THE WOMAN'S WARDROBE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2128, 15 May 1920, Page 4

THE WOMAN'S WARDROBE.

INQUIRY BY COMMISSION. The delicate fji.sk of cl;is-.if‘_\ r i tabulating, :iml standardising Iho \vjirdrobe ol:' flu* wife of flu' average working’man was recently undertaken in Sydney by Ihe Basie Wage Commission.

One ol‘ llie wilnesses was William Henry Storey, in charge of the ljulies’ outdoor garments depart - menl a I Gr:iee Brothers’. He estimated that a serge enstmne would last a woman for best wear for three winters. After that (he skirl would still lie good, but the eoat would be out of fashion, and he did not think any self-respecting woman would wear it again in the street, the skirl would do a fourth winter for house wear, and would thou he on its last legs. A cotton garbardine costume would last at least two winters, because it would be. easily washed.

To Mr Martin (counsel for employers) ; A serge skin after one side was worn could be turned inside out by the average needlewoman, and would then hist another six months. Ho would not advocate aav woman soending more than nine guineas foi :i costume. No woman need desire anything belter. If she had money to spend, of course, she was entitled to pay f-5. Veils were worn in summer as a protection against Hies and dust. Otherwise they were used only as an ornament for the enhancement of a wonmn’s beauty, and were a luxury, Kid gloves .were very extravagant, as they split easily and always deteriorated in cleaning. Two dozen handkerchiefs were required annually by a wife. Martin: Why two dozen? Witness: Because she would probably lose half of them. (Laughter). Most women preferred appearance in garments to serviceability. The majority also would rather buy ready-mades than make up their own clothes. Some hi dies bought garments at a price which was extravagant, but of course it was hardly possible, to toll them so.