MATCH-MAKING- BY ADVERTISEMENT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 15 May 1873, Page 7

MATCH-MAKING- BY ADVERTISEMENT.

It is a most note- worthy fact", aud one which exhorts our imagination (observes the "Pall Mall Gazette." in some observations upon the advertisements for wives and husbands in the " Matrimonial News "), that not only fortune-hunting in these advertisements is conspicuous by its absence, but that instances of extreme disinterestedness abound, so that men of " private fortune " or "ample means " expressly state that "money on the iady's side is of no moment." Out of nearly 200, not above twenty make it a necessary qualification. One, indeed, whose list of attractions is not of a solid order, asks for that of which be apparently has none. " The younger son of a good county family, aged 29, fair, sft lOin, has entree to the best society, travelled a jjreat deal, domestic, fond of country life, is a good shot, rides well, wishes to marry, but requires a wife with means." " A clergyman possessed of good means, who desires to form the acquaintance of a young, pretty, well-educated lady," to his eternal honor, adds that " money, though an advantage, is not an essential ; while " Achilles," who is " an author and man of refinement and position, with means independent of his profession," only demands "good sense and lady-like graces with a lady under forty. A noble aspiring soul, softened by a tender loving nature, will find in Achilles a responsive echo and a kind, warm, and generous heart." The ladies in general state that they are tall or short, dark or fair, as the

case may be, that they are hard-work-ing, affectionate, warm-hearted, or domesticated ; sometimes they modestly add, "and are considered goodlooking," or " very nice-looking, handsome," &c. One "feels that slitwould make a devoted wife ; " another declares that she is " steady ; " a third mentions a highly desirable item that she is " clean ; " fourth that she is rather stout, but mild, without encumbrance, of florid complexion, has a nice home and business of ber own, but feeling lonely would like a suitable partner;" a fifth is "of comfortable means and Juno-like appearance ; " a sixth would prefer a clergyman, and if possible a widower. Many have " fascinating manners," or are well connected and educated. Of widows, who are supposed to understand what man requires, a large majority declare that they are "jolly;" while only two young ladies plead guilty to that quality. A considerable number candidly state that they have nothing beyond a faithful loving heart and willing disposition to offer ; but fortunes of from £150 to £200 and £350 per annum, or from £3000 to £5500 down, with good expectations, are quite common in these columns. One has "golden hair and a small yearly income ; " another, " tho' poor, and not without faults, is not to be bought with money." There is a case which is appalling, if true : "An heiress of noble family, aged twenty-four, very handsome, with £720 a year from large landed estates, is a splendid pianist, harpiat, speaks French and Italian, and rides and drives." is yet driven to the " Matrimonial News." It is right to mention that she " will only correspond with a gentleman of good birth." Of the gentlemen many affirm that they are in possession of landed estates or of appointments bringing in £1000, £1500, £2000 per annum, which, if (.rue, ia a matter easily verified. There are also advertisements from farmer^ and tradesmen who wish for economical helpmates. As we have before observed, fortune is rarely the essential, but good looks, education, and refinement are generally demanded; in some instances beauty and musical talent are coupled together. Several wish to be married before Christma3; others entreat for speedy replies, as they are going to India, and one wishes to " marry at once," this is a major in the army with good means, and all he desires is a lady of good connections not over thirty-five. The strangest part of the traffic presents itself when we regard the social position of the candidates. In one batch there are two noblemen, two colonels, a member of three learned societies, barristers, physicians, missionaries, squires, with beautiful residences and good fortunes, county magistrates, and numberless naval and military officers ; a French lady of title, two English ditto, one having a jointure of £3000 per annum, two heiresses, whereof one is a ward in Chancery, entitled to large landed property on coming of age — (is the Lord Chancellor aware of the proceedings of his ward 1) — some half-dozen of noble family or of ancient lineage ; and above the rest in point of urgency is an application from a widow and her three daughters, all wanting husbands and having independent incomes. Surely this is, to say the least of it, very strange. It is hardly to be supposed that of 340 weekly advertisers all represent impostures, and we are assured (though we remain doubtful) that detection and exposure are the results of any attempt at a hoax.