'Maryjaneism.'

Southland Times, Issue 5089, 19 November 1884, Page 4

'Maryjaneism.'

«Atticus' writes as follows in the Melbourne {Leader : -—^Typhoid has disappeared* and smallpox is stamped out. Now there is ' an outbreak of another disease— 'Maryjaneism.' It is both sporadic sind epidemic. Jenkinsdß'k had one of its ; wtima. She suddenly objected to the social status of mistress, ' and when J. remonstrated she called Mm v a turnip-head. He demanded; her resignation. She said she would V stay, as long as she pleasedi and for three weeks! salary at fifteen shillings per -week she refused to take a penny less than . ' two pounds tirt/ 1 This calculation being naturally objected to, sne smashed the dresser.* Then the handy l man was called in. SKe met him full tilt, and gave him the loveliest facer* right between the eyes. Then she lay down in the passage, and yelled like a band of Apaches. So they sent for a policeman. An hour afterwards he strolled in. She had disappeared. My friend * Ovadrafb" is a; Bank accountant. He is proud of his position, and has a manner • which his friends call imposing. His wife had half a dozen of these domestic scourges one after the other, each worse than her predecessor. He thought she didn't go the proper way about it. She meekly suggested, ' Try it yourself, my dear.' He: did. He put on his best — the Board say you must reduce your account — manner, and went to Mrs Crown's office. He was examined and cross-examined by one person until his calmness deserted him. 'Should be expected to clean the, boots V she asked. < Certainly not,' says * Ovadraft,' ' I clean the boots ; you have only to send down yours with the rest in, the morni a o-.' Passing* over the delicate irony vi' tins remark, ske inquired how many children there were. 'Four,' he replied, ' Four !' she exclaimed in horrified surprise ; ' I could never do the "work where there are four children.' ' Never mind,' he shouted, now thoroughly roused, ' only say you'll come} and we'll kill off three of them !' Then lie went home, and fiercely asked his poor little partner why she thrust the household management on his already overworked shoulders.