WIFE’S “GLORY BOX”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22626, 1 May 1948, Page 3

WIFE’S “GLORY BOX”

COST UP_TO £SOO ‘FEATHERING THE NEST’ WOMAN CORRECTS JUDGE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 1. Whether a husband or wife must feather the nest in a newly-established household, was discussed by Mr. Justice Hunter and a housewife at a sitting of the Price Tribunal. Mrs. M. E. Furey, who appeared for the Canterbury Housewives’ Union, submitted that housewives could not absorb any more increased costs. She opposed an increase in the charge to the public for the household delivery of bread. Telling the tribunal about the cost of living, Mrs. Furey said that nowadays it cost a young woman £4OO to £SOO for her glory box or “bottom drawer." The cost of such things as sheets, pots, and pans had gone up. His Honour: But surely it is the husband's job to buy those things? Mrs. Furey: Oh no. your Honour. You were mistaken if you bought those things for your wife. That is the wife's job. I think the other ladies present will agree that we have to provide them. His Honour did not dispute the matter further. Mrs. Furey proceeded to claim that a housewife snould be entitled to an allowance for the depreciation of household goods and for price increases, but said that, instead of that, wages were restricted.