SOCIAL PROGRESS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 33, 8 August 1933, Page 11

SOCIAL PROGRESS

AMERICAN PROBLEMS

MUSICAL AFTERNOON

An interested audience, filled -the Lyceum Club reception room yesterday afternoon when the annual meeting of the Women *s Social Progress Movement was held. Shower vases of yellow spring bulbs and flat bowls of anemone.s made lovely decorations. Miss Mary McLean presided. After the adoption of the annual report (published in these columns on Saturday) and of the balance-sheet, which showed a satisfactory financial position, a delightful musical programme was enjoyed, and an interesting address was given by Mrs. Lan Fraser (formerly Miss Alexa Stewart, who returned recently from New York, where she spent some months). Songs were charmingly sung by Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, and violin solos were contributed by Mrs. Eobertson, Mrs. Dallard playing tho accompaniments. Amusing Tecitations given by Miss, Joyce Denuiston were also greatly appreciated. "EVILS TO BE AVERTED." In commencing her address, Mls. Frasor said that in speaking to members of a social progress movement, sliG though it necessary to speak, not only of the good things, but also of those which would havo to be averted if they wished to keep their country clean. She spoke of the point of view of one who knew America only by living in New York—"and Americans tell you that New York is not America"—she added. Referring .to the trades followed by women, and the clothing trade in particular. Mrs. Fraser quoted figures to illustrate the long hours of work and the low wages paid to women factory workers. In Massachusetts wages as low as 2}d an hour, and in other places -}d an hour, had been-'paid. Tho evasion of factory laws and inspectors by the employment and subsequent dismissal of "learners" was also instanced. Legislation, however, was at last being brought to bear on the appalling conditions, and improvements wore being made. Housing conditions in Amcricai were a long way ahead of those in England, and housekeeping was reduced to a fine art. Kitchens were very small but compact, a tiny apartment kitchen containing an electric refrigerator, sink, a gas stove with two ovens, a broom cupboard, and four china cupboards. "In New York," said Mrs. Fraser, "space is very restricted. Everyone lives in an" apartment—Mrs; Carnegie is abont the only person to own a house as we know it." As everyone goes out for entertainment and most .young married people for their meals, it'is not to be wondered that there is little or no home life. DEPENDENT UPON CHARITY. The cost of living was extremely high, and salaries high in proportion. Because of this, the depression had eoine worse to America than to any other part of the world. New Zealandcrs had no' idea what the depression was like on the other side of the world. _ In America there was no unemployment insurance and no'dole. The unemployed had to depend entirely on charity, andit was the man with most influence who was given help. The people found it terribly hard because they were soft through too much luxury. The number of homeless people and beggars was astounding. Regarding the effects of Prohibition, Mrs. Fraser said that in her opinion America was the last country in which Prohibition could have been expected to bo a success, as there had been no assistance whatever given by tho police force. As an example of tho general laxneas, she s;ud that recently a police investigation into < the number of "speak-easies" in New York city had revealed that there were 40,000 of these, and this, it had been admitted, was an under-estimate. She thought that Prohibition in New Zealand, where condi,tions were so different, would be a success. STANDAOiDS OF MORALITY. Kefevence was mado to drinking ou board ship, and this was suggested us a question for tho social progre&s movement to consider. Standards of morality, said Mrs. Fraser, were extremely low in America, tho sex theme 'oeing dominated in all pictures, books, and places of amusement. This, of, all problems, was the most serious, she contended, and would take years of uplift to overcome. "There is, however," concluded Mrs. Frasor, "no more charming person than the cultured American, of whom ,onu findd a large proportion—peuple who are anxious for their country mid who are doing all they can for it. You would be surprised to know how highly Now Zealanders ,are held by the rest of the world. The high standard of "social laws in New. Zealand is instilled into Americans during their school days. One factor which impresses them tremendously is the way in which the white people and the Maoris work together in this country." ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Miss Mary McLean, C.8.E.; vieo-presidents, Mesdamcs T. B. Strong, E.A. Wright, Sprott, B. Pearson, H. D. Bennett, Dallard, J. Hislop; executive secretary, Mrs. G. L. Stewart; recording secretary, Mrs. Steptoe; general secretary, Miss Chappell; treasurer, Mrs. J. Bennie; committee, Mesdames Murray, J. C. Anderson, Purdio, Inglis, Guthric, Bicknell, and Ironside. .