SOCIAL SERVICE: Catharsis

Out of a job because war had cut off his stock in trade, Champagne Salesman John Melville turned his idleness to the service of mankind. Brooding over the destructive force of human anger, he got an idea that seemed both neat and therapeutic: people in or on the edge of a destructive tizzy need to break something. The breakable object should be something that makes a satisfying smash, but not be so expensive or useful that the smasher feels remorse. Mr. Melville got a friend of his, Sculptress Frances Ferrer, to design him such an object. Last week Mr. Melville's smashable went on sale in Manhattan and Chicago, was snapped up by the hundreds at 50¢ each by citizens with breakage in their hearts. The object, named "Wackaroo," is a small (4½ inches high), idol-like, plaster figure, in red, black, white, blue or yellow, designed to fit the angry human hand. Directions for using: "When you are mad or feel like busting things, be sure to grab him quick and smash him — SMACK! — to bits against the wall and then, relax!" The wackaroo smashes to very satisfactory smithereens.