THE YOUNG OLD

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 5

THE YOUNG OLD

Modern Matrons Enjoy Life (By Jay.) Are there any old women these days? Time and again we hear that question asked, and time and again we make some sort of answer that does or does not meet the case. And once again the question arises —Are there any old women these days? Of course. one_knows that they must get old in years, but a glance at most of our matrons shows very plainly that they are certainly not old in spirit. Their energy is amazing. Despite their advancing years they seem to crowd an enormous amount into a short day. And even more than that, for they manage to keep going half the night as well. I wonder what their grandmothers would have done had they imagined that their granddaughters, at the age of 70, would be putting in an appearance at a morning tea, an “at home” in the afternoon, perhaps a cocktail party before dinner, and a theatre at night? Grandmother would probably hare collapsed and called loudly, and with as much oropriety as possible, for sal volatile. She herself most likely led a most sedate life, with her

crewel-work, her lace cap and her modest demeanour. She had her little worries, especially when grandfather’s gout was not all it should She had her tea parties, where her friends were talked about, just as they are nowadays, and she had the hundred and one little daily things to do that seemed part of the life of every subject of the late Queen Victoria; Her granddaughter has her little worries, too. But, somehow or other, she seems to get over them much more qasily. She does not stay at home and mope. On the contrary, she usually goes out to be cheered up. A cocktail can have a much more soothing effect than sal volatile. And a good gossip at Mrs. A’s can be much more-intriguing than a flood of tears in one’s own home. At the same time, one must admit that in the old days, antimacassar®, wax fruit and hideous shells did have a somewhat depressing effect. However, to return to the modern matron. She is a thoroughly happy soul, with a capacity tor enjoyment. Her energy is boundless, and she usually dresses in the height of fashion. Not for her is the lace cap and life of inactivity that made a premature old woman out of her grandmother. She even dislikes being called upon to act as a chaperon. Perhaps she remembers her own youth, and does not want to cramp the style of the younger generation. And talking of the younger generation, I wonder if half of them have got all the energy that their grandmothers have. They seem to tire very quickly, and seldoin want to do anything that calls for much action. From the moment they leave school, some of them appear to assume that air of “aged youth” that ends in complete boredom and the frantic longing for some new sensation. Their elders don’t need to get that way. They seem to get a thrill out of every minute of life. And why not? Isn’t it much better to be “full qf beans” and enjoy every minute of life than to let oneself sink into an armchair and just take life as it comes, with nothing left but memories? Ask anv one of the matrons of to-day, and you will get a very definite answer.

Realistic Feather Wigs. A Paris hairdresser is making wigs of ostrich feather, to be worn with shoulder capes of the feather. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent saw a woman with raven-black hair wearing a feather wig of scarlet and a short ostrich cape to match. Her gown was like carved ebony, so closely fitted, and of dull rich material. These feather ensembles are shown in pale pink and black or blue. For the wig the quill of the feather is adapted for the parting, and the fronds are arranged exactly like natural curls.

HELPING TO WELCOME THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

On the day of the Duke’s arrival in Christchurch a bunch of business men were gathered on a balcony in Cathedral Square. Cheering in the distance indicated the approach of the Royal party. A legal man who was suffering from a sore throat remarked that he could not possibly hope to produce the right brand of British cheer without a “spot of Baxter’s.” He forthwith produced a small bottle from his hip pocket, took a dose, and worthily did his share in welcoming the Duke. Apart from the inconvenience of a sore throat to singers, speakers and business and professional men who have to talk a great deal, there is always the danger of serious developments. That is why it is very wise to take Baxter’s Lung Preserver directly a sore throat makes itself felt. This palatable remedy is wonderfully soothing “Baxter’s” gives the throat a protective film, while its "easing” qualities are felt right throughout the air passages. “Baxter’s” is also valued for its tonic properties. All chemists and storey sell “Baxter’s” in 4/6 and 1/6 sizes In addition to the popular 2/6 size.—Advt.