Heart and Home Chats

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1038, 31 July 1930, Page 6

Heart and Home Chats

By

Anne Rutledge

Alisa Anna Rutledge wilt answer letters in this column every Thurs day An accomplished writer an ardent feminist , a student of human nature and a wide traveller she <6 well fitted for the task Those who have problem* ana tack o confidante co help in their solution may with confidence write to Alim Rutledge whose knowledge will be placed at their disposal A eym pathetic woman, she wilt assist those who stand in need of assist ance Communications for Miss Rutledge should be addressed to TUB SUN office

LITERARY URGE Dear Miss Rut.led.ge,— I should like very much to become a writer. lam 19 years old, have had a good education, and am familiar with the works of most of the best writers of the day. My family does not share my enthusiasm, and when I do attempt to write anything, laughs at my efforts or accuses me of wasting my time. Unfortunately. I cannot lire independently of my family, who are anxious for me to take up some remunerative occupation. Will you tell me of the pitfalls and opportunities of a literary career AMBITIOUS. Ayawen Much would depend upon whether you have ihe gift. which usually sets its stamp very early in iif e on the potential writer. When it is considered how much more .varied are the ways of reaching the public m those modern times (primariiy oy sheer pen-force)—."Newspapers, the novel, the radio, tile talkie and the stage, it well be imagined that a literary career would prove lens hazardous than most, yet evidence that such is not the « ase is to be found in studying the unenviable positions, of many of the ambitious “pen-weUders'* already in the held, and those of a generation or two *4°*' xi '4 u thom of meritorious work orten die ip penury, apd the vicissitudes that have beset many others of great promise who eventually arrived, are enough to quell the strongest spirit! Perhaps if the public realised the importance of its influence in helping to shape the literature of the day, it might give the question of good story-telling or real literature more consideration. In discussing the merits and demerits of a recent novel with a well-known publisher, I was surprised to hear him remark that the public was tired of mix novels, and wanted wholesome stories, undoubtedly much of the popular sex appeal literature that fills the bookshops and stalls is written because writers must live, and the sex highway is often the easiest cut to succesf?. A large proP* best sellers” are threadbare of real literary merit, and the writers make hig money and enjoy a fair span of ? I rSt® SS 'v Ye f, such a gem as “Paradise pounds hTOU * ht Milt °n a paltry few

”, >'° l ; thjnk you have the gift and are willing to study and write for the market. all means take the plunge, but be place* 1 * S di<bcult to And a landing

'tou will probably suffer torment when you submit your first efforts to editors hejection s ips are enough to damp the most fervent ardour. But. here, take heart, for with this game, once you have your foot on t.lie lowest rung of the ladder, yott can begin to climb. , ANNE RUTLEDGE.

BOY SCOUTS

Dear Miss Rutledge,—

Our little son is nearly nine years of age, and he Ist most anxious’ to join t.lie Boy Scouts. He is our only child, so we are a little worried about his 1 belonging to any society that might take him away from home. What is your opinion about the Boy Scouts, also do you think that small boys need outside influences? parent. ANSWER thS l «k lly 4. everybody who knows ariyab°ut the healthy influence of that i,ieat organisation would reply to your question by vigorous support of the Boy mo.yement. The especial slgrtifi- . ° * scou ting is the moulding of ‘/karaeler along educational and advenOUfc lines, and us standard of Idealism appea-ls to the imaginative “knighterrant" instinct in almost every boy Its n, c n*t *” appoa ’> aprl perhaps the move„V K Kleat secret of success. Is that -, b °£S ,h , at th,a y arc taljing part in a great and inspiring game; they want.-to be trustworthy, they want to be pra y°. and loyal: and records in many lands reveal that, despite colour, creed, social status, or nationality, the Boy bcoutS are invariably true to their oath oi code of honour. There has never been a more strongly organised, character-building institution m all history, and I think that you. should feel proud to have your son join its ranks. Your boy will not always be nine yearn of age, and what of it when be is 14, and most susceptible to outside influences? Boys will follow natural pursuits just as an eagle soars to rockv, precipitous heights. Par better to encourage them to love sport and the great outdoors, thus combating disease and any chance of physical degeneration later on in life. If you do not want a "‘chocolate soldier” for a son, give the lad an added opportunity to become a good, healthy citizen. ANNE RUTLEDGE. HER MONEY Dear Miss Rutledge,— I am married to a good sort o£ chap who has one very serious failing. He jibs at hard work. Unfortunately, he knows that I have money of my own, and he seems to enjoy seeing me draw it from the bank, when he should be the provider. I throw out some fairly pointed hints regarding his laziness, but he just shrugs his shoulders with a ‘ something will turn up” kind of alr - T This sort thing is new to me, and lam unable to cope with it, therefore in my distress I turn to vou for help. M.c. AXSWJUC l ha l ve'^t > s ll M,? e vT!c th i t mo< ? er " life must na\e its Mi. Micawbers, just as in thp days of David Copperfleid, but that something t° turn up" attiaude is far oo impracticable. Even the purse of rortuiiHtu.s has an end, so you will be It 1 ?® J°.. keep .watch when it comes to tli© matter of handling your private ouf ally 6186 you inay flnd yourself withReading between the lines of your let* „ D r ‘ it appears that you are afraid to use a little plain English to your husIn , thl ? generation, women bury their clinging ivy tendencies, and if thev have made a mistake in marriage, deliberately set out to salvage all the joy possible from their wrecked hopes. Perhaps you could shame your husband into a little more ambitious endeavour if you suggested becoming the head of the household, and shouldering its responsibilities. It might be a good plan to take a job yourself, and show him pretty plainly that you expect him to run the home, as hd is apparently incapable of big things outside. You are at the stage now where you must handle him firmly. There must be no half-measures. Your future happiness vs seriously at stake, and your next step may decide whether the flag goes up or hangs at "half-mast.” ANN* RUTLEDGE.

THE COLD SHOULDER Dear Miss Rutledge,— I shall be much obliged it you can guide me out o£ a dilemma which is causing me much uneasiness o£ late. X am. desperately in love with a girl on whom I have showered much kindness and consideration, but there does not seem to be much reciprocation. She certainly accepts my invitations to go to theatres, parties, etc., but when it comes to a question of sentiment and affection, X obviously get the cold shoulder. Shall I persist in paying her attentions, or do you think that I am wasting my time? axswek X.Y.Z. The average marriageable girl todav basis S a2S r * l £f e °? very Philosophie.U seems to be prepared to "sit Hmi h h o f fenC k for quite a considerable before bestowing her favours. Howe\ei f lr you have not yet been invited to her home, or met her parents I think J™£?,? S^ nab * e to suppose that your friend’s interest cannot be very deeply rooted. Hnr./° Unff man with honourable intenhis ,hat he ls wasting ft I. money; therefore it is about time you satisfied yourself 0,11,1 whether she shows indifference or nV-it As you appear to think that she is the right girl, patience should have a fair trial. _ A good way tn test her affections be to absent yourself on a brief ? ee ho > v R he bears up under the strain of parting. If this is impracticable, why not endeavour to pretend indifference ami test he*- reactions. Ti > to handle the situations with clearheadedness and foresight. . ANNE RUTLEDGE CASTING A HOROSCOPE Dear Miss Rutledge,— Friends of mine are very keen about horoscope readings, and I would like to know something about my young daughter, who was born on August 14. What is your opinion of Horoscopes T AWKX PUZZLED. II you want that kind, of entertainment, i suppose horoscopes provide interesting distractions. It would, *>f course, * foolish to take serious notice of them. A horoscope reading fur people born July 20 to August 19 is as follows:—The period between July 20 and August 19 is under the sign of Leo, and governed by the sun. These people are naturally pleasmg in manner, fond of society and just in all their relations but sometimes give way to rage and violence. Keen intuition, kind-hearted and sympathetic, but resent imposition. Love the good tilings of life, but like to travel for recreation. Impulsive, lavish of affection. *fond of friends, and dependent upon their sympathy and understanding. Jump at conclusions, easily prejudiced, and when thwarted become furious, and self-control is difficult. Look under Aquarius for your mate. Leo women are homo lovers and homo makers, and very hospitable, usually avoiding the business world. The men are especially adapted to chemistry and biology. ANNU RTTTLE3DGE.