NEW ZEALAND WOMEN.

Otago Witness, Volume 25, Issue 2321, 25 August 1898, Page 24

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN.

AS WAGE EARNERS.

THEIR VARIED OCCUPATIONS.

Life is made manifest by external change. Does the plant fail to put forth new shoots and leaves, death is rightly regarded as imminent. In the animal the forming of new and the casting off of old tissue exhibits vital force. An organisation is healthy in as far as it deals with fresh subjects or maps out varying lines of action. In like manner do the altering conditions of life of a people display the vigour of the State. There is, therefore, no real cause for alarm in the fact that woman's world has been well nigh revolutionised during the past 20 or more years. Such change is not neces-

sarily for ill. But obvious as is the fact that an increasingly large number of women spend thendays in other than their own domestic duties and pleasures, the cause for such entry into the ranks of the wage earners is not so xeadily determined. One factor, probably, among many, is to be found in the vast increase of machinery, and the consequent specialisation of work in huge factories. Thereby the necessaries of life are made ready for use outside the home, thus lessenin(T the demand for workers in the household- One no longer sees in well-to-do homes the housekeeper with her bevy of young lady asistants, carrying on the processes of spinning and weaving, baking and brewing, preserving and distilling, fine laundry and needlework. Our bakers call daily. Our jama and jellies are ordered from the factory. Our beverages are sent in at so much a dozen. Our phials of perfumes and essences bear a trade mack. Our household linen and dress goods are woven in the great mill instead of by the home hearth. Our laces and embroideries no longer owe their origin to the fair fingers of the ladies of the household ; steam and iron have in large measure done the work. Even our very garments and house furnishings are fashioned wholesale, and may be obtained from the work-room ready for use. Then, possibly, another reason for the many workers outside the home is the increased need felt by woman for the wherewithal to take her part in the world. As a race we are proving the truth of the old words, "Man shall not live by bread alone." Sufficient food and suitable clothing no longer form the goal of man's or woman's ambition. The process of evolution does not multiply our needs. The more cultured brain, the moru seeing eyes, and the more sensitive ear seek sustenance. The development of the altruistic sentiments has begotten a desire to lift one's fellows to a higher plane of existence. Little can be gained or performed in these directions without the aid of money. And in this age of her awakening, woman feels the need of increased spending power that she may take her part in the fuller life of the world. Hence, probably, the entry of many into the arena of the labour market. Other reasons might doubtless be adduced, but these two alone give ample evidence that woman may be expected to demand and find a place for" herself as a wage fan er. Let us now see the directions in which New

Zealand women have thus far sought and found fields for operation. My statistics are largely based on the census taken in 1896. Prom this I find that 50,070 women and girls are classed as wage earners ; that is, more than one in every four of the entire female population of the age of 15 years and upwards.

DOMESTIC CLASS

The total population of New Zealand is

not much above 700,000, but to supply __jd|rect personal service to these the not small army— or-22,9 77 > (^ .women and girls is needed. Of these 1374 provider accotillti6dation in hotels, inns, boarding houses, and restaurants, and three undertake the management or secictaryship of clubs. Domestic servants naturally form a large class, 16,718 — or nearly one-third of che whole of our wage enrnerp. Hotels, clubs, etc., claim another 2202 maids, while following the undesirable occupation of bf.imaid are

210. Ministering to domestic needs is yet another class of helpers — a class which, on the whole, one need not be sorry to see is on the increase, since it means the opening

up of a sphere of labour to wageearning girls and women who while having refined tastes and habits have also a gift for home duties. We refer to those designated as lady help or companion. The position is one, certainly, that demands special tact and consideration on the part of both employer and employee ; but given these, the lady help may prove a boon in many a home. From choice or necessity, and with ability or the reverse, 385 fill this comprehensive role. Housekeepers are more numerous, 1891. Another body of workers is composed of those who win hard-earned bread by washing and charing, 1077. Professional cooks number 33, while 19 perform the duties of caretaker. Hairdressing provides a living for four ; two of these, ifc may be noted, in business on their own account, though not employing labour. Public bath attendants are five in number, and three offer themselves as tourists' guides.

INDUSTRIAL CLASS,

Turning next to what is termed the Industrial Class, it is seen that 13,243 are engaged in the work of " modifying " the natural products and rendering them fit for use. Of these more than one-half— yiz. , 7433— are occupied in millinery and dressmaking, Trork which is at the present time far from being on a satisfactory footing. Some i*yr. of

' course, earn good wages, as we hear of ' heads of departments receiving from £6 to i £9 per week ; but the majority, it is to t be feared, must either be dependent to a c large extent on their friends, or lead but a i starved existence. For who can possibly < find shelter, food, and respectable clothing, 1 to say nothing of incidentals, ior a sum i varying from 5s to 12s a week? The remedy i is not easy to find, but it is well to keep the ;: facts before us. c The majority of the 2453 who find em- c ployment as clothing manufacturers and sewing machinists are in a better position. Shirtmaking and general needlework pro- i vide work for 576, while those occupied in t the growing colonial industry of boot and 1 ! shoemaking number 600. The knitters of \ j focks and stockings are 200, and a limited ; I number fill their days with attention to such ] ! other details pertaining to the clothing of j '! tbeir sex as the making, repairing, and clean- ; ing of bonnets and caps, feathers, furs, ur- 1 brellas, gloves, etc. < It is evident, then, that over 11,300 1 women workers are mainly occupied in ,■ fashioning our various arcicles of dress. But ■> besides this array of toilers, there are yet others, who have to do with earlier stages < of the goods used in clothing. The maim- i facture of waterproof provides a living for „ i 67. Woollen mills employ a large number ; ! ' those engaged therein, and in one or two ( : minor woollen industries, reach a total of . 617. A comparatively large number, 463, are ' imperfectly defined as factory workers, i labourers, and manufacturers. • : Apart from the foregoing, we haye 772 i belonging to the industrial class, and these ' find employment in no le=s than 64 varying i branches of work. Books and publications : are responsible for the livelihood of 290, three of these being employers of labour. Compositors in printing offices number 71, : and those engaged in bookbinding, etc., < 180. > Of bakers and biscuit and pastry makers 1 there are 87. The processes oi confectionery i making give employment to 33, and those of - fruit-preserving to 25. Fifteen spend their time in preparing pickles and sauces, 11 in \ , manufacturing beverages, and 10 find un- ' ■ wholesome employment as cigar, cigarette, ] and tobacco workers. One woman carries ,< on the business of a miller, another owns a < slaughterhouse, four assist in freezing works, i and four help in the process of fish-curing. Nine earn their bread by preparing cheese i and butter. 1 The workers in fibrous materials, as makers I of rope, canvas, tarpaulin, sacking, sailcloth, etc., number 16; and those engaged ■ in mattress making and upholstery work, i 36. Two describe themselves as undertakers, one being an employer of labour, i and one receiving wages. The making of i ink, blacking, starch, blue, etc., provides 1 wages for two, and three characterise themselves as manufacturing chemists. Makers ; of artificial flowers and workers in other j art products number seven. ~ The occupation ] of woodcarving, basket-malting, toy-mak- ; ing, watchmaking, and carriage-building ; have each their followers ; while there are ; of fuse and cartridge makers 33. The i manufacture of harness and leather goods ] generally employs nine, and the making of j paper 12. Of female sawmill owners there i are three. Workers in metals, such as gold ; and silversmiths, electro-platers, etc., number ; 12. Our list of industrial occupations closes ; with house-decorating, house-building, and tilomaking, etc., which have each their ; female employees — 11 in all. j i PROFESSIONAL. ' ] Coming next in point of numbers is the 1 class of wage earners known as professionals, and belonging to this class are 7247 women ' and girls. A large proportion of these de- ' vote their time and energy to the education ; of the young, 2914 being described as schoolteacher or mistress. The more private [ education of a small minority of our New ! Zealand children demands the services of 488 governesses. Those who wish to ac- '' quire a knowledge of foreign languages ' and accomplishments other than music '' give employment to 87. Music is respon- \ sible for the livelihood of nearly 1000, who ' as teachers, organists, etc., cultivate the \ art. Some few are specially preparing for '' service in the musical world, and are de- ' scribed as students of music. Of painters, ; artists, and art students New Zealand has ! j 160. Others connected with the education ; of young colonials are: Lecturer on an- \ atomy, 1 ; instructor school of domestic in- ; struction, 1 ; teachers oCda:icii.g> 3 ; aiiJ ! member of religious community teaching, : .181/ ' \ Of those who minister to us in the way _ ; of amusement 89 are actresses, 5 are " lee- j [ turers," and 2 professional athletes. Pho- , tography gives employment to 143. I j Matters pertaining to health naturally ' 1 claim the services of a lar°;e number of wo- ' ] men, and many are being specially trained ] '' for this essentially womanly work. From the tables before me I find that over 1600 . < are employed as hospital and asylum at- | • tendants and sick nurses. The mode of j ( healing known as massage has become popu- ; ! lar of late years, and masseuse is the title ' claimed by 30 women. Chemistry is slowly ' winning its way as a means whereby educated women may gain a living, 21 having ' adopted the profession. Dentistry, too, ap- ' parently possesses attractions for some, 16 ,' women finding employment in dental sur- I geries. "Irregular medical practitioner" is the title given to 13, who effect cures by ; means of herbal remedies, electricity, etc. • Female medical practitioners we may surely expect to see shortly in every town in the colony, instead of in but one, for seven women and girls are described as medical slu- • dents. One and one woman only has tie • courage to adopt the role of veterinary sur- \ J ' geon. i j Turning next to those directly charged 1 i with the inculcation of moral principles, we •' see that over 250 devote themselves to the f i r service of their fellows as Salvation Army , s j officers, Sisters of the People, and Sisters of ' t Charity. Over 100 more work in connection c with various charitable and benevolent lr- i stitutions. i The department of law and order as yet 1 claims the time and energy of but few wo- , 1 men. Fourteen are described as law stu- i dents. Some of these have within the last s year or Wo passed their examinations, and ! »re now ready to scrye those in need of legal ' help. Duties ** matrons, etc, in priso.is ' ( : we fo«nd for 15. I A

Literature provides a livelihood for a limited number, 14 only making journalism their chief calling in life. Shorthand writers and reporters are rapidly increasing, 21 entering themselves as such two years ago, but ■nnce then the entries in this class of workers have been many. Typewriting, too, has found much favour with girls of late, and there are now many more than the 13 who alone are reported as such. Two women offer their services in the somewhat unusual capacity of interpreter. COMMERCIAL. In the world commercial woman is gaining a footing, though not so rapidly as in the world professional. Four thousand one hundred and eighteen women find scope for their talents under the heads of property and finance, trade, and transport, and communication. On examination it appears that these women take up under the foregoing heads no fewer than 79 different j branches of work. A large proportion find employment in miscellaneous shops ; 672 , being entered as storekeepers. Then as assistants in these undefined shops and stores we find over 400 women, including 21 storewomen a.nd nine clerks. Of women merchants there are six. and of- merchants' cleiks two. General dealers and assistants number 30, and those who hawk goods 23. The position of commercial traveller and saleswoman (undefined) is claimed by 270, Eleven earn a liveihood as commission agent. Clerks, cashiers, and accountants in the commercial class not otherwise specialissl, reach a total of 125. The sale of boots and shoes, dress and .■oft household goods gives employment to nearly 800, while 6b more are engaged as clerks in such businesses. Dealing in second-hand clothing brings a living to\at least four. In stationers' and booksellers' establishments 58 are employed, while a congenial occupation is doubtless found for the 16 who act as librarians. Pour women travel the country as book agents, two deal in musical instruments, and six assist in shops where such articles are j.old. Such businesses as ironmongery, china and glassware, fancy goods, furnishing, etc., provide wages for over 100. Eleven stand behind the counter in seedsmen's and florists' shop 5 ! ; and, either from choice or stress of circumstances, coal dealing is engaged in by about half a, dozen. Coining to the department of food we see that the distribution of fruit and vegetables engages about 200 women and girls. Confectioners' and bakers' shops keep busy 115, and grocers' shops 195. Only three women enter their names as tea sorters or packers, while 17 find their duties in tobacconists' shops. The daily distribution of milk employs 89, the supplying of meat 36, and the sale of other edibles — such as fish, game, butter and cheese, etc. — find work for 28. But few of our wage-earning women have as yet turned their attention to property and finance. One has gone into an auctioneer's business, and two are connected with land and estate agencies. Money is made by 157 as landowners and speculators, while 203 at once serve their fellows and earn their own living as house proprietors. In connection with banks two .are engaged ; one is a share and stockbroker ; 52 are capitalists or money brokers ; one is a financial agent ; and two are pawnbrokers. Insurance companies employ four women as agents, and three as canvassers. Means of transport and communication has also so far proved but a small field for tl.o woman breadwinner, though year by year it is enlarging. Jn country districts the post office is not infrequently kept by a woman, and 62 are entered as being connected with the postal service in the capacity of either postmistress, clerk, sorter, or contractor. The telegraphic service provides work for 11 women and girls, and the increasingly popular telephone engages the attention of 126. Four act as crossing caretakers of railway lines ; less than a dozen are cab and omnibus owners, carriers, etc. ; and 62 earn their daily bread on the seas as stewardesses. A&niCPl/PCRAL, PASTOR VI.. ETC. I The good work begun in England and elsewhere in specially training women for agricultural pursuits will doubtless have its effect on New Zealand women in due time. At present such work does not apparently attract very many. Of the 3114 so engaged, however, it may be noted that nearly 1100 have their own farms. About 1600 are. assistants -en fanils ;' nearly 70 pay special attention to sheep and cattle farming, and 150 find enjoyment in dairy work. Mai*ket gardening is adopted by 19, but only two find scope for their talents in the healthful work of general fruitgrowing. Eight/ devote themselves to the cultivation of the vine, while one is described as a piscicul- ; turist, and 10 find in poultry-farming a means of earning a living. Mmmg — gold and coal — is the pursuit of four, and three find employment as diggers of the kauri gum. The foregoing is, I believe, a fairly complete return of the occupations of over 50,000 women wage earners, and may probably be taken as an indication of the varied tnstes and abilities possessed by our colonial "women. We are but a young country, with a small population, yet the fact that over 200 different modes of gaming a living have already been adopted by those women and girls who from choice or necessity eat the bread of independence does not, I take it, augur ill for tho spirit and enterprise of New Zealand womanhood.