MATRIMONIAL SNARES. How the Auckland "Mashers" Have Been Fooled. Heartrending Disclosures. (From the Auckland "Star," Sept. 29.)

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 70, 4 October 1884, Page 6

MATRIMONIAL SNARES. How the Auckland "Mashers" Have Been Fooled. Heartrending Disclosures. (From the Auckland "Star," Sept. 29.)

Most people can heartily appreciate a good joke, and can, when circumstances justify such a proceeding, quite bubble over with merriment. But some parties will not feel in that exuberant state whon they have read what is to follow. This, however, is their misfortune, for sad as it may appear, , there is usually a "butt" for every joke. Matrimony has boon the " high stone \\a\\ " of many a man's life, and the frantic efforts made by different kinds of fellows from time immemorial to overcome this great obstacle have provided amusement and gossip for both frionds and enemies. supix>>c that it was a spirit of "friendship" or perhaps a spirit of brotherly love that induced the girl? in some of our dressmaking and millinery establishments to answor matrimonial advertisements just for fun, and probably it was becauso they believed in "teaching a fool a severe lesson in row ard for his folly " that the dear creatures let a reporter into the secret by handing over all correspondence, and also an explanation of how they "worked" the business. From an immense heap of letters it appears that this little game has been carried on for years >\ ith the object of fun — pure and simple— of fooling the now veil-known "masher," and of making all who fell into the snare give some foolish exhibition of their own soft-headed-ness when an admiring and expectant audience was in the distance, "so near, and yet so far."

How it is Done. There are several ways in which these matrimonial frauds are carried on ; the usual method, however, had its origin in this way. In several large establishments in town a great number of girls are employed. Always on the outlook for something; new or novel, some of them, with a \ie\v of relieving the dull monotony of the everlasting "stitch," improvised a little safe amusement for the opposite sex. This was managed by replying under a norn de plume to the effusions of that too-conliding specimen of humanity, ranging from the boardless boy to the bald-headed old sinner of 50 or 60, who has adopted the idea that a neat little m if e and a tidy income could be had for the trouble of advertising. Strange to say that out of dozens of letters sent by the girls, the genuineness of none was really at the time doubted by the too-eager recipient, and it is really astonishing hou much some poor \\ letches have been "gulled." The letteis tirst sent in reply to advertisements were mo->t palpable hoaxes, and yec they have provoked quite soul-stnring eHuMon», vows of undying affection, and the appointment of a place ot meeting. In some casesphotos were enclosed, and one fellow, less wary than the rest, sends along his card. Concerning the place of meeting, it seems the Cemetery po^esses a wonderful chaun for these unfortunate "solt-s 1 "; some,houever, favoured the Albert Park, while others boldly proposed some spot in "Queenstreet." Continuing our investigation^ of this subject, and witn a great straining after seriousness, we peruse poitions of letters where both male and lomale actors ha\e adopted signals by uhich the pieviously unacquainted aie to be made known to each other. Thu-> there became established

The "Masher" Signals. A? eveiyborly cariies a handkerchief, or is supposed to do so, this useful article very naturallj 7 assume^ the position of piinoipal flag in the code, and everybody know s it is a valuable article in the '•ma.-hing" line. The umbrella come- ne\t in importance and utility becaur-e it seem- >o nice and natural to "break the ice "' by merely opening or closing it, and we Jind it a ;>i eminent feature in many e'lga^cinoiit- to '"meet." Thus one young man =ay.-, '' \\ hen I think any lady i.s you I will open my umbrella, and you must drop your handkerchief. As the girls writing under ficticious names arranged or consented to these meetings, of course they never did drop the handkerchief. At times > my informant says, they stood afar off, and gazed with wonder that man could bo so foolish, for the fellow almost invariably "came up to time," while the young lady was non est to him, and on other occasions they let some gentlemen into the secret, and they went to see " how things progressed.'' The victims of these cruel jokes, being men of different minds, took their disappointments in different ways, some philosophically, and others with a variety of feelings — anger, good nature, and a determination to believe that " it was only some mistake," having alternate sway in their breasts. In every case it took the unsophisticated artist a considerable time to understand that he had been " sold," and this is show n by their letters now in our pos.-ession. It appears from them, also, that one advertiser who " wanted a wife " has received answers from what he evidently considered half-a-do/en different hdie-', with all of whom he corresponded for weeks, with whom he airangod to meet at different placed and different times, and who were never there.

A Clever Dodge. One artful girl, who has evidently taken a prominent part in this little scheme, wound up her correspondence with this individual — who by the way, is a merchant and well connected — by denouncing him for a " mcney-hunter " and demanding her letter*. The letters were returned, and are amongst the pile now before us, so that we have one series complete. On September Ist ot the present year the following advertisement appeared in the Stak :— " Matjumonial. • — A LiteraryYoung Gentleman wishes to correspond with a lady with means, with a view to above. — Address 'Novelist,' care of Hannaford's Agency. " This attracted the attention of a young lady, who, adopting the fictitious name of " Amy Kolston," replied as folio ws : — "A young lady, age 19, has dark hair and eyes, five teet four in height, wishes to correspond with a gentleman with a view to above advertisement. Is comfortably situated, and used to mixing in good society ; but would like further particulars, also photo, in return for these, Address and photo will be sent. Until better acquainted please address reply (if this is found suitable) to Amy Rolston, General Post-office." The correspondence was continued by a letter from "Novelist" to ''Amy" under date of September 2. The former could not have considered the pressure of other news in our space when he penned it, or it would not have extended over four sheets of foolscap closely written.

A Very Good Character. He starts oft" as follows : — "Dear Madam, — It is my opinion that people's feelings in regard to any subjects vary in great measure according to the difference in their physical and mental constitution," There is some more in this style, and then the writer proceeds : '' I am of that temperament which must have a companion, and I often feel lonely and wretched wkjp I ponder how long it will be before I shrfl be able to marry, and I dread tho possibility of becoming callous for want of a woman's sympathy and love. It is wrong of me, when there thoughts crowd into my mind, Jmaking me unhappy (having in-

sufficient means myselt), to try and find a woman with these \ T ory means which will drive away theso thoughts and make mo happy. I feel so very lonely, and I do not wish to marry a work girl, because very likely I should hereafter rogret it. If I could find some nice girl whom 1 could love, the means that bhe might have, and tho means I have, would enablo us to live happy and comfortable. lam sure you would like me if you know mo, and I hopo that I may like you. I cannot sond you a photo, becauso I havo not got one. I daresay you would like to know that I am 25. About tho looks you must judge for yoursolf. I havo seen live world, and havo had all the non- ] sense knocked out of me. Have learned what it is to be loved by a woman, and know how to show myself thankful for such a compliment. lam very domestic, sober, kind, and allbctionato, and of a mo^-t loving disposition. If 1 loved 1 should low as none else could love, and who knows but you may bo tho vory girl of my fancy '! You would never regret the day you became acquainted with me. If you \\\\\ meet me, let it bo in the afternoon.''

Amy's Reply. The following is Amy's answer, which, in contradistinction to " Novelist's " effusion, is plainly "bogus":—" 'Novelist,' I am very plcasod to think that my lotter was so much approved of, for marriage is a very serious matter to be sought through advertising. I, like yourself, have a craving for a love which has seemed other than my lot. to be the recipient of in your lonoly position. I am very sorry you have not a photo, you can send me, as I would like very much to see it, even if it has been taken some time. Twenty-fivo, I think, is a very <;ood age, as a man must needs be that at least before he can know how to treat and take care of a wife. What is your present occupation ? What Church do you attend ? Which country do you belong to <? Your height, colour of eyes and hair ? How long have you been in Auckland, and have you any relations hei'e ? Also, whatpait of this city do you live in at present ? and are you prepared to make a home immediately ?'"

The Bait Swallowed. Following this on Sept. 5, "Novelist" writes to Amy: "Dear Madam, — I will commence by answering your questions I am at present in business on my own account, but as I told you in my last lettor, 1 am not making sufheient income to keep a wife. I have a very small capital, not more than £100, and in time I have no doubt I shall do well. I belong to England. Height, .")ft. Slin. ; eyes brown; hair light. You ask me am I prepared to make a home immediately. It depends entirely on whether or no we have suth'cient means between v.-> to make a comfortable homo 1 will make an appointment, and will you plea c o write and .--ay w bethel or no you w ill keep it .' At the en I of the path in the »S w \monds-^tieet Cemetery neaiest St. Benedict's, or the Roman Catholic Church, there is a wooden seat. If you will write and bay you w ill meet me there at 3 o'clock on Monday or Tuesday afternoon, 1 will be there without fail. -1 shall carry my umbiellain my hand, and if you &cc me open it, take out yom pocket-handkerchief and let it tall."

The Proper Style oi Correspondence. Thi>> reminds me of an American story in which i- described the pioper -style of coire-j-pondenco to cairy on with "masher.-." Theie lived in St. Loui:> a sensible old (merman. Jle had a daughter named "Alma," who attracted the attention of one* of tho^e unfortunate cioatuiesol the ''dude" family, lie found out where she lived, and the ne\t day an unkempt uichin brought Mi^sMullor a note marked " strictly confidential." The content.-' weie that ho loved her tor herself alone, and the po>tcript was as follow ft :—: — " P.S. — That my d. tiling may make no mi-take, remember that 1 will weai a light pair of pants and a daik cutaway coat. Jn my light hand 1 will carry agnail cane, and in my left a cigai — Youi> toi e\er, Adoli'Hl'.V JSJi&h Muller, like a ten-ible girl, took the note to her father, and asked him to write an answer. The old man's postcript was in the following strain : "Dot mine son may make no mibdakes, 1 vill pc dreshed in mine shirt sleeves. I vill year in my right hand a glub, in mine lefthand a six-shooter. You will recognise me py de vay I bats you on de head a gooble of dimes tw ice mit de glub. Vait for me on de corner, as I have somedings irnpordant to inform you mit. — Your front, lleixiuch Mulli.k." For somo unoxplained reason. Adolphus was not on hand, much to the giief of the old man, who meant all he wrote. But we must return to " Novelist " and " Amy."

Amy is Offended. Of course Amy "wrote, saying she would be at the place arid time appointed, but she was " not." Perhaps she was o\erlooking the unsuspecting "novelist" irom a tafe distance by means of a field glass. This should have shown the fellow that he had been "fooled," but "Amy" kept the ball rolling by writing immediately and denouncing "him" for not keeping \n> appointment,and pretending that it was mane for a different spot. She adds, "I am now able to judge what you really are. I intended, as [ was in earnest (as I thought you wcie), to show you the deeds ot four cottages in Parnell which I hold in my own name : a\<o my Bank Keceipt Book, showing to my creait theie placed JtToO, left me by my uncle a year ago, as w r eil as the cottages. I thought you a gentleman by the letters you wrote, but now finding my mistake, I am heartily thankful for my timely escape from the hands of what in leality I do truly believe you to be— A Mkke Mo.\ey Hunter. You advertise for a lady of fortune, and being answ ered by a lady of that discription, in the next letter tell her thai you have nothing more or less than the enormous sum of ±100. No man with the smallest amount of gentlemanly feeling would act as you have done."

"Novelist" Feels Very Sore. The reproaches from "Amy" touched poor "Novelist" on the raw, and he wrote back a mo 4 pitiful letter. He maintained that he kept the appointment, and stayed there for three-quarters of an hour. Further, he offered to prove it if she doubted his word. Her letter, he added, was " a knock-down blow;" and "now that you have told me what you are really worth in a monetary sense, you are placed beyond me. You should not have written me a letter like this, for it made me feel very sore. I do not think we would suit one another, because I am naturally of a very affectionate and confiding disposition. I return all your letters ; but do not forget to write and say you do think I am a gentleman." " Amy " has not informed ua whether she granted the prayer, go we presume this closed the matrimonial iarce between " Novelist " and herself. "Novelist" was not one to be annihilated by the first rebuff, so we find also a great amount of coiTespondence between him and sundry other girls, none of whom gave a genuine signature. In this manner he corresponded with "Bertha," "Edith," "Lizzie Lincoln," and " Maggie " under the character of "Genuine," "X.Y.Z.," etc. Maggie's letter, it seems, answered his advertisement in a most loving epistle, and by next post she received a letter thanking

her for her kindness, and saying: — "I am only seeking a young lady for a wife, and for nothing else. I fed sometimes vory miserable and you oannot tell how lighthearted your letter has made me. Your lettor is kind, and I feel now you must be a nice, kind girl. " Then follows

Another Appointment As follows :— " Albert Park, by the fountain, Saturday afternoon, f) p.m. (fivo o'clock). I will bo dressed in a f/rci/ coat and brown hat, and will carry a black umbrella. You must ploaso carry your handkerchief'm your hand, and that is how I will know you. Bo sure to carry your handkerchief." " Genuine, "alias "Novolist, "alias "XY..Z.," was in the Park and by the fountain from twenty minutes beforo 5 till f»..'>o, eagorly «cunningovory passing female, none- ot whom, lun\ovcr, carried tl«o allimporlanfc handkerohiof. "Bertha's" rej)ly to " Gcnuino's " advertisement was so artfully concocted as to at once enlist the young 1 man's aflections. She gavo her means as " very good," said t-ho was tired of single- life, and willing to accopt his proposal, and closed by summing up her accomplishments, which included "playing piano and harmonium, taking lessons on harp and violin, a knowledge of Maori and French, and a smattering of German." That this was a hoax should have been apparent, butite\ iuently " took " exceedingly well, for it evoked a revelation by the tooconfiding young man of his name and address, accompanied by his card. He also asked if he could "call." In order to close the correspondence, the girls collected all tho envelopes of letters sent by the übiquitous individual calling himself "Novelist," "X.Y.Z.," and " Genuine," packed them up neatly, and forwarded them to his private oflico in town. They informed him at the same time of his folly, and expressed a hope that he had learnt a lesson. Tho result was that " Maggie " got a reply as follows : — " Dear Sir," (tho writer evidently assumes that he has been victimised by a mail) — "I can see now that I have made an ass of myself, but we are all liable to make donkeys of ourselves once or twice in our lifetime, and I own that this is not tho tir&t time I have made an ass of myself. lam glad that you have deiived some innocent amusement out of my folly. I hope that it will be as you say, only innocent amusoment, 1 have derived no amusement out of tho correspondence \\ lnitever, only experience. I feel perfectly bine that you cannot have laughed at my folly more than I have myself, and in conclusion 1 niu 4 confess that youhavohad the be.-t of the joke— l am, dear sir, yours, &c, Gi;M:i\h." This little " joke " nni.4 have cost " Genuine " a few pounds.

One More Unfortunate. It is impossible tor us to give ovon an idea ot the majoiity of tho letters beforo us, and one more instance of the matrimonial fraud must suihee. "Stiangor," ayonnc gentleman lately aviived, adveitiscd tor "a young lady with mean 4 - as a wife." One of the gay young gi Is aheady mentioned answered, stating that she was " an orphan, that she had suihcient means left her by her father, nn^ tiled of single life, and anxious to wed.'' The ne\t letter from " Stranger" earns his title to the application of the teim " New Chum " in it& most veidantsigmiicanoe. He not only enclosed hi^ photo, but stated when* he was em ployed, his full name and addict, and a^kul tor an interview on Sunday, the Mtli in.-t., at Ipin , at tiie Po.>t-office. Ho was to be know n b\ his white specially worn fOlf 01 thi> auspicious occasion. Mis.s "Louie T.iyluL- " w.»-5 that naughty young Kidy V tal-e -ignatiue, and sho did not keep the appointment ; so heie another farce

ended. All thib that we have 1 elated, and a lot moie tluit wo cannot publish, but have refen cd to briefly, should act a« a caution to the matiinionially-inclined young men who ad\eitipe. We are assured that some genuine an-w ci - are to their patheiic appeals toi a wile and — a foitune — but in the \a.-4 majonty of rases the replies are "cooked' by shop-girls, who find this species of amusement a most pleasurable way in which to pass away the spare moments. These " frauds " have boen practised for years, and before making another appointment, we recommend all recent victims to make sure that they are not "going too far."