DOMESTIC INSTRUCTION.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13231, 26 September 1908, Page 9

DOMESTIC INSTRUCTION.

$■ ■ — NECESSITY FOB EXTENDING THE' WORK.

A conference was-held last evening in tho School of Domestic Instruction between the Advisory Committee- of Ladies of the Technical College and a number of other ladies interested in the work in regard to extending the ckiss-r-s in domestic economy .conducted by the Technical College. Thero were present: —Mrs Croasd_ilo Bowen (president), Mcsduuics Gardner, E. A. ijcott, Mitchell, Chilton, Howell, Cunnington, Page, Misses Waterston, Colborno Vecl, Morlov, .Harrington, Gilmour, and Grant". Apologies for absence wero received from Mrs Ivnyc, Miss Cox and Sister Edith. Mr J. H. Howell (Director of Technical College) stated that the present work in domestic economy was practically confined to three classes —the work among the girls iv tho primary schools., that done by girls who had just left the primary schools, and the adult classes. In ail, some 600 girls between the ages of about 12 and 15 wero receiving instruction in the elements of cookery. At tho Technical College there were 100 girls who were receiving instruction in cookery and needlework, and some were being instructed in laundry work, drcssn—king, and millinery, and—more important still—the laws of health. Iv tho adult classes which wore held for the moot part in the School of Domestic Instruction, instruction was given in cookery, dressmaking, needlework and iaunttrv work.

•An interesting informal discus-ion, then took pla.ee, and the following suggestions were made with a' view to extending tlio scope of instruction in domestic economy : —(l) That tho various places of business be visited and circulars di_tributed: (2) that circulars be sent to the existing organisations for girls and mothers for distribution: t'l) that invitations lie sent to places of business inviting the girls to attend free demonstrations; (4) that intermediate grade eertinVateo for, say, six months be issued ; (5V that special efforts be made to reach business girls who were compelled to spend so much time away from home; (GV that a board in g-iioiise lie established in connection with the Techmical College, where instruction in regard to household duties can bo given; (7) thafr a simple circular be prepared for distribution, setting forth the importance cf domestic-instruction, and urging girls to join, the classes ; (R) that a reduction in the fees for instruction be made, and ;(9) that in the case of servants, the fee lor a whole year's course bored need. Mj- Howell said that he was sure the : suggestions would receive the very careful consideration of the- Technical School authorities. A vote of thanks to Mrs Bowen fcr presiding closed the meeting.