OUR NATURAL ALLY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2185, 14 September 1907, Page 3 (Supplement)

OUR NATURAL ALLY.

“Woman is woman’s natural ally,” said Euripedes. If the ancient Greek was right, it’s wonderful what a lot Df woman go “agin nature” says a writer in the Sydney Morning Herald. Too sad though the saying of it is, it must be admitted that woman does not stand to woman as she might, and as she should. Where it is a question of attack on lier natural enemy—mail —womankind do certainly rally round the same standard, and fight shoulder to shoulder; and where it is a question of a cause women will work togother in harmony—more or less. But when it comes to helping the individual—things are different. And no one knows that better than the girl or woman who lias to fight her own way in the world. In these enlightened times tlie girl who works is not looked down upon in the same way as she used to in tho more “genteel” times, but slie does not. receive the consideration and help that slie doserves from lier more fortunate sisters. Any oncouragement and sympathy she may find is as a rule from -girls who are workers like herself; They know what it is to pinch anil screw to keep up a decent appearance before the world; they ’know wliat it means to be tired in brain and body., with no prospect of a change; and if they can offer nothing more they can at least give their sympathy. But the women who could bring brightness and sunshine into so many girl’s lives are generally too busy chasing pleasure to spare a thought for tlieir less fortunate kind. Undoubtedly most women’s—and most moil’s —unkindness is negative rather than positive. They do not moan to bo cruel—they simply don’t think. As a woman myself, I always want to believe the best of my sex, and I honestly think that if many women who are busy spending their lives in enjoying themselves could be shown a few of the instances where they fail in consideration they really would be less thoughtless. So I should like to give a few hints to those girls and women who have friends among tho workers —for it is with their friends that tho want of consideration most often shows.

1. If you know a girl who earns her living by teaching singing or music, don’t ask lier to perform when she comes to spend an evening with you after working all day. She will bo tired after her labors, and unable to do herself justice, and her performance will be a poor advertisement of her accomplishment. If she is fond of you she will not like to refuse, and by complying with your request 'she may do herself harm. For in these days of keen competition no one can afford to advertise badly. 2. If you have a friend wlio has an office where she earns her living by typewriting or drawing, do not call on her continually and waste hours of her time. She may be too fond of you to show you that you are not welcome; but remember that she will have to make up for lost time afterwards.

3. Do not as'k your friends who go to town to execute commissions for you. It does not seem much to aglc a girl to buy you a yard of ribbon, or match a piece of lace, but re-

member that to tho woman who works “time is money,” and you should not ask her for hor time any more than you would ask her for hor money.

4. If you have a friend who makes hats or drosses, do not ask lior to make special efforts to rush your things through. She will not like to refuse you, but by doing so, she may Inc. :' ‘ i nogloct more profitable customer lid remember that sho is working mr profit, not friendship. These are just a few of the “dont’s” that will suggest many more to the kindly. And there aro dozens of “do’s” as well that will occur to tho sympathetic. An invitation to luncheon at a restaurant, a drivo round tho Domain after work hours, a bunch of fresh flowers or a pot plant to sweeten the office—are just a few of the things that the woman with moans and the timo could do to bring variety und brightness into the life of hor work-girl friend. Anil if sho is looking for return for her kindness, sho wifi bo moro than repaid by the pleasure it will give.