THE SERVANT GIRLS HALFHOLIDAY QUESTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 78, 27 July 1896, Page 2

THE SERVANT GIRLS HALFHOLIDAY QUESTION.

[To the Editor.] Sir, —I was surprised to learn that we in New Zealand had with us such superior born ladies. I have been in a few families, bur I am very pleased to say that I have never come into contact with one who, like your lady correspondent, was born in a superior position. I would like to ask that lady if it is a matter of choice how we are born. But our legislators are not talking about positions of birth. Mr Kelly's Bill is to effect full-grown people; in short, it is to ease to some extent the oppressed. I have not the slightest doubt but your lady correspondent thinks that it is quite good enough for us poor over-worked domestics to be left in their hands and at their tender mercies, just as is the dog or the old buggy horse ; but it is a good thing that all do not think alike. Your correspondent says we cannot, nor will not, pay them for choosing their work. That again is outside of the question. We have not asked that consideration. Then sqe says, " I have no manner of doubt she will insist on having the carriage round to take her out on the half-holiday, and tell her mistress to have tea ready for her at 5.30 sharp." Well, sir, as to the carriage, in some instances I would not care to trouble my lady for the ride, I should prefer walking; but I certainly should not object to the cup of tea if her ladyship was capable of making a good brew, I do not think that it would lower her to do so, but perhaps she may think we are expecting too much, and that we are also equalising ourselves. One thing, however, I must say before closing my short letter and that is: Whatever your lady correspondent says or thinks, we have the consolation of knowing that pounds, shillings, and pence do not go towards making a "lady," and, further, that there are no ladies in the sight of God ; all are on equal terms with him as far as position counts. So I hope that " lady " will not again rush into print to blow her trumpet about her position, but keep to the point at issue. Thanking you, Sir, in anticipation.—l am, &c, Lady Maude. [To THE EniTOK,] Sib, —Will you kindly allow me a few lines in which to answer a letter in Thursday's paper under the signature of " Lady." Well, Mr Editor, she no doubt is a lady, but certainly with three "outs " as the old saying has it, without any wit, feeling, or compassion. This is just the kind of woman that working people wish to draw to their sense of duty as to . how to treat their servants and fellow creatures; but I suppose by what " Lady " say 3 servant girls and working people are her inferiors. I conclude therefrom that the blood that runs in my " Lady's" veins must be. blue. Could she not suggest to the Government the notice given some years ago that working men's wives and daughter should have ' their left or right breasts cut off, so that they might be distinguished from her royal highness. I am not a servant, but, like " Lady," I have employed servants for 20 years in this colony, and I am thoroughly disgusted with such upstarts. Let us go unanimously as women of this grand colony and put down such a would-be slave-driver ! I would suggest to her that she sends for one of the slaves, say from Uncle Tom's country, so that if the girl refuses to work 20 hours a day " Lady " could use the cat-o'-tJ(£&. tails. Does it also grieve the £&or benighted writer to find that her servant can read or write and is fairly educated. Just fancy " Lady's " boot-blacking process. She might just have added to that part of it grooming down the horse for her carriage, milking cows, feeding the pigs, and so forth. I think all servants should show such a " Lady " that they can do without her, and let her do her own work, and then she might see what work is. If this is a specimen of a real English lady's ideas as to what servants out here ought to be, then I say thank God there are so few real ladies in New Zealand. —I am, to., MttXKESS,