CHAMPION OF WOMEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19730, 27 December 1926, Page 2

CHAMPION OF WOMEN

MRS. STANLEY BALDWIN A POPULAR HOSTESS / (By Ciara T. MaeChestney London) No. 10 Downing Street. No address is better known. It has been the office and home of the Prime Ministers of England for many years. One walks down Whitehall and after passing tho two resplendent mounted guards in their niches comes to Downing Street the first turning to the right. It is almost opposite the Cenotaph. At the end of the street which descends by steps to St. James ’ Park, stands a plain gray brick building, three stories high, entirely devoid of ornament: Nos. 10 and 11 Downing Street. When I arrived at No. 10 I found outside the' house a crowd of gaping people. Near by, and quite alone, was stationed' a burly policeman. I asked the doorman why the throng? “Cabinet day,” he replied. “Stand here a moment and you’ll see them pass in.”

Presently they began to arrive—some in gray suits, top-hatted, spatted aaud gloved. A few carried portfolios. Of the twenty-two members of Mr. Baldwin’s Cabinet, I saw five. The entrance hall where I stood has a black and white marble floor. On its bare white walls are hung a variety of deers 7 antlers, presented years ago by a son of Mr. Asquith, now Lord Oxford. I found Mrs. Baldwin not at all changed in two years, and as kind and gracious as before—tall, rather portly, with chestnut-brown hair and dark gray eyes. She 'was becomingly clad in a black gown with white embroidery. It was delightful to be' greeted so cordiall)', and to be remembered—above all. it was delightful not to be made to feel that these pre'eious ten minutes were being devoted by her to a boring interview. But I did not venture to ask what she' thought about prohibition; and before Mrs. Baldwin had spoken a dozen words one realised that she has not at all changed the views she has long held, which are very conservative. “English and American methods of meeting this problem do not coincide. Yours would not be workable here, though I do not say this in a spirit of criticism. You know we are gradually lessening the number of hours our public houses may remain open. They must close now at 10 o’clock. 77

Naturally I wanted to know what Mrs. Baldwin thought of Lady Astor ’s bill (now a law), which prohibits the. selling liquod over the bar to minors under 18, whereas formerly a child of -16 might be' served. “I approve of it most heartily,” she answered. “In anything that affects the interests, of children I am deeply interested. ’’ “And Trust Houses—what of them?” I asked. The Poor Mau’s Clubs. “These are improved public houses, endorsed by th»e breweries and located iu the slums of London. ‘Conditions arc improved, food is sold, and even cooked food may be purchased and carried home. They resemble cafes, and are a sort of poor man ’s club, to which he can lake his wife and children.” In response to a question about philanthropic work, Mrs. Baldwin sai-l: “No, 1 have no particular charity, but I am interested in the betterment of women—in everything relating to the welfare of mothers and babies. 1 am a great believer in baby shows for one thing. They introduce a competitive interest in villages and small districts. 1 advocate them whenever I have an opportunity; at all local meetings and bazaars I attend —even though the subject may not be in the least appropriate to the occasion.” Mrs. Baldwin encourages members of her own parish to make baby clothes, which are given to a district nurse, who in turn supplies poor women. Mrs. Baldwin also strongly favours maternity homes. “Woman suffrage? I do not object to it, but I disapprove militant methods I believe in woman's having the rights to vote, but do not think she should sit in Parliament. I prefer councils of women, at which all subjects especially pertaining to women and children may be discussed, voted upon and later introduced in Parliament.” Mrs. Baldwin said she did not know personally all the women who were in Parliament last year. “Being members of the' Conservative Party, Lady Astor. Mrs. Phillipson and. the Duchess of Atholl are, of course, officially received here at my ‘at homes. 7 The Duchess of Atholl has, you know been made a Minister—and a very remarkable woman she is.”

has little time for clubs. Her life is 100 crowded. “I am a member of the Ladies’ Carlton and have just been elected Vice-president of the. Ladies 7 Imperial. I serve chiefly on political committees”—this, with a laugh.

Books? She find time for those, either, during the' .season. ‘ ‘Newspapers, of course, and the principal magazines. I always read the political news in which the Prime Minister ligures and the Imperial items. Speaking of books, there is one just published ‘The Godfather, 7 by John Hereford, in which you will find a good description of this historic old house, which is over 200 years old. Supports have had to be' put under Ihe staircase on account of the reception jams.” “A False Report, Happily.” “It it true that the floor began to give way once when Ramsay McDonald was haying a concert?” I asked her. “No, that was a false .report, happily.” Had she ever visited America? “Yes, I went with my husband when he was sent to arrange with your Government the question of England’s war debt, I was charmed with your beautiful Washington and the hospitality' shown us by everybody the Ye.” “Do you consider the English Speaking Union a valuable link?” “It is a splendid organisation,” she replied. “Both my husband and I think highly of it.** “You must find life very fatiguing during the season, with so many demands on your time. 7 ’ “Yes. Still, we’ get a little respite every week-end, when we motor down to Chequers.” Chequers, a splendid old Elizabethan hnu.se, was presented to the nation, by Viscount Lee of Fareham for the use of the Prime Ministers when in office. It contains some remark«able antique, furniture' and. among other things, the death mask of Cromwell. Just at this point in our talk the

Prime Minister entered—it was an. unusual honour, f felt. He docs not often stroll thus informally into a room. Mrs. Baldwin introduced me. and as we shook hands my first impression was ‘ ‘light brown.” The Prime' Minister’s eyes, eyebrows and hair are that colour. He was as cordial as I had found Mrs Baldwin.

When I was preparing to leave, she asked: “Don’t you want to take a look at my drawing room on your way out?’’ This is a large, square room, with two high windows facing south on St. James Park and two on the' west, looking out on the garden. It is not cold or formal, but a comfortable, homey room, full of personal touches. On the walls hang many .sketches, photographs and portraits of the Baldwin family. There are deep low sofas ■with many cushion-, vases of flowers, handsome Japanese cabinets; small tables here and there—a room in which to bo happy. Comfort within and a beautiful view without. I was told later than one. secret of Mrs. Baldwin’s popularity is the fact that she’ is never bored. At her “at homes” she is unfailingly enthusiastic and knows just the appropriate word for each guest. Like Mrs. Grover, Cleveland. Mrs. Baldwin, never forgets anyone, and often greets her guests, to his or her astonishment, by name. Mrs. Baldwin, while often concerned when her husband i q anxious over State affairs, never inteferes. She runs her

own department, is conscientious about it. and let him run his undisturbed. Naturally Mrs. Baldwin looks forward eagerly to her Summer holiday, when uninterrupted companionship with her family can be ehjoyed. They go first to Astley Hall, Stourport: but as this is in their constituency the rush of meetings and “at homes’’ more or loss continues —until a radical break for freedom carries the Baldwins off to Aixle’s-Bains.