And now—what would you do?

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 45, 23 May 1930, Page 38

And now—what would you do?

A Weekly Competition for All FAC week a problem in social relationships-just such as might confront anyone-is set, and our readers are invited to send in their solutions, for which marks are_awarded. Prizes are offered to those obtaining the most marks over a series. of ten. First prize, £2/2/-; second prize, £1/1/-; third, 10/6, for each series. In the event of any competitor, who has already taken a prize, winning another of. the same value during the same year, such competitor will be expected to give way to the next highest score. For example, a second or third prizewinner may take a first prize, a first prize may take a second or third, or a second prizewinner may take a first or third, but not one of the same value during the same year. Competitors may send in their own problems for putlication and solution and a prize of 7/6 will be given for the best one sent in during each series, and 2/6 for each contributed problem used. Those sending in problems are, of course, entitled, with other competitors, to send in a solution of same. The right is reserved to publish part or the whole of any solution sent in. A nom-de-plume may be used, but names and addresses must be sent. The saute nom-de-plume must be retained throughout the series. All replies must bear a post-mark not later than the Thursday after the date of the journal in which the problem appears, and should be addressed to Walheeee" ‘Radio Record and Electric Home Journal,’ P.O. Box 10382, ellington." Savoir-Faire’s decision must, in every case, be accepted as final. PROBLEM No. 2. 2nd SERIES. Mr. A. and Miss B. are engaged to be married; Miss B. meets with an accident and becomes disfigured for life. Mr. A., to his intense chagrin, discovers that his affection has now almost completely vanished and he decides that he cannot possibly enter into matrimony under these conditions. Suggest the most tactful measures he can adopt to convey this information to Miss B. Suggested by "Radex." Answers must be post-marked not later than May 22, 1930. PROBLEM 3. 2nd SERIES. A certain honorary position is vacant in a social institution, and volunteers are called for. One applicant is approached by the president and consents to. take over the position. — When the matter is discussed "in committee," a very good reason is given by a committee woman why that person should not have such a responsible job. The position is still vacant, but how ean the president convey to the person he first approached that she is not suitable. It is not wished to hurt her feelings as the matter does not reflect upon her character at all.-Suggested by "Sue." ; Answers must be postmarked not later than May 29, 1930.

REETINGS to all former competitors and a _ hearty welcome to the many new Mrs. Irvine is thanked for her letter and the very kind words she uses in reference to the competition. She will have seen in last issue that the date referred to was a misprints Readers are once again warned of exceeding the original problem set. The question here was distinctly "Should she (Miss A.) tell Mrs. ©?" Several competitors spoil their answers by going on to say what Mrs. C ought to do. In my opinion, it would be a great "faux pas" on Miss A’s part to mention, the matter at all to Mrs. ©. The gossip will, of course, go. the way of all gossip eventually, that is, die a natural death, and while it is, naturally, annoying to Miss A in the meantime, I feel that she is taking the whole thing too seriously. AS many competitors say, it is hardly likely that the gossips can know that Mr. C actually proposed to Miss A, nor can it be certain that "Mrs. C knows ‘nothing of this." By approaching Mrs. C Miss A could only embarrass all three parties and do no good, whereas if they are sensible people and really friends, they will all ignore any gossip they may hear. . I do not like the suggestions made by some competitors that Miss A should ask Mr. C to acquaint his wife with

the facts. He may have already done so, or look upon the episode as a passing infatuation, or even may say, like one of the Black Crows, "Why bring that up?’ He may be thinking with Mrs. Browning,

"Well, Heaven be thanked, My First love failed, As, Heaven be thanked, Our first loves do," while Mrs. C can certainly hug to her heart the French proverb which says that "a foolish woman prays to be the first in a man’s life, while a wise woman prays to be the last." In any case, I cannot see that Miss A improves matters by doing so, and very possibly would place herself in a still more awkward position. As long as she continues to stand right with her friends, I think that is all that need be considered. She will, of course, be eareful not to place herself in any questionable position with regard to Mr. © to give foundation for gossip. Should Mrs. C mention the matter to her at any time she could lightly say, "Oh, that was all over and done with ages ago." Best of all I like the reply from "Nemo," as follows :- "Miss A should certainly not inform Mrs, © of the proposal, neither should she allow

. Mrs, C’s frequent invitations to embarrass her. If her friendship with Mrs. C is sincere, it should be too precious to be broken by the shallow tongue of gossip. She has only to avoid any undue familiarity, and to behave naturally to Mr. C to give onlookers little opportunity for criticism. "Supposing the gossip to be repeated to Mrs. C, Miss A’s conduct will already have reassured the former, but if Mrs. C speaks of the matter to Miss A she can reply that it is quite true that Mr. C had paid her the compliment mentioned, but the incident was closed on both sides by her refusal, and that she (Miss A) valued Mrs. C’s friendship too much to give the matter a second thought, and that Mr. C evidently regarded it in the same light, otherwise he would, have reported the incident himself to Mrs. ©." "Michael," who says :- . "Tt should not be necessary for Miss A to tell Mrs. C of Mr. C’s former relations to her, as it is quite possible that Mr. C has mentioned it to his wife. Even if Miss A did tell Mrs. C it would not stop the gossiping in. the town and she might possibly lose a friend in Mrs. C," strikes the right note in a few words, and I also like the following solution from "Wffie" be aga ‘

"T do not think that Miss A should tell Mrs. ©, as by doing:so she would most’ likely cause trouble between Mr. and Mrs. © and perhaps break the friendship between Miss A and Mrs. C. If possible Miss A should avoid being in Mr. C’s company without Mrs, C, but, otherwise, I do not see that she can do anything to alter matters, and really there is no reason for her &o break her friendship with Mrs. © just because a few people try to make trouble out of nothing." p MARKS AWARDED. Anon, 5 Amaryllis, 3; Anice, 0; Artful, 5; Bab-el-Mendeb, 3; Ben, 5; Miss Rachel Baker, 5; Bonza, 3; Clara, 5;. Clericus, 0; Camp-fire, 0; Deerfoot, 5; Duplex, 3; Diabolo, 5; Devon, 5; Eenan, 5; Elkay, 0; Effie, 5; Equity, 0; Fanny, 8; Frances, 3; Flirt,. 5; Flora, 5; Ginger, 4; Grace, 0; Gungadin, 5; Haven, 3; Heather, 3; Hopscotch, 5; Iota, 0; Ivy Sen, 5; Irene, 0; Iambic, 3; Miss N. Johnston, 53 Jonquil, 3; Jimmy, 3; Mrs. Jones, 5; Kummel, 0; Kate, 5; Kia-Ora, 3; Lucid, 3; Lambton, 0; Michael, 5; Mrs. Mason, 5; Myra, 8; Mavis, 0; Magpie, 3; Nemo, 5; Nintz, 5; . Natural, 5; Nomen, 3;. Norah, 334 Never-Never, 0; Nippy, 5; Mrs. Oldman, 5; Olivia, 3; Octopus, 0; Opendoor, 3; Pat, 5; Pumpkin, 5; Pansy, 0; Query, 8; Quince, 0; Radio, 0; Rosa, 3; Richmond, 5; Sardonxy, 3; Sue, 0; Scylla, 5; Summit, 0; Thames, 8: Tuner, 5: Topaz, 5; Tommy, 03

Undine, 5; Vivat, 5; V.LA., 3; Viator, 5; Viola, 8; Verity, 0; Wynward, 3; Weaver, 0; Waretway, 0; Watchful, 5; Xerxes, 3; Xylonite, 5; Yumyum, 0; Youngster, 8; Zenobia, 3; Barbara, ‘5; Apple-pie Mary, 5; Maybelle, 0.