22 JUNE 1962, Page 7

Odd - Jobber Elevator operators (fewer now as automatic installations increasingly take

over) are uivally as taciturn as cabbies are full of gas. But there are exceptions; and my wife came on a happy one. 'It sure is good to see a German face and hear a German accent,' said this dark old boy. 'Yes,' said she, 'but I'm British.' So am I,' he responded with enthusiasm; 'I'm from Kingston, Jamaica. It sure is good to hear a good old British accent. Yes, I certainly would like to hear more of it. Why don't you call me some time?' Nothing like the approach direct, thought my wife, in the land of the free. Before she left the car he handed her a card on which were tastefully engraved his name, address and tele- phone number. 'Numerologist and astrologist,' it also said; 'call after 7 p.m. for appointment.'