"INVERCARGILL’S MASK.”

Southland Times, Issue 20495, 25 May 1928, Page 3

"INVERCARGILL’S MASK.”

To the Editor. Sir, —In Wednesday’s Times your correspondent “Jimmy” is very much alarmed over your suggestion that masks should be eliminated at the next carnival in Invercargill. It seems to me that it takes very little to amuse “Jimmy.” I don’t suppose “Jimmy” could see a joke or make a joke or even have a good hearty laugh unless he was hidden behind a mask; and, of course, “Jimmy” wouldn’t dream of enjoying a little nonsense unless it was “costly nonsense.” “Jimmy” of course is an optimist; he shouts from the housetops that he “can see” the land of Canaan flowing with milk and honey; “Slim Jim” is a pessimist, because he says we are in the land of Canaan with the milk and the honey flowing in the wrong direction. Very probably, Mr -Editor, “Jimmy” is a prominent citizen and he is very ffiuch concerned about advertising Southland and providing amusement for the young people,

etc., etc., and anyone who opposes “Jimmy” is branded a pessimist and a wet blanket, etc. Let “Jimmy” take off his mask and what do we see? Nothing, but the “almighty dollar.” Advertising Southland, etc., is only another way of throwing sand in the farmer’s eyes; then writing the word “Donkey,’ in capital letters on his back. Of course “Jimmy” thinks the farmers can’t see with sand in their eyes, but let me advise “Jimmy” a good many of us can feel his hand. It writes very heavily, and it’s only a matter of time when the farmer’s tears will wash the sand out of his eyes. Then what will happen to “Jimmy” ? Sir, since writing to you last I may say that I was the only citizen on whom the Carnival Committee saw fit to confer the honour of knighthood, for which I feel highly gratified. But, sir, again there’s a fly in the ointment. Old Jean with her gammy leg goes off a million, and no amount of persuasion will make her accept the title of “Lady Jean Slim.” So, for the sake of peace in the home, I will still be known by just the plain statement. —I am, etc., SLIM JIM.