A New Terror.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 3 May 1911, Page 53

A New Terror.

American parents in the Western States are with characteristic bluntness and energy dealing with- the problem presented by young men who, without proposing, monopolise the attention of marriageable daughters. The “evil” is more serious in America than in European countries, where an eligible man is generally supposed sooner or later to intimate his intentions. A secret society, called “The Parental' Surveillance Association of North America,” has been formed, with headquarters at Kansas City. The objects of the association arc defined as the protection of the daughters of the members and the provision of suitable husbands in the manner described as follows in its articles: “The character of all men who call on daughters of the members shall be secretly investigated, at the request of any parent, ami a full report made to said parent. If the parent then decides that the suitor is not an eligible one, said suitor shall be warned by letter to cease his attentions. If he fail to heed this warning the parents shall have the full backing of this society in ejecting the suitor from their home if he call again. Any suitor found eligible who calls too often on the daughter of a member without proposing to her shall receive warning by the following letter: 'Dear Sir.—We wish to have a word with you in regard, to your courtship of Mr. ’s daughter. Whether or not your intentions toward her arc serious we have been in doubt for some time. You have monopolised her company long enough. If you mean business, say so. If you are not serious, then cease your visits. Graze on other pastures. His daughters welfare must be protected.— Yours, truly. Parental Surveillance Association of North America.’” Members declare that the effect of the association’s activity on dilatory suitors has been magical-