"A NARROW ESCAPE"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 132, 6 March 1940, Page 2

"A NARROW ESCAPE"

CLASSIC SHORT STORY The short story in the iirst issue of "N.Z. Abroad," the newspapeer of the 18th (Auckland) Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F., cannot, of course, compare with De Maupassant or Kipling or O. Henry for technique. But it has its own quality. With the title "A Narrow Kseupe," it reads:— The Major sat hunched in his chair; around him sat. an array of -ifTiccrs watching with strained faces for some sign r.f recognition, some word which would relieve the white-hot tension. None came. For hours the matter had been discussed. A decision must be made, the soldiers' very happiness was at stake Came a knock at the OrderlyRoom door and a furtive figure glid- ' ed in bearing gently in his arms an inert mass. Replacing their small arms for the use of, the officers crowded round the table. The Major spoke: "Thank God, Sergeant Major, you have come. Now we can decide. "This," he continued, "is an army blanket and I personally favour the Narrow Neck roll." As he spoke he deftly folded the material Pfteen times and then turned it inside out. "Lovely," murmured the onlookers "Then we have the Ngarttawahia Roll." Here the Major shook the blanket, folded it twenty-six times, turned it inside out, patted the corners Into perfect lines and beamed on the assembly. "Perfect," murmured the assembly "But, gentlemen" said the Major, his lace radiant with enthusiasm, "grunting you the Papakura Roll is even better, still I have invented an entirely new method worthy of a great ship such as ours." So saying he whipped the blanket out, folded it forty-nine times, turn ed. it inside out, trimmed the edges with a pair of nail scissors and reverently smoothed the top with a flat-iron. "There," he said, "is my life's ambition come true —the Orion Roll. My name will be immortal wherever soldiers meet." The officers cheered vociferously and Special Ship's Orders were printed at once for the benefit of all troops. As the last man left the room there came another knock. "Good morning, sir. Nice morning. You had a restless night, sir. Your blankets are all over the floor. How would you like them folded, ■ sir?"" 1 "Oh, just throw llic damn things " on the bed; I will hold a conference of unit commanders this morning and let you know." ! "Thank you, sir; if you would, sir."