Editors’ Table

EDITORS' TABLE 569 addressed to its male readers on the qualities desired in an ideal wife resulted in the following tabulation, showing the require- ments of an ideal wife according to male readers of Physical Culture, giving qualities and percent: Health 23 Disposition 11 Management 7 Looks 14 Maternity 11 Dress 7 Housekeeping ....12 Education 10 Character 5 The comment is made that the classification of qualities was somewhat unfortunate, which probably accounts for the small value placed on character, and then we further read : MA state- ment of the matrimonial requirements of 115 young women of the Brigham Young College, a 'Mormon' institution of Utah, showed that 86 per cent demanded that the prospective husband must be morally pure; 99 per cent required that he be mentally and physically strong; 52 per cent that he be of the same relig- ion as themselves; 45 per cent that he must be taller than they; and 93 per cent that he must not smoke, chew or drink." We are then told: "The judgments of these young ladies are in- teresting as indicating how far ideals of manhood may be moulded by instruction, and afford ground for hope that much may be accomplished in the direction of eugenic improvement by inculcating the proper standards in the minds of the young." All of which, if it proves anything, proves that the people who will keep themselves clean and free from the contaminating influences of evil; following the advice and counsel of the Lord, as given by revelation to the Latter-day Saints, in the Word of Wisdom and other instruction on right living, may become the redeeming leaven of the whole social world. Also, we have yet much to learn. — A. Messages from the Missions Delightful Experiences of Lady Missionaries Sister Anna Widtsoe, in a letter to President Charles A. Callis, stat- ing some of her missionary experiences says: "The other day I went up to a beautiful home and saw a lady sitting on the porch. I had a prayer in my heart. The lady was very charming and actually interested in *Mor- monism.' She bought a little book and before I left, she rang for the maid who brought me a glass of ginger ale on a silver tray. That was style all right. This good woman made me feel so much at home and asked my companion and me to call again, and when we were near her home to come in and rest. Wasn't that fine? Every day makes me more thank- ful for having the privilege of being a missionary. A few days ago, while tracting, my companion and I met a Catholic lady, broad-minded and lib- eral in her views. It was a pleasure to be with her. Her husband was from Boise, Idaho. She asked us to come again the next day; we did, and oh, for the surprise! They were so lovely to us. We were treated to a dinner of fried chicken, nice gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, hot

570 IMPROVEMENT ERA rolls, lettuce, tomato salad, and strawberries with whipped cream and chocolate cakes. Imagine such luxury. Real china and silver ware, good music and a mighty fine opportunity to preach the gospel. They have in- vited us bark Wednesday." Sister Eula Parry writes as follows: "While trading we have been able to open up four new homes for cottage meetings. Yesterday we had an excellent cottage meeting at the home of an investigator at which there were thirty people present. We had some interesting conversations. Last week we held five spirited cottage meetings besides our five regular meet- ings. Four of them were held at new homes and we were invited to hold more. A ' lady invited us to have Sunday dinner with her and it was a delicious repast. The other night at one of the cottage meetings I spoke on "Repentance" and an investigator seemed much interested in all that I said. We were invited by his wife to dinner so that we could explain more of the gospel to them." Lady missionaries, left to right; Eula Parry, Anna Widtsoe. In the Heart of Maoriland Elder Arthur W. Gudmundson, Huntly, Waikato, New Zealand, Janu- ary 23: "We are laboring in the heart of Maoriland among some of the direct descendants of Lehi. We are well received and cordially entertained in nearly every place we go. The Maoris are a truly religious people. Better Latter-day Saints are not found anywhere than among these big-hearted children of God. Our progress is favorable. Various auxiliary organiza- tions are being formed and new members are entering our fold constantly. The Waikato conference is one of the largest in the New Zealand mission. We reach the most remote village with our message and nearly all of our -work is carried on in the Maori tongue. The country is rough and roads are poor, so our best means of travel is on horses, which we catch and break ourselves. We do not stop long in one place, but travel constantly from one settlement to another. We are very grateful for the love and respect shown us by those among whom we labor. Our every want is cared for by the Maoris and by the Europeans' as well. We acknowledge the blessings of our Father in heaven and can see his hand in all of our suc- cess. We are happy and find much joy in our work. We look to the Era as a great help to us with its messages of inspiration and cheer, and cer- tainly appreciate it. Elders Waikato conference, New Zealand, left to

EDITORS' TABLE 571 right, back: Evart A. Ottley, Elba, Idaho; Arthur W. Gudmundson, con- ference president. Salt Lake City; Harold R. Knudsen, Provo; John B. Blackham, Moroni, Utah. Front: Francis L. Wilcox. Preston, Idaho; Angus R. Potter, Loa, Utah; James A. Thornton, American Falls, Idaho; Glenn A. Jorgensen, Smithfield, Utah. One to a City Paul E. Hart, Springfield, Missouri. February 17: "Due to the small missionary force, we are placed one to a city, with sister missionaries to help and assist in acquainting people with the message that we have to deliver. Elders Bennion and Summerhays are engaged in Joplin and Sidalia, Missouri, and are doing a splendid work, while I am laboring here

572 IMPROVEMENT ERA in Springfield. We all appreciate the Era. It helps our work and ig a valuable missionary to thoughtful people." Elders left to right: Lynn Bennion, Paul E. Hart, H. B. Summerhays. v M. I. A. in Illinois Elder C. H. Neuenschwander, conference president of the southern Illinois conference, reports a conference held in Springfield on the 14th of January at which members and friends of the Church from several of the towns in southern Illinois met. President Winslow Farr Smith, the retir- ing mission president, and Dr. John H. Taylor, his successor, attended the conference sessions and delivered excellent sermons. "Great success attended the conference and the divinity of the great latter-day work was strengthened in the hearts of many. We have an organized Mutual Im- provement Association here and many are enthusiastic over the progress and advancement of the work. We find the Era very valuable as a mis- sionary. "Missionaries of the southern Illinois conference, Northern States mis- sion: (left to right, top row) Marion G. Clark, Cannonville; H. B. Stay, Draper, Utah; Randall Olson, Lovell, Wyoming; R. A. Jones, Enoch; A. W. Bradshaw, Tremonton, Utah. (Middle row) Samuel G. Jackson, Manassa, Colorado; M. R. Park, Granger, Utah; Wilford B. Staples, Shelley, Idaho; Joseph Case, Mt. Emmons; Edwin James, Logan; H. 0. Eitner, Salt Lake City, Utah. Front row: C. A. Neuenschwander, incoming conference presi- dent, Salt Lake City, Utah; Martinus Anderson, outgoing conference presi- dent; Burley, Idaho; Dr. John H. Taylor, incoming mission president, Salt Lake City; Winslow Farr Smith, outgoing mission president, Salt Lake City; LaPhene Petersen, conference president Northern Illinois confer- ence, Hyde Park, Utah; Orson P. Davis, conference president of Chicago conference, Blackfoot, Idaho." M. I. A. Day at Lethbridge From Superintendent D. H. Elton of Lethbridge, Canada, writing Feb- ruary 23, it is learned that the M. I. A. are busy with their program for the M. I. A. Day, to be held June 4. Taber has been selected for the "big meet." Committees are organized, the fair grounds have been secured, and the work pretty well outlined. It is the King's birthday on June 3, which, by statutory law, is celebrated the following day, Monday, June 4, so that this becomes a public holiday. The M. I. A. officers have arranged for a conference on Sunday, June 3, at Tabor, it being held this early to enable their delegates to reach Salt Lake City in time for the big M. I. A. annual conference, which will be held on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of June.