As part of a complicated international finance deal, Mrs M and I have a set of bank documents that need signing. These documents are from Australian bank and usually require witnessing by some kind of notary. However, despite being an Australian citizen, those living overseas require a higher being to witness the signature. The list includes the mayor of the city, any judge in the High Court or Member of Parliament. Failing that it must be a Consular official.

So I ring the Australian Consulate in Hong Kong, a well-staffed operation. I am told that the only time someone can witness my signature is between 9am and 1pm on Wednesdays. At first I thought they were joking. But it turns out the person who does the "witnessing" only works those hours for this duty. I have no idea what else Consular staff do, but is taking 30 seconds (and HK$109) to watch two people sign a piece of paper considered such a difficult task that a particular member of staff must set aside only 4 hours every Wednesday for the task? Are Australia's public servants really not up to these onerous duties?

Actually, don't answer that.

UPDATE: Having just returned I must admit the visit to the little bit of Hong Kong that is called Australia was enough to stir some deeply patriotic feelings. After clearing the airport-style security barrier, we made our way into the drab office. We took a ticket and sat on the bland and uncomfortable furniture, waiting our turn. Just like in the RTA, eventually our number was called, once in Cantonese and once in the broadest Australian accent this side of Ramsey St. We took precisely 30 seconds to complete the formalities while the Consul gouged us HK$109 for the pleasure.

If only they had some musak playing I would have felt like I was back in Oz.