LADY-HELPS.

Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2241, 12 May 1877, Page 3

LADY-HELPS.

The 'Times'has published the following letter :—

Sir, —It is the custom to ridicule ladyhelps ; in fact, the term has only to be mentioned to raise a laugh. But is this altogether just '! Servants, as a, class, have become almost intolerable—they Avant higher Avages for indifferent work.

There are a number of educated women ready to do the work of servants at a. lower rate of payment. They are surely rather to be praised than ridiculed for this. I oavh I Avas inclined to laugh myself at first, for, in common Avith many others, I had mistaken the functions of a lady-help. The term is an unfortunate one, and is likely to mislead. I should be glad to give my experience of the services of a lady-help, for the encouragement of those who are plagued Avifch bad servants. Finding it necessary to break up my establishment and live in rooms in London, I inquired at Mrs. Crawshay's office, at lfi, Lower Seymour-street, Portniansquare, Avhcther any lady would be willing to be my servant, aud act as house-keeper, cook, housemaid, and personal attendant. I received some two dozen letters during the next day from educated women, all able and willing to do the work I required. In these days a cook or housemaid seeking a" place can positively choose her mistress, as the individuals soaking service are about one to six of those requiring servants ; but in this case I avus puzzled which to choose among so many excellent women. The lady I selected has lived with me since, and is a thoroughly good servant ; she is a good housekeeper, a capital cook, Avaits pleasantly at table, washes my laces, and brings refinement into all her work. She has quite convinced me that it is possible to do what is called ' menial' Avork, and yet be a lady. , There is a general impression that lady helps require to sit at table Avith their employers, but it is quite a mistake. I offer my servant ionlv the same treatment and payment that I have offered to other servants, from Avhom I have received insolence, ingratitude, and indifferent service. We know how well it has answered for head nurses to be educated Avomen ; but any lady Avho keeps only a cook and housemaid, or a general servant, Avill find plenty of avomen at the office ready to serve her. Women are scorned for attempting to do man's Avork in the Avorld ; lady-helps should be encouraged for their noble endeavour to bring to a higher standard of excellence thatdepartment of AVOilian'sAvork accounted so humble, but which is so necessary to our comfort. Mrs. Crawshay has, m a, philanthropic spirit, established the office at her own expense. If she had found a more suitable term than 'lady-help,' she Avould, perhaps, not have met Avith so much ridicule. Should she be successful in her project, she Avill lessen two great evils. She will find suitable employment for Avomen, and Avill free us from the tyranny of ignorant and bad servants.