WOMAN'S WORLD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 186, 12 January 1912, Page 6

WOMAN'S WORLD

(Conducted by "Eileen.") TIGHT SKIRTS AND PICKPOCKETS

Chief of Police Farnan, of Baltimore, 9 is somewhat of a psychologist and a good i deal of an observer. This much, at least, can be asserted, even without knowing him, based on what he says about tight skirts being an invitation to pick-pockets. "Time was," the Balti- ■■ more officer is quoted as reminiscently saying, "when women had pockets in their dresses where they could put a purse, but nowadays their gowns are built so tight that they couldn't slip a v folded one-dollar bill into them without t making them bulge. Women carry f handbags along dark streets; a purse- ( snatcher rushes at them; there is a short, sharp struggle, if the woman is the least bit plucky, but the pursesnatcher generally wins." This testi- ' mony from Baltimore as to the inse- ' curity of the handbag only confirms the evidence which a daily reading of the J newspapers of every large city affords, remarks a San Francisco paper. If any f proof were needed that woman must always remain an insoluble mystery to < ■ the opposite sex, the incredible and unwarranted trust which she reposes in ■ the security of her handbag would sup- ■ ply it. When the average man has something that he docs not want to lose» 1 he put it, if not needed for immediate j use, in his private safe, or in the safe deposit vault of a bank. He never i thinks of carrying around with him in , excess of hie probable requirements'. j AN ENTERTAINING PROPOSAL. * An entertaining proposal now being ] considered in London is that theatres ' should have a nursery attached, where mothers who wish to attend matinees ] can leave their young children to amuse j themselves while they watch the performance. The scheme has been working for ' some time in 'a number of American and ' Canadian theatres. The babies are dealt with in the manner of cloak-room articles. The mother receives a ticket when she hands over her child. The counterfoil is attached with a safety pin to the child's clohing, and the mother goes off with an easy mind to enjoy herself: In the meantime, the baby is enjoying itself, too. An experienced and amiable matron has charge of the 1 room, which is stocked with rocking | horses, lead soldiers, dolls, boxes of 1 bricks, and toys suitable for children of ■ all ages from two to ten. Drums, trumpets, and the other implements of noise, of course, are carefully omitted. The experience in America, says the Stand- -. ard, is that, while a few mothers have sentimental objections to handing over their babies like so many parcels of goods, a.great many of the poorer class, who cannot afford to engage nurses or helps..to look after their children when they, go out, greatly appreciate the convenience offered. Though the English theatres have as yet nothing of the kind, similar experiments that have succeeded show that the English sentiment is not against the idea. Since the Children Act, for example, a number of publichouses which are the Tesort of holidaymakers, have established children's playgrounds where little boys and girls may be left while the parents refresh themselves. Again, for two or three years past, the Mayoress of Southport has run a very popular children's tent for day trippers during the holiday season. Lady workers of the town interest themselves in the matter and take charge of the tent where the young people aTe given a good time "We have not thought of doing anything of the kind," said a representa!:ve of Daly's Theatre "Babies in arms •■i not admitted, but very few mothers of the English theatre-going public ever 1 dream of bringing them, and we have certainly not had a single case of trouble 1 on this score during the past two years." Other theatre managers told the same tale. "Of course, people of the wealthier class would not be affected by the scheme " said one. "Those of the poorer class usually, I imagine, find neighbors or friends to look after their young children when they go out. Still, it is very probable there are many mothers who cannot do this, or do not care to do it, and so have to stay at home when they might like to go to the theatre, and it may certainly be worth while for the music halls and the more democratic houses of entertainment to provide such facilities." MILLIONAIRE'S TRIAL ENGAGEMENT MR. H. S. VANDERBILT'S REPORTED ENGAGEMENT.. Should there be a "trial engagement" between lovers before a definite pledge to marry is made? This question is suggested by the novel compact which, it is reported, has just been made in America by Mr. Harold Sterling Vanderbilt, younger son of William K. Vanderbilt, the millionaire, and Miss Eleanor Sears, daughter of Mrs. Frederick R. Sears, of Boston. These young people, according to an announcement made by Mrs. F. R. Sears, ■have entered upon a "trial engagement to marry," which will last a year. Dur- ; ing this period Mr. Vanderbilt and Miss' Sears, says her mother, will be as much in each other's company as they can. and ( wish to be. 1

They will travel, motor, yacht and play tennis together on the understanding that there is no stereotyped engagement to marry existing between them, and that either of the parties can call the matter "off" before the trial year is up if he or she feels inclined to do so. At the end of twelve montihs, if both consider they are suited to each other, and that marriage between them would result happily, a public announcement of the betrothal will be made. Miss Eleanor Bears is one of the most Temarkable and unconventional women in America.

She is not only a champion long distance swimmer, and an exceptionally fine lawn tennis player, but she has also distinguished herself in the following athletic ways:—She once made a wager to walk 106 miles in 53 hours, but lost, collapsing in a fit of hysteria; she has flown with Grahame White, and was the first American girl to go in a flying machine; on one occasion, when a famous American polo team was a man short, she volunteered to play, and came on the field 1 in a silk shirt and riding breeches; she is a great hunting woman, but she can naivigate a yacht and run a foot race.

She does mot smoke, and she once called modern young men a lot of mollycoddles.

The original-minded young couple met in Newport during the late summer, and it was there that an acquaintance, which may go down as the first romance of its kind, was begun. The present arrangement between them has the approbation of Miss Sears' mother, and the whole of American society is looking on at the prospective love affair and awaiting developments with an animated and sympathetic interest.

Miss SeaTs has recently been staying at Marble Hall as the guest of Mr. Vanderbilt's mother, Mrs. 0. H. P. Belmont. Unfortunately for Mr. Vanderbilt, however, 'his work at the Grand Central railway station keeps him very .busy, and he is unable to give as much time

to social pleasures as, doubtless, in the circumstances, he could wish.

The advantages of "trial engagements" seem to lie in the fact that through them young people can get to know each other eo ewll that they ought to he able to judge how their marriage will turn out.

Actions for breach of promise after such a trial should certainly be greatly diminished.