FUN IN OLYMPIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 185, 5 August 1913, Page 5

FUN IN OLYMPIA.

" Oriel " in the Melbourne " Argus' - turns the smallpox scare to humorous account, the following letter being presumed to be written by a young lady from within the fifteen-mile radius in Sydney to a friend in Melbourne (fumigated) :—

Dearest Blanche,—We are having such fun since the outbreak. Sydney is now called "Olymphia." "Vaccination parties" are all the go. We call them "small and earlies" because the outbreak is " small," and w<j get lanced before dancing starts. We only dance tho " stand-offs " —that is, keep well away from each other, and waggle the right arm in the distance. No close quarters now, dear; in fact the "stand-offs" are just the opposite of the dear old "bunnyhug." If 3K)u should get it down there don't become scared. It's the mildest thing out. We have also had "Vaccination theatricals," and played J. H. Byron's comedy. "Shoulder Arms," with "The Strawberry Mark" extravaganza to follow. Both " took" very well. List Monday T went to a "fumigating at •home." Funny to call these at homes, as the house was filled with sulphur fumes, and we had camphor tea outside, popping our heads in every now and again for a whiff of the sulphur. Be sure never to be vaccinated anywhere but on the arm. The ankle is a mistake, as tbe tight skirts are bound to catch the spot some time or other. Besides. you can't tie red ribbon round your ankle, which is the sign that you nave bad it done. The new cut-away sleeves are just the things to wear the" week or ten days while the "cure" is going on. We are going to have a " recovery hop " next week, and intend to introduce tho good old "Lancers" out of compliment' to our doctor, into the programme only there will be no "angels's flight," as' arms are not vet fit to be grabbed hold of. We are all very thankful ihe thing didn't come in the summer, and one is glad to think that all mosquitoes and flies are safe, ii winter quarters... and can't beblamed. . P-S.—l hear that you have' got the '" epi." Well, take "it easy, and £?ei lymphed at once on the left arm. Don't scare, don't grizzle, and you'll get through in no time. Try a "small and early " at once, and get your own doctor as master of ceremonies. CHICKEN-POX AT HOREKE. (To the Edltor.s 6ir,—ln regard to the reported outbreak of chicken-pox at Horeke, although 2G notifications in all have been received from this particular locality, it is only fair to the residents of Horeke tc say that most of the cases are not in Horeke itself (which is now practically convalescent) but in the Maori settlements higher up tbe Utakura Valley. In notifying the diseases the doctors have j put "Horeke" as the addTess, though in many instances it may be miles away. I shall be glad if you will give this "publicity, as the trade of Horeke is being seriously affected by the reports.—l etc., H. C. BLUNT3ELL, Secretary, Hospital and Charitable Aid. Board, Kawakawa.