WOMEN’S DRESS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18786, 15 June 1929, Page 4

WOMEN’S DRESS.

XJtT'OMEN’S DRESS never seems to be off the front page * * of the news nowadays. If it is not figuring in a discussion about stockings at ’Wimbledon, it is brought forward in a discussion as to whether Miss Bondfield will wear knickerbockers at Court. As a matter of fact, women are much nearer the knickerbocker stage now than ever they were, but it is questionable if they will ever go the whole hog and dispense with skirls. For instance, Madame Violette Morris, champion Frenchwoman motor driver, has been refused a license by the French Federation of Women Sports for three distinct reasons: First, that she continues to wear knickerbockers or breeches despite the disapproval of the club's officials; then, that her language and habits arc shocking and undesirable to the federation members, and, finally, that she personally indulges in seeking favours of sports writers. All of this madame does not deny, but, on the other hand, fails to see any harm in it. The affair has set all Paris talking, the embers stirring the smart sections of tile city as well as the lower circles with the enlire sporting fraternity raking up the coals. “ Ask yourself which is more immodest,” says Madame Morris, “ the scanty dress of women in theatres and restaurants or my trousers.” Some time last year a motor race was held in a small town in France. It was a race for men. But when the dust from the some thirty-six roaring wheels had settled it was discovered that the four wheels that led the others to the finish were controlled by—a woman. How this woman ever entered the affair and how she continued to keep her identity a secret was, and still is for that matter, a complete puzzle to the peoples of the small town in France. Madame Morris can explain it, for she is that woman.