DOMESTIC SERVANTS

Evening Post, Issue 12, 14 July 1936, Page 6

DOMESTIC SERVANTS

SCHOOL FOR TRAINING

MINISTER'S OPINION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) '- DUNEDIN, July 13,

The .establishment of a training school for domestic servants at Dunedin" was advocated by a deputation representing a number of women's organisations which waited on the Minister of Education (the Hon. P. Eraser) today. The Minister said-the Government was anxious to provide a higher standing and better conditions for domestic workers, and he thought the proposal put forward by the deputation would provide a better approach to the question of domestic employment than existed at present. The deputation was introduced by Dr. D. G. McMillan, M.P.

Mrs. Herbert, representing housewives* said that so far there was no legislation providing for girls entering domestic service. Consequently they could'not command a good standard of living as "they were classed as unskilled workers. The demand today was for fully qualified and wellequipped workers, and it was not right that the Government should provide good conditions and wages foia some sections of workers and leave others unattended.

S-iMcsi., Drake, of the. Women's Division; of, 'ithe,:..Farmers':, Union, emipfesise'd..the^'i;.itnptirtance : of training ■girls : ddmfestic -work so that they would be good Avorkers when they had homes of their-own. , It was a matter that had a vital . bearing on the welfare of future generations.

, "We have not really touched the fringe yet in regard to improving conditions of workers," said the Minister, "and one of the most important phases is the training of girls for domestic work. It is an occupation which should /be given a higher status. It seems at present that the demand for domestics exceeds the supply, and the reason for that position is that girls do not see any future or career in that 'type of work.. The factory gives them better wages and status. We have to do something, but it is a question what is the best thing to do. The opinion of the Government is that there should be a better approach to the matter of domestic employment, and I think/that what you propose is a better approach to the position. The Government is anxious to give help and protection to girls so that they may be able to secure a proper standing and . proper conditions." ■