WOMAN’S WORLD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1922, Page 10

WOMAN’S WORLD.

MIXED MARRIAGES. KE TEMERE DECREE. A PLEDGE IN MERITING. vyx; The influence of the Ne Temere decree upon Roman Catholic practice with regard to mixed marriages in New Zealand has been less than might be supposed from references to the subject that have been made from time to time. For a very long period it has been the custom of the Catholic clergy to decline to celebrate marriages between Protestant men and Catholic women unless the prospective husband undertook that his wife should have full liberty to practice her own religion, and that any children of the union would be brought up in the Catholic faith. Until late years it was considered sufficient to accept an oral promise on the subject. The only change made in the system since the promulgation of the Ne Temere decree has been a requirement that exactly the same pledge shall be. committed to writing. The form of promise used in the "Wellington diocese, and presumably in those of other parts of the Dominion, and which is written or stamped with a rubber stamp on the back of the diacesan or parish certificate—as distinguished from the copy handed to the bride—is as follows: “I promise that I 'will not interfere with my wife in the practice of her religious duties, and T further promise that all children born of our marriage will be brought up in the Catholic faith.” This declaration is attested by a witness. and the clergyman in charge of one of the largest "Wellington City' parishes, who was also stationed for some years in the Christchurch diocese, states that it is the only form or document used by the Church in such matters. If the parish priest is not satisfied that the declaration is made in good faith, he will decline to celebrate the marriage. NEW ZEALAND GIRLS, COMPARED WITH AUSTRALIANS. A visitor from Sydney who noticed in the newspapers lately the references the Rev. Gray Dixon made to the more attractive appearance of the Australian girls compared with their New Zealand sisters, states that the Dominion men are themselves to blame for the comparison being made, because it is a fact that the lank, free-speaking Australian, who will hardly speak six words to one of his intimates without putting in a. swear word or two, in the presence of his women folk is quite a different man. As an instance of this he said it was quite the rule in Australia that whenever a girl got into a lift all the men who happened Jo (be there when she entered it immediately took off their hate and stood cap in hand til] she got out at the floor at which she wished to alight. It was a slight act of courtesy to the gentler sex, and they fully appreciated it, for i 1 was reflected in their general conduct. There was too much of an apparent equality amongst the sexes in New Zealand, but they could never get away from the fact a«s once stated by Austen Chamberlain in the British House of Commons, “that man /vas man, and woman yas woman, and no Act of Parliament would ever make them any different.” Tn some respects he thought that the New Zealand girls were out on their own because they were able to turn their hands to almost anything, and espeeitlly was this true on some of the farms in the country he had visited. He thought the women who were pioneering .with their young husbands, in the backblocks of the country were verv resourceful women, and had a culture of their own; but he was thinking more particularly of the city girls, who strove particularly with men for places on the tramcars and gangways of the ferry boats, who would gain in men’s estimation if they hesitated a little and allowed some gallant young men the chance of doing some of the elbowing for them. Men liked to put women on a pedestal, but only if it were done with the consent of both parties.—Star. TRUE WOMANHOOD. (By G. A. Mathews.) True womanhood—what is it and how arc we to attain it? Firstly, we can truly say that it is the highest possible ideal that we on this earth wish for; and, secondly, that it is the duty of every woman to strive to realise that ideal. True 'womanhood embraces all that is noble, pure and loving, and to be this does not necessarily mean that we must be of noble birth or possessed of brilliant accomplishments. Thank God, even the meanest and poorest specimens of female humanity may under divine guidance become the brightest star in a. wide circle working for the uplifting of others. Unto her that hath nothing—much shall be given if the asking is subservient to the great Father of all. But all does not rest with the asking, and we must strive to be true to ourselves, and to seek to improve our character and life daily, and even hourly. True womanhood is not afraid of sickness, accident or death; it does not shrink from any duty however unpleasant, recoils not from irksome tasks, and casts aside every feeling of disdain towards those whom she may not consider her equal in the social circle in which she moves.

True womanhood touches with loving hands and strives to banish care and sorrow from aching hearts and sorrowing breasts; visits the dark places and sheds abroad sunshine among earth’s care—worn and weary workers, and tho’ it may not be possible to extend the sphere of labour, and work is confined to perhaps a tiny village, by being true to ourselves and all with whom we come in contact we preach effectively the gospel of love.

Browning says, “that where there comes a cross, will afterwards be found a crown,” and true womanhood will not be attained without many a trial of patience and struggle against one’s very nature, for all are by nature sinful. There will be many a cross to carry and many a fight to win before we can hope to be a light to ourselves, and incidentally to others.

Onward and upward must bp our motto, and reaching forward let u& pray, “Father help me to be a good, and pure and virtuous woman. Fit me for true womanhood, and when thou callest me hence—may 1 'war the crown everlasting” Excelsior, excelsior!

BEHAVIOUR AT A BALL, “SCANDALOUS PROCEEDINGS.” SYDNEY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION. The Lord Mayor of Sydney, in a minute to the Finance Committee the other week, recommended that in view of the conduct which took place at the recent artiste’ ball, as explained in a report of the responsible officer, regulations be framed to restrict the use of liquor at such functions in future, and also that the regulations in regard to smoking ibe strictly enforced. Aiderman Stephen, who presided, said that the report of the officer showed that the condfict should not be tolerated. The. matter was so serious tha.lj it should be discussed in the absence of the press. Aiderman Walker described the conditions as “shocking, scandalous and disgraceful,” and added: “it was all brought about through the private introduction of whisky to the ball, so that women were actually drugged through the claret cup.’ Aiderman Courtenary said that he was at the ball, and had his wife there, and, as far as he could' see, apart from the daring nature of the costumes, and an unusual amount of good natured hilarity, everything was correct up to the time he left, shortly before one o’clock. “At the same time,” he added, “the hall is tile property of the ratepayers, and we are here as the custodians of their interest, and if anything has been done to injure the reputation of the Town Hall or damage the property, it is our duty to see that it does not occur again.” A vote was taken as to whether the press should be excluded, during the discussion, and the chairman declared the motion lost, the press being allowed to remain, but he refused repeated requests to read the officer’s report in full. Ft was eventually agreed that the officer’s report be circulated as a confidential document to the aidermen on the committee, and that the discussion be deferred. Aiderman Stephen said there was no palliation of the occurrence; they all regretted it, and it was their duty to see that its recurrence was prevented. Nothing like it had evbr occurred at the Town Hall before, and he hoped it never would again. HYPNOTISING A WIFE. HUSBAND’S RIGHT UPHELD. London, Sept. 9. May a husband hypnotise his w’ife with her consent? The Vienna Courts have decided that he may. Tn a case in whir'll clairvoyance was used for the detection of a thief a husband was charged with causing bodily harm to his wife, who, however, declared that she felt better after a trance. An expert gave evidence that hypnosis was not dangerous unless repeated at short intervals. The police and the doctors are striving to suppress amateur hypnotism in Vienna, where it is extensively practised. THRIFTY WIDOW. Much amusement was caused in a London register office by a woman who stated that she wished her marriage licence to be renewed. “I was married here some years ago, as you can see by this licence,” she said. “My husband died last year, and this gentleman”—indicating a man who had come in with her —“is now my fiance and we want to marry.” Asked for particulars of names and residence, the woman exclaimed. “But I don’t want another licence; if you will renew this one it will do.” The register informed her she could not be married again with the old licence; she must give particulars for a new one. which would cost £2 14s 7d. The widow stated that she would not think of paying for another licence until she had made further inquiries and seen the Register-General at Somerset House about it. SEA-BATHING WISDOM Many people look forward to bathing as one of the chief attractions of their holidays at the seaside. While it is correctly regarded as a pleasant pastime it should always be borne in mind that bathing has, in addition, a distinct effect on our bodily health. It should therefore always be indulged in with judgment, as its action may otherwise be deleterious rather than beneficial. Exceptionally strong an I healthy subjects may be able to practise sea'bathing with impunity, especially when the weather is warm, although even they would find that they derived more benefit by not overdoing it. The average man however, would be wise to limit his stay in the water, to twenty minutes or half an hour at the most, and to take his “dip” at the right time of dav.

The early morning sea bath, favoured by men, is calculated to upset even the strongest. Not only does it usually entail a walk often of some distance from the house to the sea without having had any food, but the bather is also exposed to the cold morning air and water when his own temperature and vitality are lowest.

The best time of the day to bathe is eleven o'clock in the morning. This is usually the warmest time of the day, and our own body temperature also roaches the normal 98.4 about this time.

Breakfast has had time to be properly digested and the body strength consequently maintained. Sea water, owing to its constant motion and the salts it contains, stimulates the skin and acts as a general tonic to the system.

As in the case of all tonics, each individual’s power ol reaction should be studied so as to determine the correct dose. This is a matter which each bather can easily ascertain for himself, and having once determined it. he should avoid being led astray by stronger companions. Thus five minutes may be enough for one. ten for another, while even the strongest will find half an hour enough.

Three classes of persons should exercise great care in the matter of bathing —the very young, the very old, and the delicate.

The first two classes would be the better for not bathing at all. and the third should do so only on the advice of their medical man.

Paddling is, of course harmless, hut it should be pointed out that wading waist-deep for a considerable time ia definitely harmful.

RECIPES j Creamy Rice Pudding.—One-half cup rice, well washed; one-fourth cup sugar, one half teaspoon salt, one quart milk. Mix all ingredients in a buttered baking dish. Bake two hours, slowly at first until rice is softened, and thickened in the milk. Cut the crust several times, stirring to the bottom gently. The crust will then dissolve in the pudding giving it a creamy colour. Then let it brown slightly. Here are two Australian recipes: Brown Fruit Loaf.—Take 21b of wheatmeal, y 2 lb each of sugar, currants, and sultanas, Jib each of candied peel and butter, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder, and a sufficiency of milk to mix. Rub into the meal and add the day ingredients; add the eggs to the milk, and beat well, and stir into the day mixture. Beat to a rather stiff paste, and bake in a moderate oven for 90 minutes. Brown Sponge Roll.—Take one small cup of sugar, one small cup of flour, one teaspoon of cream of tartar, half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one teaspoon of cocoa, a small half-cup of water, a little essence of vanilla. Beat the sugar, butter, cocoa, and cinnamon well together, add the eggs one at a time, and mix well. Then add the flour, sifted with the cream of tartar and soda. Lastly add the cold water. Pour into a shallow buttered tin, and bake for eight to ten minutes. Turn out on paper sprinkled with icing sugar, spread with filling and roll. For the filling allow a -breakfast cup of sugar, half a teaspoon of cream of tartar, and a few drops of vanilla. Pour the boiling water on to the sugaf, bring to the boil, and boil without stirring till the syrup will form a soft ball when dropped into cold water and rolled between the fingers. Whisk the whites of the egg in a basin. When the sugar is neary ready add the cream of tartar, and when it is quite ready pour it in a fine stream on the whites of the eggs, whisking them all the time. Continue whisking till the icing is thick and smooth. Add the vanilla and spread on the cake.