ANOTHER OUTBREAK

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20692, 30 December 1938, Page 4

ANOTHER OUTBREAK

CHAIN LETTERB RECEIVED ALLEGED AMERICAN ORIGIN Perhaps symptomatic of the start of the “ silly season ” chain letters are again making their appearance in Hamilton, the latest specimens claiming their origin from “ a general of the American Artillery.” How the American general came to have the spare time to originate them, in view of the international situation, and the United States’ re-armament activity, is not stated, but apparently he was actuated by the highest motives and by a variant of the “ ballots v. bullets ” complex, since the letters are headed “ chain of friendship.” thereby differentiating themselves, presumably, from those in circulation in certain areas prior to Ortobe 15 last. “ Good luck and good health continue this chain,” the letters begins. Send nine copies to persons most intelligent.'' A good beginning, if slightly invidious, but the high moral level of the opening lines is unfortunately not well maintained over the balance. Apparently, the friendship of the chain is only for those who send on their quota of paper missiles within 42 hours. Breaking the chain, the letters warn, will bring bad luck during nine days, but on the other hand, if the mystic instructions are complied with “ a happy event is going to take place.” Harassed fathers will probably prefer the bad luck. Further details of doubtful authenticity, however, attempt to provide against such backsliding. Favoured by Fortune Mr Harrison, of Victoria, the letters tell us, won £l2O. That is slightly better than the bonuses of unhappy memory . . . and there were apparently no tiresome conditions attached to the winning of it. Mr Way Christie, too, appears to have cashed in on his docility to the extent of £2OOO. which leaves Mr Harrison a long way behind, but then, perhaps Mr Way Christie sent a lot more letters. He might have been one of those fellows who write to the papers. Of course, there is another side to the ledger. “ Unstow House.” we learn, was deslro>ed by lire through not taking it seriously, and the proprieiress. Mrs Hiss, suffered further misfortunes.” Tn a remote way we fell sorry for Mrs Hiss and for the fall of the House of Unstow. but only because we have the time to spare a thought for them . . . because, it seems, this really is the silly season.