THE MODERN GIRL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1925, Page 3

THE MODERN GIRL.

A CI.ERG YAI AN’S A’ I LAYS

WELLINGTON, June 15

The R"V E. E. Harry discussed "the modern girl” in hi' address in the A ivian Street Baptist Church yesterday evening. It was. said the preacher, a daring tiling to do ; but tin 1 modern gii I had h-.en so adversely criticised in the press and pulpit that it was time something to the contrary was said. Her critics were generally old-liishioiied folk w-lm were easily shocked by innovations of any sort in her dress or milliners. In condemning the modern girl most <4 the critics had selected an extremist as a t\pe ; lmt that was as unfair ns to take an occasional drunkard as the type of a town. A generation ago there was ser'vu-. discussion ot the tendencies of the "new woman.” who was lai-o-liousiy described e.s " a Iresli darn on the original bine 'locking.” but tile new' woman of that day was antiquated now. The advancing age had brought with it greater liberty that might degenerate into an unholy license. The old restraints were Hung aside, and could the A’ietorian Airs Grundy reappear she would be gieatlv shocked. An Oriental could not understanil us. Our women went abroad without a veil, appeared on public platforms, took a part in all sections of social and religious life, and stood by men’s side as their equal. Old notions were not easily got rid of. Among the Jews the bridegroom used to draw bis sandal or slipper and strike the bride on lne neck as she crossed hi' threshold, ami she knew hv that net that she was under the yoke. Flinging an old shoe alter a bride was just a relic ol that old custom. and the word "obey” in sumo marriage services had been a fruitful source of matrimonial misery. Our prejudices and stupid conventions were passing, and women to-day realised their freedom. They could go where they would, for their feet were no long, or hound, as in Chino. Woman was the salt of society. She was needed everywhere. Alan and woman were made to go through life together, sharing each other’s joys. “ The modern girl.” continued Air Harry, "revels in her freedom, and, maybe, riots in it. .She moves every where lightly and freely, her dress permitting it. She does more in the same tine 1 than her I’orhears did. She engages in work or play with more vivacity and zest; life oilers l i her boundless possibilities in every realm. She now enjoys what her brothers have long possessed. She often works hard ill rolle,go. office or shop; and then, it tuny he. attends to some domestic duties in the Inure. She need, relaxation, and gets !l with tennis or golf, or a cross-country walk. Ii is true .'he i' at an age of distinct danger, and the picture shows and other resorts do not develop the highest within her. It is said by some who know that she has begun talcing wines and other intoxicating drinks, that she apes her brothers with cigarettes and cocktails, and that her speech is not always seasoned with salt; but that cannot apply to the majority, or the results would he more manifest. She must remember that when the idea of

marriage enters a young man’s mind, and he begins to look around him. his heart is not likely to he captured by the girl who gambles, for he knows that such a habit is fatal to household economy, or by the girl who drinks - smokes. A man doesn't want a duplicate for a wife, but a complement. He wants tenderness and grace, sweetness, and love incarnated, his own rough, hard nature seeking the very opposite in his partner. The chances of a happy marriage for the modern girl disappear with all attempts to imitate the weakness and follies of her brothers. Although the chaperon has disappeared that fine moral sentiment and spirit which is woman’s peculiar prerogative should he her safeguard; ami that moral sense will tell her that late hours alone, or reckless fri\olit\, or association with low'd people in any social circle, must jeopardise her soul. A woman responds to environment more readily than a man. Her nature is more emotional, and it is upon that that some men play and prey. Me want to see in onr young men a little more of mediaeval chivalry, a considerateness and concern for the so-called weaker sex which marks the gentleman ; for much of what we observe in the modern girl, of pose and frankness, of apparent boldness, is really camouflage to hide her real feelings; for “woman

is not undeveloped man, but diverse.” and deep down in her heart she longs for that which is best and brightest in life—longs for pure love, abiding friendship, and opportunity to develop and display the heroic powers of her soul. Let her compete with man il she will in various realms, hut may she never lose that tenderness, sympathy, geutlenss. and goodness which make her God’s finest creation, and man’s perpetual wonder and joy. To tho modern girl I would say: make tho most of your life in the light of eternity, think more of refinement of soul than of fashion in dress: regulate your free life hy heavenly laws, avoid the company of those who would blight the bloom of your soul, think seriously, speak frankly, keep a. bright “morning face.” learn of Christ, and walk with God.