RATIONAL DRESS.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 6, 12 May 1894, Page 7

RATIONAL DRESS.

(to the EDITOR.) Sir, —I read Rachel’s very interesting article on the above question — a subject, let me say, that is much more thought about with us women than some would imagine. I also read the letters of Leah and “ Common Sense,'’ on the same subject. “ Common Sense ” asks —“What are we +-o wear P All women can’t wear knickerbockers.” Well, I for one can and do. I have done so for these seven months, and appreciate it so much that I wouldn’t revert to skirts on any account; for walking, ’cycling, 3iousework, etc., it is the only rational dress. Of course I admit it wmuld not suit ■everyone —very stout women, for instance; but there are various forms of rational dress, and what I advise is —let those wdio desire to see this much-needed reform brought about form themselves into a club and discuss the matter. For those who would like to make a start, let them adopt the dress lor indoors till accustomed to the change, when I can assure them they will not want to wear skirts any more. Of course in the case of one woman adopting and wearing the dress in public, it is \ T ery trying ; but people soon get used to it, and, as is the case ■with me now, no notice is taken. The headquarters of the movement is Christchurch, where, as no doubt your readers are aAvare, there are several practical advmcates, notably Mrs D. W. M. Burn, who has, with lecture and example, done more to spread the popularity of the reform than any other person in New Zealand. She is always willing to answer any questions, forward patterns, etc, and photos, can be obtained from the same source. In conclusion, let me inform any interested —and every woman should be interested in this much-to-be-de-sired reform —that a book can be obtained on the subject from the publishers, Simpson and Williams, High street, Christchurch. The name of the book is “ Notes on Dress Reform and What it Implies. The price is 6d net. The photos (Is) can be obtained from them also. I shall be most happy to answer any questions sent to the editor on the subject. Yours, etc., Etta.