PROTECTION AGAINST UNSKILLED BARBERS ADVOCATED

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 April 1948, Page 5

PROTECTION AGAINST UNSKILLED BARBERS ADVOCATED

London Unskilled hairdressers are regarded as a danger to the public, who, according to Mr. Harry Thorneycroft, Labour M.P. and former hairdresser, should have Government protection. Mr. Thorneycroft proposes to introduce a Hairdressers’ Registration Bill as a protection against hairdressers who “have no full appreciation of the danger of the tools in their hands.” In making this announcement to the National Hairdressers' Federation dressers should have the same rep conference, ne Declared that hairdres.ers should have the same registered status as doctors and dentists. “Today we have permanent waving, beauty culture, and all sorts *o. machines and chemicals that are i nily dangerous in the hands of unskilled people,” he said, “isnough damage has been done to customers already, and the federation is concerned about it.” The Manchester Guardian comments humorously that the federation must have been flattered by Mr. Thorneycroft’s remarks. It says that provided the cost of the haircut does not rise too steeply the public will welcome the further dose of protection with proper rapture. The hairdresser has had a raw deal in the matter of status. Under Edward IV. the barbers and surgeons w'erc separated into distinct corporations, and since then the surgeons have had the best of the bargain. "Perhaps a Royal College of Barbers will now come into being, with brass plates r placing the red and white poles, and additional fees for conversation.”