The Eden Effect Read Online Free PDF

layers with what looks like a conveyor belt arrangement. Right behind his seat there appeared to be a control unit with buttons on which were either numbers or letters.
    â€˜Have you been to a dry cleaners lately Arthur?’
    It seemed a strange question to Arthur.
    â€˜Yes Martin not often but I have been a few times.’ Arthur wondered how the question was relevant.
    â€˜Have you noticed how they find the cleaned garments when you collect?’ Martin asked. He did not wait for a reply.
    â€˜They press code into a keypad and the garments all hanging on the rail move until the right garment stops at the counter.’
    Martin realized that he had seen that happen. He just never paid much attention, he was always in a hurry in those days.
    â€˜Well I’ve rigged up something similar in the van. You see that control panel behind you. You enter in the code, the conveyor belt moves and the order stops just behind your seat. You pick it up, take it out and leave it at the door. At the door you will find the empty holder which you then pick up and put back into the same spot. I had it custom-built. Cost a small fortune but saves getting out of the van, running around the back, opening the doors and fishing to the right items. I’ve not always had an assistant and this way I could operate the whole thing myself, with ease. In fact I don’t really need an assistant, can do it all myself. But Centrelink is offering cheap labour and am getting sick of getting in and out of the van, so that’s why you’re here.’
    Arthur wasn’t sure what to say. He was impressed with the setup. Before he could say anything, Martin said, ‘We’re here. First stop. Now look Arthur, there is a list of all stops. Next to each one the code. See the first stop 24 Alexander Street, code A24. Simple. Go on punch in the code, get going.’
    Arthur turned, pressed A24, a soft whirring noise started and he could see the conveyor belt moving. It stopped seconds later with what he assumed was the correct order for 24 Alexander Street. The green plastic holder contained two 1L cartons of milk, one full fat and one low-fat. He picked it up, opened the door of the van, walked the ten metres to the house, deposited the full container, picked up the empty one and was back in the van with empty container and its correct spot in less than thirty seconds.
    â€˜This is really impressive Martin,’ Arthur said and he meant it. ‘I don’t want to pry but have you considered marketing the system. I bet you’d do really well.’
    â€˜Yes, I have Arthur. I considered it for about sixty seconds. It would never work. The setup cost is enormous and it would take at least five years to recoup. No one would buy it. No, I’m happy as it is. Can’t be bothered with all the hassle. I’m not cut out to be an entrepreneur.’
    And with that Martin put the van into drive and they were off to the next stop where the procedure was repeated. And then the next and the next.
    â€˜How many stops do we make?’ Arthur asked after about half an hour.
    â€˜Between seventy and eighty depending on the day. It keeps changing, some people dropout, new ones come in.’
    That would explain the four hours thought Arthur. He was actually quite enjoying it. The set up that Martin had developed suited Arthur’s mathematical brain.
    â€˜Well what you think Arthur? Are you coping?’
    â€˜Yes Martin, I am. I agree it’s not rocket science but your setup is amazing and yes, I am quite enjoying the work. And there’s a bit of exercise, that can’t hurt.’
    By then they had reached the next stop. The procedure was repeated and off they went.
    â€˜There are twenty minutes until the next one Arthur. Gives us the chance to talk.’
    Arthur waited. He wasn’t sure if he was meant to talk or if Martin had something to tell him. Another rule perhaps. After a minute’s silence