DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 March 1926, Page 9

DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

SUPPLY FOR NEW ZEALAND. GIRLS FROM NORTH IRELAND. LONDON, Ecb. 12. During 1925, 573 domestic servants wore sent to Now Zealand by the Migration Department, bringing the number up to about. 3000 for the last five years. Forty went by the Tainui last week, mostly Scottish girls, and another 120 will be going out by the Hororata, Corinthic and the Athcnie. About ninety of these would have gone in December had not the shipping strike disorganised the sailings. Scotland hitherto has been found the happy hunting ground of migration officers. In the South of England the people appear to be content with their lot and are not eager to get out into the now countries. As one goes further north the spirit of adventure is to be found in greater evidence, and in Scotland the young women and men seem to need little persuasion to seek their fortunes afield. , Nearly everyone has a friend or a relative, however distant, in New Zealand, and the visualisation of the country is thereby made easier. Apart from this, however, the northern race has a tradition which gives them the courage to cross the seas and found new homes. Five years ago two women went out from Glasgow and served as domestic servants for four years. To-day they have taken a boarding house in a certain centre. Twenty-four rooms have been furnished and paid for, and they are getting on well. Incidentally, they have nominated a niece and three nephews, who have gone out to join them. It is evident, however, that Northern Ireland also has great possibilities as a recruiting ground for domestic servants. The High Commossioner recently arranged for the Government publicity officer to visit all the chief towns in North Ireland. He was followed by Miss H. E. Hanlon, who is in charge of the domestic servant branch of the Migration Department. In Ireland there is not the same close touch with the Dominion that is to bo found in Scotland. Friends and relatives have made their homes in Canada and the United States and not so much in the southern Dominions. Hence, it is natural to find a lessor degree of alacrity for migration here than in Scotland. Miss Hanlon, however, was agreeably surprised. A certain number of the 200 girls whom she interviewed have relatives in New Zealand. They showed a genuine desire to better themselves and all of them appeared to bo earnest and hard-working. They are not of the type to make stylish parlojir'inaids for town work, but they should make very useful helpers in the country. On the other hand, they are well educated, they know what they want, and they realise that by going so far afield they are practically burning their boats so far as returning to Ireland is concerned.

Parents in Ireland find it difficult to face the parting from their daughters. They are anxious that their daughters should improve their fortunes, but the distance is apt to appal them. This, however, is where the personal touch is so valuable. A few words from one who is a New Zealander and who knows the conditions reassures them. Of the 200 girls of North Ireland who discussed migration with Miss Hanlon, about 150 will be chosen, and these will sail for the Doriiinion in February or March.