Random reminder

Press, 2 March 1982, Page 27

Random reminder

FLYING GATEAUX They walked carefully up into the aircraft, a young couple, each encumbered with a very large plastic container. “Cakes,” he explained briefly to the obviously intrigued air hostess. “Can we join the party?” she asked. “Not this time,” he smiled back. “We’re off down south to my parents’ golden wedding celebrations. I’ve baked them two specials of mine, one a Canadian apple cake, the other a lovely zucchini gateaux.” The hostess was visibly impressed. She hadn’t heard of either. Eventually she arrived at their seats to help the pair manoeuvre the awkward packages between them as they fiddled with their safety belts. Later, noticing that they were still carefully nursing the containers, she took pity on' them. “There are spare seats up front,’’she told them quietly. ‘l’ll put the cakes on them, if you like. They’ll be quite safe. Not that we wouldn’t like to get into

them,” she added wistfully, having been allowed a peek at the ornate concoctions. What a pity anybody who could bake and ice cakes like that should be already married! Relieved temporarily of their precious cargo, the young couple sat back to enjoy the rest of the flight. But not for long. A faint anxiety intruded on the man’s relaxation. What if there was an air pocket and the plane dropped suddenly? What if it dipped a wing or slithered about in some unexpected turbulence? The cakes would be smashed beyond recognition. He’d better go forward and check on them. Ambling up the aisle, he came abreast of the empty seats. He couldn’t help the wide grin lighting up his face. Each plastic container was safely strapped in place, held securely by its particular seat belt.

Figuratively speaking — a piece of cake for Air New Zealand!