LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I need to take a bit of break from thinking so seriously after posting all 242 pages of mum's autobiography and then had a bright idea on how to give myself a rest:

I was once again delving through 'TROVE", that wonderful website where so much history is contained in various newspaper archives and looking for news items relating to my mother including various 'letters to the editor'.  I have copied out a few just for the fun of it to show here, and I would be interested to see your reaction to them considering some were written over 50 years ago and times have certainly changed since then.........or have they?

This Letter to the Editor was published in The West Australian on Saturday, 20th September, 1952, and thought the content may be of interest.  It was, of course, written nearly 53 years ago.  I have highlighted certain words where they were organisations with which mum was involved.

"WOMAN ENDORSED

To The Editor

Sir,  At the recent State Executive meeting of the Women's Service Guilds, attention was drawn to the pleasing fact that Mrs Florence Hummerston, J.P., had been endorsed by the *LC.L., as candidate for the North Perth seat at the coming elections.  Mrs Hummerston was at one time President of the Perth Guild.

The Guilds believe that it is essential for more women to enter Parliament and trust that the Labour executive will follow the lead of the L.C.L. and endorse women in the coming elections.  Fifty-two percent of the electors are now women, and it is felt that they should have representation by women in Parliament, on city councils, road boards etc.

Yours etc
WINIFRED KASTNER (State President)
GERTRUDE W. RUSTON (State Secretary)"

* L.C.L. was of course the Liberal and Country League
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Letters to the Editor.....The West Australian, Friday 24th August, 1954. (51 years ago)

JURY SERVICE FOR WOMEN 'CIVIC DUTY'

To the Editor.

Sir, - As an organisation which has fought for many years for equality of status for men and women, which includes jury service for women on the same terms as for men, we are naturally wholeheartedly in support of the present Bill before the Houses of Parliament, and hope, on this occasion, it will become law.

There is no desire for compulsory service for women any more than there is compulsory service for men, as there are clauses which deal with exemptions at the present time.

It is difficult to understand the attitude of some of the people writing to the press on this matter, because surely in this year of grace 1954 we should be an intelligent and enlightened community, and women in all affairs of life have proved that they have a worthwhile contribution to make.

The days when women were looking for protection are long since past - they are now striving for equal responsibility both in the home and out of it.

It could be a comforting experience for some women who found themselves in a court of law to see a number of their sex on a jury.

As far as is known, jury service has never been keenly sought by men - it is a responsibility which most of them accept; and there is no reason to believe that women will be more reluctant to accept this civic duty.

Yours etc.,
WINIFRED KASTNER
State President
GERTRUDE W RUSTON
State Secretary
Women's Service Guilds of W.A.