Are Women Civilised?

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXII, Issue 1990, 23 February 1906, Page 2

Are Women Civilised?

Arc women civilised? is a topic which has just lieca shaking Wellington to its roots. Christehurcli men arc not so ungallant as to be guilty of such un insinuation, but, it must bo confessed—though with regret-that even in this immaculate city the sex is by no meant as considerate us its admirers could wish. Travellers on the trams are daily confronted with instances of irritating unreasonableness on the part of many of the fair fares. The cardinal crime is to monopolise the two back seats which are specially .kept for smokers—male or female. Tho male person would tolerate this jumping of elaims if he were allowed to smoke in something akin to peace. But no; it he attempts to enjoy the fragrant pull lie at once becomes a target of such a tullisade of sarcasm, indignation, reproach, and expostulation, that he is glad to show the white flag and boat a wrathful retreat. And the women, with eif-like perversity, delight in invading the smokers' sanctum, even when the rest of the car us absolutely empty. A flagrant ease ooeurre I (he other day, when an innocont and defenceless man was put to flight by a battery of feminine tongues, whose owners swept majestically into the two back seats, and left the others in yawning emptiness. One hears a lot nowadays about "woman's rights," but it. is quite time sulloring and martyred mankind rose to its feet and reached out for a few "rights" of its own.—Exchange.