Anecdotees - by Wayne Moultrie

In the early 80s, residents complained to council that “60 contented cats” living in a three-bedroomed house were fouling their properties.

Councillors’ contribution to the debate included:

·         We need a Pied Piper (possibly from a deaf councillor.)

·         Living in a three-bedroomed house? They should be contented.

·         Their multiplication rate exceeded their departure rate.

Council ceased pussyfooting around when advised that a neighbor had issued civil proceedings.

* * *

The circus came to Mount Maunganui every Christmas, a real circus with live animals. Performances took place on the Civic Reserve, the site of the former Mount Maunganui Borough Council Chambers.

One evening in the mid-80s during my Mayoralty our phone rang at home very late at night. Stumbling out of bed, I answered the phone to an irate resident. She complained that she couldn’t sleep because of the noise of the elephants farting. I was told to get down there and stop it.

I didn’t: but they did!

* * *

In the mid-80s our garage and car were firebombed. Jason, our black Labrador dog, who slept just a few metres away, didn’t make a sound.

The noise of the explosion woke the family, and our children were really upset. After the police had left, we settled them back in their beds. They asked if Jason could sleep in their room, and we agreed.

Thirty minutes later I checked on the children, who were all fast asleep. Jason, the dog, was on the floor, trembling and shaking and having nightmares.

So much for the Mayor’s watchdog.