Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1944. “HONOUR THY MOTHER—’’

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 May 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1944. “HONOUR THY MOTHER—’’

OESPITE the strained emotionalism and the increasing commercial touch accompanying the observance of Mothers’ Day, it is well that the debt owed by the nation to its mothers should be occasionally stressed. Given to displays of sentimentality, the United States makes much of Mothers’ Day. and although in British lands the festival is not so widely celebrated it is becoming an annual feature, with nobody being the worse, and not a few all the better. Maternity is probably the greatest mission given to humans and those undertaking it cannot be too highly honoured. Mothers may not believe all the nice things said about them, but for the most part, what they may regard as compliments are really due tributes. A community that docs not place mothers high in its honours list is heading for decay and destruction, and as a reminder of this, .Mothers’ Day is worth celebrating. Owing to the war’s tragedies and the falling birthrate', nations are. to-day, valuing mothers and children more, and it is probable that their stock will rise higher. Doubts are sometimes expressed whether the modern girl will make as good a mother as her own ami those of Hie old days before, but there seems no real cause for anxiety. The “bright young things” of yesterday have proved to be excellent mothers, to-day. and the girls now criticised for their different outlooks and ■ways, will probably be equal in efficiency and maternal affection and attention when the need arises. Details may change lull principles remain, and women’s variety of charm is no less from one generation to another. Those mothers whose families are now adult and. perhaps, scattered are equally to be honoured as those whose maternal mission has not more than begun, and lheir children should never cease to be grateful. The mothers of to-day, are more fortunate in many ways than their predecessors. Science and research have helped to alleviate the pains of motherhood, and there is much ante-natal care and advice available from the Phinket Society and hospital institutions. Labour-saving devices ami modem facilities have lessened the hardships and drudgery of housework. Ivuiniing a home, however, is still mostly a full-lime job, and there is scope for further improvements in house construction and equipment, especially in the (•mini ry districts. The difficulty of getting domestie help in rural communities is a problem that the State will have to tackle. Indeed, the question of help to harassed mothers, in town or country, should no longer be evaded. The State is doing increasingly’ more for women and children, but mothers should realise that a danegrous path is being opened. ’The more the State becomes the provider, the chil- | dren ■will more look to the State than to their parents, and a further blow- will be dealt to happy home lite, one of flu* nation’s greatest assets. Generally, the outlook for mothers is brighter. The Momen’s Institutes and other organisations help mothers to enjoy amenities beyond those coming from hearth and home, and this wider outlook, on affairs and greater interest in public questions is beneficial not only to the mothers, but to the ■whole nation. Most of the devotion and industry displayed by mothers is taken, as a matter of course by their children. Mothers Day reminds all of the value 01. such service