The Henson Journals

[28]

Saturday, June 18th, 1921.

After an early lunch I motored to Gateshead, and there made a speech at the opening of a new hall in connexion with the "Poor Children's Holiday Assn and Rescue Agency". The hall was opened formally by Sir G.B. Hunter, a prosing person with strong inclinations to Prohibitionist views. After the function I returned to Auckland.

Mr Espin, the Vicar of Tow Law, who has just returned from the continent, sends me a copy of a notice which he read in the Porch of the Eglise St Sylve, Toulouse, on June 3rd. it runs thus:–

Avis

Par la modestie de Jésus et de le Vierge Marie nous supplions les femmes qui ont l'honneur et la grace d'être chretiennes de ne pas nous affliger par la scandale du décolletage et d'autres modes inconventantes – Arrière toute mode qui met en péril la vertu, le plus bel ornament d'une créature humaine – Nous supplions encore avec instance les mêmes personnes d'avoir un grand respect pour leurs enfants que la baptême a rendus les frères de anges. Il est si triste de voir ce chers petits habillés ou plutôt déshabillés, contres toutes les régles du bon goût et de la bienséance.

It would be interesting to know whether this appeal has had any effect on the behaviour of the ladies of Toulouse.

[By the modesty of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary we beg the women who have the honour and the grace to be Christian not to afflict us with the scandal of décolletage (uncovered cleavage) and of other forms of display. Away from all fashions which place virtue in peril is the most beautiful ornament of a human being. We beg again with respect to the same people to have a great respect for their children whom baptism has made the brothers of the angels. It is so sad to see these dear little ones dressed, or rather undressed, contrary to all the rules of good taste and of propriety.]

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