Friday, March 25, 2011

The Young Constable "The Matter of a Visa"

* a collection of stories and memories, in no particular order, from the life and times of John Clarke, who served as a policeman in the Australian Police Force, a great practical joker, he also had a great affinity with people and wildlife, was a champion swimmer, snooker player, loved golf, still loves fishing and is also an artist. I hope you enjoy his recollections - cheers, karin (his daughter)
- - -


The young constable is one of the Century's innocents.  He has no malice in him.  He goes about his business in a quiet and private way, it's just that life's circumstances and strange and weird incidents have a habit of catching up with him. The young constable's father was amazed when he reached the age of 21, and why this is so, we just don't know except we must think that similar stories to those related here must have been occurring during the YC's  lifetime prior to him reaching his majority. Whenever I'm absent for a time one of the first questions I need answered on my return is whether any further Young Constable stories have occurred in my absence. These are some of the stories about the Young Constable that come to mind.  I have written them down as they are too good to allow them to be forgotten.
John Clarke
- - - 

THE MATTER OF A VISA

The YC was looking forward excitedly to his forthcoming trip to Hawaii with his Sergeant mate.  The YC was fairly naive when it came to overseas trips and his travel companion continually contacted him to make sure he had forgotten nothing and that he had packed everything he required for the trip - surfboards, toothbrush, documents, etc.  The YC assured his friend that everything was right and that there would be no problems.

The big day came and the YC duly arrived at Sydney International Airport with Paul and they prepared to board the big Boeing and entered the lineup at the incoming gates.

On arriving at the turnstiles, his travel companion produced his travel papers, his visa, his receipt for travel tax and duly passed through the gates.  The YC was next and handed over his travel folder.  The puzzled attendant went through his passport and said, "Where is your Visa?"  The YC calmly pulled his wallet out and produced his Police Credit Union Visa Card....The attendant had a bit of a story to tell his family that night.

The YC's travelling companion took off for Honolulu with his luggage and the YC's, but unfortuntely the YC remained grounded in Sydney for two more days whilst he made urgent requrests and numerous visits to the American Embassy until he obtained his Visa for travel to Honolulu and two days later he was able to jump the Boeing and eventually arrived in Hawaii.

On arrival at Honolulu Airport he was observed by Customs to be a little strange as most passengers that arrive there do have some form of luggage and he was taken to the little Customs Room, interviewed and strip searched.

We believe that the YC then enjoyed a wonderful holiday once he was united with his travel companion and his luggage.

No comments:

Post a Comment