DOMESTIC SERVICE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12999, 15 December 1902, Page 9

DOMESTIC SERVICE.

TO TUB EDITOR. . Haying read with interest your articles at different times in your paper on domestic service, I beg a small space to say a few words on the matter. Some of these articles treated of the scarcity of servants, mid others of their demands. I nave had sufficient experience in service to know the reason why they arc so scarce. It is simply for. the reason that thov are sensitive/human beings and l most of “them Inu o some laudable pride about them which requires that thev be treated with some respect and consideration. These of course, may not be able to take up any other work, but the younger ones take a lesson and apply for positions in shops, and, go in for numerous other occupations. I read tho other day of a person saying tiieir servant would nob stay with them unless she had l the use of tho drawingroom and pinup. Probably they meant 'a lady-help, who considers herself above being called a servant, but in every sense of the word is so. Of course she" is not requested to wear tho uniform, including the detestable cap, but her work, is exactly that of the general servant, and she also has hen share of the mending of the houseImen. Now, if people will keep only a lady-help and l pay her poor wages, they may expect to meet with these inconveniences, whereas if they pay better wa*es to a good servant their work will bo°done well and conscientiously, and no such demands will be made of them.— lam etc NOT TO BE DESPISED’’