DOMESTIC HELP SHORTAGE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22467, 30 July 1938, Page 6

DOMESTIC HELP SHORTAGE

Mechanical Aids To Housework

REQUEST FOR LIGHTER DUTIES

(TIES* iIgOCIATJOB TELBOBA.K.) WELLINGTON, July 29. The probability that there will never again be in New Zealand sufficient women and girls available to meet the scarcity of domestic servants was one of the arguments put forward at the annual conference of the Dominion Federation of Women’s Institutes held in Wellington, in support of a proposal that the Government be asked to reduce the duty on domestic electrical appliances. The following resolution from the Paraparaumu Women’s Institute initiated the discussion: “That the Government be urged to reduce as low as possible the duties on household electrical appliances in the interests of health in the home.” It was stated that milking machines and other farm implements were allowed into the country duty free whereas there was a heavy duty on electric washing machines, refrigerators, and other electrical appliances. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the executive was also asked to consider sending a deputation to the Minister for Finance (the Hon. Walter Nash) on the subject. A resolution from the Dominion executive asking the Government to make electricity a national service on the same basis as the Post Office—with uniform charges for service throughout the Dominion—was also discussed.

Unanimous support was accorded the following resolution from the Oran Institute; “That this meeting believes that increased population is one of the most vital needs of New Zealand today, and it urges the New Zealand Government to co-operate with the Migration Board lately established by the British Government in bringing in suitable migrants as soon as possible.” Hospital Board Elections The following resolution from the Maraetotara-VVaimarama Institute was also adopted without discussion: “That Parliament be urged to introduce legislation to put country people on the same basis as townspeople when voting for members on the hospital board.” j , Other resolutions adopted were; “That the Government be urged to alter the age limit of children travelling by rail up to five years of age free, and half tare up to 15 years” '.Mataroa Institute). “That representations be made to the Government favouring the establishment of creches in conjunction with public and especially maternity hospitals” (Tauranga District Federation). , j . “That the Government bo urged to establish a Children’s Cinema Council in New Zealand on the lines of the council operating in Victoria, Australia” (Tauranga District Federation), •That the Education Department be urged to provide some training in mothercraft for girls in Standard VI at all elementary schools” (Orari Institute). , „ . “That women's institutes form their own homecraft auxiliary and that girls seeking employment send their names and capabilities to the president of their own and neighbouring institutes so that all help can be engaged through the president” (Waipu Institute). 1 , . “That the Government be urged to take stricter steps to enforce the rule about drinking on trains” (Ellham Institute) . “That we protest against the country fceing used as a dumping ground for undesirables” (Manawahc Institute). Favourable consideration was given to a resolution from the Whangarci District Federation; “That the institutes make an effort toward international peace.” The resolution was referred to the National Questions Committee.

Those attending the Exhibition associated with the Women's Institute Conference in Wellington showed considerable interest in the attractive stall of Hansell Laboratories, Ltd., Masterton —the Essence Specialists of N.Z. The display included the now famous Hanscll’s Cloudy Food Flavourings. Hansell’s Milko, Hansell’s Beau Brocade Bath Essences and Hand Lotion, and many other of their well-known culinary and toilet products manufactured by this progressive firm. —1