Letter to Kitty

Southland Times, Issue 22131, 27 September 1933, Page 9

Letter to Kitty

TROUSERS? My dear old Kitty— Apparently, my girl, opinions are definitely varied about your tennistrouser campaign. Here is an extract from a letter I received from an ardent skirt fiend who read your screed last week:

“I was not only amazed from the letter from ‘Kitty’ which you published last week. Women ape the man so greatly these days that it seems, in sporting circles particularly, as if the feminine touch was going to disappear completely. Curves are the cry of the season and I think, my dear Jane, you will agree that curves and trousers do not mix. To my mind nothing looks fresher on a tennis court than a simple white, silk frock, sleeveless and with a short flared or pleated skirt and if, as ‘Kitty’ says, our frequent winds cause her ‘skirt trouble,’ surely she can overcome that difficulty by putting weights in the hemline of her

frock? With reference to the ‘hit-and-giggle’ parties of which she is so scornful, I should like to say that the feminine idea of enjoyment definitely differs from the stormy and silent enthusiasm of the male idea to which she so ardently seems to adhere. Why shouldn’t the girls enjoy their ‘light’ games of tennis? There is nothing I like doing better on a hot afternoon, than putting on a pretty frock and strolling leisurely to the courts there to chat with my congenially lazy companions, admire their clothes, have a cup of tea and a short set or two of friendly tennis.’’ And so on. So you see, Kitty old dear, your trousers will not be admired by all. Personally, I agree with you, and I think your point about stocking economy is very sound. I would prefer to see trouser-covered legs on the court than a ‘pretty’ frock delicately finished with a pair of naked, mottled legs! For I think that the lovers of mannequin-parade tennis are also the lovers of winter afternoon gossip round the fire which undoubtedly plays havoc (the fire, I mean) with their silk clad legs and leaves that vivid red pattern on them which is, to my mind, so ugly. However, when you get your ‘breeks’ do come and see me and, definitely, I shall enthuse, and have plenty of replies for the many, whom I’m very much afraid, will be inclined to eye you without enthusiasm. As a matter of fact, I feel that even the most scornful, will eventually—perhaps next season—see your point of view but, until public opinion is in your favour, they will of course be heartily ribald at your expense. I was most intrigued by your letter on bathing suits which I shall publish next week. Yours to a cinder, JANE.