CHOICE OF HUSBANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22284, 9 June 1934, Page 21

CHOICE OF HUSBANDS

SERGEANTS OR OFFICERS RULE FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS. Schoolmistresses in the British Army nnd girls who wish to enter that profession nave been told that they must not fall in love with common soldiers. If they wnnt to marry, the man of their choice must be a sergeant or sergeantmajor—or, ot course, an officer. Corporals, bombardiers, lance-corporals, and privates are on the black list. Moreover, there must be no elopements. This is laid down in a regulation which the War Office issued on .April 15 " fov the guidance " of the women concerned. "A Queen's Army schoolmistress." the regulation says, " who wishes to marry, will apply for permission to the officer in cha.ge of the school in which she is serving three months before the date of her proposed marriage. She must state the name and employment of her proposed husband. A schoolmistress who marries without this permission will be liable to compulsory retirement. "The officer in cha ge of the school," continues the. regulation, "will grant permission, provided that the character and status of the intended husband are satisfactory. "If he is a soldier, his substantive rank must not be below that of sergeant, or, if he is a sailor or airman, his rank must not be below the equivalent of a sergeant in the Arms."