REVISION OF NUPTIAL FORMS.

New Zealand Graphic, 20 December 1894, Page 10

REVISION OF NUPTIAL FORMS.

Our fair readers will be delighted to learn that the Ladies’ Select Committee appointed to revise the book of nuptial forms, and who had a wide field before them, have at length brought their labours to a close. The labour, no doubt, was to them one of love; and they have evidently set about it con amore. A great many witnesses have been examined, and their unanimity—one half being widows—is wonderful. It is clearly shown, by statistical returns—the Registrar-General’s annual report exhibiting the comparative number of single and married, and so on—that the present promissory form is a stumblingblock to tender consciences. In Auckland alone, where the Committee sit en permanence, a vast proportion of the gentle aspirants for connubial honours —distinguished by their scrupulous adherence to truth, and never having been accustomed to say * I will ’ without meaning it—are placed in a most painful position—- ‘ making “ I dare not ” wait upon “ I would ” —like the poor cat i’ the adage.’ The document embodying the Committee’s ultimatum consists of a sheet of gilt-edged paper, beautifully written on all sides, but not crossed.

From the postcript, which is rather prolix, we extract all the essential matter. The committee recommend that the proviso as to ‘ sickness,’ etc., shall be expunged, and in lieu thereof a solemn promise be inserted by the intending husband to take the lady to Sydney or Melbourne, or some other salubrious spot every autumn—with perfect cheerfulness. As to ‘ honour and obey,’ the committee are of opinion that that clause may properly be omitted where the lady is more than ten inches taller than her lord and master elect. Orange-blossoms r.rc to be worn as heretofore, except by widows, to whom the laurel as an emblem of estab-

lished power is rightly deemed most appropriate. In reference to the vexed question of cake, it is considered that cake should be peremptorily abolished, the associations of cake being undignified and absurd. The committee suggest that motto kisses, carefully prepared with a view to the propagation of matrimonial truth, should be substituted. Although not coming strictly within their province, the marital authorities are recommended to allow all mothers-in-law holding commissions to retire on full pay after three months’ service.