OFFICER AND GOD-DAUGHTER

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3028, 15 March 1917, Page 3

OFFICER AND GOD-DAUGHTER

GOLDEN RULES. A correspondent of the "Spectator" forwarded to tho editor a letter from a subaltern, aged 20, written to the latter's baby goddaughter only a lew days before his death iu action. He writes of the possibility of losing his life, and continues:— "Well, if Ido go out I won't have done very much in the way of godfatherly duties towards 'you, and in these days of discipline aiul war I dishaving a $nty undone weighing on my mind. Left to yourself, I should bring you up in the most Spartan manner. You would rise early, unlike your godfather, who, in the lax way of the age, goes to bed between 4 and 5 a.m. and gets up at 10 or half-past 10. You would bathe in cold water, like mo this time, for I haven't met warm water for an absolute age. Your meals would bo simple and good fare, and your clothes cool and unpretentious. "You would have to work _ pretty hard. You must be able to sing and play tho pjano. • If possible, cultivate a taste for drawing; it will lighten the tedium of many hours. French you absolutely must know; you must speak and write it as easily as you do_ lSnglish. No one can exist now without being_ able to speak it, and in post-war days it will be a greater necessity than ever. Learn some other language, ton. German, although you probably won't want to learn it, is worth learning. "Read history. It will fascinate you once you've commenced it, and you'll prefer it to any novel ever written. I don't mean that you're to learn strings of dates and lists of kinsrs. Just read the books, and read with your mind set on it. and you'll find it most extraordinarily interesting.

"You're going to bo pretty, and you're sure to know it. A pretty face, though, is far from being everything. The face and appearancc attract a man'sattontion. but it's the character that lies behind with which be really falls in love. Flirt a hit by all means, hut don't flirt too much, it is such holt for the man who' loves you. If you cant love him, tell him so, straight, and don't beep him hanging on in uncertainty for a year or two.

"Don't monopolise ererr man yon meet,'or other women will hate you. and men—at any rate men who aro men—are going to he very few and fnr bejyeen "after this' war. Finalb". stick •td tV.niaii you choose through thick and thin.\ If his luclc is out cl'est him up. and don't grouse about it. Ride, bathe, and take heaps of exercise. Never mind your complexion : you'll look prettier healthilv sunburned ■than if yon Tesemble a nainted doll.

"Don't think from this I want von to ho a prig. Far from it; it's just the reverse I want. My idea for you is that you should become the kindest and most lovable of women, and you'll have to be very kind and very lovable before I grant you the highest rank."

The third Country Day at tho Wellington Red Cross shop, Lambton Quay, takes place next Friday, when the Kapiti district will again stock the shop. There will be ducks as well as other dressed poultry, and lamb, pork, and cold ham will be for sale as usual. There will also he some Tohiroa soup, a. iwell-known Maori delicacy. Honey in the comb, damson cheese, quince honey, mulberry jelly, Bersh neotar, raspberry vinegar, chutney, and tomato sauce are only a few of tho preserves to be offered. Dairy butter, eggs, home-made bread, ana cakes in great v.ariety, vegetables, acV! fruit of all ki:i:k. will he for sate ti the ruling market prices. Some fine grapes are promised, also 30 creara chesses at Is. 6d. cacli. Tlio sale starts at 10 a.m. Orders may ho left at the shop. Telephone 436.

Mrs. Firth, lion, treasurer of the Wellington Women's Bed Cross Committee, acknowledges the following contributions and subscriptions:—Mrs. Moorhonse, £1; Mrs. W. Nathan, £o: Mr. 11. Bridge. £3: Mr. H. Pollen, £1 ; Mrs. Joseph Marjory, and Florence,

lis. 6d.; Airs. Salmond, £1; Miss Loive 2«. 6d.; Greytown Sub-centre, ,Bs. 6d.; Ohariu Ladies' R.C. Tea. £2 Bs. 6d.; Mrs. Bert Hrvsnt Red Cross Tea £2 17s. 6d.; Olißriu ladios payment .for material, £1 75.; Mrs. Kebbell (Oliau), payment -material, £8 18s. lid.