The Scheme of Things

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 15

The Scheme of Things

By M.H.C.

. Jhe continual stories of unrest that come day by day from all parts of the world, the political, social, and labour troubles, which occur here, there, aiid everywhere, must cause those who think at all to think very seriously. Women, .who have no part or lot in councils of state, cannot but feel that there is surely either plain muddlement or lack of judgment in the planning of the.affairs of the great world. It is hard to imagine a more seething state 6i things than at present, for, wherever the _ reader turns—not only in the dailies, but in the magazine world—it is difficult to find much cheerful reading. Women pray for; peace, and organise to present petitions; they can be said to "seek peace and ensue it" in every possible way individually, but their influence (that boasted and recommended quiet back-door influence) does not seem to weigh, a jot in the conduct of "affairs. Most women nowadays, after-.the" painful experience of the late, war, must surely teach and talk peace, to. the young, but their day of influence-is not* yet, and most of them cannot but wonder whither the masculine _ complete reign of authority is leading. Women are, as a sex, out for OtaeXly;;;pJ;6gi'ess -of life, for. living; and l^ttjng'^otijer people, live, and' it .seems ve'ry-'iard that they, who are so desperately affected by war, should have to just look on while affairs drift in ■ the wjong direction throughout the world generally. 'It is pathetic to -note, in the reportsvof all women's -organisations, the resolutions without,, number dealing with the necessity ..for peace in! the world, doubtleW^formulated with an/inward shrinking at the very possibility of .the .hoirors and miseries of war being thrust on them, without, their cjap^ent, and desperately against their itisjies.and convictions. It is interesting <to:rw£tch. ..the progress of world uff»ifs,;/as;.-, at. .present, conducted,'by t^'qsi^vvjio Jhav£ firs. MiancL v .knowledge oEtfie^reaV consequerieea of war .should ifrli^;i^i^tte'i;.tp..oc6ur..agairi.;'.. |

■Jsi!'HV ( 'pleasant-_ -to" ,?&d.; grbjHng yra. j..in which; the' ■.special, gifts ofoiroiiiejv axf !;Keing;empioj-ed ia^pthfer p%|fe off3ih_|f%&rld; >, It i|*.stated^.jn::|n English ■ |ja|^ .':stta£ in ';iar|e municipalities trained women .'axe employed both as rent collectors and as inspectors pf;those,..-great'- blocks of buildings which/ nowadays, house so njany v.-tens^of- Htlio.usands.. of These-,irnm,ense . Jblbcks ,',6f % workmen's flats which are replacing slums need very'; cSrefuV; Ksupertisibn: 'They •' are •svell^pianned. and,buiitj but the careless and dirty people, who'have had in their former residences no ; incentive ...to be clean arid oftentimes no proper conveniences" or even privacy, must have pleasant, diplomatic people to 'supervise, and to.inspire them with some better ideas of- health . and hygiene. The-employment of women inspectors seems to be' largely on the?increase, 'and it may be said that, as a rale,! women are morepbservaiiirof :the details which are iftipottsiat |in-tlie conduct of la flat. Dust-, thgi Careless disposal of; rubbish, the prevention of a proper/ supply of air by the.'M^ping up of windows^ and other rather..extraordinary,'proceedings are noted by women inspectors. It has bjen forad^Jthat.the "women can, in a friena'jy *wTayj^appeal to tKe~^Keep'e^~bf flafej ttheir'kno-wledfe' of : I*?lm'ale; psychology-e^omes in usefully, as wjll as their expert, knowledge of sanitation;. This worK is true social servide, ~and; because" it "must needs be ;paid w;ojk^

should not be any argument against woman having a share in work that suits them eminently. It is to be- hoped that more women will train in this sphere, and that their appointment will spread to'the farther off and more conservative places in the British Domin-

When tlio British Parliament met after, the Christmas holidays there were fifteen women members present,, of whom thirteen were supporters of the present Government. An instructive summary of these is, given in the "Sunday Dispatch." Lady Astor naturally, it is stated, is the principal figure. Her five main points of political creed include "national co-opera-tion of all classes and the abolition of class hatred as it clogs social reform and affects education, housing,: conditions of employment, treatment of crime, lunacy, and imprisonment." Welfare of children she regards as a leading issue, also temperance. ■ Lady Astor urges that-women, if allowed, can make a great contribution to all public and international affairs. The Duchess of Athol, another member, is a musician, composer, historian, author, and traveller, as well as being a politician. Miss Thelma Cazalet and her brother share with the Lloyd Georges, Megan and Major Gylliam, the honour of being the- brother and sister members of the House. Miss Cazalet is a great believer in the combination of the English-speaking peoples of the world for peace. ,Her amusement is tennis, and she is a leading player. Mrs.-Ida Copelandds a good, linguist, and during the war made use'Njf. her knowledge when a V.A.D. to good effect. She represents Stoke, and has made a special study of the potteries and their employees. Miss Marjorie Graves is a strong Conservative, and is vice-chair-man of the National Union of Conservation and Unionist Associations. Miss Florence Horsburgh is the first Conservative member for Dundee for 100 years. Lady Iveagh is • considered the best of the women speakers in ' the House, and stands for clean milk anid good conditions for country workers. Miss Mary Pielcford, who died -last week, was an able member, and managed to combine her duties with being very smart. Mrs. Norah Eunge has done fine service among ex-service sailors and soldiers. .Mrs. Helen Shaw has a charm of manner, and is very quiet but a strong member through it all—and one who "gets there" many a time. Mrs. Mavis Tate makes a specialty of improvement in homes of the people. Mrs. Adelaide Ward is an eloquent and attractive member, nicknamed the "Farmer's Wife,'*so keen is her interest in country people and their affairs. Miss Irene Ward, C.8.E., is said to be an expert on coal miking, and knows the details of the life undergrqtmd and the conditions under which the coal miners live from beginning to end. ... . . .■■■■

It is stated that the women M.P.s are in great demand as speakers at by» elections and at political and other public meetings'all over the country. They give a certain amount of their time to these, but manage, not to neglect: their own 'constitueiicies in favour of spectacular1 work, and. cannot bosaid to be " lime-lighters.',' The "Sunday Dispatch" writer Considers that each, of these women well justifies her inclusion in the House of Commons.