"SERVANTGALISM."

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 337, 23 May 1885, Page 3

"SERVANTGALISM."

This "Britain of tho South" has longbeen recognised as a paradise for domestic servants; and, indeed, Maiy Jane may almost dictate her own terms anywhere in the Australasian Co-Jo. lies. As a new chum, or rather new chumess, she lands in a general way humble enough, and eagor to obtain the first vacant " situation " going. In a very short tiuae, however, hoi- true value dawns upon hor, and she starightway proceeds to assort herself, and to let the "missuses" know that she is going to "stand no nonsense." Of all the troubles that afflict colonial housewives the " servantgirl " trouble is the worst. Beside it tho Afghan frontier question sinks, in the eyes of matcrfamilias, into comparative insignificance, and " What shall we do with our (servant) girls ? " becomes tho allabsorbing query of the hour. " Who would be free himself must strike the blow," and New Zealand "missuses" will be interested to learn that Mr George Coppin, ex-actor and manager, pvof Melbourne, proposes to solve the domestic difficulty by importing the raw article, direct from Home, in lots to suit purchasers — that U, Mr Ooppiu is arranging for periodical shipments of domestics from England, " and hopes, by strict attention to business, to merit a fair share of public patronage." The idea is good enough so jar as it goes, but, unfortunately, it doesn't go very far. There is apparently an illimitable demand for domestics throughout these colonies, and it will take a great many "shipments" to satisfy all requirements and aifeet " the market " to any appreciable extent ; and, in the meantime, Mary Jane is literally " mistress of the situation."