On the first of May, after calling the May Queen early' and hoping that she has not developed mumps, Uke her unfortunate first-choice in Shanghai, it is necessary to address few winger words to the month [thus ushered in. 'The deplorable behaviour of March and April here—fof February and January nothing' much is expectod—has aroused the keenest resentment, Shanghailanders: who loyally tell visitors. that this rain is most unusual have been worn, out in the presentation of that. apology in all its guises. The sun seems to have eluded all the efforts fof the Siccawei pundits, They are [called upon to bring the depressions {to heel. As it is, the dreary tale of a rainfall "above the average 13.39 inches against 10.92 "Gan. 1 to April 29) "has produced a feeling of woeful distrust in the beneficence of rain gauges. Something must be done about it. May has fragrant qualities. It is a month of merry moods, of cheerful chimes, of sunny settings. It must bestir itself. Let the May Queen move fu the matter. In the exercise of her royal prerogative mumps or no mumps—she should wave her sceptre graciously over Shanghai and, with a demure but relentless gesture to Siccawei, insist that her "month be given royal weather. Shanghai has ample reason for making this suggestion to her Majesty. May it not be taken amiss.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.