FINISHING SCHOOLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 3

FINISHING SCHOOLS

DEVELOPMENT IN LONDON TRAINING THE DEBUTANTE As a result of the present political tension in Europe, mothers of subdebutante daughters are becoming increasingly reluctant to send them abroad to the finishing schools in Munich and Florence and Paris and Lausanne—until recently considered an indispensable hallmark for a girl's social success in subsequent London seasons. For that reason the English finishing school is coming into favour. That their daughters may gain a sophisticated knowledge of London beforehand, mothers prefer to send them to one of the small, select establishments dotted around Mayfair, rather than in the country. The classes which these subdebutantes attend are concerned with world-wide affairs. For instance, they are fully instructed in the art of public speaking—so much so that recently a 37-vear-old pupil, when called upon to address a vote of thanks in her father's constituency in the country, stood up ivith perfect aplomb and made a charming speech. The teaching of domestic economy and cooking is organised in such a way that the girls will be able to check the expenditure of a large house or supervise an ordinary small flat— * understand dietetics and manage servants. They are also taught how to keep their own personal accounts, understand their bank pass books, and plan the division of their allowances Every week the principal holds an hour of debate. During this time any girl is liable to be called upon to-talk for ten minutes ori some subject of which she has had no warning. This is at once a preparation for public speaking and a test of general knowledge. They are also taught how to take the chair at public meetings, act as secretary or treasurer to a charity appeal, open a ba/aar or fill an unforeseen gap in a political gathering.