SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2543, 18 August 1915, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Married Women and a War Contingency. One effect of the war -which is already presenting itself to quito a number of women who had with marriage settled down into home life is the probability, tho extreme probability in some cases, of once more being obliged to again -rely upon their own efforts to provide for themselves and their children, either owing to tlieir husbands being away at the front or else to the fact that his occupation is seriously affectcd by tho disturbed economical and industrial conditions which tlio war has brought about. Certain occupations and professions have already suffered severely, and with the prolonged strain of tho war and tho increased number of men leaving to play_ tlieir' part in the great conflict of nations, the conditions for women aro likely to bo still more disturbed. It would seom as though tho time were ripe for some enterprising girl or group of girls to think of starting day nurseries where children too young to be left by themselves, and too young to attend the various kindergartens or infant schools, could bo safely and happily left while tlieir mothers once more picked up the threads which they had dropped some time ago. The knowledge that tlieir little ones would be well looked after, as much so as though they were in their own homes, would be a great relief to those mothers and would altogether free them to face their altered circumstances with a lighter heart. These contingencies are undoubtedly being faced by more women than might be cxpected, and to start day nurseries should be an undertaking easily within tho scope of girls who aro fond of children. A North London girl has freed a shoeblack for the firing line by taking 011 his work. She appears to bo the first woman to follow this occupation in London; but she has had forerunners elsewhere. Outside the railway station at Zurich travellers find thrco middle-aged women kneeling at their blocks and announcing their eagerness to shine'boots. In the inter-' vals of leisure they may be seen knitting stockings—an activity closely allied to tlieir main vocation. Their Comment! The Archbishop had preached a fine sermon on married life and its beauties. Two old, Irishwomen were heard coming out of church commenting on the address. " 'Tis a fine sermon his rivorence would be after giving us," said one to the other. "It is_, indade," was tho quick reply,, "and Oi wish Oi know as little about the matter as ho does."

For the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. An undertaking for tli© benefit of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund is being organised by Miss Cooper and Hiss Moss, of Karori, who are arranging for a (lower stall to be placed' just outside Miss Tendail's tea-rooms in Routk's Buildings, Featherston Street. From eleven, in the morning till five in the afternbon every Tuesday and Friday, beginning from Friday of this week, flowers and pot-plants will be sold for the fund, and contributions of oitlier for tbis purpose ivill bo greatly appreciated. Feilding Notes. Miss F. Broad is staying with' Mrs. Monckton. Miss Hill has gone l<i Palmerst-on.' Mrs. Clappe.rtou is the guest of Mrs. F. Haggitt. There was a record attendance at the Allied Nations Fair held in the Drill Kail on Thursday and Friday, in aid of tho Wounded Soldiers Fund. It was organised by the' teachers' of Feilding and tho surrounding country schools. The sum of ahout £3000 was raised, £2600 being the result of tho School Carnival Queon Competition, which was won by the Kaiwitea candidate. The Feilding golf links wore crowded on Saturday afternoon, tho weather being porfcct. Among those present were: Mesdames Haggitt, Parkes, M'L'ean, Misses Holmes, Hare (2), O'Balloran, Wyatt, ■ Kirton, Levin, Bailey, and many others. Mrs. Miles and Miss Peirpoint provided afternoon tea. The Divine Sarah. Madame Sarah Bernhardt has made 'tier reappearance at a war fund matineo at- Andernos, and recited, . standing. Madamo Bernhardt was operated on some months ago, one of her legs being amputated.—Press Association, Mrs. H. V.. Hoadlcy, of Napier, leaves this week on a holiday trip to Sydney.' The "Egyptian Gazette," of June 30, published at Alexandria, says:—A. marriage will shortly' take place between Captain Clyde M'Gilp, N.Z.F.A.,'Auckland, New Zealand, and Jeanne, daughter of Chevalier C. Aquilina, of Alexandria. Captain M'Gilp was a member of the A Battery, and went with tho Expeditionary Force. t Mrs. E. H. Hornan has returned to Awahuri after seeing her son, who is with tho Sixth Keinforcomonts;

(Continued on next page.)