AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL HEROINE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 57, 30 November 1907, Page 11

AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL HEROINE.

"An ox-Australian Woman" writes from "the back-blocks," Hawkes Bay, as follows: "In your issue of November 16 I ivas very much pleased to read an articlo from the: Melbourne 'Age,' headed 'Australia's National Heroine,' and while endorsing every word, I would like to offer a few words of tribute to 0110 of the noblest arid most selfsacrificing women of our generation,, Mrs. Caroline Chisholm.' "I was in Australia in the early days when the, emigration' scheme was at its height,; and our heroine's name and' philanthropic' schemes wore household words. • Hundreds of young women loft their native country for the colonies in search of employment. VTIIO. only stipulation made by the Emigration Board was that'they should be landed in good health. This being done, their re-* ; sponsibilitv ended.' No provision whatever was made for tho arrival of the young women in Australia. I quote the writer's own words in the articlo referred to. 'In' consequence of this abominable misrule, 600 respoctablo girls wore walking about the streets of Sydney unemployed, destitute, starving; some of them slept in caves and rotired nooks for want ,of hotter shelter. Society was in a state of chaos, and no one troubled what became of theso/poor girls.' "It was at this psychological moment that our horoino rose to the occasion, afld by her wisdom and courage and a clear grasp'of tho state of affairs and their need of a speedy' remedy, she set to ■ work almost single-handed to emancipate her fellowwomen from tho ignominious position they had boon placed in through the short-sighted policy of others. Mrs. Chisholm appealed to the colonists through the press, at first without success, but by perseverance and courage born of desperation, and a heart full of love and sympathy for her unhappy sex, she managed .to turn'.the tide of public opinion and rouse from their apathy the colonists upon whom, she had : to depend for assistance and co-operation. ' "Before very long her offorts .were crowned with success, and. many pleasant and comfortable homes for the . protection of emigrants graced tho land of thoir adoption. Ihis is only ono of ■ the many philanthropic objects achieved by our horoino, but I must not trespass any longer 011 your valuable space, nor could my unskilled pen do, justice to this noble and self-sacrificirig woman, who (according to tho writer in tho 'Age') is forgotten by tho country for whom she did so much. While we worshipped at tho shrine of Joan of Arc and Grace Darling, wo would not forget that, although our heroine did not load an army to tho battle-field, she was the means of leading groat armies of the helpless and oppressed into life and happiness, and although she may not have worn the Red Cross garb of nurse, she consoled those in hor care who were distressed and helped to heal the wounded hearts of those who had suffered so much. Your correspondent suggests a splendid way in which reparation might be mado for the slight which he considors has been thrown 011 this noble and good woman. He says that not one child in ton has ever heard her liamo. I heartily agree with him that her name should be enrolled among the noble army of heroines and handed down to posterity in our children's school books as Australia's National Heroine,"

always make a pretty background to the white-frocks which arc the school uniform on this-day, and to add colour to.the scene a' long string of large and brilliantly coloured Hags..had been stretched across tho grounds from the froiit of the building. As the prizelistiwill show, there was a variety of arduous and amusing- events, which were watched with great interest by tho visitors, most of :.all; perhaps by a number of small children of the. neighbourhood, who probably went away with . the impression that life within those .high walls is generally 011 festive lines. The most amusing race was run by pet animals dressed in various' odd styles. All the competitors were dogs, for though a tabby cat, gaily be-ribboned, was entered for the-race, she refused to take part. Afternoon tea was served within tho building to 11 crowd which was so large that it could only be admitted by instalments, and just as tno last lot came in rain fell, so that everyone had to tako shelter in the school. It was there that Mrs. Hislop distributed the 1 prizes for ■ the Sports and also for tho swimming races,- which were held during the first term. Miss Morrah, the acting-principal, wore a blue linen pinaforo costume-with whito lace blouse, .and dark green hat. Miss Eclesfield : was in black; Miss Newman, in green and white voiie; Miss Gellatly, in white; and Miss Batham, in grey striped frock trimmed with blue. Among the visitors were Lady Stout, who wore , a white pique costume and heliotrope hat; Lady Ward, in cream vojle with picture hat.; Miss Eileen Ward, in white silk ; .Miss England, in cream; and Miss Richmond, in black. • The following is tho list of'prizewinners: — vSenior race, 150 yards—A. Palliser,' 1; E. Thompson, 2. Junior race, 150 yards—E. Gibbs, 1; A. Dixon, 2. , Relay . race—N. Chappie, K.. King, and A. Palliser, 1; J. Stout, M. Lyon, and K. Doughty, 2. Under twelve, runmpg—J. Chappie, 1; E. Geddis, 2. Sonior handicap, 150 yards—K. King, 1; E. Holmes, 2. Combined bicycle race —E. Chappie and J. Kendall. Threading needlo —G., Isaac, 1; Q. Johnston, 2. Threelegged race (senior) — A. Palliser and E. Boecker, 1; K. Doughty and E. Holmes, 2. Book 011 head—A. Palliser, 1; R. Johnston, 2. Bicvcle obstacle —K. Lawry, 1; M. Wilson, 2. * Three-legged raco (junior)—M. Lyon arid N. Chappie, 1; J. Stout and M. Kingdon, '2. Bicyclo tortoise—M. Wilson, 1; M. Kingdon, 2. Egg and spoon race—A. Palliser, 1; G. Isaac, 2. Hopping race—A. Palliser, 1; R. Nichols, 2. Walking on tins— R. Johnston, 1; D. Robinson, 2. Bicycle ogg and spoon raco — M. Wilson, 1; K. Lawry, 2. Visitors (girls under 10) —B. Rand, 1; A. Stubbs, 2. Blindfold walking— I Chappie, 1; M. Wilson, 2. Sack race--G. Batkin, 1; R. Johnston, 2. Hopping . (under 12)— A. Shclton, 1; J. Chappie, 2. Potato raco —S. Batkin, 1; E. Boecker, 2. Pet animal raco—E. Gibbs, 1; L. Munro, 2. Old Girls' ogg and spoon race—M. Duncan,. 1; E,. Johnston, 2. Skipping race—A. Palliser, 1; E. Haughton, 2. Combined running race —K. King and S. Batkin, 1; E. Boecker and A. Palliser, 2. Bicycle side saddle —M. Wilson, 1; E..Hobday, 2,. Old Girls' com--bined raco—E. Nichof and B. Still, 1 j D.