HELP PROBLEM IN GERMANY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9954, 16 September 1910, Page 2

HELP PROBLEM IN GERMANY

Among the many domestic problems that Germany has solved to its own satisfaction is that of the giving or refusing of » "character" to a servant. The following statement of the system in vogue in Germany shows how completely it answers its purpose.

Every man or woman seeking to enter the service of another, whether as labourer, clerk or domestic servant, is under obligation to procure a service book which alter purchase must be officially stamped by the polico authorities. The authorities enter in the'book a description of the holder, having reference_ to age, personal appearance and religion.

When a situation is applied for, the prospective employer can seo at a glance whether the applicant has been in service before, and, if so. what kind of work has been done. If the applicant secures the situation the employer writes in the book "' Entered the service, of so-and-so of such a street and town," adding the date, a description of the work required and the wages given.

The employer retains the book as long as the engagement lasts, and, on handing it back, makes another entry, " Left my service on such a date," with a few lines as to character and the servant's reasons for leaving. , Tims the character-book goes round and the servant, has never the uncomfortable necessity of asking her mistress for a recommendation. Forged characters are practically impossible, since the whole system is under police supervision.

Destitution in old age among domestic servants and the lower class of artisans has become an impossibility in Germany, for within the last fifteen years or so it has been made compulsory for all who earn less than £IOO a year to insure themselves against want after their working lives are over.