Woman’s Rights.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 93, 23 December 1890, Page 2

Woman’s Rights.

In a congregation which was composed principally of women, the clergymen commenced the service as usual with ‘ Dearly beloved brethren,’ etc. After the sermon some of the more strong-minded of the females held a meeting, and sent a deputation to the parson calling on him to address them in future instead of the brethren, who were chiefly conspicuous by their absence. They argued that the form he used was an old one which should be changed to meet the requirements of altered circumstances, and after discussing the subject for some time the deputation retired saying the least they could admit was ‘ Dearly beloved sisters and brother.’ The clergyman said he would take time to consider, and eventually send them an answer to the following effect: He said he had duly thought the matter over, and decid d not so make any alteration, for in his experience 1 brethren’ always embraced the sisters, especially if they were ‘dearly beloved.’ This for a time was an utter crush-r for the strong-minded maidens, as in that congregation there was a great want of dearly beloved brethren to embrace them. The parson chuckled, thinking he had the best of it; but they managed to go one better, and made it hot for him in the end.