New-York tribune., 1901-08-08
IN NEW ZEALAND.
OPINION OF THE WOMEN REGARDING
THE DOMESTIC PROBLEM-CONVEN-
TION OF NATIONAL COUNCIL

The women of New-Zealand nave discovered the
reason why the mill and the shop so generally
preferred 10 domestic service by young
It is because more brains required In domestic
work than behind a a machine"
This novel theory propounded at the recent
convention of the National Council OF New-Zea-
land women.
Among the subjects discussed were: The i'm
po-tance of having technical education provided
by the State. human betterment the domestic
service problem, and the economic independence OF
women.
in the ordinary workman due the one
sided nature OF the educational system. She urged
that compulsory continuation classes should be
held in the evening: this would be a means OF
clearing the streets Of many Of the young people
who frequent them She referred TO the practice
of sending children farms and expressed the
opinion that this should be stopped
Another thought that horticulture and fruit cult
ure would furnish suitable and rcmunerative oc-
cupation for women. and urgei experiment in
those directions.
In connection with the papers on Human Bet
ternent' the council adopted resolution 10 this
effect:
That this council deplores the militaTism which
ing the burdens OF every people, fomenting ma
tonal and international jealousies. and melting
the diffculties between nations are always capable
Of peaceahle settlement. If mediatory methods be
employed in time and IL therefore heartily well
comes the establishment Of the international Court
Of Arbitration
1t was resolved. also. to petition the government
TO increase the amount OF the old age pension to
10 shillings a week, and TO provide cottages for
such pensioners.
Prison reforms were considered IN this section,
and the Elmira Reformatory. in this State. was
referred offering excellent system for
imitation.
The domestic service problem brought forth the
expression of belief by many that II domestic
science was taught other studies are, the feel
ing that housework is degrading would gradually
disappear and a better class OF household workers
would be the result. Several speakers said that
# mistresses had been always properly considerate
the present difficulties would not have arisen, and
another made the statement first quoted. The
establishment OF municipal laundries and kitchens
was advocated on the ground that II cooking and
washing could he simpihed much OF the exist
ing friction would disappear
Another idea advanced that all young girls
should be trained in domestic science The speaker
tao9gnt that mstresses Wous n mo ~ 5enenclai enc
70 90 their own houSeWork, merely employing a
trained girl for certain number OF hours DAY DAY.
girls were better off in domestic service than in
other branches of labor
In the discussion on the economic independence
or women, IL resolved
That this council is of opinion that In all
same work either in the employ Of the government
or of private individuals, equal wages should be
paid for equal work
The mover said that this matter of
growing importance, since women were entering
so long such limited interests that they failed
10 recognize the wider social claims. One of the
are "lilng to work for a pocket money wage.
The concluding act Of the council was to
solve: That this council approach the Premier
and represent to him that the most sincere tribute
Ihat can be paid to the memory Of her late
abilities OF the women of this colony recogni-
ton OF her benefcent rule"