WOMAN'S WAGE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 44, 15 November 1919, Page 4

WOMAN'S WAGE

AND THE MINIMUM WARDEOBE. The Nov South Wales Board of Trado is tu sit to hear ovidmica on tho subject of tho living Mgo for women workers in tlio metropolian area. Mr. A. It. Croft, for the women, will present a case upon tho following lines:— Tho principal considerations in fixing the wage, ho will argue, will bo tihat tho happiness, health, and future of .the woman is of tho utmost importance to tho community, and that there should be a recognition of woman's permanent position m the world of commerce as distinguished from the view expressed by Mr. Justice Ileydon, that her work was only an episodo in her life. In thousand,; of families, brothers or husbands .have been killed on activo service, rondering necessary extra support bv the woman breadwinners. , , The living wage, Mr. Crofli -will argue, should not bo ascertained by looking at the humblest and poorest woman workers, but should include recognition that woman has a right to demand an equipment of dress amply to give Iher womanly dignity and self-respect, and to obsorvo tho conventions and unwritten laws of her sex in tho change of fashions and seasons. An annual period of rest in the hot mouths of i'he year, healthy and comfortablo surroundings, ami conditions, social opportunities, provision , for llier later years, unemployment, sickness and other distress. As tiho argument will seek to show that in tho greater number of cases a woman'a work is ,to provide for lier own needs, and those of a mother or other relative having natural claims upon her, t/ho living wage should be fixed in approximately tho same manner as for tho single man. Employers generally havo made the living wage tihe maximum wage, and have by such practice eliminated a fair chance for tllie employee to save, and tho timo haa arrived when tho living wago shall include an allowance expenses. It will 'be asked that in 'this inquiry consideration shall bo given to tho largo profits made by jam manufacturers, boot and drapery houses, and other businesses during tlhe war period and at tho present time. It is asked thali the board shall propound schemes for wolfaro work in respect to girl and woman labour, aud shall encourago and assist in tho establishment of hostels for women workers, and investigate and report on the c-xisti-ence of sweating in any business. It will also bo asked fcbat the board consider and report on any other matters dealing with girl or woman labour, particularly with a view to djclaring a shorter working week for girls and women. A committee of four women representatives shall bo appointed by Mie partios to consider and roport on whother the schedule is properly representative of tho needs of a woman. Tlhe schedule sets out tho following as tilie needs of a woman in dress for a year:—Ono winter dress, two summer dresses, threo hats, three pairs of shoes, shoe repairs, 6ix pairs of stocking,s, tlireo skirts, six blouses, hairpins, hatpins, underlincn, coi-suis, etc., niglitdleases, three pnirs of gloves, Imo aprons, handkerchiefs, veils, scarves, etc.. ono kimino, overcoat, mackintosh, watch and brooch, handbag, goloshes, umbrella, combs and brushes, soaps and toilet requisites, U'O weeks' rest period (including railway fares), one clothing case, library, three pairs of slippurs, bathing suit, bnMiing cap, coat, and sand flhoes. Amongst other yearly items conic the doctor, tho dentist, club fees, holidays, and books. The .schedule of weekly expenses includes:—Board and lodging', sowing m.v chino instalment, cotton, pins, needles, thimbles, etc., newspapers and magazine.-,, insurance, union contributions, amusements, tram fares, sweets, fruit, unemployed allowance, medicine, sickness, laundry, music, religion and charity, stationery, stamps, etc., ribbons, contingencies,