Last friday I needed a phillips head screwdriver (to open the battery compartment on the remote control of a toy helicopter as it happens, such is life in the Riot offices).
On descending from The Eagle’s Nest to seek one out in Civic I discovered that the city IGA does not sell such a tool. Supabarn was no more helpful.
I was on my way to Target when I decided to try one of the “bargain” stores (I think it was “Top Bargain” but who can tell the difference between them?).
Which, it transpired, was selling a prince of screwdrivers. Six interchangeable heads and an extendable magnetic probe.
The price? $2.50.
Which explains why a simple phillips head screwdriver is no longer sold individually in Canberra despite being one of the foundation tools of our industrial society.
Truly an age of miracles and wonders.