BRITISH WOMEN AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2360, 16 January 1915, Page 2

BRITISH WOMEN AND THE WAR

'A PRESS APPEAL. By T«lefrapli—Press Assoelfttlon-Oipyrlßlit (Reo. January- 15, 6.p.m.) London, January 14. ■ Tli© newspapers publish large advertisements, covering four questions addressed to women, and ending: "Wornon of England! Do your "duty and send your men to-doy to join our glorious Army!" Mrs. Winston Churchill, addressing a women's recruiting meeting, said that women suffered as much as men from the horrors of the war, but did not enjoy the consolation of tho excitement of going to tho front and tho glory of action.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" services.)

In connection '.rath tho above cablegram it would seem by tho latest files that women aro.'taking a very active part in tho recruiting campaign in Great Britain, and when such is the case it can only bo concluded that in spito of any affirmations to the contrary, recruiting cannot be meeting with the success that such tremendous issues should call forth. At a meeting which was held in Dublin recently one of tho speakers, the Dean of St Patrick's, spoko very-emphatically concerning the duty of British women towards "shirkers" (i.e., footballers, etc.), those who ought to bo offering their services to tlio country, but who have no intention of volunteering. On such men he considered wtmen should turn their backs, treating them with tho. scorn they deserved, ana lie thought such treatment would do much towards bringing thoso mon to their good senses, it was for women to uso their best influence to sustain aud help those who.took tho honourable man's part jn this great national crisis. In anothor English paper a strong appeal was mado by one woman to other womorf nob to put obstacles in the way of thosa men belonging to them who were free to go—not to embarrass .tbta with supplications to remain at home wlien-there was no tie, no duty to hold them thero—and she ended with an eloquent plea oil behalf of the women and children who were suffering such horrors across tho Channel.

On the other hand, intense indignation has been aroused in some places by the receipt of white feathers through tho .post by men who could not possibly leave, and who have been almost heartbroken because they have been tied to their posts. Thoughtlessness is responsible for more cruelty than almost anything else in, the world, and patriotic zeal on the sender's part would not' justify such proceedings; Speakers' at theso recruiting meetings in Britain are now placing emphasis upon the fact that although the neutrality of Belgium was of infinite importance to Great Britain, it was not only in' dofenco of Belgium that England weut to war, but in her own self-defence, and the more people, realised it the better it would bo., ■Also that an enormous debt was owed to General Joffre and the gallant forcos under his command beoause the magnificent services of tho French army were as much in tho service of England as in that of France. When women point thesß things out in public meetings in Great Britain it may be seen how keenly they realise what is at stake, and how ready they ai;e to give all for. their country. '

: Mrs, F. Eiddiford. and .Miss Helen Easton, who hare been staying at the Empiro Hotel, leave ,for Overton to-day.' Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Riddiford have returned to Marton. Miss Violet Warburton is visiting Wainawa, and is the' guest of Mrs. Rathbon'e. Later she leaves for Napier and the Hot Lakes District. The Hon. David It. Hall, AttorneyGeneral for New South Wales, with Mrs. Hall, returned ..to Auokland on Wednesday from Rotorua. They intend leaving for Wellington .to-day. Staff-Captain and Mrs. Greenfield, of the Auckland City Corps of the Salvation Army, left Auckland on Wednesday for Palmerston North, where they wiil take charge of the local corps. Adjutant and Mrs. Brown also loft by the express for Wellington, whore tliey will take charge of tho Salvation Army . Boys!Home. Mr. and Mrs. Boyne (Woodvillo) are spending the summor months at-Lyall Bay. They are accompanied by their daughter. Mr.' and Mrs. L. C. Rathbone, Hawke's Bay, liave returned from a visit to Auckland. Miss Grant (Woodville) and Miss Gwladys Grant are visiting Wellington, and aro staying at Miss.Martin's.

Dr. and Mrs. Clay were visitors to Napier this weok. For Face Massage, Shampooing, all Hair Treatments, and Electrolysis, Mrs. Rollestons'fl is recommended. Spacious Private Rooms, Qualified Assistants, and Personal Attention. Switches and Transformations of overv shade a speciality. Hair guaranteed to keep its colour. 256 Lambton Cjuay.* '•