The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-25
S THIS SUMNER MORE USEFUL THAN EVER

new order into effect is dated March
29, 1917, anc reads In part as follows:
"In addition TO any pension and
children's allowances there may be
granted, under such conditions as the
Minister of Pensions may determine:
ITO any widow an allowance not ex-
ceeding lis. Cd. 5000 a week, for
period not ordinarily exceeding thir-
teen weeks. while she is undergoing
any course of instruction, which. in
the opinion of the Minister OF Pen
sions. will be advantageous to her.
Where an allowance Is granted under
this subsection any fees for training
for which provision is not otherwise
made, may be paid, subject TO such
conditions as the Minister Of Pensions
may determine"
The decree Is more a provision for
the future than one to meet present
need. AS matter Of fact compare
lively few widows have yet taken adj
vantage OF this opportunity because OF
the great demand for women workers
in England. But It Is realized that
this Is an abnormal condition which
will end when the soldiers return to
civil life.
The schooling is to embrace essen
TALLY wQman's work, and in 1t may DO
seen some effort toward that readJust-
ment of labor which is bound to be
troublesome when the soldiers come
hack. A careful survey has been made
by the English authorities, with the
aid of business houses. industrial
schools, &c, to determine those gainful
occupations in which there is COM
monty a demand for female workers.
As a result Institutional centres have
been established where the women
who are eligible may be taught box.
making, clock and watch repairing.
cookery, corset making, dental me-
chanics. machining. blouse making.
mantle trade. maternity nursing. mid
wifery. general nursing, school teach
ing, dressmaking. hand ironing. &C.
A widow receiving the minimum
pension may apply for training to the
Minister Of Pensions through the War
Pensions Committee Of her particular
district Enrolment. however, Is sub
feet to three conditions: The domes-
tic circumstances Of the applicant; the
suitability for the applicant OF the oc-
cupation for which training Is pro-
posed; the prospect Of permanent and
remunerative employment in the oc-
cupation chosen"
The length OF the Institutional
period depends, OF course. on the call
ing she elects to follow. Ordinarily,
as specified in the warrant it is not to
exceed thirteen weeks. But in the
~ a
call for unusual skill an extension oil
time Is granted by the Government 70
those applicants who are making
good At the expiration of four weeks
!. the instructors submit a report Of the
progress made by each individual ia
the local war pensions committee and
again when the three months course
Is ended. Thus 1t Is possible to deter
mine whether it is worth while for
any student to follow a certain line
, and. as far as practicable. to put the
right women in the right place.
A widow Is granted an allowance
/ for every child under Is. and in addi-
I ton, IL she undertakes to learn trade
: she is given a maintenance allowance
t toward the upkeep of her home
Where the mother must live apart
I from her children while she is at.
, tending school it is the duty OF the
local war pensions committee to see
that they are we'll taken care OF.
z Great Britain. by this arrangement
is anticipating the inevitable and hei
work at least suggests lines along
/ which We might proceed. 1t would be
: at best but a small return for the
e. sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors
3 and marines.