THE DOMESTIC PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14085, 12 June 1909, Page 5

THE DOMESTIC PROBLEM.

MOTHERS' CRY OF "HELP."

APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Friday. The petition in regard to the dearth of domestic servants, several copies of which were presented to the House yesterday and to-day, eel out that never in the history of New Zealand lias the want of strong, able, ar.d willing domestic]workers been so pronounced as at the present time. Numbers .of women and mothers of the Dominion are daily called up to bear burdens almost too heavy to be borne. If the condition of things complained of continues unremedied, a serious menace to the health of the women of our land will be occasioned. A further decline in the birth-rate of the Dominion may result, and the physique and upbringing of succeeding generations may be detrimentally affected. ■

It it, also stated that the peace and happiness of households is greatly disturbed by the lack of domestic help, and laat many people have given up housekeeping on this account.

Mr. James Allen (Bruce) who presented the first of the petitions, asked it the Prime Minister intended submitting a motion as to the order in which petitions would be considered during the course of the second session, there being, of course, no time to consider them this session. lie also asked Sir Joseph Ward if he could find time to look at its purport, se'j'ug that he was going Home.

Sir Joseph Ward replied that he would in due course move that petitions be placed in their sequence as introduced. lie would be very pleased to take a copy of the petition Home, and confer with the High Commissioner upon its contents

The manager of the Women's Employment Bureau, in Auckland, reports that there is still an unsatisfied demand for girls for domestic purposes, Auckland being in the same position as other centres in this respect.