The Domestic Problem.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2286, 26 February 1912, Page 3

The Domestic Problem.

Thu domestic problem and the dearth of female labor is again a matter of comment in this month's Labor Journal. Wellington reports :—'• Tbere id an everincreasing demand for domestic workers. High wages are offered, but girls are unwilling to accept the varied duties and long hours expected of them. They are not willing to go for lower wages where a second maid would be kept or a charwoman employed. Maids for the country at high wages are almost impossible to get. Factory hands are also urgently sought after at good wages and under good working conditions. The overseas boats Tainui and Kuipebu were met as usual, and advice and information were given. Few applications were made to the Deputment by immigrants, and, considering the number arriving, it is astonishing what becomes of them all." From Coristeburch conies the lament : ' The lack of domestic help is so keenly felt that thfl arrival of every ship from England is closely watched by employers in the hope that liaJp m-iy be obtained from amongst the newcomers but so few are o,ruing Iva-e that it, makes no appreciable difference in the situation. The demand for makers, milliners, and facfcyor workers is still very keen ; also for apprenticed to those trades, and girls for laundries. Girls for any of thssa'brauches of employment are almost as scarce as domestics, There were 281 applications from employers, in Christchurch, and 30 positions wltc filled."