Will She Do It.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1914, Page 8

Will She Do It.

As the result of a discussion which took place between 'Jack. London, the novelist, and one of America's millionaires, Miss Hilda Gilbert is travelling intent on proving that both Mr. London and his friend were wrong when they said that no | woman could journey round the world without a settled income at I her disposal. Two years ago Miss Gilbert arrived in London from America witn* ten shillings in her pocket, and recently she arrived in Cape Town. During the interval she has been earning her fare from place to place, and incidentally experiencing some disappointment. Ha\ing gained recognition as an actress in America, Miss Gilbert naturally thought that with the added interest of the task she was undertaking managers in London would welcome her. But apparently they did not find an advertisement;; to; their liking in Miss Gilbert's plucky undertaking, and— as she told a " Cape Times" representative—"they would have nothing to do with me." Consequently some other means of livelihood had to be devised, and Miss Gilbert took up several different occupations at various times. She wrote some articles and stories which were published in various periodicals. "My opinion of the editor always sank," she said, "when |an article of mine was accepted." ! She became' waitress in the brokers' : tea shop opposite the Stock Echange; she took part in Professor Reinhardt's production of "The Miracle" ;as a chorus-girl ; she recited at social functions, and made some ap- , pearances at the Cabaret. I Then she went to France as com- ! panion to a lady, and at the expi- ! ration of her engagement. stayed in , Paris, where she made money as a masked musician, singing and playing on the mandoline. j Miss Gilbert has one more year-in j which to demonstrate her ability to i succeed in her undertaking. In South ; Africa she is under the management ' of the Empire Circuit, and is go- ; ing the usual tour. Australia, In- j dia, Japan, and China have yet to be visited, but though Miss Gilbert \ is obliged to leave her plans in the I "lap of the gods," she says, " Ive never worried about how I should get along ; something has always j turned up for me to do."