Random reminder

Press, 4 February 1986, Page 23

Random reminder

GOOD QUESTION

She was overseas on her first trip. It was rather devastating to find how ignorant the rest of the world was about the best little country on earth. “New Zealand?” they’d say, “isn’t that part, of Australia?” Or “(Si yes, I’ve heard of your country. Up near Finland, isn’t it?” One dear old soul said, “I had cousin went to Auckland in the 1930’5, and,” darkly, “he was never heard of again.” Being a good keen Kiwi, our friend dispensed information at every opportunity, and felt she’d done a pretty good job as P.R.O. for her homeland. Determined to finish her visit on a grand scale, she gave a dinner-party shortly before leaving for home. Each dish was uniquely New Zealand. Toheroa soup (canned) of a clear greenness, topped with the finest of finely chopped parsley; Canterbury lamb of unbelievable

tenderness, with mint sauce that was sweet yet sharp, as good mint sauce should be, followed by a pavlova of mighty dimensions, covered with mountains of whipped cream, bordered by sliced kiwi fruit The guests were impressed and by evening’s end, she too was impressed by the conversation, which showed how much their knowledge of Godzone had improved. They commented on the Beehive, mentioned Waitomo Caves and trout fishing at Taupo, even mentioned a determination to visit and sample skifields and gold courses. Her glow of achievement lasted until, as goodbyes were being said, one genial gentleman of impressive paunch and great seriousness said, “Now I know you come from Wellington and that’s in the top island. Tell me my dear, are you at peace with the other island?”