The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1898. WOMEN JOURNALISTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9521, 22 August 1898, Page 2

The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1898. WOMEN JOURNALISTS.

Thf refii£#,l &f tlie Speaker of the ' H.oi\Se of Representatives to issue a i permit for a lady reporter to occupy a seat in the Press Gallery of that chamber, together with the hostility of the majority of the present occupants of the Gallery to the introduction of a lady into their midsfciSteikes us not only as uugallaiit, but utterly , illogical, n6w-a-days are , acknowledged lo possess equal i rights with men to earn their own living, and as journalists have made rapid inroads upon what, until a few years ago, was looked upou as purely a male decupatio*. We have women doctors, lawyers, dentists, journalists, i -a'.i>l even captains, and in this colony women have been granted the franchise, but, strangely enough, refused the privilege of being elected or nominated as members of either of the branches of the liegiskture,n,!thougli they arts eligible to serve as county 'councillors, city and borough councils, and members of Education Boards and committees, and other local governing bodies. Perhaps Sir Maurice O'Rorkebasedhis refusal to allot a seat in the press gallery of the House to a female applicant on the grounds that she was not eligible for a seat in the House itself ? We can hardly think so, as the Speaker is aware of the fact thatladyjournalists have been taking notes from the ladies' gallery for some sessions. They have done so under great disadvantages, as that gallery is Usually overcrowded with visitants, who have gone there merely to pass tho evening and listen to their friends and relatives' speeches. There is, therefore, no convenience or privacy there for women reporters, who have to take notes as best they can, and be stared at by their neighbours, who mostly affect to look down upon those of their sex who have to work for their own living If it were possible it would be better to provide separate accommodation for the ladies, nho attend the session as reporters, but as a matter of equal rights they should not in the meantime be debarred from sharing in the accommodation set apart for tho press, which unfortunately is frequently overcrowded at present. If tho refusal to admit women reporters to it had been based on the want of accommodation of the Press Gallery.in which every seat has been allotted to men,no one could charge the Speaker with want of gallantry ; but as the refusal was based on the undesirableness of the two sexes occupying seats in the same gallery, and was backed up by the majority of the male reporters on the' same grounds, it is clear that the innovation of women reporters is not looked upon with favour from either the chair or the Press Gallery. Members generally are divided on the subject, the majority siding with the Speaker, as they say it is not desirable to have women reporters button-holing them for information and haunting the lobbies at all hours of the day and night. Anyone who knows anything of the duties of a Parliamentary press reporter will be at no loss to understand that it is very undesirable for women to undertake such work, as it entails an amount of interviewing and private and confidential conversation with members and Ministers at all hours of the day and night, which it is certain would in the long run prove anything but advantageous to either the fair interviewer or the interviewed. If parliamentary prsss reporters had no other duties than those of taking down the speeches of hon. members there would be no valid reason why women should not take part in the work, but a very cursory glance at the Parliamentary JNTotes of any newspaper employing a competent press representative during the session will amply prove under what disadvantages a woman would labour in obtaining information and forecasts of coming political events. Of course, women have proved more than the equal of men in this latter respect, but they have done so at tlie expense of their reputation, and this is just what is feared by those who are opposed to the admission of women reporters into the press gallery of the House of Representatives. Theoretically they have as much right there as men ; practically, it is most undesirable that they should be permitted to share the same privileges and responsibilities as male Parliamentary reporters. As a matter of fact, very few would care to do so, and we feel confident that if the lady whose application for a seat in the Press Gallery was refused by the Speaker and opposed by the majority of the occupants of the gallery, were allowed to take her seat in it, and given the same rights and privileges as the male members of the profession, she would soon arrive at the conclusion that the concession was one she would not care to avail herself of to any extent.

The Wairere leaves for Pipinki, usual, at 7 o'clock to-morrow morning. The trustees of the Museum are reminded that they are to meet to-night to open tenders for the proposed additions to the Museum. At a meeting of master butchers of Christchurch and suburbs they decided that, owing to tiie high price of fat stock, they wero compelled to raise the price of meat all round. During last week the whole of the herd of cattle, numbering 18 head, belonging to Mr George Thompson, of Para, Marlborough, died mysteriously. The matter is being investigated by tho Stock Department. News has been received of the death at Villa Maria, Sydney, of the Rev Father Hurhu, who was for three years m charge of the paush at Timaru, but had to leave it about 18 months ago on account of ill- ; health. As the result of a raid which the police made on Tuesday night upon female bad characters who frequent Christchurch streets, fi\ c women v\ ere brought before the Bench on the following day to answer charges of bemg without lawful visible means of support. Four of them were sentenced to terms of impneonmeut ranging from one to three months with bard labour, and one charge was dismissed.

Mr P. Lundon (G.N.L.A.) advertises a first-class restaurant businefs for sale. Messrs Eastwood and Co. announce the arrival of new spring goods and invite inspection of same. The firm also announce first class dressmaking. Mrs and Miss Edmondstone notify tlwt they have opened a Nursing Home in " GleniOss," Wickstced Street, and aio prepared to administer the massago and hygiene tieatmeut, In ono of the windows at tho U.F.C.A. was displayed to day An enormous white Belgian carrot, grown by Mr Wtjoddell.of the Wangaehil, and weighing iSlbi. ihe specimen wAs grown from seed specially itapdrted from Home by the U.F.C.A. The Brunner News says that ono of the litigant widows has received a letter from Wellington to the effect that the Grey-mouth-Point Elizabeth Coal Company has granted her £75, from which £55 has to bo deducted for legal expenses, A ]?ress wiro from Ohristchiirch ta-day states that two more sudden deaths have occurred there, making seven since Saturday week last. George Evans, a labourer, while having tea on Saturday night, fell dead, and John Stevenson, 70 years of age, was found dead in bed. Not a little curiosity attaches to the form of entertainment to he provided to-night m connection with " Gentlemen's Evening" at the Wanganui Liteiary anfl Milslckl Society in the Wesleyan schoolroom. The mooting commences at 7.30, nnd a crowded " houso " is expected. Another chance is affarded for this week only by those in search of bargains for geneial household use, Mr W. S. Ingle (of the Avenue) having £250 worth of ironmongery which mu&t be slaughteietl to make room for heavy shipments to hand. The Department of Agriculture has appointed Mr John Johnston an assistant grader of dairy produce. Mr Johnston, whowillprobablybe stationedin Taranaki, was for some yoais manager of Messis Cudy Bros. 1 buttor factory at Mosgiel. nnd latterly he iias managed a similar establishment at Waverley. Bismaick's last conversation with Count Herbert referred to the astounding development of theßussian Asiatic policy. If England, he said, became wedded to the French horse and the Russian elephant, Germany need not rush in headlong, but should seienely, watch the stiff-shirted Lords orunched till they oriod aloud to God. Jrtr keesing afitertlscs for Thursday tho whole of the furniture and effects at the residence of Blr William McNivuli in Ingestre-streel. He will also sell on the same day on the premises the freehold itself , which is a very desuable piopcrty. The sale of furniture will be commenced at 1 o'clock and the freehold will bo sold punctually at 2 o'clock. Messis Hatuck and Coi intend resuming the bi-weekly up-river trips next mouth. In connection theiewith tlie Wairere has been thoroughly overhauled, her cabins being ledccoiated very artistically. Tho Mamiwai is now on the slip undergoing improvements. Tonnsts and tiavellers can depend on everything being done for their comfoit in tho matter of navigation on the Wanganiii River. At the annual meeting of the Cunterbuiy bianch of the Journalists' Institute, held at ChristchurchonSatuidnyovemng, it was unanimously resolved that tin" branch learns with regiet that a lady journalist has been rofusptl admission to the Press Gallery, and hopes that in the near future applications foradmission will be dealt with without distinction of sex, in accordance with the principle of equality observed by tho Journalists' Institute in admitting both men and women to its membership. It was decided to forward a copy of tho foregoing icsolntion to the Chairman of thoPiess Gallory. Tho Wellington College boys arrive on Saturday next on a vihit to tlio Colle^iato School. The annual football match will bo played on Mind.iy aftoinoon. On Svtur day ovuume the lociU boys ai'cgiwug a. musiu.ll Sum (U'puiilic cilteriainmciit ut the OJdhllows' Hall in honoi of the visitors. Tuo of Toolp's fiuoitrite fiuces (" The Birthplace of Porlgeis'' and"lei on Parlo Francais ") arc to be staged, and tho musical items will be provided by tlie College orchestra, which numbers somo2o members. The lehearsals have beon very successful, and everything points to a good evening's entertainment. Seats may be booked at Messrs H. I. Jones and Sons. "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," tho moral tempeiance drama to be staged at the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday evening next, is receiving every attention in the way of rehearsals to ensure a perfect re presentation. Miss Dora Mostyu will appear in the dual characters of " Willie Hammond," the young squire, and that of " Mehetabol Cartwnght," Mr Thomas Curran as •' Harvey Green," and Mr Tom Watson as " Gin and Peppermint," a familiar bar loom figure. The musical portion of the pioduction is in the hands of Mr Fred Sparks, and it is to be hoped that tho praiseworthy efforts of Miss Mostyn and Mr Dalzeil in putting on a drama of an elevating nature* will meet with the suocoss it deserves. A well-filled building attested the interest taken in Mr Hmman's lecture last night on " David, King of Israel." It was pointed out that when the pen of inspiration writes a man's history his crimes aie not concealed, and so the story of David makes it clear that ho was guilty of the enoimities of lust, treachery and murder, crimes that stand side by sido with the recital of his acts of gieatness and magnanimity. The lecturer claimed that not only did he Bin terribly, but that his repentance was equally great, David having capacities for good and evil beyond most men. His acts and words were made to point a moral, indicating that no matter how deeply a man may transgress laws human and Divine, pardon can be had, and the vilest sinner may gain assurance that eveiy 3in is covered by tho atoning work of Christ. The lecture to-morrow evening will deal with " Fulfilled Prophecy," and •» red letter evening may be anticipated by those who are interested in the prophetic utterances of the ancient seers, whoso visions occupy so large a space in the Hebrew Scriptures. The lecturer's ability and earnestness are beyond question. Mr John Colvillo, who has been a resident of Palmersfcon Noeth for the past 16 years, and has been in business on his own account for 7 years, has decided to throw in his lot with us, and has commenced business as n saddler and harness maker in those premises lately occupied by the Dresden Piano Co. in tho Avenue, next Messis F. R. Jackson and Co.'s offices. Mr Colville's experience in his trade is practical, having learned all the various branches, and he informs us that the work he will turn out will compare favourably with that produced in any part of the colony. The stock, which ha 3 been selected by himself, comprises ladies' English and colonial saddles, gents' English and colonial hunting, park, breaking-in, and ordinary riding saddles at prices ranging from 80s to £8 Ba. Also ladies' and gents' English bridles, bieastplates and martingales, circinglos, web and leather girths, solid nickle spurs, stirrup irons, and bits of every conceivable variety, which cannot fail to satisfy tho most fastidious. Mr ColviUe has also a first-class stock of English nnd colonial silver-mounted harness, portmanteaux, Gladstone and brief bags in vaiious qualities, pack saddles, etc., ets. ; in fact the stock is complete in every department, and, being displayed to the best advantage, cannot fail to attract attention. A special item in the stock is the largo quantity of leather and working material. This, Mr Colville informs ns, will soon be converted into all classes of harness, which he intends to make up at once with the assistance of his staff. In drawing the attention of our readers to Mr Colville's business, we desire to expiess the hope that he will receive thp support which his enterprise deserves, and that his business career in Wanganui may be lonfi and prosperous. Oh ! Those days when nothing goes right! We all have experienced them. The old woman is snappy, and querulous, the old man choleric and painfully free of unparliamentary language ; the servants do everything wiong; tho dog is always getting in the way ; the boss finds fault with everything ; in abort the world is a disgusting habitat and life a vain and tasteless thing, and we cuise the world ] and everybody with *a delightful impartiability. But, as a matter of fact, what is wrong is ourselves. The liver is out of order, that is all. Because there is again sunshine and brightness and jollity and happiness by taking B. F. Darby's Kidney and Liver Syrup, which is also an invaluable specific for indigestion and constipation Sold by all chemists and storekeepers,

The barometer at 2 p.m. to-day registered 30-40. The thermometer inside was 53*. The Liedertafel Society will meet for practice in their new practice room tonight. A young woman, ell& was only 20 yonra of age, charged With having iio visible means of support at Chnstchurcll the other day, was yivorl tho opportunity of going into a charitable institution for six months, but preferred to take three months imprisonment with hard labor. At.a meeting of the AuoKland Fxhibitioh ConimittPe oil Friday ilifiht the (jues tion of the sale of alcoholic liquors was discussed. Of tlio ten members present five voted oach way. The chairman declined to give his casting vote, and the matter was left for a future meeting. In connection with the Athletio Club's Steeplechase Meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Wanganui Bicycle Club are arranging an interesting gymkhana. Tilting at the ring, cutting the lemon, slow racp, etc., with the other events advertised, should make a pleasant afternoon's entertainment. Messis James (captain) and Murch (vice-captain) have the matter m hand. While a lad named Watts was crossing a paddock with a cattle dog at Dandcnong (Victoua), a large oaglo swooped down on the dotf, arid carried it up into the air. The dog was oarriod a considerable height, when it managed to fix it teeth into the body part of tho bird's wing, and tlio pair oame tumbling to tho ground The lad succeeded in killing the eaglo, which measured 7ft fiom tip to tip of the extended winf<3.° Our readoi'B will rioie' that full particulars of the sale of plants (it Mr Keesing's mart on Wednesday are givfen in our advertising columns. Mr Benefleld ond his men are now busy preparing and the first load of fruit trees will be in the raai t to-morrow morning, tho remainder of stock being brought fresh from the nursery in the afternoon. Wo aro assured that this will be tho finest lot ever offered at auction in Wanganiii, An excellent programme has been arranged in connection with the concert in the Aramoho Boating Club's Hall to morrow evening, in aid of tho funds of the United Cricket Club. Amongst the items to be contributed are songs by Messrs Bishop, Jiokell, G. Brown and G. Larking ; a ventnloqnial act by Mr J. Palmer ; Highland dancing by Mr W. P. Stuart; guitar and mandolmo and violin duets ; exhibition of phonograph Ijy III" J. Hogg, and instrumental selections. Tho Palaco cars will leave tho Post Office, via the Avenue and Glasgow Street and Bell and Plymouth Stieets at 7.30 sharp.