DOMESTIC WORK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 14 July 1936, Page 11

DOMESTIC WORK

TRAINING SCHOOL PLAN. SUGGESTION TO MINISTKIL ‘Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, July 13., The establishment, of a training school for domestic servants at Dunedin was advocated hv a deputation representing a number of women s organisations which waited on the Minister of Education (Finn. P. Fraser) to-day. The Minister said 1 1 jo Government were anxious to provide a higher standing and hotter conditions for domestic workers, and lie thought the proposal put forward by the deputation would provide better approach to the question of domestic employment than existed at present. Mrs Herbert, representing housewives, said thit so far there was no legislation providing for girls entering domestic service. Consequently they "nn'd not command emd standard of living, as they were classed as unskilled workers. The demand to-dav was for fully qualified ;;nd wellequipped workers, and it was not right that the Government should provide good conditions and wages for some sections of workers and leave others unattended. Mrs Drake, of the* Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Uiinion, emphasised the importance of training girls in domestic work so that they would be good workers when they had homes of their own. It was a matter that had a vital hearing 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, ft is an occupation which should he 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 sec any future or career in that type of work. Tho factory gives them better wages and status. Wo have to do something, hut it is a question of what is the best tiling to do. The opinion of the Government is that there should he a better approach to the matter of domestic employment, and I think that what you propose is a better approach to the position. 'J ho Government are anxious to give help and protection to girls so that they may be able to secure a proper standing and proper conditions.”