The Simple Life.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 23, 9 June 1906, Page 16

The Simple Life.

[ •Miss d’Esterre... .would like husbands to be sent to such a school as hers for a month or so to be taught how to share the domestic worries of a household and lighten the -simple life” wife's burdens by undertaking the dirtier duties. One great advantage in a husband and children, says Miss d’Esterre .... is the way an intelligent wife and mother can utilise them in the household. The husband's sphere during working-time would be the kitchen, where he would do such rough and dirty tasks as boot-cleaning and knife-polishing.” — Extract from “School for the Simple Life.”} When, weary with a heavy day, Edwin rejoins his wife. He cannot rest, because, you see, He leads the Simple Life. For tho’ he works his brain all day, I’ntll it fairly spins. *Tis only on returning home That drudgery begins. That row of hoots must all be blacked, The knives be polished bright; A stack of wood Is waiting there Which must be chopped ere night. The scuttles ho must fill with coal, Until his back be bent. Whatever else a husband Is, He is convenient. He has no lime to smoke a pipe. Or read tho evening news; His onerarics he concentrates On polishing his shoes. Domestic bliss he cannot know. He rarely sees his wife; She, too. Is busily engaged Leading the Simple Life. No wonder Edwin wishes back Those complicated fifty*. When servants took effective charge Of all tho household wnys<