POSITIONS FOR WOMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 3

POSITIONS FOR WOMEN

EVER-WIDENING FIELD VARIETY OF NEW OPENINGS >'THE CAREER OF MATRIMONY" \s the holiday season ends the ne w year begins in earnest, particularly f or young members of the community „-ho are setting out for the first time to earn a living. The girls of the family Trill find all kinds of possibilities opening out for them. Within the last few years varied forms of interesting employment have been created for women, some requiring study at a university and others no more than a good sound education, personality and that most necessary qualification, tact. Air travel has developed to such nn extent that to-day one finds air hostesses on all the long-distance aeroplanes. People have become eruiseininded and there are cruise hostesses and receptionists who meet the overseas liners to assist incoming visitors. Medical men stress the importance of diet and we find dietitians in all the large hospitals and iji private practice, 'j'o become a dietitian a 1- months' course is taken in 011 o of the large hoc pitals, where for the first three months the student spends her time in the diet iitehen gaining experience in cooking and in the setting of trays for the patients on special diet. Two months jn ward work follows and the patients pre visited and diet sheets are made out for them. Three months are do voted to the out-patients' department, where the student conducts interviews, prepares the diet and watches the progress of the treatment. Experience in the running of the main kitchen it obtained, and a fortnight is spent at a kindergarten and institution in preparing and supervising the meals of the children and inmates. On the completion of the course the fullv qualified dietitian may obtain n position supervising the meals in some large public dining room. Domestic Science Study

A new off-shoot of the medical profession is that of the almoner, who can be described as "the doctor's ambassador to the social hearth.' Ihe doctor orders' the treatment of patients, and it'is the work of the almoner to E ee that home conditions are suitable to carry this out. The course is one of three vears, combining practical work witli university study in some subjects. In much the same category as the'work of the almoner is that of the social scientist. Perhaps the greatest career of all for woman is that of matrimony, and with it is linked the study of domestic arts. Kven if she can afford to keep help, no woman can expect to run a house as it should be run or have the respect of her servants unless she knows how to do the work herself. If possible, every girl should attend one of the various col leges of domestic economy for at least"a vear ori leaving school. After the study of cooking, laundry work and dressmaking, there are openings for the trained students, who can either set up business for themselves, or obtain ex••ellent positions in domestic service or in the management of guest houses. With the building of so many bachelor flats there is a growing demand for persons to cook evening meals and for the mending of clothes. To-day we have many successful women architects, for they understand the planning of a home with regard to all that coes to make life much easier for the home.-maker. Other women have the qualifications necessary for successful interior decorators. Many of the large stores employ such women as these, for they are invaluable to customers furnishing new homes, or others who have not the time or flair to do it themselves. In estate agents' offices there are many girls carving out a successful career. A knowledge of typewriting and shorthand is necessary and to be able to drive a motor-car is an asset when clients wish to be shown a number of houses or flats. The study of beauty culture is increasing. Here again there are openings for receptionists, for cilents must be treated with courtesy and understanding. Outdoor Careers With the knowledge that regular exercise and the building up of the body goes a long way to capturing health, physical culture teachers and instructors can find ready employment in clubs or schools where tliev aTso play the part in many cases of sports mistress. Horseback riding has become so popular again that there is room for riding; schools, or instructresses. Another outdoor career for women is gardening. After a course at one of the horticulture colleges a girl may obtain employment as a supervisor of gardens, an expert primer of roses or a landscape gardener. There are also openings as florists or florists' assistants. With 3at life so vast there is a demand for the growing of flowers for supplying flat dwellers on a regular basis. To embark on the career of a kindergarten' teacher a girl must train at a recognised training college.

'For nursing there is a groat demand for girls who are strong and ready to make sacrifices to help others.