THE NEW CRUSADE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17157, 9 November 1917, Page 7

THE NEW CRUSADE.

Sm,—May I say a few words in endorsement of the plea made by "H. W. B." in Saturday's Daily Times for lessening the domestio' burdens of mothers of young families. As things are at present, it is just the women most in need of domestio assistance who have the least chanco of procuring it, even if they could afford to pay fairly. Look through, the column of "Wanted" advertisements in our dailies— "no children" is constantly set forth as a lure, or is stipulated as a condition by girls seeking household places. Of course, the girls are not specially to blame. They are like the vast majority of other people, both men and women, and they seek the easiest and best paid work without concerning themselves about its utility tothe community and the nation. What is needed is a real recognition by all classes and individuals of the duty and the honourableness of service. Each of us should consider, when phoosing a calling, how we may best employ our special abilities for the general good. And those who are not compelled to work for a living, and have no onerous claims in their own households, should recognise the duty of undertaking socially useful work according to their capacities. As "H. W. B." suggests, women so circumstanced ' might give assistance to overtaxed mothers by helping them for a few hours daily, or for two or three days in the week, or (by mending'and sewing for them. The mothers who rear families are bearing the burden of the future, and their burden is often far too heavy. The Women s National Reserve should certainly movo in this most important matter. Hoping; to see something done,—l am, etc., &■ nDunedin November 3.