GIRLS FOR AUSTRALIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17326, 11 February 1928, Page 15 (Supplement)

GIRLS FOR AUSTRALIA.

DUCHESS OF YORK OPENS HOSTEL

Though the hostel at Market Harborough for training women for domestic work in Australia has just been opened by the Duchess of York, it began its career on September 1 and now 38 of the 40 vacancies are filled. The scheme was inaugurated by the Overseas Settlement Department and the Australian Government so that women otherwise ineligible for the free passage to Australia would be given a practical course in household management.

From Factory Hand to Domestic.

“We wanted to have it in running order before the Duchess came,” said Miss Ball, the matron of the hostel, “The age limit is 18 to 35. About half the girls come from London, the rest from Scotland and Ireland as well as the English counties. None has had previous domestic experience. They include clerks, factory hands, and shop assistants. Country Ufa Preferred. “The maintenance is entirely free, each girl being given half a crown a week as pocket-money, and in return she guarantees to stay in service for a year. After their six to ten weeks’ training a week or a fortnight’s holiday at home is given before they sail for Australia. The Australian Government will find posts for them. It Is a curious fact that most of the girls have asked for country in preference to town work. Evening Lectures on Hygiene. “Work begins at 6.45 a.m., the routine consisting of cooking, laundry, household work, marketing—the duties are changed every three days—and in the evenilig needlework, cookery demonstrations, and lectures on hygiene and household problems. Three practical tests are given during the training.”

Practising on an Australian Cooker.

Miss Jolly, the cookery expert, was supervising the making of a hot-pot. Having spent three years in Australia, she is able to instruct her pupils in the making of walnut bread, the liberal use of eggs and butter and the many cakes they will be required to bake. The smaller of the two kitchens has a typical Australian stove, which burns wood, and two girls are always on duty here. Each girl cooks for a table of eight fellow-students. To Start a Baby Clinic. In the laundry I found a cheery girl from York scrubbing the floor. “I love being- here, but I’m looking forward to going to Australia in January.” she said. “I think I like it better than nursing. I have been a nurse for three years, and after two years of domestic service I want to start a baby clinic in Australia.” A canny Scot from Ayrshire was less expressive, but obviously just as keen. She had left carpet-weaving for adventure in Australia. “Och, I like it fine,” was her characteristic comment. Making Their Own Outfit. An cx-tailoress from London superintended the sewing, which was laid out in the pretty L-shaped sun-room with yellow distempered walls. It mainly concerned short-sleeved, short-skirted frocks, some underclothing, and aprons.