BUSINESS LIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14868, 20 December 1911, Page 11

BUSINESS LIFE.

MARRIED ' WOMEN IN FACTORIES. Should married women be employed in factories and warehouses is, a subject like the hardy- annual. On two . points, says a writer in the Shoe Manufacturers' Monthly, there is general agreement. A married woman's place, it is admitted, is primarily in her. home; certainly that. is so if she has children.. The woman who enters. into the marriage state intending to leave her domestic duties either to others or to the hours after factory. work is fever, because she prefers he excitement and company of the mill to -the " monotony " and quietude of the house, has failed at the outset to realise the responsibilities she undertakes. If children are neglected in consequence there .is loss in the home and danger to the _State,, and , the truth cannot be. concealed. "" Secondly, the man who, in receipt of good wages, practically • drives his wife into the factory either by " boozing " his uoney away instead of keeping the home, or squandering it in spotting winners and backing losers, is a cad, and a slave into the bargain slave to evil habits self engendered. We need not waste further words either on the women in the first case or the men in tho second. . It will. further be largely agreed, we suppose, that the labour of married women cannot bo so regular as that" of others, and this is a point to be borne in mind in regulating wages.

So far sentiment and reason aro against the engagement of married women in factories, mills,, and workshops. But there are other practical considerations to be

borne in mind. Cases will frequently, occur defying sentiment and commanding a larger application of reason. Women there are specially, adapted for warehouse occupations os forewomen, manageresses, or ordinary workers. They are among the most qualified workers. Are they to be shut out of employment for which they are fitted'/ If so, what becomes of personal righT? Whoso duty is it to say that these women shall not occupy themselves in work that is congenial to them, or that if they • do they shall not marry? Individual freedom has not yet altogether gone by the board. Moreover, there are the cases of widows, and of women who are deserted.

Wo need to strengthen home ties and home influences, and the '> sense of home life, but that will not be satisfactorily achieved: by coercive Acts. ; It can • best be attained by developments of social life, by enkindling a deeper regard for it. There must always be exceptions to every rule, and while as a general principle, it .may be accepted that married women should be at home , rather ■ than in the ? factory,; no hard and fast lino can possibly be drawn, and any law on ' the Subject would need ;to have behind •it a- force of opinion that,' existing, would make, the law unnecessary.:/