A PERFECT GIRL

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1928, Page 1

A PERFECT GIRL

AUSTRALIAN SEARCH. PROVISIONS OF FREAK WILL SYDNEY. March 8. Having completed the sale of the property on their hands, the trustees of the will of the late Peter Mitchell, grazier, of Bringenbong, Upper Murray district, can now set about to find the most perfect specimens of Australian manhood and womanhood. The conditions of the competitions are so exciting that it is a nightmare task that tlms been set the trustees. Even America, which makes a habit of this perfect girl business seems to have overlooked some of the tests which Peter Maxwell has laid down in his will to discover his elusive ideal. It is hoped that the competitions will commence within a year or so. Mr. A. H. Chesterman, one of the trustees of the estate, said this week that he knew nothing of the competition till after Mr Maxwell’s death. Mr Chestorman said that, the principle underlying the scheme was good, but its purpose could have been served much more effectivlv if the conditions had been less involved. In his will Peter Maxwell wrote that while he considered ‘‘gifts for the benefit of the weak, failing, and sick are highly praiseworthy, and to be commended, yet more lasting good is to be effected by providing means to encourage and help the capable, healthy, and strong to develop and bring to fruition their natural advantages and to enable the worthiest among them by a process of selections and competitions to share in the prizes set aside by the testator. The competitions are for men and women—the former restricted to members of the military, naval, and police forces. The search for the ideal woman is limited to the unmarried not exceeding the age of 30. British subjects, ibona fide residents of Australia, of a white race, and not the offspring of first cousins. Her physical excellence and general health are first considerations. and special attention will be paid to the brightness and cheerfulness of her disposition, and the fact that she is a person who may be calculated to hear and rear normal healthy children. She must have more than smattering of British history and general knowledge of the geography and climate of Australia. She must be proficient in first aid, have a good knowledge of physiology, be able to ride and swim, and must be skilled in the arts of practical housecraft and domestic science. The ideal woman must be intellectually equipped as well as physically fit and she must have a knowledge of English literature and of the Bible. The main test is on in the theory and practice of home nursing and the care and rearing of babies and young children. Now, it lias been asked, where is the golden girl that will measure up to the standards. Australia hopes to find her. Australians are born optimists.