SUPERINTENDENTS LETTER.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 393, 18 April 1928, Page 10

SUPERINTENDENTS LETTER.

GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

Dear Sisters, Just a few lines in connection with “Empire Shopping Week” which is to be observed, simultaneously, throughout the Dominion, in May. I am sure that we women all realize that we need educating as to our responsibility in regard to Empire trading. When we realize that women have 8 5 per cent, of the spending power of wages, we begin to know what a great power and influence we might wield! The purchasing power of the New Zealander is the highest in the world. As Mrs Amery has pointed out, every Britisher, wherever he may be is a member of a big family, whose welfare is entirely dependant upon the welfare of the individual members, and for reasons of sentiment and no less for economic reasons we must realize these facts. This question has a vital connection, also with the question of unemployment. Through no fault of their own, thousands of able-bodied men and women are to-day out of work. There are many reasons for this regrettable state of affairs, one of the chief being (so said a speaker in Christchurch last week) that women will persist in spending their money on the imported articles instead of purchasing the New Zealand product, and thereby keeping their money within the country. Everyone could assist in relieving the position by demanding New Zealand goods—if not procurable, then goods manufactured within the Empire. The locally-made articles compare favourably for quality and price with the imported goods. Let us educate ourselves and try also to influence and interest other women in these matters. Let it not be said of us, sisters, that the women of to-day are falling behind their brothers, and sons, in patriotism. Let us all take an interest in. and show* a practical sympathy with, the aims and ideals of the Empire Industries Association, which is working hard to make “Empire Shopping Week” a great success. I am, Yours for service, NELLIE BLACKWELL, Superintendent.