Australian Girls Defended

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31150, 29 August 1966, Page 7

Australian Girls Defended

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, August 26.

Hotel-keepers had been very pleased with the work of Australian girls, the vice-president of the Hotel Association (Mr H. D. Ellerington) said today.

Mr Elleriiigton, who is secretary of the Auckland Hotel Association, was replying to comments by delegates at the annual conference of the Hotel Chefs’ Association.

Speakers had said that the bringing of Australian girls to work in New Zealand was a stop-gap and a gimmick. Mr Ellerington said that when the scheme was started New Zealand hotels were desperately short of staff.

“We took the initiative and brought over Australian girls and this has proved highly successful. “Had we not done so hotels would have had to close down accommodation to the detriment of the travelling public and tourists.

“Since the scheme’s inception we have employed thousands of Australian girls and they have been of a high

standard as well as being well spoken of by guests in hotels. “We have employed girls who in their own country occupied very responsible positions. Many are qualified nurses. Their ready adaptability and willingness to learn have considerably eased the probleriis of hotel operation.” Mr Ellerington said the scheme had been widely copied by other industries.

“At the same time we have endeavoured to continue to recruit New Zealand staff. But unfortunately the high number of employment vacancies throughout the country has limited our success.

“Everyone in our industry is still keen to see systems of staff training expanded and the success and wide attraction of courses in basic cookery in Auckland and Dunedin is a good omen for further courses.”