“BILL OF RIGHTS”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22572, 27 February 1948, Page 7

“BILL OF RIGHTS”

HOSTILE HOUSEWIVES VICTORIAN MOVEMENT Housewives in Victoria are on the warpath, according to Mrs. R. Leaworthy, known professionally as Miss Rose Josephson, a Melbourne journalist, who arrived at Wellington by the Wahine on a holiday trip to Rotorua. The price of bread, particularly a recent increase to 7d a loaf, is the major cause of hostilities. Consumers’ resentment had caused the Government to set up a bread inquiry, said Mrs. Leaworthy, and a member of the Housewives’ Association had been appointed to the board. Furthermore, a “Bill of Rights” for housewives lias just been presented to the Government, Mrs. Leaworthy added- Generally, it called for bettor conditions for women purchasing foodstuffs. Specifically, it sought the appointment of a woman in the role of “National Housekeeper.” with the status of a Government official and with a staff to assist her. t The duties would be those of a liaison officer, keeping in touch with the Price Commissioner and the public, and protecting women’s interests against rising prices. Mrs. Leaworthy recalled that she was in New Zealand a couple of years ago and addressed women's meetings prior to the formation of a housewives’ association here. She added that she was branch organiser of the Victorian association.