SHAMMING SICKNESS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2453, 16 November 1886, Page 2

SHAMMING SICKNESS.

Mr Joseph Thompson, who after tho death of Mr Keith Johnson, hoaded tho Royal Geographical Society's African Exploring expedition, relates to the history of his journey, " To the Central African Lakeß and Back," that a frequent source of annoyance was feigned sickness on the part of his porters, leading to a request for a day's halt in order that tho sick menmight recover.

In such such a caao, of course, corporal punishment was not to bo thought of, but the author found castor oil exceedingly useful in greasing "the wheels' of caravan life." Calling up tlio sick men, I . asked in tlio most sympathy*. tones at my command what their ailmffs were. They all tenderly rubbed their stomachs with a lugubrious chorus, Tumba, bovana, tumba mbaya sana (my stomach, master, my atomroh isjvery bad) Smiling begnignantly upon them, I told them to be of good cheer, as 1 would soon put them all right. Goinp into my tent I brought out two large handsome bottles of castor oil. Now mark the effect that the mero sight of that material medioino. had upon those broken-down CM&turewL Groans were hushed; their hand* droppod from the affected part, and everyone tried to look all right, though a glance of alarm passed from ■ patient to patient, for bo it uudorstood, there is nothing a native detests mora than European medicines. Strango and marvolloos to relate, they wero all inclinod to retire, oured by the very sight of the bottles. This, however, was not. going to Buifc my purpbse; ap" with parental sternness 1 ordered them to sit down and open their mouths.'. Not without difficulty I administered a large dose to each man, lotting him know that if it did not prove an immediate specific the dose would be repeated next morning.