A French Early Rising Society.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 878, 28 December 1888, Page 4

A French Early Rising Society.

A writer in the Lancet draws attention to an early rising association, formed by some Parisian ladies of birth and position. ‘La Ligue du Matin,' as it ib called, seeks to effect a radical transformation in the life led by persons in society, so that their habits may henceforth harmonise with the requirements of health. The members aro to make it a rule ‘to rise at seveu in the morning, and, after taking a bath of cold—some recommend iced—water, to enjoy an early canter on horse-back. Friends are to be entertained at lunch rather than at dinner. The pleasures of the morning and afternoon are to be preferred to those of. the evening. Henceforth, balls are to commence at nine o’clock and finish at midnight. On those evenings when members do not go to any ball they must retire to bed at ten o’clock. All athletic exercises 'are encouraged, notably fencing, whioh is becoming more and more fashionable among ladies.’ These regulations sound well encugh, especially the last; but it must not be forgotten that no entertaining is possible, if the conditions be such that the vast majority of men are excluded. Now society has tended to trespass unduly on the hours of the night, because only in thi3 way can the busy men of the community manage to get their share of relaxation. It iB an open secret that one of the most popular West-end theatres owes its success in great measure to its aotor-manager’s recognition of this fact. The principal piece is always timed to begin at nine o’clock—an hour when men, having had their dinner and their * smoke ’ in comfortable leisure, feel naturally ready for amusement. ‘La Ligue du Matin ’ is well meaning ; but itß programme laoks all the elements which' alone could ensure it any permanent prosperity.