UNEMPLOYED WOMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 34, 9 August 1934, Page 19

UNEMPLOYED WOMEN

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MEETING OF COMMITTEE

SHORTAGE OF DOMESTICS

. A number of matters of interest were brought forward at a recent meeting of the Women's Unemployment Committee, over which the Mayoress (Mrs. T. C. A. Ilislop) presided.

Tho employment figures were regarded as encouraging, taking into consideration that July is usually a slack time for most industries, and the fact that during that month 81 positions were filled through the offieo (30 being of a casual nature) was therefore gratifying. In addition 18 applicants secured work for themselves, and probably some of the 26 lapsed registrations were due to the finding of employment. For 20 domestic positions no suitable applicants offered, and it was stated that there is much difficulty in finding young and competent girls to undertake' household duties.

At tho end of July tho number on the "activo list" was 104, 40 of these being women in rooms and 9 girls thus accommodated.

The total number of women on relief for July was 59; attendances for meals numbered 11 for breakfast, 32; for dinner, and IS for tea, the maximum number at one- meal being 55. Clothing was also distributed to some in special need. Ten pairs of shoes were repaired and 2 pairs given.

It was stated that 10 new nursing cases had been, undertaken since last report. The influenza epidemic had caused a shortage of nurses in Wellington and the bureau had at odd times been taxed to meet all demands. On two occasions nurses were asked, to reside for terms of from two to three nights. Two patients had called at the oflico to express their gratitude and one had written a letter of appreciation. Since the inception of this scheme, 36 cases had been handled from. the bureau and seven nurses havo benefited. : ..■'.'

Satisfactory reports were- received from the shop and, kitchen committees.

In speaking to the Mayoress about the bureau, it was ascertained that she is deeply interested in the matter of the training of the girls who come into tho rooms, and are out of employment, in domestic arts. A particularly

interesting-1 silk is given regularly on, Wertnosday afternoons by a qualified graduate in domestic science, with I simple instruction in tho preparing of foods and with regard to healthy and suitable diets. Theso talks may not | be very well known at present, but i there is no doubt of their value, nor is there of the excellent instruction given in tho kitchen of practical everyday <y>okery, which should enable many !l girl to got a good position and lvago after a course of instruction. The Muyoross has taken keen interest iv inaking the rooms pleasant and attractive, and there is no doubt that they are both and those who tako advantage of them are fortunate in having such a place provided free of all expenses. Another kindly thought has been shown in tho arranging of meals to suit the hours of factory workers, both in the middle of tho day and in the evening.