THE SCARCITY OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2984, 24 May 1911, Page 20

THE SCARCITY OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

Our article of the • 11th April concerning the scarcity of domestic servants has drawn a reply from "A ServantSMfefciting' ' in Nelson. She writes that before "Christmas, thinking a change of air might prove beneficial, and desiring to go into the country near Dunedin, a lady in Nelson wrote to three lady friends about Dunedin inquiring for a suitable situation for a capable general servant, good needlewoman, and prepared to do the family washing—in fact, give a hand at anything required,—on condition that she should have her nephew, six years of a,g-a, with her, as the little chap had always lived with her. The reply was that there were always plenty of maids available; that the girl might get a situation alone, but stood no chance with the boy. Only a humble wage was asked. The lady was prepared to recommend the child as very obedient, clean, and tidy, and at school most of the day. "A Servant Waiting" wonc'jfp if the big burly farmer would care to be relieved of his anxiety about the washing, etc.. for a twelvemonth,' or perhaps .longer, if suitable terms could be made. She declares that there are lots of maids, in Nelson who would go south for a year or so if they knew where, they ■ were going to, but they do not. care to travel on' spc4. . - . .