A MAN CIVILISER.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 4

A MAN CIVILISER.

Most men have an intense respect for genius and art, particularly when these attributes are found in a woman. Some book-worms have always regarded Marie Corelli, the author of "The Secret Power," "Sorrows of Satan." etc., with admiration. They will be grieved to find, therefore, that this talented lady entertains a dcoprooted grudge against the opposite sex. In an article in a recentlypublished magazine, Marie Corelli warns women against the olliciousncss and patronage of men. She declares that the contest of the sexes offers a menacing aspect, and she tenders advice in the following terms: —"Now or never women must undertake in earnest the task of civilising men. And they must set about it in the right way. Not by soft yielding to every caprice of a creature that has still so much more of the monkey than the man in him, but by a gentle yet firm rectitude and purity that shall effectually restrain his simian impulses. To his uncouth appearance (men are growing distinctly uglier and more awkward nowadays!) let them offer the contrast of charm, beauty, and exquisite manner; his coarse, slangy speech they should show to be oifensive to their hearing; ar/rl to his perpetual oaby-at-thc-bottle habit of smoking at all hours, let them give 'the contradiction of cleanly breath and sweet lips; in brief, let them be unlike him in every way physically, indulging neither in his vices, sports, or habits. Only so will they bring the savage to reason." Well, we shall see how much of this advice is taken, and how it will operate upon the poor, benighted simian I