By Isle of Wight Observer
This story published in the Isle of Wight Observer on 15th September, 1888, made us smile this week. We’re not convinced that fattening air would prove the same attraction to visitors today as it appears it was 137 years ago.
AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINES. – Some little complaint was made of the automatic weighing machines on the Pier, at the Town Council meeting, on Tuesday, and it was stated by a worthy alderman that they made those who tested them to be two or three pounds heavier than they really were. But perhaps the Automatic Company were actuated by the best and kindest of motives in this matter. A visitor, after coming down here for a day or two, gets upon one of these machines and tries his weight. “Good gracious me!” exclaims the startled experimenter with his loose pennies. “When I was weighed in London I was so and so; now I am three pounds heavier. Hurrah for Isle of Wight air! If I put on three pounds of flesh in three days what should I make in a month?” After an elaborate arithmetical calculation, he rushes off and sends all his friends down here to fatten up. Depend upon it the Automatic Company had all this in their minds when they tested their machines. But it is an ungrateful world!