WHAT LONDON WOMEN DO

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4565, 18 May 1923, Page 3

WHAT LONDON WOMEN DO

“OhCthe fun men have!” was the exclamation of Lady Tree in one of Barrie’s when told there are men who- earn their livelihood by scraping boilers. But meh don’t have all the fun. Boiler work is now one of women’s amusements, too! It is curious to reflect on the extraordinary variety of occupations, into which women have forced their way. We'hear a lot about them as doctors, barristers, solicitors, and even preachers, but who realises that in London there are six women chimney-sweeps, twenty-four undertakers, seven riveters; « four wireless- 5 operators, .and thirty-six iron-moulders'? Then take shipping, of which women are supposed to be hopelessly ig- ' norant, knowing neither fore nor’ aft, port .nor starboard I In London there are, four women ship-owners; one bpat-i buOder, thirty-two barge or boat women, one harbour official, one marine superintendent, three dock forewomen, and thirty-five., dock labourers. , Going into the city .isl a movement in which women are clearly forcing the pace. London, for instance, has 16 women as company .directors, 351 company' secretaries and .registrars, .241 managers-of commercial office departments, 11' or bank, officials, and 2 stockbrokers. There are over 500' women .commercial travellers and 58 auctioneers. Oddly enough, cooking and baking are trades left mainly to men. There are/ 373 women shoemakers, 22 signwriters, and 3 piano-timers. ~ The building trade is slowly but surely absorbing women; No fewer than 39 are employers of managers of building concerns, four are forewomen or gangers, two are clerks works, and five" working builders. Then there; are 37 .women carpenters, 5 plasterers, 484 painters and decorators. But none are dently women have not yet overcome their terror of burst pipes. Women barbers and hairdressers in London number 1424, clock and watch makers 448, and there are even a round dozen of women bookmakers.