HOME CRAFTS SCHOOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 155, 2 July 1937, Page 2

HOME CRAFTS SCHOOL.

TRAINING ADVOCATED. DOMESTIC HELP PROBLEM. Much time and thought is being given in Auckland to the solution of the domestic help problem, although the position, as one organisation sees it. is not improving!. In the annual report of the Auckland Women's Employment Committee, it is stated that, since the introduction of the 40-hour week, the difficulty experienced in obtaining competent workers for domestic duties has increased. "Work where week-ends are free, and daily hours of work are fixed," states the report, "is naturally more attractive to women and girls. Before any change in the attitude of the overage girl towards this work can be looked for, some scheme to make the work more inviting must be put forward. Following a discussion with the Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, members of th:> executive were invited to submit definite proposals to the Minister with the object of improving the lot of the domestic help. A meeting was subsequently held, and as a result several proposals were submitted. The Government was urged to establish a school for home crafts in addition to and independent of any system of domestic training at present in operation. Tuition, it was decided, should be available to all women and girls, regardless of their station in life. Trainees should be encouraged to sit for an examination to qualify for a certificate of merit, and those holding such a certi ficate should enjoy a higher status thar other workers. Hours of work should b> regulated. There should be a minimun wage for each olas* of workers, whil* provision for proper meals, rest hours weekly and annual holidays should bi ; made. The recommendations were forwarder to the Minister of Labour, and up t< the date- of the annual general meetin; no reply had been received.