked out, and carrying no lights at all. Here we were all lit up like a Christmas tree.

If you were wondering, Yes, later in my life my wife and I did do this kind of travel again and properly. We cruised around the world on luxury liners several times. I was waited on hand and foot, feeling a little guilty as I dreamt about how travel was in days gone by.

Slowly our support services are returning to normal. Our Library’s branches are still dragging the chain, and there are some strange exceptions. Lyttleton and Akaroa so far are the only branches open, well that’s according to the Internet. I don’t know what’s the problem, but maybe their central computer system is down. But it’s four weeks since we were struck by the second large earthquake and time rolls on. Strange too as Lyttleton area was one of the hardest hit, and they are back on their feet, up and running, Akaroa is just too far to wander over for a book. But Lynn tells me the Bishopdale Branch is now open, which is great, as I pass by there daily. I do miss my reading, and the the Press News Paper is still catching up, and carries very little in the way of hard news. Today it seems to fill it’s pages with pictures.

One area that there much dissension locally, and that’s the tight control Civil Defence have over the whole of the earthquake scene, to even to a quick visitation to the Central Businesses ‘Red’ area. More to the point, the fate of some damaged buildings is completely out of the hands of the owners. Far to often, the arrival of the wreckers has been unheralded. To date some haven’t even been allowed to get near their property before it’s been destroyed by the seemingly cowboy element, saying it was too difficult to contact folk, which is complete and utter nonsense. Today the authorities say they are obsessed with safety, however the papers even reported this week, was the removal of a tree house some kids had constructed in case they fell. Yet we still allow motorists after some sixteen convictions for drunk driving, to continue driving on our highways, a real danger to one and all

It;s a month since the last large shake, and many owners say that’s too long to be sidelined out of their businesses. Many of the owners are at the end of their tether and had serious confrontation yesterday with the Army and Police. I think the political arm got the message and have promised a revised policy in future. What they have failed to understand that these businesses in some cases represent all they own in this world.

Not only are the patrons of the library service suffering. The Cities Gyms all seem to be closed as well, so the Gym Bunnies are all having withdrawal symptoms. Worst of all are those with swimming pools who have also suffered damage, however it’s not always the reason they have closed for some they have been taken over as refuge shelters, and some even as accommodation for out of town workers.

Came home day before yesterday to find included in the mail, a note from the earthquake commission, unsigned, undated, and not addressed to anyone in particular, for information it contained nothing but a tick in a box which was one of three choices. The one that was selected said, ‘House undamaged’, ‘We will re-inspected again in two to four months’. When I showed it Rod he said he was going to call them to inquire. ‘Did the inspector have a seeing eye dog’? Because he must have been blind to have missed the damage to the exterior brickwork, It’s extensive and is unsupported, and just hanging in space.

I had occasion to call the Bank again today regarding the issue of a cheque book. The current 240 one I’m currently using is now ten years old. I had sent in a postal request early January, and after a reasonable period even taking into account the September earthquake, gave the bank a call only to find there was no record of the application. After the February shake I called again to reorder and after some four weeks. No record of any application again. On this occasion I’m afraid I got a little terse. I don’t use many cheques these days, but do require a couple a month. On this occasion threatened to make my own. It’s not necessary to use the Bank’s printed forms, but certainly inconvenient for the Bank if I don’t. One thing I’m familiar with, and that’s the ‘Bills of Exchange act.’At one time I was the Head Ledger Keeper in a City Bank

Another trip across town to visit my GP. It’s time for my annual flu shot. I don’t know if they do me any good, but then again, I have never suffered a dose of flu,swine, or whatever other similar nasty bugs that are always preparing to invade our shores. Now when I think back I must have been taking flu shots for at least fifty years. I seem to remember lining up the staff for a shot way back to when I worked in Oamaru.

While cooling my heels in the waiting room, I allowed my eyes to wander around the room and take in the proliferation of notices pinned on the four walls. They have been sticking up information on every health issue since the year dot. How to stop smoking, to take tests for diabetes, pregnancy tests. Another very pertinent one, ‘If you have been waiting for more than 20 minutes please advise the Nurse’. That’s a joke, as you always have to wait more than 20 minutes. This doesn’t bother me as I know that from time to time, I have taken up much more than the normal consultation allowance,

Thinking back to how things have changed. The first time I came in contact with doctors with needles, was during the War. The needles then were of a large calibre, after each injection they were causally tossed into an purple alcohol solution, and to be reused, time and time again. They hurt too, but I did hear that some thinking doctors even resharpened their needles. What a different story today, a single shot syringe, with a fine needle, and what’s more, painless

Looking around the waiting room there was one group that were clearly from overseas. Granddad, wife, son, and grandchildren. Not sure which one was the patient, as they all moved everywhere as a group. Clearly all from Polynesia. All very tidy, and granddad clung to tradition and wore a lap lap or skirt. Obvious too that had all got dressed up for the occasion, as they were dressed in their Sunday best. We don’t have many Islanders down here, but those who do find their way South, are all hard workers.

There was another woman in the waiting room. Clearly a troubled soul. I had passed her as I came in, then she was standing out in the rain smoking. In between each puff, she gave what only could be called a spate of graveyard hacking coughs. I could have diagnosed her problem for free, without the need for any doctor’s visit.

Lynn’s reaction to the earthquake is the same as a lot of other peoples. She is not shopping in the Malls meantime, or anywhere that has a glass ceiling or roof. That’s a no no too.

Couplands Bakery said this week that they were puzzled as they had sold a weeks bread in the matter of hours. But later Roger’s sister who made a visit yesterday told us that the Quality Bakers hadn’t resumed baking bread, and that to a degree explains the rush on bread when a big player is missing. As well, there are still some Supermarkets yet to reopen. It would seem we got off very lightly when you measure our situation against of what happened to Japan. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the tsunami wave on TV. What hope would you have of escaping a monster like that. It just ripped the heart out of a Northern Town while we were watching.

As if all that an earthquake trauma and tsunami wasn’t bad enough for the Japanese. Some of their Nuclear installations have even been damaged by the resulting giant wave that has totally engulfed some Northern Towns, and is responsible for a death toll mounting into the thousands. Those living in the town would have had no escape from the killer wave, it being so huge Two Nuclear-powered stations from reports are close to a meltdown and the operators have resorted to trying cooling them with salt water which is a last resort method and will ruin the stations for any further use. Further I have just heard that the strength of the earthquake has been upgraded to 9 on the Richter scale. I wasn’t aware that it even went that high.

Our heart goes out to the thousands of souls who were swept away and had their lives cut short by the killer wave.

Last Tuesday started out the same as any other Tuesday, I had busy schedule planned, the friendly Public Hospital had called, ‘Could I return to give another blood test?’ I took advantage of this, and at the same time squeezed in a visit to see David Tyson while at he Hospital. David was my bedmate during my stay. Then a quick stop at a Service Station to fill up which was most fortunate. I then crossed over town to spend an hour or so with Laura. I left her early as I had an appointment with her hairdresser. I needed to pay her, and arrange for a hospital visit to cut Laura’s hair.

I had reached the main door of laura’s ward at exactly 12-51pm. At this moment, thousands upon thousands of Christchurch’s citizens lives were changed forever. I was flung around like a rag doll, and very glad I wasn’t in town, or even at home where the shock was much worse. I knew exactly what was happening, goodness me we have had about two thousand of what is loosely called ‘after shocks’. This one clearly was different, other quakes didn’t roar like this one was doing. It stopped as suddenly as it had started, I have no idea how long it went for, but in a short period it trashed most of Christchurch’s business, as well as my home, I didn’t know this at the time, as I still had to make my journey across town. What an experience that was was too. Immediately the shaking stopped I ran back into the Hospital calling out to each room as I passed, ‘Everyone OK?’. The only problem seemed to be was broken glass, but no one was injured. I still had no idea of what had happened in town, putting it down to ‘Just another ‘after shock.’

Once I had Laura settled, I now realise I couldn’t have been thinking straight, as I again headed out for the appointment I had with the hairdresser. On the road it slowly dawned on me, that this quake was much more serious than the usual ones we had been getting on a regular basis. All traffic lights were out. Roads were clogged with people trying to get somewhere. Every other house had people clustered outside. I found out later that were too scared to return inside. The road was damaged with mud and sand boiling up through holes and trapping some cars. Many just abandoned their vehicles and walked. As I neared home I noticed large cracks on the road. And nearer still, some homes had lost all their cladding, whether it be block or brick. On arrival, the garage door wouldn’t open, so that meant no electricity. Once inside the sight that greeted me was one of utter disaster. I couldn’t get up the stairs, the beautiful grandfather clock was now in pieces from top to bottom. Everything that could fall down, had fallen down. I thought the September quake was bad, but this one was ten times worse. Wrenched the heat store from the wall, it overturned every thing, computer, TV radio, bookcases. Emptied every cupboard and smashed it onto the floor. It even broke the cook top. Looking out towards the town I could see it was covered by a pall of brown smoke, which was an ominousness sign as it turned out. This was actually dust from the collapsed buildings. I knew then that there was going to be some serious casualties.

About this time Rod turned up with a solicitor who worked along side him. Both in their suits, but covered in dust. They had sheltered under their desks as the ceiling tiles rained down. When Rod hit the street, he was stopped by a woman who wanted assistance to get her partner out of their campervan. He said he reached in under the bricks that had hit their van, but got no pulse. The poor guy was dead. It was remarkable how members of the public reacted and saved other people. The solicitor had his car in a nearby parking building and along with eveyone else their cars are still there. We took him home, and unbelievably his home was untouched.

Rod took me home with him, he had all services at his home apart from the phone. One by one we accounted for all of the family, but Rod had a couple of Japanese Students staying with him, and they didn’t return. So he went out on a hunt and found them remarkably, both seeking refuge in Hagley Park. Unfortunately many other Japan students were in the language school that collapsed. On arrival at Rod’s I was met by Hillary who immediately burst into tears. She had been caught in a ward under the Hospital doing a mercy mission, and was still suffering from shock.

Lynn was home when the quake struck she ran outside and clung to her letter box. Very soon she had four other neighbours alongside. One was a catholic and she kept reciting the rosary. ‘Hail Mary full of grace….’ About this time a lab dog turned up, that no one knew who it belonged to and it huddled alongside. I had to smile when I took Rod and Gareth up to her home to set their heat store up right, as it was too heavy for Mark to do alone. Her bed was a make shift affair, about three metres from the front door.

Everyone has a story to tell. Our heart goes out to all those who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Recently feeling unwell and on my daughter’s urging, I made a visit to see our GP. This as it turned out to be a big mistake, as I was sent immediately to the Princes Margaret Hospital. Or I initially thought it was, as I still carried one of Grandma’s tales, ‘People die in Hospitals’. Nothing could be further from the truth as the care and attention I received was wonderful. True there were certain practices I disagreed with such as showering, with a Nurse holding your hand. My protests that I wasn’t that ill were shoved aside and ignored. I was told to get on with it, and stop being a wimp. The Nurses, Doctors, and support staff, were all a cheerful bunch, caring and well trained. The doctors seemed to work all hours by observation of them passing up and down the wards.

However it turned out there was one irritant, we had another patient that I shared the three man ward with and where I was allocated a bed. He must have been suffering from an early onset of Alzheimer’s, and a compete pain to all and sundry. His life seemed to have stopped at 1945, like it or like it not we fought the War, over and over, each and every day. The War it would seem was the highlight of his life, and the one and only event that dominated all his thoughts. He took advantage too off the daily rostering of Nurses, He claiming when his turn for bathing came around, he was going home the following day, He would be able to shower then. As far as I know he is still Hospitalised and unbathed.

I had to smile one day, a Doctor came and sat at the bottom of my bed and said. ‘He had a very important question for me to answer’. ‘Should I have a heart attack while under their care.’ ‘Did I wish every procedure available to be applied to save me, and bring me back?’ I replied, ‘I would like events to be allowed to take their course’ And let nature decide. No special attention for me required. ‘I have seen what happens to people saved’, ‘The rest of my life being confined in a chair, looking out at the world passing by would not be my choice, if I have one’. I have had a had a wonderful life, and am grateful for the roles and challengers I have been given to play.

The other gentleman occupying the bed opposite to me was a retired farmer, 81 years of age. He had recently a hip replacement, and cataracts removal and while recovering from these procedures, suffered a stroke. He was busy relearning much of his recent lost memory, and how to walk again. As well as eye problems, he had received a Colostomy when aged about 40. In spite of all these set backs he was a bright and pleasant companion. We talked at length at nights until we both fell asleep.

I must have a kind face, whenever I was wheeled to another Department for various tests there was always some one else waiting. Without fail once we engaged in conversation, they had a story to tell, Nothing was held back and without fail they were exceedingly frank, worts and all. There must be a thousand stories in Hospital all waiting for a sympathetic listener and to be told.

I must make too some general comments. Lying in bed for a couple of weeks watching what went on, I had plenty of time to observe. The Hospital Wards, showers, and toilets were spotless, they had to be with the constant attention to the cleaning they received. I couldn’t fault the meals either. For each and every meal you were given multiple choices, I even had cream and brown sugar for my porridge.

I came out a lot happier than as I was when I came in for treatment.

Over the years we as a family have been fortunate enough to holiday with foreign friends. Our main contact was with the French, as expected we quickly found many cultural differences. One of these that stood out was the custom of greeting one another when we first met in the morning after arising. We greeted all the members of the opposite sex with a kiss on each cheek or a handshake for the males. Later when I was back home and in my office, I continued with the custom, and the way I greeted my foreign friends. They expected it, and considered it normal. This always caused my staff much amusement, but I took it all in my stride. Once we started mixing with foreigners, we had many new customs to take in our stride.

The French Breakfast we found was alway a very simple affair, such as a roll or croissant, with a large cup of coffee. I noticed too more often than not, the roll was dipped, or dunked into their coffee. Their croissants were very rich, dripping with butter, often too chocolate filled.

I’m now talking about New Caledonia where many of their customs were different again to that of France, or the Metropol French. Because it was so hot midday, shops and schools shut at noon for a two hour siesta, which nearly everyone took at home. I should add too, that their day started very early, most were on the job at 6-00am, schools at 7-00am. I noticed too, that as most wives worked, they had a system that most took advantage of and was universally popular. This consisted of using the services of stand alone ‘kitchens’ scatted around the town, these cooked a range of three course dinners for participating families. You contracted in advance with the kitchen of your choice, to take their prepared meals on a weekly basis. These hot meals were picked up daily usually by the wives on their way home while exchanging containers. This container was a tall stack of interlocking pots. (I can’t find the word in their dictionnaire for the correct spelling but it sounded like ‘Gamelle’) They containing soup, a main course, and a dessert. I had seen these food containers, or something similar in the East. So maybe they had picked up the idea from Viet Nam or the other way around. The system was clearly a boon to the busy housewife. Not a lot different from the ‘meals on wheels’ we have here.

Another difference was their drinking of wine. None of the nonsense and pretence we have here. It was regarded as an necessary adjunct to the meal. In fact it was even regarded as a food. The children too were allowed a watered down glass. If a bottle wasn’t consumed during dinner or lunch, it was just corked, and popped into the refrigerator for the next meal. However the French Hostess without exception was very particular with her seating arrangements. You tell at a glance, exactly your social standing.

Because of the tropical heat their evening meal was served very late at night. Initially we were starving by the time dinner arrived, until we discovered that they, (All other people) were taking advantage of a substantial snack at around 4-00pm. The French or the Caldouch cooking as to be expected was superb. Initially we found their dishes were too over spiced, and far too hot with chilli for our taste. We soon adjusted to that, and found we too craved for the addition of chilli and garlic. In one conversation with a French House Wife over the price of vegetables she told me when she cooked a cauliflower, she cooked the lot. At $13 each she said, ‘It was a shame not to waste any’.

Of course they all drive on the wrong side of the road. We soon adjusted to that, but something else always seemed to catch us out. That was when as a pedestrian, we always looked the wrong way for on coming traffic, and this could kill you.

Every one seemed too seemed to have a ‘Nick Name’ or a shortened name as all were dubbed with a couplet of Christen names, when baptised such as Jojo for ‘Georges Louis’. Of course the books on grammar would tell you too, that ‘Vous’ is you, but so is ‘Tu’, which is the familiar form, but you never used Tu unless you were very close to the person being addressed.

In New Caledonia some of the early settlers were English, and they have left their mark in the language, as there are many English words in common use, but now pronounced with a French accent. Their phone books too are peppered with English names.

As a race they have very good sense of humour, but to us sometimes it’s meaning seems hidden. In Queenstown we had a very popular fine dining restaurant, owned by Alan Pay and his wife. ‘Pay’ in French is pronounced ‘Pie’ and quickly they all referred to him as ‘Hot Pie’, however the joke was not understood by the English or Alan.

As I’m not writing a guide book. I can only advise that if you wish to know more, make a visit yourself. This wonderful Country is on our doorstep.