STRATHEONA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25271, 25 August 1947, Page 2

STRATHEONA

SQUTH CANTERBURY’S TRAINING HOME

HELP IN THE HOUSE FOR COUNTRY WOMEN [Written for “The Press” by B. HARPER] At Pleasant Point in South Canterbury stands') a gate with this inscription, “A hundred men make an encampment, and a woman makes a home.” These words express the sentiments which sprang from the heart of a man who visualised a plan to help some of the womankind of his native province. The late Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., witnessed the growing attractions of town life for young girls who were leaving domestic positions to work in shops, offices and factories and foresaw the increasing burdens which country women would have to shoulder. He set out a scheme, noble in its thought and aspect, practical in its lay-out and usefulness. He gave a home and small farm for the establishment of a domestic training school, and made certain stipulations. The name of the school, Stratheona. is significant. Strath means a valley, and Eona is the Gaelic for Catherine, which was the name of Mr Burnett’s mother. The management of the establishment is in the hands of a representative board of women; a president, an organising secretary and seven other members. The board meets each month to survey the progress of pupils and to consider the applications of prospective trainees and women in need of help. As far as possible Stratheen supplies its own needs. What money is required is contributed by provincial womens’ institutes and branches of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers and interested persons. In addition to supplying help to country women the purpose of Stratheona is to raise the status of domestic workers. This it has achieved admirably. The school is very comfortably equipped and there is accommodation for 10 trainees. An experienced matron is in charge and weekly demonstrations qnd tests are given by a qualified domestic science instructor. The girls are trained in cooking, housework, laundry work, poultry farming, gardening, butter-making and elementary mothercraft. Certificates Awarded Trainees usually take about 18 months to complete the course. Older girls in their twenties usually graduate in a year, but younger girls in their teens take longer. Definite assurance must be given that unless unforeseen circumstances arise, the training will be completed, and after that, positions accepted in South Canterbury for a period of two years. During this time the positions in which a junior trainee is placed have a dual purpose, to give assistance in homes where it is most needed and to help the trainee to gain practical experience. Until she is fully qualified a trainee is not to be left in complete charge. If, after this period, the trainee proves herself thoroughly capable in household management she is given a certificate of merit. She may then work on her own account if she wishds, or continue to work under the management of the Stratheona board. Wages and certain rules (such as daily and weekly time off duty) are recommended by the board of managers. However, hard and fast rules cannot be set down for homes where circumstances differ widely, and an understanding exists between employer and employee. The principle which dominates the training of a Stratheona girl is thoughtfulness for her employer, the mother whom she goes to help. She lives as one of the family, and if she is a certificated trainee, she may take complete charge of a household during the. absence of a mother. Fully qualified trainees may choose permanent or temporary positions as they wish, and the latter are termed temporary home assistants. When an employer is an expectant mother the temporary home assistant goes to help her a week or so before she enters hospital, looks after the household during her absence and stays on until the mother is strong; enough to take over the duties of her home. Many calls are made on Stratheona girls to assist aged, sick or overworked women. The number of applications from women in need of help far exceeds the number of girls available, or the number of applications from prospective trainees. As it is impossible to meet all requirements, preference is given by the board to those it considers most in need of help. This is, undoubtedly, one of the best schemes of its kind in this country. The establishment of similar schools throughout New Zealand would greatly assist women in country areas where casual domestic help is seldom available.