DOMESTIC SERVICE

Evening Post, Issue 50, 27 August 1935, Page 5

DOMESTIC SERVICE

UNECONOMIC SYSTEM

PROPOSED TRAINING

"The economic conditions in New Zealand are such that L see no possibility of the maintenance of the muchdiscussed domestic problem. . . .The employer must recognise by now that the indifferent service given under the old system is ■ uneconomic, and should be prepared to pay for assistants who can readily assist, and who, if necessary, can take over complete control of the household." :

These remarks were made by the Director of the Wellington Technical College (Mr. R. G. Ridling), in presenting to the Board of Governors last evening a report outlining the courses proposed for the training of girls and women when the new home science wing is completed. The report was prepared as the result of a request from the honorary secretary of the Women's Social Progress Movement, which has as its object "the raising of the economic and social status of those engaged in domestic work."

After some discussion the report and the secretary's letter were referred to the ladies' committee.

Mr. Ridling stated that the object of .the movement was somewhat comprehensive, but the board was concerned only in so far as both, the general and special training were concerned.

The home science course for girls from 13 to 14 years would be quite similar to the course operating at present, said Mr. Ridling, but use would be made of the laundry and laboratory as well as the cookery and dressmaking workrooms.

The course for girls from 15 to 16 years would be just as specialised as the present course, and would aim at! applying the work learned in the workrooms and laboratories during the first two years, as well as extending that work. The full range of equipment would be in use, and general management of a house will be taught in the practice flat. If the enrolments were sufficiently large there would be specialisation along definite linesdressmaking, ' cookery, and confectionery, home craft, etc. Such an arrange-

ment would allow lor general or special training. ; '

Under ordinary conditions the work done during the evening would be similar to that done in the day school, continued Mr. Ridling. It would be divided into courses and home craft would be a subject of the course, but would be open to older girls who have previously passed the elementary stages in the various subjects. It would be recognised that except where students had done the preliminary work in the daytimer the course must longer because of the limited time available. SPECIAL COURSES. It would be possible with the improved facilities ..to'conduct'short fulltime courses of a very practical nature for students who had had sound preliminary courses and were able to spend the day in . training. Such a course would embrace all the higher branches of the work in the subjects science, cookery, needlework, dressmaking, laundry work, and home craft. The major" part of ithis would be carried out in the workrooms, but the practice would be supplemented with whatever explanation-was necessary to enable students to develop a genuine and. intelligent interest in. the ..work they undertook.',. Such ..a course: should, so far -as the college .was. able, satisfy the requirements of the Women's Social Progress • Movement. It should ; meet the requirements of those who intended to.set.up homes for themselves as.well as those who proposed to use it as a profession. ■ \ ' ': ; ' "The. economic conditions in.'New Zealand - are such that I see no possibility of the maintenance of the muchdiscussed domestic, problem," said Mr. Ridling. "The old, almost feudal character of the system has gone, and it must be replaced .by a better system. The. employer must recognise by • now that the indifferent .service given under the old system is uneconomic, and should be prepared to-pay for assistants who can readily assist and who, if necessary, can take over .complete control of the household."

Certification of those who had .carried out a specific, course could be undertaken by the college and prospective employers could be satisfied that the possesison of the certificate issued indicated that - the holder had passed through a satisfactory period of training and had reached an efficient standard. ' The extension of the work of the vocational officer' would enable all students-so trained to .be.placed in positions. Prospective employers, however, should; realise that the efficiency of an assistant depended very largely upon the suitability of employment. A fair arrangement of the.hours of work and a fair remuneration were fundamental. factors ia. any successful scheme;