CLOTHES AND THE MAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1926, Page 28

CLOTHES AND THE MAN.

(By PATRICIA EVANS.)

Could anything be more humorous— and at the same time much more exasperating—than the >t waddle man continues to indulge in at the expense of womankind's alleged bondage to sartorial affairs. Women at least have the grace to admit, and in some instances glory in, their devotion to dainty their deference to fashion, their fastidious selection of the details of a harmonious outfit. But men, poor, self-deluded beings, while just as keen to be geen in the right thing, just as pleased with themselves -when they are conscious of looking absolutely "it," seem utterly incapable, of viewing themselves, in this respect, "from the other person's standpoint.

"Mary's in great form: to-day!" you will hear Mary's husband remark, with what he considers well-directed wit. "She's just bought a new hat*' Or perhaps with kindly condescension:, "A new dress will put the blue into any woman's sky."- He blandly ignores the fact, so patent to observers, that the possession"" of a new dress suit, or the ideal plus-fours designed to emphasise his noble calves, suffices to wreath "lis lordihip's own superior lips in a fatuously self-satisfied smile. As for the prinking and preening business, about which the strong man is so fond of twitting bis "weaker" mate, what, pray, of his own posturing and posing in front of his mirror? What woman has not watched with humorous pity her lord's caperings and; grimacein those' hours of strain preceding attendance at • some 'important social function 1, And what woman has not reprimanded him playfully "for the naughty language with which he has sought to relieve his overwrought nerves f No,- sir, your lofty assumption of' Bartonal effects is not convincing to those privileged to supervise your' dressing operations.

That" other pretty little masculine theory about; the unconscionable time a woman takes, to dreSs needs exploding, top. More of ten than not a-man is the prime ;offender' when a dinner has to be delayed because of two late arrivals. Nearly every woman-1 know can dress more expeditiously than her menfolk Exceptions merely prove theaule: Should* a doubt yet linger in to the fundamental truth of fthis indictnient of man and defence of f woma_ so seek out, I pray you, ■ the mother of some "smart" boys—and have your eyes opened once for all.

Warm plates and dishes by pouring boiling water over them. There is not the chance df their cracking, and becoming brown as when they axe put in the oven, k