A Woman on Her Sex.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 242, 18 February 1888, Page 4 (Supplement)

A Woman on Her Sex.

•♦A woman," a novelist, "of forty years," gives her views in " Cornlrill " l< concerning men." The article contains no dogmatism, and is so much on the man's side that it might have proceeded from a male hand. It is a thoroughly sensible paper, modestly claims for women Jcertain spheres of duty, and accords to men the bulk of the world's work. The strong-minded of her sex who> would crowd into every avenue of man's work that they can conveniently walk in she drops very gently by suggesting that they should be left alone, as there are still plenty of women left who will be content to be mere daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. On the education of girls and their occupations, the writer makes some very sensible remarks :—: — '•Did girls get from childhood the same business training aa boys, and were it clearly understood in all families that it is no credit, but rather a discredit, for women to hang helpless on the men instead of doing their own work, and, if necessary, earning their own living, I believe society would not be the worse, but the better for the change. Men would find out that the more they elevate -women the greater use thqy get bufe'of. them. If, instead <6f v a man working himself to death for his unmarried daughters, and then leaving them igribminiousiy dependent upon male relations, he educated thorn to independence, made them able both to maintain and to protect themselves, it would save him and them a world of unhappiness. They would cease to be either the rivalry — a very hopeless rivalry — or the playthings first and afterwards the slaves of men ; and become, as was originally intended, their co-mates, equal and yet different, each sex supplying the other'sdeficiencies, and therefore fitted to work together, not apart, for the good of the world. What this work should be, individual capacity alone must deoide. There are bo many things which women cannot do, that I think men would be wise, as well as just, in letting them do whatever they can do. As clerks, bookkeepers, secretaries, poor law guardians, superintendents of hospitals, and similar institution*, they would, if properly trained, be quite as capable as men. The oft-repeated cry that thereby they lower the rate of wages and take the bread out of men's mouths is only that of a feeble fear. Women must either be maintained or maintain themselves ; it is no injury but a relief to men when those to whom Providence has not given tbft blessed duties of wives and mothers do maintain themselves, in any lawful and possible way. So many ways art' to them absolutely impossible. They l cannot .beinoldiers, sailor*, or enter on any profession which - entails violent physical exertion or endurance. Mentally, too. their powers are limited. Exceptional female brains there are, equal to male, but I believe the average young woman would never go through the curriculum of our public schools and colleges without serious harm, especially to that nervous organisation which is far more delicate than that. of the avorage young man,' and to the general health which is so important, not only to herself, but to.the next generation. *j3end me,'. wrote a- colonial' biflhop in want of missionary help,. « send me a cargo of capable, old maids.'' Bat 'any career which young maidens are putrid which is likely to unfit* them-' for*- their natural destiny, as mothers of the men and women to be, must be injurious to the future of the world."