THE IDEAL MAN.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1762, 29 May 1913, Page 2

THE IDEAL MAN.

"A model husband competition" is tho outstanding attraction at tho Simple Life Exhibition now being held at Caxton Hall, writes the London correspondent of "The Australasian" on April 18. A number nf pretty actresscs have volunteered their services, and model husbands are invited to go through their paces, the entrance fees being a modest sixpence. The sceno of the ordeal is a dining-room, whorcin a wife has been waiting l'oi an hour for her husband's return to dinner. The meal lias been spoilt, and the supposed husband's task is to restore Ins spouso to good humour. Those who succesd become entitled to a certiiicato ot oven temper duly signed by Miss Gladys Cooper, the reigning picturo post-card beauty of the hour. The first aspirant for matrimonial honours won his certificate bv holding producing two opera4ickets when he met liis irate wite. Lectures upon the charms of health'costume, fruitarian diet, and barefoot dancing were other attractions at the Simple Lite Exhibition. ~, , • • , From tho "model husband to the ideal man" is a comparatively easy transition. During the last few days tho ideal man has been under discussion in several quarters. The Paris "Opinion" has been conducting a plebiscite among its lady readj ers, and finds that tho qualities most treasured' iu a ihoji arc iiitclliyoiiuG oiul encrgv. French girls, at any rate, aro willing to obey, though most of them add that the.v wish to be comrades, and not pets. Soino add: —"\\e lok for health in the man, and this means physical balance and moral uprightness. Tenderness, but not sentimentality, because tenderness is strong, and sentimentality is weak." . A similar plebiscite among the c<;liego girls of the Stato of Kansas, in America, produced an even more detailed account of the ideal man. Striking an average, it ■ was found that his height should be sft. llin., his weight 1591b., and his chest measurement lOiu. A good appearmico is essential, but thero is no necessity to bo handsome.' Jolly, accommodating, considerate, and no flatterer aro other qualifications. finally, lie, not sneer at religion or recognise a different standard of conduct for men and women. On tho whole, it was. found that tall „'irls Meed short men, and plump girls tall lien, fc-o much for the ideal American. On tho contrary, a French paper. "Le.Geut I'arlsien." has been taking a plebiscite of its feminine readers in order to ascertain the outstanding faults of modern man. Egoism headed the poll with 10,001 votes, indolenco beins second with 7412. Then came fatuity, 7105 votes; debauchery, 6401; and gambling, with 6317. Excessive lovo of sport, inconstancy, avarice, and jealousy came lower on tho list. Ifc wuld be interesting to see the results of similar plebiscites among a representative body of men as to the qualities rcqitned in perfcct womanhood.