MADAM, Three weeks ago the Gazette reported an increasing fascination and interest in being tattooed. Particularly amongst ladies. There is concern that the 'art' is practised in unlicensed premises, with unwelcome consequences.

There are of course some unwelcome consequences for the general public. I am told that the popularity is becoming so great that it is more illuminating to watch tattooed ladies in the swimming pool than to experience the blaze of the Northern Lights. Amongst many other tattooed sights, we have the Prime Minister's wife with a tattoo on her ankle, and Lord Steel's wife who, for her 70th birthday, proudly exhibits a tattoo on her shoulder. So, if High Society is so enamoured, we can expect a continuing flourish of spectacular viewings. Heaven help us! Are we going to have 'Avant Garde' parents giving birthday tattoo treats to their children?

We were always understanding of the sailor with his sweetheart's name tattooed on his arm, and I recall a song with the following lines: 'never more will he go sailing free, to kiss and then depart, with Mary tattooed on his arm, and Elizabeth in his heart.'

Tattooed ladies used to be one of the freak shows in the travelling circus; but we've moved the circus into the community. Ladies, leave it to the men, don't get carried away by peer pressure. Your bodies are far better kept umblemished while the skin is young and unwrinkled. I see enough horrors. Don't add to them.

Mr C S Mantle,

Ross