The End of the Line
By Craig Lock
()
About this ebook
This work is my small contribution to South Africa. Here in exile, I daily think of and cry for my 'beloved country'.
Even from this distance, I am happy and extremely optimistic that things will work out for all its inhabitants. I believe
one day there will be peace and prosperity for all.
October 1993.
In THE END OF THE LINE, Craig Lock has created a passionate tale of South Africa.
Craig Lock
I’ve been writing about my passions since 1993.Craig has been involved in the corporate world (life assurance) for over twenty years in South Africa, Australia (briefly) and New Zealand. However, through a strange set of circumstances and finding himself in a small town near the bottom of the world ...and with nothing else to do, he started writing. Five published books later (well they turned out to be a vanity publisher and he and his family lost everything, their life savings, including the kitchen sink* - that episode is a book in itself!). Now many years later, “recovering“, having written another twenty manuscripts (on widely differing subjects - well what else is there to do here?)... this is where Craig is in the "journey/adventure" that is life.Craig has taught at the local Polytechnic, as well as running a successful creative writing course (not teaching sheep!). Together with his “technowhizz”friend, Bill Rosoman, he was the author of (as far as we know) the first creative writing course on the internet and this has developed to new writing and publishing courses we have introduced on our new Creative Kiwis.com website (www.creative kiwis.com)* that’s a metaphor, btw (“by the way”)*Craig has many varied interests and passions. He is particularly interested in the field of psychology – studying the human mind and what makes different people "tick-tock grandfather clock". He is fascinated by the "overlap between psychology and the dimension of spirituality".One of his missions in life is helping people make the most of their hidden potential and so finding their niche in life... so that they are happy.Craig’s various books probably tell more about his rather "eventful" life best (no one could believe it!). He writes books with serious messages and themes, then as a contrast "rather crazy, wacky stuff"...to keep him sane here. As an ‘anonymouse’ person wrote: "All of us are born mad; some of us remain so."Well nothing else much happens in quiet provincial New Zealand, other than headlines like "Golf Ball Thrown at Policeman" and "Beach Toilet Closed for Season.". True!The “writer” loves to encourage and empower people to be the best they can possibly be, and to create what they want in life. Craig has learnt plenty from the "school of life" (still "battered and bruised") and also from a few "hard knocks on the head". He is an extensive world traveller (on a "shoestring budget") and failed professional emigrater who has spent most of his lifes savings on airfares. He is still sliding down the razor blade of life on the beautiful undiscovered island that is New Zealand, somewhere near the bottom (rude!) of the world near Antarctica. There he talks to the 60 million sheep!So here goes...# HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERECraig Lock is an extensive world traveller and failed professional emigrater who has spent most of his life's savings on airfares. He is still 'sliding down the razor blade of life', stuck on a deserted (other than a few brilliant rugby players) island at the bottom of the world near Antarctica, where he is 'trying to throw a double six' to get off and go out into the real world - but he doesn't know where!In the style of Bill Bryson, HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE tells tales of his hilarious hair-raising adventures in his younger years through 'Grate' Britain and the Continent.‘’Dropped out in Godzone‘’: Craig Lock's humorous travel book about his adventures in provincial New Zealand...One man and his family - and their experiences "Down Under".The author and his wife contrast life in colourful, vibrant South Africa with calm and kindly New Zealand - and with large dashes of humour offer much understanding of, and sympathy with the social attitudes of the two worlds.A new immigrant's impressions of life in provincial New Zealand (after coming from a large city in South Africa) ... and there were one or two rather funny adventures, nay escapades in "Sleepy Hollow" from time to time!REVIEW:"DROPPED OUT IN GODZONE is an original and agreeable piece of work. The picture it gives of New Zealand- to one who has never been there- has a ring of complete authenticity. The feeling of the country is relaxed, and perhaps rather unstimulating, but we get an overall impression from the writer that he views his time there with some affection, and above all with tolerance."This book breathes a natural humour and kindliness, which is what gives it the individual character that is so appealing.Autobiography has a particular value as a literary form. It is a shared kind of writing and I'll continue to bang the drum. It is unusual to encounter two such different manuscripts from the same author. Both (THE END OF THE LINE is the other book) have quality and share an easy and assured writing style that is a pleasure to read.Both of these short books are of first rate quality."Craig is presently working on his latest novel 'The Awakened Spirit', based on some true and inspiring stories of the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us. Stories of endless possibilities.He firmly believes in the motto: "Find what you love doing, then you will never have to do a days work in your life." Craig is certain he has found his niche in life... anyway, what other job would be suitable for him?##PPS: Well there WAS a big earthquake here in "Sleepy Hollow" last week with buildings damaged. It made international news!********Craig has a 'passion' for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally cruel, yet always amazing world - true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired. Craig's mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.www.craiglockbooks.com and www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.htmlThe various books* that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at:http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock(e-books http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/craigs-ebooksand http://www.creativekis.com/amazon.html* Hard copies and e-books - fiction and non-fiction: novels, self help, personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour and money books.All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children -MINE!PSDon''t worry about the world ending today...its already tomorrow in little scenic and tranquil New Zealand
Read more from Craig Lock
A New Dawn Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHere, There and Everywhere Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDropped Out in Godzone Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMy Story Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHandbook to Survive Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe End of the Line Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPeace Lives Within Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHandbook for Survival in the Nineties and Especially the New Millennium Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to The End of the Line
Related ebooks
The End of the Line Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe White of Weeping Cove Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMandryka: When First We Met, He Called Me Mandryka Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFeathers in Reverse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLetters From Zimbabwe Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIt Happened at Mount Solitary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Fox Of Storms And Starlight: Storm Foxes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMur Dera Destroys His Phiucha Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCape Town to Kruger: Backpacker Adventures in South Africa and Swaziland: Round The World Travels, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Crocodile's Teeth Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMedoline Selwyn's Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Green Lady Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLe Petit Nord : or, Annals of a Labrador Harbour Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMother's Testament Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTales From Tharassas: Tharassan Cycle, #0 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVirgin Island Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSpeaking of Trains Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Impending Storm Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBilly Two Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStop Coming to My House Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNevertheless: Sparkian Tales in Bulawayo Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChildren of Arnhem's Kaleidoscope Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Lighter Side of Travel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNotes From The Road Vol III: Notes From The Road, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBehind the Lines Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Chance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTime of Grace Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tapestry of Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShouting in the Street: Adventures and Misadventures of a Fleet Street Survivor Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGreat Australian Ambos Stories Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Politics For You
The Republic by Plato Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Daily Stoic: A Daily Journal On Meditation, Stoicism, Wisdom and Philosophy to Improve Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Great Reset: And the War for the World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Killing the SS: The Hunt for the Worst War Criminals in History Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The U.S. Constitution with The Declaration of Independence and The Articles of Confederation Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ever Wonder Why?: and Other Controversial Essays Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Art of War & Other Classics of Eastern Philosophy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race: The Sunday Times Bestseller Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Spook Who Sat by the Door, Second Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Gulag Archipelago: The Authorized Abridgement Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Capitalism and Freedom Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Gulag Archipelago [Volume 1]: An Experiment in Literary Investigation Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Essential Chomsky Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Get Trump: The Threat to Civil Liberties, Due Process, and Our Constitutional Rule of Law Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Fear: Trump in the White House Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyberweapons Arms Race Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for The End of the Line
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The End of the Line - Craig Lock
The End of the Line
by Craig Lock
Copyright 2007 Craig Lock
All Rights Reserved,
No reproduction in any form without
the permission of the Author,
Craig Lock clock@slingshot.co.nz
Copies of this ebook can be ordered from
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
This book is available in print at
http://stores.lulu.com/craiglock
Bill Rosoman
PO Box 4155
Hamilton East 3247
New Zealand
Smashwords Edition
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/leftfieldnz and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
ISBN 978-1-927157-12-1
Table of Contents
TOP
Sea and Sand
About the Author
Acknowledgement
Chapter One:
Chapter Two: Happy Days
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Part Two Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five: After February 1990
Chapter Six
Part Three
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three: One Line Ends, Another Beckons
Chapter Four: The New Line
Appendix One
Appendix Two
Appendix Three
Appendix Four
A story based on fact in the dark days of grand apartheid, but with the rich promise and hope that a new South Africa can bring.
First Published 1995 (as 'Handbook to Survive the Nineties')
Sea and Sand
Sea and sand
My love My land,
God bless Africa
Sea and sand
My love My land,
God bless Africa
But more the South of Africa Where we live....
Bless the angry mountains
And the smiling hills
Where the cool water spills
To heal the earth's brow
Bless the children of South Africa
The white children
And the black children
But more the black children
Who lost the sea and the sand
That they may not lose love
For white children
Whose fathers raped the land....
Sea and sand
My love My land,
God bless Africa
Many sunsets
Gold and crimson
Have dripped on the horizon, Weeping for the dying day.
Many dawns have risen
In timely resurrection
From their cradles of light
Sunsets and dawns Dawns and sunsets I have seen them all
But when,
Oh when will I see that day
When love will walk the common way
To heal my wounded people
And break the shackles around their hearts?
- Don Mattera.
I love that poem.
TOP
About the Author
Craig Lock was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He is presently living in beautiful tranquil New Zealand. He hopes to visit the beloved country of his birth one day (and see his family), if he can afford the air-fare. Working in the life assurance industry for too many years, he started writing full-time just over a year ago - a classic case of the wrong person in the wrong job.
The author is a sports-watching fanatic (couch potato
), which is why he is a writer who churns out book after book...as well as hopefully saving him and his twin teenage boys from poverty.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Whilst this story is largely based on fact (especially Part One), Parts Two and Three are fiction based on actual events in South Africa. People in the literary world call this
form of writing 'faction' (fiction + facts). I have changed some names, so that any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely co-incidental.
This book is dedicated to the diverse peoples of South Africa who one day will live in harmony, peace and prosperity in the beloved and beautiful country in spite of their great differences and the divisions of the past.
I hope to one day be able to see that happen. I would like to thank my beloved and wonderful wife Marie, a New Zealander with a great love for Africa, for the love, help, support and encouragement in writing this manuscript. She also unselfishly gave me the opportunity to indulge in any creative talents that I may have. Here on the other side of the world, it has not been easy yearning for the magic of South Africa, it's vastness and even the smell of the air. So Marie, thanks for helping to lift me in my down days as well as your large contribution with this work as well as the tiresome task of proof-reading. Thanks also to Birgitta of Minerva Press for her excellent proof reading.
I have used a number of unique South African words and expressions. I have put the translation in brackets for foreign readers.
Also thank you New Zealand, another beautiful but vastly different country for offering me the peace and tranquillity to write. The inspiration came from my heart.
Gisborne, New Zealand. October 1993.
TOP
Acknowledgement
Living away from South Africa in these turbulent years, I read everything I could lay my hands on about my country. On one of my many visits to the local library I came across
a report from Stanley Uys from Cape Town in the
Guardian Weekly of 7th September 1974. I have based my story on this report, though some names have been changed. Part One of the manuscript is based on this report. Parts Two and Three are fiction, but are based on actual historical events in South Africa. Incidentally I knew Stanley Uys's son Eugene at the time when I was a politically naive schoolboy and enjoyed many visits to their home and meeting Stanley and Edna who were true patriots. I believe they are still living in London. Names
dropping as usual!
TOP
Chapter One:
It was a typical Cape winter's day. The wind had been howling from the north-west for a number of days already. The sky was grey as I looked out of the train window towards the mountain and Devil's Peak to the left. The rain pelted down and the bleak atmosphere even permeated through to the faces of my fellow passengers on the train. Sullen white faces peered down at 'The Cape Times', not sparing a look at their fellow passengers.
Amidst the stony faced silence however, I was happy. After all, life was wonderful. I had finished school and I had then been unleashed on the world. I had got a job soon afterwards and now it was a wonderful experience earning some money. I had already been working for three months and commuting from Claremont, where I lived, to central Cape Town, wasn't so bad. It was only when I was late that my boss at the office of Sun Oil would growl at me. I used to catch the 7.25 train every morning which would get me there in time for my 8am. start. However, sometimes there were delays at Salt River station, or in heavy rain like today. The train then would stand still for what seemed like hours while agitated passengers looked at their watches anxiously (as if to stop time passing by) and like me, imagined their bosses wrath descending upon them.
It was just that kind of day that bleak Monday morning, when all of a sudden the train screeched to a halt just outside Observatory station on the main line. The standing passengers lurched forward, even those holding on to the straps. Sighs of exasperation came forth from frustrated mouths at yet another delay. It really was going to be one of those days if the week started off like this - a real black Monday. People in the crowded rush-hour train started leaning out of the windows. I couldn't see much because I didn't have a seat. Only those fortunate enough to live some way down the line like in Fish Hoek or sometimes Diep River, stood much chance of reading the paper seated in comfort. Having climbed aboard at Claremont, I stood near the doors packed closely next to my fellow passengers like sardines.
People then started talking excitedly amongst themselves. I saw the train driver in his white coat walking next to the tracks back toward Zervs
station. In the sombre grey of morning his white coat matched his face