Jack Dikian’s reminisces (C8) have Seppo Ranki of Glenhaven and Dave Horsfall of North Gosford feeling hoodwinked, with Seppo explaining “I think you’ll find that the P76 did not have a hood. Leyland was a British company, and I’m pretty sure that their cars had bonnets.”
Still on “the wedge”, Greg Oehm of Western Creek (Tas) says: “A uni mate had one that we affectionately dubbed ‘the Lemon’. Say what you like, but the 4.4-litre V8 that powered the Lemon was a fantastic motor. I’m also aware that the same motor was used in a home-built three-quarter scale flying replica of a Messerschmitt Bf109-G. The builder told me he wanted a Jaguar V12 unit but couldn’t obtain one, so settled for the V8. The plane went like scalded cat and was registered with CASA. So the P76 wasn’t all bad.”
Glenys Quirk of Forster steps up for the Doc: “H.V. (Doc) Evatt (C8) played a significant role in the establishment of the UN and is credited with insisting all nations had an equal vote in the General Assembly, no matter how small they were. It’s a shame it was decided to include a veto option in the Security Council instead of a majority vote. Now our UN is about as toothless as its predecessor, the League of Nations. It’s also a shame Evatt was not really appreciated in Australia as he was thought to be a ‘Commie’.”
This is a little close to the bone but, for David Johnson of Penshurst, “it seems disturbingly inappropriate to name a northern beaches retirement complex The Falls Estate.”
It’s official, the C8 chair is bloke-free: “No, no, no Victoria Harrington (C8), Granny it must be, for only a female, by far, has the necessary nous and expertise to head such a prestigious soapbox,” affirms Mary Carde of Parrearra (Qld). “I’ve been thinking, though, she could do with a makeover, as it’s about time she was bought into the 21st century. Ditch those outmoded Dame Edna glasses and permed coiffure and deck her out with a more voguish chic hairstyle and some super-cool sassy eyewear. Go groovy, Granny!”
Meri Will of Baulkham Hills asks: “Is Victoria suggesting that Granny is showing a leaning for younger men, perhaps even intimating that she may be one of those amorous older women we read about in penny dreadfuls? If so, go Granny!” I’m going, I’m going!
Column8@smh.com.au
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