The Trials of the Train- Bearers.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 256, 16 September 1902, Page 3

The Trials of the TrainBearers.

It is remarkable how brief an impress the late war contrived to leave upon feminine fashions. A slight outbreak of khaki and an epidemic of re 1, white and blue hatbands soon passed by ; the flop hat may perhaps remain in

evidence, I 'ut, far from inspiring any tendency to militarism, the seriousness of war seems to have induced nther a reaction to frills, frivolities, and trains. The latter have become, as everyone knows, a matter to be seriously discussed' bv town councils and medical

conferences, but the health aspect is not that which appeals to their latest critic. “ Why should I debate their hygienic or non-

hvgienic qualities ?” she i'iquires u This may safely be left to learned profcs-ors, to newspaper men, ami to the man in the street.” The latter may, indeed, be reasonably supposed to have marked their non-hygienic attitude to dust. But apart from such recognised evils, it appeals the train-wearer has trials to undergo. There is a medical paragraph now on tour, like the story of Rob Angus’ stick, showing that a new muscular diffuse may arise from the weight of the train being continually supported by the left hand. ;l It may be so,” remarks our authority, “ yet what chiefly troubles most of us is the distinctly prejudicial effect the action has on the left-hand glove.” Again, masculine intelligence has made merry over the fashion which forbids the possession of even one poor pocket, but we are to learn that tins, too, is one of the minor trials of the train. “ With a sunshade to carry in pne hand, a befrillod skirt held daintily in another, where would be the use of a dozen pockets to her who could uot passibly contrive a spare hand with which to take anything out of them ? ■Handshaking, as an outdoor greeting, is soon to be extinct in consequence of the train. Under the circumstances described above only a familiar nod or a stiff bow can be exchanged, according to acquaintance. But we may take notice that the troubles of the train are adding an important inducement to matrimony. The essayist perceived this herself one Sunday morning] when vainly trying to reconcile the claims of skirts and books and parasol. Finally the parasol was left at home. u Hymn-book and prayerbook are necessaries for churchgoing, complexion not impera tive.” Still for true comfort thj moral is drawn : “If you wearJa train you require a husband. Utr is almost indispensable on weekdays as a conveyer of all your unconsidered trifles, hut absolutely so on Sundays for carrying your prayer-books to church.”