The Idler, Friday, September 10, 2010

Grunter that glow in the dark

 

WHY are people making a fuss about suggestions that a nuclear power plant be built on the site of the old Durban International Airport? With the existing toxicity of the air in the South Durban Basin, what real difference would a bit of radio-activity make to the mix?

 

Think of the benefits to night fishing on the bay. You'll be able to follow the shoals of grunter as they glow in the dark. Think of tourism – flamingos that glow a fluorescent pink.

 

The South Durban Basin needs more development, not less; asbestos and coal mining if possible, as an add-on to the petro-chemicals industry.

 

You can't stop progress. Think big!

 

The quake

 

I BRING you a first-hand account of the New Zealand earthquake, written by our man on the spot, Matthew Durant, who is all of eight years old and went there with his parents last year. The account was written for his Durban grandparents, Gary and Jenny Brown and Buster and Josie Durant.

 

Far be it from me to interfere with his distinctive style and spelling.

 

 

"It was the 4th September, 2010, when the earthquake hit Christchurch in New Zealand. I was asleep when the earthquake hit 'Wake up Matthew! There's an earthquake! Go down to the bottom bunk bed and stay with Joshua!'

 

"That particular day there were 37 after-shocks. The electricity was off for several hours in the morning. The house was shaking like a rattle snack rattling his tale before it strikes it's enemy.  Buildings were tumbling down like little building- bIocks. it was a frightening experience to be in a disaster with my family.

"Four hours later we took a drive in our car through the C.B.D. When we took a drive down one of there streets instead of the road being flat, it was pointing upwards like a shark' fin! The side of the John Knox Church, on the corner of, Victoria Street, was destroyed. There were lots of roads and building that were destroied devastated. Some of the roads had crevices the size of Joshua. On William Simcocks's road all the chimneys and walls had fallen down.

 

"Meanwhile, at home there were cracks in the foundations and bathroom. Our antique clock door had opened just when the earthquake hit. Before we walked to the John Knox Church, we had an order at a coffee shop. But we did not stay for long, while we were there 3 after-shocks hit, so we changed our order to take-away. All the houses are being fixed at the moment. The quake is still Going and rolling on it's way to one-more pacific island.

 

"Over 100 claims have being made for damaged houses. This has been one of New Zealand's disasters. Just as well we had some practice at school otherwise we would have been mashed potatoes.

 

"At the moment it is drizzling. I hope it stops just like the earthquake. We are all safe and sound now. It is the 6^th day of the earthquake and it is still going on. Rite now scientists say that the earthquake will go on for days, weeks, months, or maybe even years, we just don't know."

Colourful stuff and absolutely terrific for an eight-year-old.

Economic indicator

 

The public service strike is suspended for now, but reader Leon Oberholster, of Winklespruit, points out that at the time government employees were out on the streets the JSE All Share Index rose to its highest gain in three months.

 

"What does that tell us?"

 

What indeed?

 

Tailpiece

 

Accountant: "I'm having trouble getting to sleep."

 

Doctor: "Have you tried counting sheep?"

 

Accountant: "That's the problem. I make a mistake then spend three hours trying to find it."

 

Last word

 

In Mexico we have a word for sushi: Bait.

Jose Simon

GRAHAM LINSCOTT