MESSAGE FOR MARS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1929, Page 8

MESSAGE FOR MARS

tilltLS SEEKS A lIL'SHAND. A sentimental young Frenchwoman is awaiting on the tip-toes of expectation a love-letter Ironi Mars. Her name is Mile. Irene Briares, and siie says she hopes to lie the iirst woman to conduct a tender correspondence with i young Martian gentleman. Overcome hy the idea of a transplanatory .omance, site walked into a wireless illice in Paris a few weeks ago and wrote out. the following message: Prince Charming. The Planet, Mars. Young Parisieune with violet eyes, auburn hair, good figures, happy disposition, attractive personality, and literary tastes, wishes to correspond by radio with a serious young -Martian gentleman of good family lor the purpose of mutual enjoyment and distraction. Professional flirts and lady-killers begged to abstain. Radio photo if possible. Mademoiselle Irene Ilriares, • Avenue Montaigne, Paris, France, 'l’lie World.

“ I am perfectly serious about this,” .Mademoiselle Briares smilingly explained to an interviewer. “ I don’t mean that I expoet one of these Martian men dropping down for tea. Goodness gracious, wouldn’t that he funny! It'would be lots of fun, to send billets doux hy radio to a lover, or even a friend, away up in the skies, and then receive passionate epistles from him. 1 might have a perfectly delightful time corresponding with some nice young gentleman up there, and asking ■ iiin all sorts of questions.” . If Mademoiselle Brinres’s first message serves no other purpose, she- at least succeeded in , persuading the .'Tench State telegraphic administration to establish an official schedule of tariffs for interplanetary communications.

When Mile. Briares walked into a telegraph office in Paris and calmly threw down her “nirogram” or “ skorram.” or “ Martianogram,” the clerk stared at her in astonishment. *• I am sorry 1 cannot accept it,” ho said firmly. “ The administration has not yet established a tariff fqr Mars. Perhaps if you will be good enough to write to the director of State Telegraphic Services he will he glad t. quote you a rate.” Mile Briares did as he suggested, and, sure enough, several days later, when she called at the telegraph office again, there was an official communica-

tion for her from the Director ot the State Telegraphs. The tariff was enclosed. And the State Telegraphs literally quoted bargain prices lor Mars. Even when sent out from the most powerful French stations, the tariff was cheaper than the deferred cable rate between Paris and New York.