TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11511, 6 October 1915, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

FRENCH WOMEN AT WORK. ■- -» M. Gabriel Hanctaux, member cf the French Academy, writing in the 'Fgaro" on woman's work, and quoted by ths " SulF.agette," says:— ■'ln the post offices, in the banks. women are seen leaning over their work and assiduously putting pen to paper. Everywhere the cJick-clack of the typewriter se ze3 cur attention, and the stenographer keeps it company. "Slowly the work of women is being substituted for the work of men. There is nothing else for it; it is a simple necessity. Workmen are rare and much competed for, and the most trgent works are held in suspense. "And then the Hghtne-s of hand and finesse that are necessary qualities in a number of Parisian industries cannot easily be re-learnt by the old or men, who have for years lost the habit of them. " AYhy should we not see women ha'rdressers, women watchmakers, women honse-painters—l need not speak of the infinite number of business undertakings in wh'ch women oan,. when they wish, si cceed as well as and hotter than the men. " Women are valiant, industrious, attentive; they, do not spare themselves any trouble. To organise courses of instruction and apprenticeship to prepare for the future well-trained workwomen and employees, is one of the* best ways of assuring the prompt economic and social recovery of France in the days, of her military victory. s "'