WOMEN AND BUSINESS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1401, 29 March 1912, Page 9

WOMEN AND BUSINESS.

Life in London has many phases, and one of the signs of our modern times (»ays a writer in "The Queen") is tbe way in which well-born women take to shopkeeping, and, if they do not own shops, they often serve in them to much advantage. But it is a mistake to assert, as so many do, that this is a new departure. "Nicholas Nickleby" was written by Charles Dickens in 1839, and Kate Nickleby is, I fancy, the first heroine in English fiction, who turned to shop work for a livelihood. And Kate was engaged by Madame Mantalini as a needle-woman, and only on account of her good iooks promoted to the showroom. But French writers were more previous. About a century sooner Pierre Marivaux's Marianne, a penniless orphan of old family, is designed by her guardian for a shopgirl, and begins her career as assistant to a linen draper. This novel dates from 1731, and shows fliat France was ahead of us in tho woman question. Modern stories, of course, give many instances of girls who tako to shop work for a living. Women tako to business from different motives. In some cases it is dono from necessity, but in others it seems that trade is taken up as a mere outlet for energy and enterprise. And we as a sex have several advantages. Wo score over men by our grace of manner, and also by our love of work and our perseverance. But to my mind women as a rule lack the commercial instinct. If we can pay it good business manager all may be well"; but if wo have to rely on our own head for figures and for dealings with the trade we are apt to iind ourselves in difficulties. There are, of course, some brilliant exceptions. With regard to this subject, it is good to note that, except at Court (when Such a rule is a necessity), women in business-do not suffer any social disabilities. Tho twentieth century has taught us tolerance. MRS. ROLLESTON. Begs to notify Ladies that her Special Lotion for Falling Hair, Prico 3s. Gd., may be obtained at Misses Macandrew and Hayes, Lnmbton Quay; also tho following:— Washable Human Hair Pads, ss. Gd. Imperial Hair Stain, all shades, 4s. Od. Calvo Shampoo Powders, Od. each, ss. doz. Extra Largo, Superior Quality, nair Nets, Is. La Cigalo Cream. 3s. Gd. La Cigalo Powder, 2s. Gd. vHair Restorer, 7s. Gd., ctc., all of which are sceciall.v recommended. .SUPKRI'LL'OrS HAIR. Superfluous hair destroyed by (reg.). A guarantee given with each case undertaken. See testimonials and letters. Mrs. Hutlen (over Economic), Lamljion Quay. 'Phone 1047. (Testimonial.) Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Vic., November 30tli. 11)11. Dear Madam,—Would you kindly send mo another pot nf your "Rusma." 1 am delighted with it. Pleose send os peon nn pwlliii'. Kno'csitiie money (JU Is.), width I think will b« rijtUt.