WOMEN IN AMERICA.

Shannon News, 3 December 1929, Page 4

WOMEN IN AMERICA.

NEW ZEALAND LADY’S IMPRESSIONS. Chatting with a “Chronicle” representative, Mrs Harry P. Muller, who has just returned to New Zealand after five years in the United States, gave an interesting account of her impres'sions of that country. As already reported Mr Muller lias just been appointed general manager in New Zealand for J. 0. Williamson, Ltd. He is at present in Sydney conferring with headquarters, and returns almost immediately to take up his duties. Mrs Muller is, in the meantime, visiting her sister, Mrs C. W. Mellor, of Ohau. During her sojourn in America, Mrs Muller travelled fairly extensively while in the United States, but prefers New Zealand to either that country or Canada. From the view points of natural t scenic attractions arid open hospitality, Mrs Muller considers that the Dominion is unequalled by the two countries. Living costs were found to be very high in America, and the deferred ‘payment principle of buying extended from radios to motor cars and was in-far more common operation than was experienced elsewhere. Under that system of trading, people in all walks of life owned cars, wireless sets a lid other expensive luxuries, while it was quite a common experience to see driving to their jobs in cars.

Clothing and shoes' arc much cheaper in America than in New. Zealand, Airs Muller states, and the women are always well dressed in the- prevailing fashions. The long style of drc§s is becoming the vogue, while the shingled head is still the favoured coiffure. The most popular dress colour appeared to be wine, and the shade was featured. Generally speaking, the dress materials had not the lasting qualities found in British goods, but that fact did not cause any concern, on account of the fashions changing so frequently, and any garment was seldom, if ever, worn for two seasons, with, perhaps, the exception of fur coats, which are placed in storage during the summer months. It was quite a treat to see both the men and the .women well dressed and apparently prosperous on the good salaries paid. There was, however, a very heavy, but nevertheless, skilful use of "make-up" by the women, and it was quite refreshing on returning to New Zealand to see fresh complexioned women whose colouring was that of health. Mrs Muller does not favour tlie American methods of education and considers that those in New Zealand are immensely . superior. Vocational training was given greater consideration in America than in New Zealand, but fh.e general education of the youth was given more consideration here, Airs Aluller was in residence in San Francisco for a considerable period and met many New Zealanders there. "Every talk I had on New Zealand made me homesick," she stated. Despite her fairly lengthy stay in the country, Airs Aluller has not acquired any of the American accent and takes pride in that fact. She states tlmt she was never more delighted than when she knew that she would be returning to New Zealand and is looking forward to again renewing her old friendships.