COURTSHIP IN BELGIUM

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 122, 21 November 1908, Page 7

COURTSHIP IN BELGIUM

One of the^most interesting phases of Belgian family life to an outsider who has been accustomed to freedom during the ardent days of courtship is the omnipresence of the relative. In Belgium — the stronghold of the chaperon, who is nearly arnays a relativccourUhip is conducted on a very different plan ironi ouit, iui onjjaatil couples are seldom loft together uuctiax^eroned. A Belgian lady taid to an Engiibh writer tha othor day : "Do you know, I was never alono with my husband beicjio we married. My mother was always m the room. Every lettor I wrote to my tiancee was read before it \va n sent, and every letter I received from him was lead before I saw it. '"ivly mother, of course, arranged my rnaii-iage — who moro fitting? What can an inexperienced girl know alfout choosing a partner for life? In any case it has answered admirably, and why not in my daughter's?" In Belgium it is nut coKsiduretl ctiq\iotte for a possible husband to address a girl when they meet in the streot, unless she is suitably chaperoned by either her parents or some equally austere relative ! He is only allowed to present her with flowers or sweets, and that at rare stated intervals- -the New Year and iat April. On the latter dale it is permissible to send tho object of his x>erfections a largo fifch filled with sweet?, but his nam,e must not appeal — it must be sent anonymously. ' AVhen the engagement of a Belgian girl is announced all her friends sand gifts to celebrate the occasion, and should she chango her mind theru is tho humiliation of having to return them.

The Cheruiav&kis gave two farewell performances in the Sydney Town Hall last Saturday, when there were excellent attendances. The party left for Queensland, and Mien come to Isew Zealand. Miss Julie Opp, the actress, has join-; ed the ran'.c3 of the dramatists, and her one-act play, "The House ol Pierre," was presented by Mr. Harvey in front of "The Corsiaan Brothers," at his London Theatre. Madame Rejane has socured the French rights of "The House of Pierre." Mis* Amy Castles, who is busy proparing for her coming tour of Australia, has refused an excellent offer for a series of concerts in America. Miss Beatrice Miranda (sister of Lalla Miranda), who recently became a member of the Carl Rosa Company, is making considerable success. In September she cßsuyed the part of Elizabeth iv "^annliauier." at Croydon. London,