GOOD FOR THE WOMEN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 248, 23 November 1914, Page 4

GOOD FOR THE WOMEN.

As the result of the war the tide of extravagance and frivolity in Australia has turned -towards a saner life and one of Usefulness (remarks a writer in the Sydney " Telegraph")- This is specially noticeable in reading over the annual report of the St. .John Ambulance Association, Sydney, where it is set fort,h that no fewer than 114 classes of first-aid and liomenursing have been, instructed, with the result that 1171 women have qualified for the certificates of efficiency issued by the association. As tliis report is dated September 30, and classes have been more frequent since that tiffte, it is safe to say that twice that number of women, wiio had previously no practical knowledge of what to do in case of accident or sudden illness, are now well equipped for such emergency —a very valuable asset, indeed, in the matter of efficiency.

Then take the strides made in the art of organisation by those devoted workers who hhve the executive labour of the Red Cross Society in to say nothing of the hundreds of others in whom the great sacrifice has .awakened a stream of unselfishness and industry in place of the previous inclination to be self-centred and indolent.

But. if women- are to permanently benefit .from the lesson which, is being taught at such a cost of men and suffering and destruction, they must be much more steady in work and consistent in study. J»i/d Cross certificates are all very well, but. if women are to keep themselves up to date and remain a valuable unit of the society, annual training is necessary, and we should not rest content until there is a strong' force under canvas every spring-time. What Ave have to learn is that there is not much sacrifice in giving what we can very well spare, and sacrifice is necessary. After all, with all our patriotic funds, how many have given any 1 more than they would have spent upon their personal pleasure or adornment in times of peace? The war lias taught us many things worth learning; but has it taught the people of Australia, and especially the women, real unselfishness and selfsacrifice?