THE “NOBODIES CLUB.”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8129, 24 May 1912, Page 6

THE “NOBODIES CLUB.”

(To th« Editor "N.Z. Times.") Sir,—Loudon is to have another new club, and its originator is Professor A. W. Bickerton. The idea is to bring together those "nobodies” of every race who are lonely in London, but the nobodies mnst bo professional folk, and be willing to so discard all conventional ideas that they will not bo disturbed at sitting down in the reading room with a Chinese, a Hindoo, or for that matter a negro. Many "somebodies” are in the very influential committee which has been formed, for it is part of the, scheme of the club that all members shall be willing to admit that ir a manner they are nobodies; that on many points they can learn much—if they wish—from any other member. One of the few strict rules of the club is that there is to be no proselytising, but that the most extreme faddist, though perfectly free to think what he or she pleases, may not trouble other folk with views unless they wish. Professor Bickerton. to-day, is being pursued all over London by anxious pressmen and photographers, all' desirous of interviews and picture*. That the club is going to be a success seems almost certain, for aa one waits in the temporary offices the kindly but much harassed secretaries do nothing but interview folks of all nations anxious to be "nobodies.” "My husband and I would like to join!"

A large, handsome, overpowering lady leads in a meek little man who has written some exceedingly interesting stuff abou the future of the race. The lady herself is the author of the latest and most up-to-date vegeterian cookery book, she says. The next would-be members are Americans, . very smart, very busi-ness-like, very well dressed —journalism for New York papers. The next a grave little Japanese doctor. The next a pert young actress. So it goes on all day long , . The club will be fully started, in all probability. in Juno next, with a memoerahip of 500. Fee, £2 2s yearly; students half-price.—X am, etc..

•'.45, Teddington Park, , , Teddington, Middlesex, England.