THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 68, 17 September 1927, Page 15

THE SCHEME OF THINGS

(By "M.H.C.")

A. man. writes pathetically of the Bflort art of colour" so far as men's clothing is concerned, and instances the "puoionate protest" of those who spread themselves in gay socks and ties, snowing a longing for something better than the drab world of colour in which ■the man of the time is enveloped. The gay days of satins and silks are recalled; the exquisite coats of puce, erjmson, sky blue, or daffodil satin, ■with rich embroideries in gold or Bilver thread, in rich or delicate silks or created, Orientally, with jewelled patterns, handsome to the last degree. Allied with these were the delicate laces, priceless at timeß, which formed the jabots and sleeve trimmings, crowned hats of plush or satin, with jewelled ornaments, or feather mounts of the most expensive kind. -How has the change come about to the style of the present! In the amusing play "Niobe" the re-incarnated goddess points a scornful finger at the trousers of the unhappy "Peter-Amos" and says: "What are these strange and ugly ;fcube§ yo* are wearing," and asks pathetically for the graceful and beautiful coloured robes of ancient Borne. It is certainly a curious "volte-face" when the costuming of the past is considered. The idea of convenience has been dominating the styles, but the latest cry has been for something more wholesome in summertime than the tweed, cloth, or serge clothes which have been universal. Modern hygiene has shown that the- rays of the sun are immensely health giving, and part of the improved health of women is traced to the fact that they wear much lighter and less clothing than formerly, the argument being that men should gradually evolve a change, and wear a-modified costume that, will make for more health and comfort in hot weather, gradually building up the tissues to stand less dense clothing all the year round. But the conservatism which is so closely interwoven in the characters of most people will probably stand in the way •of any pronounced change for many, years. • • • Prom recent reports it appears that cinema films are becoming (very rightly) of international interest, from .the point, of view of educational effect.This is not in regard to what are known as '.'educational films," but the ordinary ones shown, everywhere. One «f the recent discussions on this interesting subject was by the delegates who -attended the meeting of the "International Council of Women,.held at Geneva. It was realised that the right kind of film is one of the best and finest means of bringing good to the young ones of the world, just as they have brought a widespread evil from the bad influences of a number which have been shown in. the past, wheu the effects •were less well known than at present. The demand for films of a good kind, sensible, educative, as well as-amusing, and with a "story" attached, is grow* ing apace, and in the places where women share in the censoring it is shown that the tendency is largely to separate the films into those suitable for adults arid children. Also the children's hours for pictures, from 6 o'clock to 8, are becoming more and more universal. Suggestions carried unanimously at this big meeting embodied the idea that all films engendering ideas of war and'hatred among the peoples should be sup? pressed. That there should be an international exchange of educational films and details of the hygienic,conditions of the theatres.should.be exchanged. That it is desirable to aim at intellectual, artistic, and moral perfection in films and to try to secure co-operation in these ideas in regard to the cinema. That all kinds of hygiene should be aught by means of films. That the action of the League of Nations in approaching Governments to urgo uniform legislation on the subject of the cinema specially in regard to Customs, be supported. ~Tbat performances be arranged where amusement and instruction can be blended so that the people can 'get education and relaxation at the same time.

"How to keep the seaside girl in her place" appears to have been a problem . that took a number of American Tree Church clergymen to England to study the habits and customs of the British girl on the seashore—rather as if she were a winkle or starfish, or interesting crustacean. It is sad to record that the good gentlemen were sorely disappointed. They found that the seaaide maidens were, too sparsely clad, and made much of their physical points in a coarse manner; they were forward to a deplorable degree; they run unbelievable, risks in maki fj friendships with strange men; and there are dore ■downfalls due to.holiday friendships than in America; they take holidays together apart from parents; young men are endangered by professional syrens and' amateur holiday girls of poor' morality; vice is flaunted; there is a craze for unseemly American dances; no decency in bathing costumes of either sex; movie houses .come in for condemnation as being used for assignations. Then it was decided that the churches kept away from the beaches, and the. evils went on unchecked. God's agents being missing, while the devils were actively and ceaselessly working. This is alt very sad, and most discouraging, if it is taken as read. But there is another side. There is also a remedy trhich is never applied, and that is to make a beginning of better things through the young men who frequent the beaches. ' Reform their dress, if it needs it, and get them to set such a standard of conduct among their girl friends that it will make them see thai the merely sensual girl, is not admired, and the wished-for reform ■will be well begun, and probably go forward as well as the most enthusiastic persoa could ■wish. But this blaming and appealing to one sex is such si "one-armed" thing .that it dies by its own weakness. .While the sensual, half-dressed girl is chased and encouraged by the other ccx, it is alymost impossible for those who argue, reason, and try to control the girls of the world, to get any grip of them. When they are older and ■wiser, the tragedy, of their foolishness comes home to them in a hundred dif-. ferent ways, but it is too late then to do anything but gather up the fragments of life and make the best of a bad job. But. if a wholesome outlook and generosity towards the sex which has to bear the worst of the suffering •which follows a time of loose morality and unwholesome pleasure, could be preached and attained, the good men •who journeyed to England to look for beach morality could have stayed at home happily, and hjve been satisfied ■ that all was well in other countires too. The misery, the disease, and the enormous expense laid on the world through conduct that is just as attributable to both sexes is incalculable, and will never be cured till both arc made'responsible.