Today people take computers and cell phones for granted. If only I had such tools when I was younger it would have made my life so much easier.

        I often went overseas to carry out audits, or to collect information to prepare a report. Some were for lengthy periods, up to three months.

        The three month audit was in Sri Lanka and was carried out for the Sri Lankan Government and the UN’s FAO (Food & Agriculture Organisation in Rome).

        To communicate with my family in New Zealand I need to carry a large tape recorder and a microphone.

        I would record a verbal message, box the tape up and address it. I needed to find a Post Office, pay the stamp fees, and wait some weeks for a reply. I always hoped  it got through as sometimes they were stolen.

        I often posted tapes at night so I carried a swagger stick to defend myself in case I was mugged. I never was.

        Another thing I carried on these missions was a primitive electric typewriter and printer.  It’s a pity I dumped it as I am sure it would have been a museum piece. I used this for printing off my reports.

TALKING ON-LINE

        To telephone home was difficult and very expensive. You needed to book your calls. You would go to a Post Office at a set time and wait until they got a connection to New Zealand, then to Wellington, and to your home.

        When your call was established you were sent into a small phone booth, and you talked very fast to help reduce your costs as you were charged by the minute.        

        How times have changed.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Rolling On ” is available FREE from my website.

“Success brings growth and growth means change.”