The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-03-20

| The records of the past year show to
| the world that the people of the Ha-
waiian Islands can meet emergencies,
when they come. heroically, and work
| shoulder to shoulder. The history of
the cholera epidemic proves this con-
| cIusively. What we undertake for the
have also the reputation of being gem
Gus.
We have a telephone system I'M
equalled perhaps, for simplicity and
convenience; fine electric lights, good
school and church buildings, a well
conducted and prosperous public Ii
brary, a Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation with large and very liberal
| ~ equipped building, as we'll as various
other institutions for promoting the
public good, of all of which our citizens
are naturally proud. When we have a
need we strive to meet it, and our eff
forts have been thus far crowned with
success.
us who are in need of good, intelligent
judicious assistance; that is, encour-
agement to help themselves and there
by be independent. But there are
also at this time on these islands, many
women of every nation, church and
creed, who have this same want; viz,
help to help themselves, and in many
instances, others who, are dependent
on them.
This work the Woman's Exchange is
endeavoring to do, and with reason
able promise of success, owing wholly
to the generosity and patronage of this
community. We will quote here plea
to the public from the report of the
Secretary OF the Woman's Exchange
of Cincinnati, Ohio, thriving insti-
tuition of the same kind, hoping that
it will be read with thoughtful care.
The establishment mentioned, has by
the methods of exchange work, paid to
to consignors and employees the enor-
nous sum of 1913, 986.3S in twelve years.
The secretary says
1.-THE public does not often stop to
consider, when it sends in it's com
plants, that out of large number of
conSignorS, few have been drilled into
habits of precision before they begin
to avail themselves of the privileges
of the Exchange. The fact that the
Exchange is dealing with a class of
undlSciplined workers, to whom the
principle that governs the work will
not permit word of encouragement
to be offered, should not be overlooked.
''The average consignor knows little
or nothing of promptness and exacti-
tude. Time has hitheto waited her
convenience, she must generally be
taught that an order must be filed
with strict attention to detail, and de-
livered at the time specified.
Her talents are undeVeloped. She
can hardly tell in which direction her
abilities lie. 1t is the business of the
Exchange to discover her particular
bent, to advise and instruct. If her
special branch of industry is livestock
ed, to find her place in some other de-
:..-.1rrn1 I'd see that she does not be-
come discouraged. But it has not been
only with the benevolent side of the
Exchange, that the managers have been
occupied. The bushes affairs of the
institution make large demands on
their time, and add greatly to their
cares.
I'm the first place, the ten per cent.
charged consignorS, leaves large de-
felt in the sum necessary to meet the
yearly expenses. This the committee
in charge of the lunch and material de-
partment must make up the best they
can.
Next to the financial cares, the de-
mands of the public must be consider
ed. The employees must be instructed |
and subjected to constant supervision, |
that no opportunity be lost to effect a |
sale or secure an order through ignor-
ance or inattentiOn.
''The store must be clean and at
tractive to purchasers, a high rent must |
be paid to secure position in the shop |
ping district. But although a strict
attention to these details has been paid, |
the managers recognize that they have |
failed to realize for many of their con |
signors an adequate compensation. To |
any one interested in this particular |
work of benevolence in which the Ex-
change is engaged, there is no more |
pathetic sight than box of articles |
ITO be returned" Pretty, dainty con-
fections general1y-but for some I'M |
known reason they have not attracted |
the eye of the purchaser. Immagina-
ton can readily conjure up the pride |
and Joy of the maker, when she sent out |
her little venture, and picture the sor-
cow and Disappointment which will greet
its return. The fact of this failure
loes not lie at the Exchange doors. 1t
has done its part. 1t cannot force a
sale. The responsibility now rests
With the Public who must come forward
and assist the consignor.
This season Of financial depression
has swelled the number of working
women who need assistance. Will not
hose who have safely weathered the
storm extend helping hand to the less
fortunate? especially since they have
lot weakly succumbed to adversely, |
,ut are making brave efforts to regain
IN Independent footing. Do not let
hem fail for want of a little encour-
lgement. Consider. if you will. your