PENSIONS FOR OLD MAIDS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 14 January 1913, Page 8

PENSIONS FOR OLD MAIDS.

(By L. Boguo Lulfman

This ironical suggestion contains a valuable idea. The author, resembling the ancient prophet set out to curse (or at all events to wither with a sneer) certain women who have afforded a target for shallow wit for countless generations—and lo! he has Glossed them! For he has suggested [he enquiry, “What is to become of the old maid?” when her strength fails, when she is no longer able to play the part of the unremunerativo nurse, chaperone, domestic drudge, and general factotum which constitute tier special role in life. Vachell, in

bis book “On the Pacific Slopes,” has made the “amende honorable” to the “old maid”—-relegating the mother to i back seat, and showing the former :o be our truest friend when as nurse, governess, or school mistress she

formed early habits and instilled principles of conduct during nursery and school days. And what is the reward she earns for these priceless services? The young ones grow up, new ties are formed, new interests arise. There is room for the parents perhaps, but lie place of the old maid aunt or cousin is too indefinite; one hardly knows to what generation she belongs. Her place is too shadowy, too fragmentary o form an integral part of the family ii-cle. So she drifts farther and farther away from the young generation to whom she had. devoted the best rears of her life, and the homes that had known her know her no more. Charitable institutions in the Old Country are full of such women, and they will probably form the majority of the “Twilighters’ in'the newly’ projected Sydney home. Tlie question remains, “Should they he left the objects of promiscuous charity?” In )ther words, Should old maids be givm pensions? And if so, by whom?

By the Government, answers some glib-tongue, and heads nod approvingly, oblivious of the fact that the Government money ‘comes out of their iwn pockets; obvious, too, of the far more important fact that the sentiment of family duty and responsibility, which George Eliot declared was the most precious thing in life needs ■hcrishing and stimulating, lest the pure flame should be extinguished. A glance at other nations might help as to clear our vision. From the hour >f a girl child’s birth, a French father md mother economise, pinch, and screw to provide her with a “dot” or redding portion. Should she not marry, this sum is available to smooth :he path of single blessedness. A girl chose parents have neglected this primary duty is regarded with the deepest pity. Note that the daughter

:as(tho first claim on the parents’ savings. This is exactly the reverse ai England, where parents will expend all on giving the sou “the education of a gentleman” and preparing aim for a “career.” “What is to become of the daughter?” “Oh! She will marry,” paterfamilias answers, oblivious of the lament of an Australian poet that “There are not enough, oh, not enough of husbands to go round.” And many English girls would be happy wives and mothers to-day if only the French “dot” had been forthcoming at the psychological moment.

The Germans deal with their “surplus females” by the provision of “Stiffs.” “Fin Stiff” is a dwelling endowed by certain families where kinswomen in need of a home can live in a scale of comfort commensurate ■vith their social position. The forethought and self-sacrifice of the male heads of the family enable women who have fallen on evil days, through ill-health or misfortune, to live in honourable retirement, instead of being forced to eat the bitter bread of charity.

All this should “give furiously to think” to those who imagine that the weary milch cow, “the Government,” is to perform all our duties for us. The old maid, bless her heart, is certainly entitled to her pension, and France and Germany have shown the way.