The Scheme of Things

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 19

The Scheme of Things

By M.H.C.

Scripturally it has been stated that "The poor ye will have always with ~ou," and a later reading of this sayIw 3 m, -mat it is not so much meant in Oneway of an assertion as a reproach. The contest appears to show that tho hard-heartedness of the world leads up to' a condition of poverty on tho one hand and "shiftlessness" of people on the other. Thereforo "tho poor" are to be there always, unless, as has happened in some directions, the world has reformed itself and insisted on better conditions —often in the face of immense difficulties. Another typo of the people who are "always with you" in modern times is the grouser, the one with a grievance, and a favourite subject of his grief is that womenkind have drifted away from housework and taken up other avocations. Not only that, but they enjoy the other work, and do it well. It is all most anouying, an'd:some of the writers are ready to get.to work up a "sex crusade," with the women in the position of the Saracens and the men in that of tho Christian armyl It is laughablo in a way, and yet sad, for there is "always room at the top," and let any person fit himself thoroughly well for the struggle of life and keep himself free from too much weight to carry, and he will find a place and a value. So many drift in the early part of their lives and-do mot concentrate in any one direction, and get badly left later on, finding out then that the'easy places and comfortable, positions' are already filled. Now women fill some of these places—a very few indeed —but'they are grudged terribly, even the positions of the little typists and other fairly inexpensive people who have no chance of rising, to better conditions.

A very favourite 'argument is to state that; the World is deteriorating under the changed condition's of things.' But is it? Read past history, compare the laws-of to-day and a century ago, take the conditions of life and the standard of living and compare them, take the, many alleviations for those who have chosen the thorny path of domesticity on small means, and think how inucfc better off people are to-day. Unemployment originates from very widespread causes, some of tho'most important being absolutely impossible to trace to women or their work by any wellbalanced; reasonable person. The conditions of the silver market, the cotton market, and others at the other parts of the world; the readjustments which changes of Government mean, the attendant expenses, and the uncertainty which prevai)s in some parts of the business world; the ever-changing demand for goods, and the new outlets for expenditure—all these things count in the economy of the world, sometimes bringing added prosperity, and at others a general fall and hard conditions for the people. Thero are surely few men who would caro to take a typist's position with no more chance of promotion,than the girls have, while as for shop assistants and factory workers, these places aro better filled by women. It is more agreeablo to women to buy their stockings and underwear, their frocks and etceteras, from other women than from men, although "drapery men" occupy a large place in the labour market. It would be a good thing if . the people who regret that women have any votes, any say in the conduct of the world, or any. liberty of

choice in,their occupations would take themselves'to task and ask seriously if they would like such conditions of lifo for themselves? If this is answered truthfully, there are few indeed who would chooso to belong to those who were barred- out of choice and liberty. A great and well-known Indian writer remarked: "Liberty is sometimes, even often, abused; but never deprive people of this .choice blessing—teach them to use it properly." There is great wisdom iiv this saying.

Some very, interesting statements aru made about the Chair of Obstetrics at Dunedin University in 3.11 exchange. It is Btated that the maternal uioi'* tality is not -so much higher in New.Zealand.than that of other countries, notably Denmark and Holland, which are so often quoted against the figures, in'this country; that out of 31 deaths here two were due to other causes than maternity, and would have occurred, at the time in any case; and that some deaths occur on account of the mothers living in the backblocks and- leaving things till too late to' receive medical attention. A question has arisen apparently about the appointment of a Dutch.or Danish-trained man to the New Zealand position, but it is suggested that New Zealand would be strongly opposed to such an appointment. The terms of appointment provide that the successful applicant will havo the-benefit of six months' travel before beginning work. • It is suggested that if-; a .-highly-qualified Englishman were appointed: he could visit the countries' where- tho'death-rate is low and study their! methods of teaching and practice,. which; would, make him perfectly fit for the position. Dr. -Richard Allan,.a. Professor ro£ Obstetrics in Melbourne, who has had the advantage: of travel, states that the medical student of Sweden'lives in "an obstetrical atmosphere."1 On' an average each student has to personally attend at least forty '■ maternity patients, and 'examine CO gj'naocological patients. In Holland obstetrics is allotted a longer period, equal to that: of surgery. . The doctor is of opinion, after study of conditions and conversation with a number of doctors in Holland, that there is some doubt-as.'to the correctness of their statistics.

A recent- letter which appeared in a southern paper deprecated the fact that the appointee would be a full-timo man, and that his services would not be available to the. public. Dr. Eiley (Dunedin) states that he understands that the ■professor will be in a position to be consulted, by doctors, through which medium his services will be made use of.by the general public. All fees thus gained-will bo collected by the University. The ■• work done and promoted by the appointee will not work a change within a short period, said the same authority; it will take years of careful and-intensive study before the desired benefits will be found. The whole question of benefits is-an interesting one. Those who collected the money, for the endowment of the chair will be glad to'learn that the new professor will not: be required to do private practice, as the commission appointed, to make arrangements in the matter considers that ho will bo removed from financial difficulty by the. salary of £2000 a year, and ho will be required-to give, his whole time to his University work.