Home Science as a Career

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 64, 17 March 1938, Page 11

Home Science as a Career

MRS. J. S. HORNBLOW ADDRESES BUSINESS GIRLS “Home science is not a fad but actual fact based on knowledge practically gained," declared Mrs. J. S. Hornblovv in an informative address to members of the Business Girls' Club yesterday. At the outset Mrs. Hornblow said she proposed to speak to the members on ‘‘Home Science" from the aspect that would interest the most as young business women—that was as a career. She proceeded to outline tho necessary training over a coarse of four years to' the degree stage at the School of Home Scieuce, Otago University, from her own practical experience as a graduate, the entrance qualification being matriculation. The speaker pointed out that, although it was an expensive course, there were bursaries aud special grants by which students might win their way through. it was through the vision and generosity of the late Colonel John Studholme that the school was established, the grant beeing originally made to Canterbury College, which had not been able to see its way to accept. Otago University took the money and the risk and established this new branch of the work. Colonel Studholme had declared that health and sound physique were universally admitted to be essentials of well-being. A nation’s health depended foremost on the knowledge or ignorance of its women. What was the use of all the scientific knowledge that we had been collecting for so many years if we did not apply it so as to make our homes more beautiful and more healthy, unless it eased the burden and drudgery of everyday life, and home science was merely the bringing of this knowledge to the women’s sphere of life, its application to help women in their homes and work. Continuing, Mrs. Hornblovv stressed tho fact that home science was intensely practical as well as theoretical, remarking that at Upper and Lovvei Gtudholme Houses, where the students lived, they were given a full measure of experience in practical work. Firstyear students were initiated in the more humble duties of washing dishes, waiting at tables, etc., in the second year advancing to high-class cookery, making their own garments, cooking tea at the hostel and learning interior decoration. Students were required Jo apply their knowledge of interior decoration to the hostel before very critical audiences. The study of nutrition and balanced meals came in the third and fourth years, and the practical experience of cooking some thirty dinners—a strenuous life, biit very interesting. The hardest work came in the final year tho highlight being that two girls were required to take entire charge of the hostel, both institutional and household management. The duties were divided montfi by month, the students being required to give an account of their stewardship, the marks gained influencing their passes at the end of the year. Mrs. Hornblow went on to describe the banquet for final-year students, at which the heads attend, and any distinguished visitors were guests. Mrs. Hornblow indicated the necessity for theoretical training to acquire a knowledge of the sciences equally important for the well-being of the family and enumerated the careers open for girls so trained, instancing the many students who had made good in important positions in New Zealand, Australia, America and England. iShe concluded with the remark that home science was very necessary—it was woman's work in woman's sphere. Miss N. Turner, who presided, introduced the speaker, and later proposed the vote of thanks. Among those present were tho patroness, Mrs. A. E. Mansford, and president/Mrs. M. H. Oram.