WOMAN’S SPHERE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18309, 21 April 1931, Page 5

WOMAN’S SPHERE.

PLACE IN PUBLIC LIFE INFLUENCE ON RACE. In view of the controversy that has been raging In the correspondence columns of tho Waikato Times rogarding women’s place In public life, tho remarks of IVIr G. A. Troup, Mayor of Wellington, on tho subject will bo of Interest.

Replying to the question “ What is woman’s sphere?" in the course of Uhc civic reception at the National Council of Women at Wellington, Air Troup said that there was only one reply, and that was “ the universe, without any restrictions." Any work, any occupation she might choose and for which she was mentally, physically and spiritually fitted, that was her sphere. Were he asked the question, "What is woman's greatest sphere?” •he would without hesitation say “ The home," because, generally speaking, however she might succeed in any other work, she would never do any greater work than making and moulding under her influence the succeeding race, said Air Troup. But it was not given to every woman to control or manage a home, and for those who were not privileged to do that greatest work of all, no fair-minded person could deny her the right to work in any sphere for which she was fitted. Personally he thought every girl, in addition to being taught how to keep and manage a home, should also be taught some business or profession so that whatever happened to her a career was open in which she could render some useful service.

Equal Standing. In recent years many avenues had been opened to women which were formerly closed to them. They now had access to high schools, universities and many of the professions; they had the franchise in matters civic and political, not only to vote but to occupy positions as members of Parliament and local bodies. It was only a matter of time when other doors still closed would be thrown wide open. A lot of controversy had been, and was being, waged on the equality of sexes, but as he read the decrees of God men and women had equal standing and equal rights, and on this basis the marriage bond had been established. Controversy on the matter seemed to him to be futile. Alan as the bread-winner must provide for, and keep ills home going, protect his partner with his whole strength and fight lo Ilic death for those dependent on him, Air Troup continued. But Where was another side, and he asked them to think of the average woman in the average home, facing life day after day, cleaning, washing, dusting, cooking, darning and sewing, all days alike. Her work was never done. Toiling on in sickness, her days were often one long weary effort and her nights sleepless and anxious, yet she went on bravely and uncomplainingly. There were both sides of the case. The one thing that had lo bo guarded against at all costs was the loss of faith in each other, as once that departed neither could rise. Women showed

their love in work, but they showed to still better advantage when working for those they loved. God's greatest gift to man and the world at large was undoubtedly an understanding woman. He was impressed by the Kentuckian who said that he cams from a country where every woman was a queen—a tine sentiment. Speaking of queens suggested that if the highest position in a nation s gift could be held by a woman—and it had been most nobly, graciously and successfully held by many women as queens of the leading nations of the world —who could logically deny to woman any other station of minor grade ?

The Driving Force. There was, said the Mayor, no aspiration, no achievement, no great and honourable ambition man had desired to gratify which had not as its mainspring or driving force the love of a mother, wife or sweetheart. Unseen thev toiled and often unheralded and unsung they passed to their rest, but nevertheless the silent driving force behind many of New Zealand s great and honourable deeds had been and was due to the untiring encouragement and support of the womenfolk. None of the social developments of modern times had been more marked than the organised _ movements of women for defensive and offensive purposes, and these were not beforo their time and were all to the good, for he was satisfied that the advent of women into public life was for the good of the body politic and would sweeten and enrich public life in the long run. To that end the National Council of Women had a great work to perform. He had great pleasure in extending to them a hearty civic welcome. Mrs C. A. Fraer, president, briefly thanked the Mayor, and Mrs B. E. Carnichan, Auckland, tnat the- women of the North and South Islands were united, said women were anxious to help in solving the great problem which faced tno country. Taking them in the home they were the best financiers in New Zealand. Mrs E. Asplin, Dunedin, said they were not there to dictate to man, but wanted to co-operate with him, to bring their mothers’ hearts to work upon the problems which had to be faced, and the people of New Zealand could trust them to do thflr very best in that direction.