Higher Education of Women.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1894, 27 October 1886, Page 2

Higher Education of Women.

To the Editor of the Standard. Sib,—" Answer a fool in his (oily last ha be wise in his own conceit. ” From tba tons of an effusion which appeared in your issue of 22nd inst, and signed “ Only a Woman,” and the deep researches and abilities displayed therein, I think entitles the writer to a place among men, and 1 would with your permission most diffAentiaily suggest that the lady would forthwith don the " breeches.” I am, £c.. An Admixes or Talbkt. To the Editor of the Standard. Sib,—l have read with interest a letter appearing in your paper signed “ Only a Woman,” tit fail to see for what purpose it was written, unless to make members of the fsmale persuasion discontented with their lot and position in life. The fair writer complains that girls have to stay at home, nurse the baby, and help their mothers in housework ; may I ask, Are the mothers to do all the work, or does she wish the boys to do it ? Domestic duties have to be performed, babies have to be nursed, sewing has to be done, then by whom, if not the girls ? Would “ Duly a Woman ” respect a boy, and much less a man who undertook such work ? No, Sir, she would and rightly too, feel a con. tempt for him. Then, can she expect a mao to respect a girl or woman who neglects bet natural duties and sphere of usefulness, to take upon herself those of the sterner sex ? What, I ask, is the most pleasing and deep, rooted characteristic of all countries speaking the English language ? Why, Sir, love ol home, nome ties, and home affection; how often do we find this commented apon by other nations ; what would the homes of the future be like if women are to be taught to look at domestic work with contempt, m something beneath them. No, Sir, a true woman’s place is in her home. A good wife and loving mother is more to be admired, and does far more good in the world than you highly educated, blue stocking, platform lecturer, or female doctor. lam not arguing against the intellectual capacity ol women ; I do not say they are deficient in brain power, and do not object to their receiving a liberal education, but, Sir, 1 do eay again that a true woman’s place is in her home. There her power for good is felt; aye, and there she influences the welfare of nations and progress of science. “ Only a Woman ” says that" a man is what his mother made him.” 1 agree with her, but what would be be if left to the care of others, (perhaps boys or men), whilst his mother was studying, or practising medicine, writing hooka, or giving lectures. No, my young lady friends, if you wish to be happy and make other* happy, do not neglect to cultivate your intellect, for woman woe made to be a companion for man; hot, above all, study to be thoroughly domesticated, learn to oook, keep a bouse clean, tidy and cheerful ; learn to sew, aye, and to nnree a baby without upsetiug its digestive organs, by shaking it to pieces, and you will not only accomplish your object, but you will be loved. A blue stocking may be admired and respected, but bow seldom is sbe loved. Apologising to " Only a Woman ” for daring to reply to her letter, and to you, Sir, for taking so much ol your valuable space,

I am, dto., Omlt a Max.