HAVE YOU “IT”?

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 October 1934, Page 5

HAVE YOU “IT”?

TESTS IN GREYMOUTH What is this “It,” which has become such an everyday term since Elinor Glyn coined the expression, and the vivacious Clara Bow personified it? Though every woman would like to have the allurement that comes with a plentiful supply ,of “It”, the great majority of them have as little knowledge about acquiring, or perhaps increasing, this possession as the babes in the wood. All the arts of the beauty parlour have, as their one object, the’ simulating of the attractions associated with superb, vibrant health, but the intelligent woman, who would have her full quota of what has been termed “It,” must realise that she can secure it, not in the beauty parlour alone, but through following the elementary rules of health-building—sys-tematic exercise, abundant sleep, and right diet. Bright sparkling eyes, a clear complexion, the appeal that comes with buoyant vitality, all are outstanding indications of the possession of splendid health. Cosmetics and similar aids to beauty may, in some instances, be useful, but depended upon solely, they are a camouflage that deceives none. “It” means something more than mere physical per s fection, but this latter attainment is one of the essentials. “It” is a quality of the mind as well as the body. To possess “It” in a high degree, a woman must have perfect health of mind and body, and must cultivate a cheerful, optimistic outlook on life — in short, be a vibrant, joyous personality.

The management of Miller’s Warehouse, in Mackay Street, have supplied one of the needs of the moment by their purchase of an “It” meter, judging by the number of young ladies, and the fewer number of dubious, but nevertheless hopeful, young men who have visited the Warehouse to try the machine, or rather have the machine try them, since its installation, yesterday morning. The meter, the invention of a Dutchman, is located in a curtained alcove, which ensures privacy to those who may not wish to have their degree of personal charm recorded in public. The machine displays several high-powered electric globes, a dial and the all-seeing detector ray. The subject stands with hands clasped in front of the ray, and a sensitive pointer gives the indication on the dial. Yesterday morning, two young ladies were at the shop, practically before the doors were open, to have their charm recorded, and there was a similar occurrence, this morning. Many "who have come in with beaming faces have departed with a trace of disappointment in their eyes, but though they may try again, the machine has made no mistakes yet. One young Greymouth “sheik” had his personal charm recorded at 8G per cent., on a similar machine in Christchurch, and was a little dismayed though satisfied, when he again registered 86 per cent, yesterday. There is one sad story to relate in connection with the machine. It has sadly disappointed at least one ambitious young man, with pretensions, self-expressed of course, to having “It.” He received a sorry blow when the “intelligent” machine registered only 68 per cent! This machine takes no account of height, weight, size, dress, or makeup. The neatly pencilled eyebrows, the rouged lips, and the daintily powdered nose do not deceive the sensitive “ray.” All are ignored, and only your own personal charm is recorded. So far, Greymouth has sent along one Clara Bow, the highest recorded so far by the “It” being 98 per cent., while the nearest approach to Clark Gable registered 92 per cent.