ROBBIE

One of the most unusual and entertaining regulars (non-student types) working at the wholesalers was Robbie. He seemed to live in his own world and would mutter to himself. He was very intelligent but chose not to do a lot with his gifts - not in a career way at least.He had a wry sense of humour and was the inventor of the 'bottled in the Wairarapa' phrase. We had an agency brandy named Gilsons which had a network of fine golden wire covering the bottle. When customers purchased it Robbie would proudly proclaim - "Gilsons, the only brandy bottled in the wire wrapper". Some customers smiled. Others looked at the bottle dubiously and chose another 'French' brandy instead like D'Orville or Chatelle.
Robbie was the only person there who wore the shopcoat - a kind of coat/overall that later I saw Arkwright wearing in 'Open All Hours'.