MISS VIOLET MACMILLAN

Evening Star, Issue 21240, 22 October 1932, Page 21

MISS VIOLET MACMILLAN

At 2 p.m. ou Wednesday Miss V. A. M. Macmillan, B.HSc., of Otago University, who has just returned from a world tour, gave an interesting talk to the students and staff of the Home Science Department. In a resume of the training in domestic science in the countries of Scandinavia and Finland, Miss Macmillan stated that there were two courses open to students. The course for graduation as instructress and that for graduation as konsulont. The former included a five-nine months’ practical training course in housework, account keeping, weaving, cooking, dairying, and gardening, and at the end of such course the graduate may hold position as konsulent’s assistant. The course for konsulont involved an extra three year’ training in addition to this preliminary year. One year of practical domestic service, followed by two years of specialised training in the training school. The graduate of such a course may become a teacher of domestic science in the training school or may become an extension worker. The women of these countries so recognise the value of such trained konsulents that they, through their Women's Organization, pay the salary of these trained women, to enable them to do extension work throughout tire country, giving practical help and advice wherever it is needed. Because the women themselves, skilled housewives though they are, recognise and really appreciate their need for her, the konsulent is a person of importance in each community.

Miss Macmillan hero pointed out to the students the value of practical and scientific knowledge, and the use to which it could be put. It is the responsibility of each home science graduate to pass on this knowledge, gathered during their years of training and to give not only instruction but to win public confidence by setting an example to illustrate the value of such training. In Scandinavian countries, all studies scientific as well as practical are directed towards the betterment of the conditions of the home. For example, a professor of physics invented a stove, calculated while 'burning the minimum of fuel to conserve every calorie of beat. But although the homo is regarded as all important, and the efficiency of the housewives is outstanding throughout the world, yet the interests and activities of Scandinavian and Finnish women is not confined within the home alone. In Finland, for example, all positions are open to women, in equality with men, with the exception of that of president of the State and that of clergyman. Returning to the possibilities open to students of home science in New Zealand, Miss Macmillan stressed the fact that the positions gained, largely depended upon the keenness and initiative of tho students themselves.. She instanced as examples, four Australian girls with whom she had spent some time in Australia during her return trip. One edited, unassisted l , a weekly periodical for women. Another was advisor to the management of one of the largest departmental stores of the city. A third was artistic advisor and advertiser in another such store, while the forth educated and instructed people in the art of salesmanship and the principles of dress. At thp conclusion of her talk Miss Macmillan exhibited a collection of examples of interesting and beautiful handwork.