190 WOMEN IN CANADA 



Upon them falls the daily task, which often from 

 its sameness grows monotonous, of preparing food 

 and cooking it ; then there is jam-making, perhaps 

 bread-baking, and the weekly wash-day. But is 

 there any fun to be had without going as far as the 

 neighbouring town to see the Cinema ? Is there 

 much beyond Sunday's sermon from the pulpit to 

 give food for thought of things beyond the parish 

 boundary line ? There is nothing specially offered 

 for the relaxation of these women, and it is because 

 of this that so many young girls prefer to leave 

 their homes and gain a wider outlook in towns, whilst 

 following after them goes a devoted swain, Harry 

 the ploughman or Bill the carpenter, and so the 

 countryside becomes depleted of its men and women. 

 It is most natural that those who live surrounded 

 by luxuries such as electric light, telephones, car- 

 riages and motors, who have easy means of access 

 to the best plays, concerts, and dances, who have, 

 brought to their doors, all the latest ideas on music, 

 literature, and science, do not understand the 

 stagnation, the dreariness of country life when all 

 these means of communication are wanting, when 

 the farmer's wife cannot even take her share in 

 the affairs of the county or in educational matters. 

 It is this social side, a personal element far removed 

 from politics or pettiness of party gains that the 

 women of Canada have helped so much. They 

 know that a single unit can accomplish but little, 

 so by means of co-ordinated work, the combined 

 assistance of all towards some one specific object, 

 they accomplish things that cause surprise by their 

 importance. Sometimes a village President gives 



