SHOULD SHE ASK?

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 June 1922, Page 7

SHOULD SHE ASK?

A question which came before a debating society recently was tne “evergreen” one regarding the desirability or otherwise of women marriage proposals to men. Brig ' and clever speeches were made, wit good arguments on both sides. -tne very crucial point, however, did not seem to be directly touched upon, that being the economic one. lhe person who “proposes” should undoubtedly be in a position to make a home possible, no matter how simple a one. It would, or should, be idle nonsense for a man to ask a girl to marry him

when he had no reasonable prospects of making a home for himself and her within a certain time. If a girl proposes to a man, she takes upon her self that responsibility. There seems to be an idea, firmly rooted, that to be able to propose is a marvellous privilege. As a matter of fact, it is a responsibility of the most serious nature, involving tlie whole life' happiness of two people at least, with many other weighty as well. The privilege of choice lies with both people, and in these days ot frank camaradie between the sexes, few are at a disadvantage. There is no doubt that the miseries of the pre and early Victorian girl were very real and great, owing mainly to the ghastly idea extant that she was a failure deserving of severe treatment if she were not chosen in marriage. One of the tragedies of the world is the wasted motherhood for there are millions of women who would be the best ot wives and mothers and happy beyond description in real homes, and who, of necessity, will opportunity. That men do not always choose the best is another big question, involving quite another set of arguments.