DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue 9480, 3 December 1907, Page 5

DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

NEW DIFFICULTY.

CHRISTCHURCH, December 2.

A fresh development of the domestic servant problem, was initiated at the Court to-day. Mrs Geoxgina Maude sued Miss F. Banden, domestic servant, who did not appear, for 12s damages for breach of contract. It appeared that defendant had agreed to -enter plaintiff's service as housemaid at 12s per week, and had failed to carry out her agreement. Plaintiff claimed a week's wages as damages. His Worship said that if every mistress "slipped up" by servants brought such cases, the Court would have full hands. He had himself engaged two servants in one week, and both failed to turn up. Counsel said the proceedings were brought as an example to show that servants could not with impunity disregard their engagements. The money, if judgment -was for plaintiff, would be> handed to Nurse Maude's camp. His Worship said the action was justifiable. He blamed the registry offices for giving a servants' list to five or six people wanting girls. The girle went round and selected whichever suited them best. Judgment was given for the amount, with 13s costs.