LIBERTY OF FRENCH WOMEN.

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 45, 16 November 1929, Page 23

LIBERTY OF FRENCH WOMEN.

Despite the annual demand for a recognition of the polical rights of the Irenchwomen, made under such distinguished agitators as tlio Duchess de Gramont, their sex is still subjected to certain social discriminations in public, such as being forbidden by cafe proprietors to patronise the marble-top tables of the sidewalk unless accompanied by male escort, states and English writer. This summer the question has come forward for discussion in the Paris Press, which supports the claims of women to be treated like male customers. It is pointed out that times have changed, that whereas women who sngly patronised cafes before the war were. regarded with suspicion, now that their economic status has improved and many have become bread winners for the family, the ban should be lifted. ine battle, meanwhile, has already been tougnt and won by the American and Britisn women visitors who, for long, have patronised cafes singly and have never peen refused service. Among those who have taken up tthe cudgels on behalf of 1' rench women is the well-known social arbitei, Andre de Fouquieres. It is be who, as the Beau Brummel of Paris, determines the style of male dress, who settles the thornv questions of diplomatic precedence and custom when the President gives a reception or a dinner, or takes part in some public function. «' * * NURSES’ MEMORIAL FUNDBENEFIT UNDER WILL OF LATE MRS. FRANCE. Under the will of the late Harriett Elizabeth France, of Wellington, who died on October 19, the New Zealand Nurses’ Memorial Fund, Dunedin, will benefit to the extent of approximately £3OO. The Public Trustee is executor ot the will. * * * NAVY LEAGUE RECEPTION. The AVellington Navy League will hold a reception at Kirkealdie’s Jacobean Room next Thursday, November 21, at 0.4 a p iu., in honour of Commodore G. Blase, C.B. D. 5.0., R.N., recently appointed to the command of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy All members of the league are invited to attend and call for their tickets at the Navy League Office before Wednesday, November 20.