TOO MANY APPLICANTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21345, 21 November 1932, Page 10

TOO MANY APPLICANTS

THREE HUNDRED WOMEN

CITY FIRM'S PROBLEM

PROCEDURE OF SELECTION

Anticipating that a considerable number of women would apply for an advertised position, a leading firm of Auckland morchants took the precaution of hiring a meeting room in the Chamber of Commerce, Swanson Street. The number exceeded all expectations, and the member of the firm selecting an applicant for the position was compelled to engage the large assembly room in the Chamber of Commerce to accommodate 300 eager women.

The flnm advertised for applicants between 35 and 45 years of age for a position involving control of a room in which 80 girls work. Tho weekly wage stipulated was £2.

In accordance with the advertised arrangements, the applicants presented themselves at the Chamber of Commerce at 6 p.m. on Friday. Many women arrived before the appointed hour, and, at one stage, Swanson Street, between Queen and Albert Streets, was congested. The instant desire of the member of the firm was to have the applicants in a good humour. When the women were seated tho member took the platform and explained the requirements of the position, emphasising that tact was an essential qualification. lie then suggested that applicants who did not consider they were qualified for the position should retire. Tho proposal was met by a good deal of merriment. Not one applicant retired, the assembly obviously having collective confidence in its capabilities. The chairman next pointed out that he could not possibly grant a personal interview with each applicant. Numbers of tickets, some "blanks" and others bearing the word "yes" were then produced. Applicants who at sight appeared to be unsuitable were handed the blank cards. The "yes" cards were presented to women who were required to remain. The procedure was accepted in the best of humour, 42 women surviving the process of elimination.

The final stage in an extraordinary business problem will be reached this evening. Eleven of the applicants have been notified to communicate with the firm for the definite choice of an employee. According to the firm, the standard of ability of the applicants in the main was excellent.