PEEPS AT PARIS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2762, 14 August 1931, Page 2

PEEPS AT PARIS.

MEDALS FOR LARGE FAMILIES. TREND OF FASHION. Paris, June 25. Over here the powers that be are anxious to encourage married folk to have large families, this with a view to the general well-being of the country. Among the well-to-do it is rare to find more than two children, and none at all is unfortunately too common. However, to go back. ... In its enthusiasm the municipal council each year holds a high day at the Town Hall,- where assemble proud mothers of many, and, of course, the usual large ' concourse of curious people who have nothing else to do. This year Count Jean de Castellane presided and awarded nine gold medals to those who had eleven or twelve children, 21 silver ones to mothers of eight or nine, and well over 100 bronze to those who had done their ‘ duty to the State five, six or seven times. As each mother stepped up claps and congratulations made her forget for the moment all her worries. Indeed, medals, certificates and laurel crowns early fall to the lot of the native here, who begins to - ' reap the rewards of industry from five years onward, when he or she carries home scarlet-covered books and proudly wears a wreath. Later comes official recognition for long service in a firm, or, as in this case, following the call of nature conscientiously, and finally for a long life well spent; all of which helps to lighten the burden of small pay and expensive living. At the Salon. Perhaps the heading may be a little misleading, but read on and you will find that French Art includes much more than paint, canvas and stone. For who will dare deny that woman, adequately clothed, is not an object for enthusiasm and admiration? Not the susceptible French for certain, and so well is this recognised that during the months of May and June when the great art exhibition is on, every Friday—the day of doubled entrance money for the elite—to be uncrowded —you will see shoals of men and women thronging to a huge ball, and there dutifully sit most uncomfortably sardined on backless seats all to see a mannequin parade of the latest fashions. In turn the great “houses” send their* prettiest girls to show off treasures that amount to thousands of pounds. And so it fell out that I, too, spent an enjoyable though hot couple of hours watching exquisite works of art from Paquin’s, sc that you may hear what the world centre of feminine fashions has to say on the matter.