Report of the Competition
ALTHOUGH our readers will be more interested in a seleetioe of examples from among the matrimonial advertisements received for our last competition than in any general obsena. tions we may make, it is perhaps enlightening to notice certain
qualities which are considered essential in a future partner by the majority of our competitors. A sense of humour's insisted on by almost everyone. Prospective husbands and wives are required to be fond of sport and of an outdoor life, to be healthy, homely, moderate, settled in their tastes musical, not keenly political, generous and of high principles, Shingled heads and the drinking of cocktails assume an us. expected significance in entries from both sexes.
On the whole the advertisements from prospective husband are more specific and indicate more nearly the personality 01
• the advertisers than those from women. Wives are wanted
" of placid temperament," •" a naturally silent woman;' -" one who can appreciate the society of the best county :families " and (we are proud of this) a woman " who reads the Spectator." There is a marked antipathy to political ex- tremists and social reformers. The prize for the best worded
advertisement for a wife is awarded to Ahasuerus Jenkins' for the following advertisement
Wanted.—A wife under 30. with wit, wisdom, grace, health, beauty ; must love England, Shakespeare, Beethoven, Jane Austen, Vermeer ; walking ; small children ; hills and the sea ; vnut know exactly what money will not buy, have an eye for ball-games, also a 802a above them. Young husband adores solitude ; would surrender it to earn perennial companionship of above paragon.
Other advertisements for wives are :—
Wanted.—By an easy going gentleman, a wife, given to govern- ment, but with sufficient tact to conceal the machinery. (Anonymous.;
Wanted.—Wife : to adore generosity of my temperament and stern caprice of my principles ; waist at least eight inches ohm knees ; calves not to invade ankles ; ears large enough to estop clippers ; nose not twin cup to catch rain-drops. Must realise that, though some Merit in keeping temper when in wrong, none in losing when in right. Laughter always apposite. (Anonymous.) A peppery old Colonel with young family is anxious to find a kind competent girl a lady by birth who wishes to be a Good Samaritan., and would undertake to marry and manage him, and to be a kind elder sister to Jas motherless children. Heis 55, not badly of and desirous of a happy home. (Lancer.) Wanted.—Wife, even tempered, home-liking, children-locer, syn. pathetic, comely ; non-smoker ; not political or too devout ; ha no profession ' • knows something of nursing, cooking, sewing, Advertiser is healthy, active, hardworking, cultured, princluel, is 38 and has £750 a year, and can earn more ; has no use for pet mannikin, lapdog-lover, golf-bridge-motor enthusiast ; wants friers and helpmate.for this world and the next. (Anonymous.) The majority of women advertising for husbands are not interested-in their future partners' occupations, so long as the men are employed. One advertiser would be satisfied with a husband. of " any profession but a butcher." Husbands with hobbies are in great demand. The prize is awarded to the
following, because of all the entries, this advertisement would seem to be the one most likely (genuine or not !) to achieve its purpose
Dear Mr. Spectator,—Cook says if I tell you what I am 1+16 and what sort of husband I want, you will get him. Please, Sir, .1 want a policeman, like cook's. Big, and blue eyes, not too old, and able to' marry -me soon. I am seventeen, pretty, and rinkl., and can cook a bit. I am a Tweenie. (Kitchen Cat.)
Other advertisements from women are
Wanted.-11 :Lebow' -Companion to share country home with middle. aged woman. Similarity of tastes less desired than broad sr; pathies. Must be able to enjoy individuality and forgive occasiono indiscretions. Long bouts of silence guaranteed. Will receive IS return simple domestic comfort and very real affection. No partly% need apply. Sense of humour indispensable. (Anonymous.) He must be a sportsman, yet a scholar ; a lover of the country yet fond of town life ; a typical Englishman, yet not insular a highbrow, yet not a prig ; fond of music, yet not a musicio appreciative -of art, yet not a painter. Religious, yet not a fanatic' humorous, yet not sarcastic ; kindly, courteous, brave, strong wise. (Clio.)
Will " Kitchen Cat " please apply for her prize ?
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