Women's Work.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13438, 9 November 1907, Page 2 (Supplement)

Women's Work.

EXHIBITION IN^MELBOURNE. A Dunedin "Star" correspondent writes:—There can be no shadow of doubt as to the success of the. first. Australian Exhibition of Women's Work. The opening ceremony proved that most emphatically to the. Ib.OOO people who gathered themselves, together in the Melbourne Exhibition buildings. Since the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, no other event has excelled it in eclat in recent years.

The little coterie of enterprising Paris-' ian merchants who eighteen months ago organised a small exhibition, in order to demonstrate the success that has been attained by women in the commercial world, will probably live- ton marvel at the ' farreaching effects of their idea, They would certainly have- been astonished at the sight of an enormous -building thronged with 15,000 people assembled, to witness the opening of a show practically unique in th© history of exhibitions. And yet it is to their efforts, in the first instance, that the existence of an exhibition that has aroused the deepest interest in the minds of civilised and uncivilised women in all -parts'; of the world is due. Gathered under one roof is the work of queens and factory hands, princesses,- and peasants. American Indians • have forwarded their contributions; the highlyforwarded their. The Doukhobors —a, political problem, to Canada —have sent specimens of their handicrafts, while world-famed schools of design have contributed of their best. In the immediate vicinity of a court devoted to inventions is a wonderful display of works produced by the native women of New Zealand and various islands of the South Seas. It is a far cry from these primitive people working lazily under tropical skies to the keen, highly-trained individual with a turn for mechanics. The horticultural section stands to claim a future for the woman gardener. The hum of machinery indicates the position of trade plants which show how , she is acquitting ■ herself in almost every branch of manufactures. Row after row' of muslin, lace, and ribbons, and walk hung with specimens of giaceful and elaborate stitchery, sereeri,=, panels, and porti'-res, go to show that woman is still advancing as a needleworker.

Incidentally she is expanding in other directions. "We exppcted monotony, and we find endless variety," said one visitor on the opening,day, and it is just that variety that is the salt of the whole exhibition. Brass work, copper work, and much boldly-designed leather work i?how a touch masculine in i'orce and effectiveness. As much may be said for the furniture, of all kinds. The> old charge of amateurishness can no longer be levelled against women in thope arts and' crafts that show a connection' with |the home beautiful. Friezes, painted and stencilled ; marqueterie work for house decoration ; hand-made, and hand-woven carpets, ■ all support the contention that women's best work will still remain more, or less domestic.