THE MODERN GIRL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1926, Page 6

THE MODERN GIRL.

IS SHE ALL SHE SHOULD BE? SOME INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS. In a recent issue of “The Timaru Herald,” two correspondents indulged in a frank discussion of tho' modern girl both claiming that the girl of to-day is not all she should be. Other phases of the question of dress and conduct aro discussed by correspondents whose contributions to an interesting controversy aro given below: Male Opinion Scorned. “Modern Girl” writes : I feel it my duty to correct “D. J. Pemberton,” and “Experience,” ns one would eSpcct a parent or any adult 4,0* correct the mistakes of a ct-iicf. Regarding the clothes tho “modern women wear: in my opinion they accentuate tho fact that the modern young women al-e at last .developing clean, frank and broad minds. Why condemn the society lady for her low-necked, sleeveless dress? Surely it is moro beautiful than the old system of trailing skirts, high neck, and log-of-mutton sleeves. Remember, the Bible says: “By their fruits ye shall know them,” and not by their dress. Much condemnation has been heaped on the woman wearing short sleeves, low nocks and high skirts. Let “D. J. Pemberton” and “Experience” look at these styles through glasses that are not coloured with prejudice and false modesty, and they will readily admit that they are both sensible and serviceable. I cannot imagine anyone being so short-sighted as to make the pica of modesty. Besides, why should a man insist upon what a woman should wear and do? After all, is lj.o so perfect a. specimen o£_ humanity that he can judge the "fairer sex? There need be no wonder that when the Saviour would clarify the atmosphere concerning certain religious questions Ho took a child and set him in the midst of them and said: “Except ye become converted and become as this child yo cannot enter the Kingdom,” for the child is the embodiment of all those principles that aro so eommendablo in the adult, and we are refreshed to know that the child is not afflicted with a false modesty; this is a failing of maturity. Medical men who speak with authority are now assuring ns of tho beneficial effects of air and sunlight on tho body. AVhy sacrifice health to false modesty and a public opinion that is prompted by prejudice? Regarding the plea of morals: Clothes do not determine character nor control conduct. The Bible says: “Unto the pure all things are pure, but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure.” God admires the beautiful. In Revelations the true Church is presented as a “woman clothed .in the sun,” awhile the false Church is said to be as a “woman clothed in purple.’! To ilie modern girl I would say: Wear clothes of which you will not bo ashamed, for it is tho individual who counts, not tho critic. As for riding astride, “Mr Experience,” it is a most healthful pastime. If vour objections are in the dress, I would draw your attention to the fact that in most cases the knickored woman is more completely covered than the average 'woman wearing dresses. I was honestly astounded that there should be anybody in possession of such a peculiar mind that lie could see harm in the idea of mixed bathing. Such a person should be treated with contempt. In my it would have been more appropriate if the so-called “Experience” had signed himself “Ignoramus.” Modern girls, of whom I am one, stand on your dignity and do not allow any mere man to consider you inferior. As a final word I would say that as a zenith of God’s creative genius the human body is the most marvellous and beautiful tiling in tho world and should be admired as any other work of art.

" Give the Girls a Chance.” “M. A. S. Black,” Rangitata Island, writes: That there is something to deplore in the dress manners of. some of our future mothers I do not attempt to deny, but that they are in the majority or that the mind and soul is deteriorated, I do not Jielieve. “Experience” mentions woman’s proper sphere”—that is open to contention. but I recollect that in the days of our parents many a young man was held hack from advancement and marriage, hampered with the care of spinster sisters who looked to him as their natural supporter, in an age when women lost caste the minute they attempted to support themselves independently. Nowadays it is a rare thing for a man to have a sister dependent on him. If marriage is not her portion she can in nearly every case support herself with ease. This state of things is not to be expected without some violent revolution in dress, as any who can remember the multifarious garments of those times and the elaborate hairdressing might expect. If woman is to hold her own in the business world and bo independent she must be hampered as little as possible, and if some have gone to extremes it is a failing not coni nod to our sex. The independent woman is a happy woman, aud the happy woman is not the menace to our men that the woman, dependent on the often grudging support she receives, is. If “Experience” means woman’s sphere is home—which, however much desired, is not always possible—then how many women in untidy long skirts and hair in straggling wisps, too busy to be continually before tho glass, look younger and far more comely with their sensible short skirts and shorn heads. They cut the girlies’ hair knowing tho boon that it is to be easily kept clean and neat. It is to ho admitted that a glorious head of hair is a beautiful thing, and for a woman of leisure to part with it is a; surprising thing, but a bead of hair is not always glorious, aud in many cases improves with cutting. Now give our girls a chance. It is true many children are “boss” in the borne, but it is nearly always duo to the fact that the parents w'cro so repressed themselves as children that tho pendulum has swung to tho other extreme, but I think you will fin’d many homes- springing up now where things will be more evenly balanced, and where tho girl who is an “inferior kind of man” as “Experience” assorts will have learnt to shoulder the burden with her man and take an intelligent part in tho partnership. The years will soften the extremes and give 'or “experience,” too. 'The art of givo and take early learnt in business, is a great .deterrent to divorce.

" Not All Bad.” A ‘‘More Man’.’, writes: After reading both letters carefully, 1 failed to find a single instance where the flapper has had a word said in her favour. It will not bo difficult for any.ordinary-minded person to find a few points in her favour. She is; not all bad. I find it is only the narrow-minded person who is over ready to “pick holes” in the behaviour and dress of our girls. Eor the benefit of all, thank goodness, the narrowminded are in the minority. Where is the indecency ? To the ordinary mind, '<> dress is quito decent and certainly allows. more .freedom for the limbs. Regarding the drinking at dance halls, who supplies that drink? The male flapper, of course, and yet ho goes without a word. He supplies the drink, and, aided by his so-called “stronger” will, induces the girls to tiy some. The results are better imagined than described. Surely, sir, tho girls themsolves are not entitled to all the blame for this*. Their .parents, who were the

girls of 35 years ago or so, could have trained then/'daughters to beware and avoid all such temptations as pursue them during their young days. To say that the modern-girl is beyond control ol their parents, does not reflect credit oil the parents. How the dress, and the fact that the flapper may be an athlete, is going to injure tho future generation, I fail to see. Constant exorcise, aided by short skirls, will certainly tend to strengthen the limbs and muscles which will prove so useful in future years, to perhaps build up a nation of men and women as healthy and strong as to compare favourably with tho men and women of yesterday. It does not pay to throw stones, especially when we think of tho valuable work which women and girls have done only quite recently. Think of 1014-18. With light hearts they uere prepared to even sacrifice their lives, and now there are people who will try to take from them tho few pleasures they enjoy. Tho modem girl will do the- same if asked, but I trust they will not be required for such a purpose. A duty, far moro interesting and more valuable to Dominion and Empire, will be expected of them' in the near future, and again they will respond. Now that I have had my say, happens may bo pleased to see that there is at least one who has a good word for them. I trust sorao pen moro able than mino will “carry on” should necessity arise.