HASTINGS MOTHERS’ REST.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 243, 18 October 1921, Page 3

HASTINGS MOTHERS’ REST.

(To the Editor.) , Sir, —Cr. White first remarked that the Mothers’ Rest was an extravagencc and not needed, and now, as a climax says that he always said it would be a white elephant, and is now sure of it. It is suprising to me that his fellow Crs. should have let such absolutely ridiculous ideas go unchallenged. Is there to bo no humanity in this world. Is it always to be Cash! Cash! Cash! Some men consider women mere nonentities just to be put in one place and stay there, to have no say for themselves, j and expect no comforts or consideration; just bring up their children, cook' their meals and keep their houses in order. I believe there are such men, i more’s the pity. Oh, to be able to change a man into a mother for only just one day; it would be quite enough for him. A Mother’s Rest is the biggest god-send in this country, and it will not .be long before every town will insist upon having such an institution. Can you, Cr White, imagine yourself a mother, pushing a pram with one or two or perhaps three little ones hanging on to you, perhaps crying “Cos we’s so tired Mumer, ” and then to be able to

go to the Mothers ’ Rest, soothe the wee ones, lay them on the couch to rest, take your hat off, and have the very kindly matron bring you a hot cup of tea. Would you then turn round and call that place an extravagoncc? You’d probably say, as many have done, “Thank God for the Mothers’ Rest.” Is a woman never to hax., anything clone for her? The men lounge round tho billiard-rooms, the hotel bars and their clubs, but a woman should never want anywhere to go. It is just about time that we had one or two public spirited ladies on our council to look after female interests in the community. It is rightly said that it is a man’s world as it always will be until women insist upon being heard. Cr White had better make the most of his little flutter on the council because it is going to bo short and sweet; it is the women’s votes that count, and Cr White, I’m afraid, is going to be counted out. The following is an extract from tho Sydney “Bulletin”: “A young school teacher who was very fond of children thought of a rather unique idea of showing it. Every afternoon after school hours he would visit the various children’s wards in the hospitals, and delight the little sufferers and give them many, many happy hours by telling them stories. His fame, as‘a storyteller, soon reached the heads’ ears, and they told the young man to send in his resignation and consider himself engaged as official story-teller.” It would bo a stony-hearted taxpayer whom objected to such an appointment.” It is rather beautiful to know that some, public bodies are really human beings after all. There isn’t much 2 the “Do unto others” spirit in the world to-day; more of the “Do others before they do you.” Th e Mothers’ Rest will always be despite Cr White and his misplaced sarcasim.—l am, etc., A MERE MOTHER. Hastings, Oct. 17, 1921.