THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 5, 7 January 1928, Page 10

THE SCHEME OF THINGS

(By "M.H.C.")

As the Old Year passes into the shades of distance and the young New year comes forward, a lusty infant with plenty to learn, it behoves the ■women of each country to see what the Old Year has had to teach —specially in regard to themselves and their affairs. This.instruction is, of course, fclosely intermingled with that of the other sex, and women should never fall into the mistake, which has proved so disastrous in the past, of considering themselves as separate from humanity generally. But where they can specialise is in forwarding measures of reform, and these are most needed in the world of womenkind unfortunately. It is not possible to find any legislation in the past year which is likely to benefit women (as women) in New Zealand. Many wonren are extremely doubtful about the amendments to the Social Hygiene Act; the long-looked-for women police have not appeared yet, nor has any provision been made for their appointment. One censor has been appointed for pictures, a man, whoso work will bo of much interest as it progresses, but the hoped-for women's opinion has not been asked. In other directions which concern tie women alone good progress has been made, notably in that of the women's branch of the Farmers' Union, a real live collection of workers, who are- out to benefit the families in the backblocks, and are doing it already in a number o£ sensible, practical directions. The Women's National Beserve spreads out its warm and friendly influence far and near, and Wellington's own particular good works, the Eesidential and Day Nurseries, under different women's committees, continue to do splendid work. Child welfare is coming under notice of women generally, and the reports which have recently been issued from headquarters have been read and considered with' interest. The great thing to avoid, it would seem, is to have too much theory and idealism without practice. Difficulties naturally arise from lack of means to carry out what is plainly the best for the young ones, and there 13 always the Hill of Difficulty to climb before reaching the ideaL But if there be courage and determination and a true sense if right, wonders can be accomplished. A wider vision is needed in dealing with the young wards of State than in other directions, for with them it is human souls that are in question of making or marring. Great things are contemplated, and all will wish these plans the best and happiest fruition. It is rather odd, but true, that during 1927 the greatest advances for women have been made by Turkey, for Mustapha Tlemal seems to come forward as a feminist. He has insisted on reform in dress, which included the European styles as against the Eastern, and has appointed a woman to the important post of bead of tho Bureau of Hygiene. Persia has appointed a woman, Zorah Khanoum Heidery, as a member of its new Ministry. Also two women councillors have appeared in Bucharest, so it looks as if the Eastern World is well in the van of progress, while New Zealand, one of the first and foremost formerly in matters relating to legislation for women, is taking a prolonged rest. The Presbyterian Church has had a number of most interesting discussions concerning the future position of women in their churches, and has shown appreciation and advanced thought, while still many others which have -not even thought of opening the doors to the practical help of women, except in the way of gathering in funds, or teaching youne; children in a very mortified ana '•'under direction" manner. There is a tremendous force of thought among women in the direction of peace for the world, and while the manner of going about securing that beautiful and longed-for blessing is a matter of disrussion and non-agreement, the mniti fact remains that the prayers and thoughts of 111111x0118 of women are for peace; and for those who believe _ in prayer and combined thought, that is a hopeful and beautiful outcome of the past year. There is little doubt that by concentration, hope, prayer, and belief great things can be accomplished, and during the progess of 1928 it is to be hoped that the force of goodwill will prevail, that the path of peace and progress will be marked happily throughout tho world with the happiest results to humanity. At the other end of the world women are steadily moving onward to better positions, and there are some to voice' the necessities and ideas of their sex in directions where they may bo of use. Another woman has entered the British Parliament, and, so far as can .be •judged by her pubic utterances, she is a notable woman of sense and judgment who will make a useful addition to the little band already in the House of Commons. There is also much satisfaction to be had over the election of Miss Margaret Heaven as Lord Mayor of Liverpool, she being the first woman to hold that position, and also the first to be elected as Mayor of any largo and important city in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand it is pleasant to find Mrs. M'Combs holding a scat on tho Tramway Board in Christchurch, for the trams play a most" important part in the lives of women and children, and it is well that there should be a "specialist " to make known what is right and necessary for them, as they are tho largest users of tho service. "No other position of note has been attained by any woman in this country, nor has any appointment of special interest been made, except perhaps in that of another woman Justice, one for a country district. Great things are looming in India. The book, "Mother India," by Kathleen Mayo, has occasioned much excitement, ¥or and against, and is being discussed at a number of special gatherings both in England and India. An opinion has been given that if Miss Mayo errs it is in company with Pandita Eamabai, whose name is a household word in India for justice and mercy. However, the writer has the courage of her opinions, and the book will no doubt have the effect of bringing light on a difficult situation. Little has been heard of South Africa since the Cape Parliament decided against giving tho franchise to women, and America, like New Zealand, appears to- be taking a rest, for nothing special has been heard of her women during the past year. The only thing to suggest to women is to put forward constructive, wholesome thought, speech, and effort (luring tins year. It is one of importance in tins country, for a Parliamentary election is due. It is to" bo hoped tlmt all women will realise their responsibilities in this connection, and will use common-sense and unselfish interest in the cause of their own sex nnd humanity generally.