THE STATUS OP SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 516, 25 May 1909, Page 3

THE STATUS OP SERVICE.

.•There is so strong a feeling that the real way fo solve what is sometimes despairingly called '' the servant problem "is by raising the- status of this occupation that it ,is interesting to.learn of any attempts, made in this direction. Germany now has a National Association' of Domestic Employees, especially intended for the benefit of girls of a rather better., social class,- who take posts'as children's nurses, nursery governesses, ladies' maids, and -that peculiarly German institution the: Stiitze" (Support of the Housewife). The .association has' agencies in,l9 different towns, organised'oil' the- lines, of labour exchanges, and advisory, ibureaiix- in a number of others. The object is to; help both .employers and employees by a;!yery careful sys* tern of inquiry, and every effort is mado_ to fit the square peg into the square bole. Girls who are intending to enter service also re- • ceive advice as to the best institutions. for training, and help is given by. loans or, in special.cases, gifts to thoso who cannot afford to pay the,fees unaided. There is a special loan fund for sick members and a pens-ion scheme organised through a well-known insurance company. ■ Servants are not. at present'eligible for the benefits of the State insurance for sickness, and it is one ofthe aims 'of .the.association to procure their inclusion. It also issues a quarterly journal called "Die Hausbeamtin," . and arranges' courses of evening classes and social gatherings for its members. A good deal of this work suggests the admirable methods of tho. Girls' Friendly Society, though the bond of union in tho Ger,,man Association is the common occupation with 'no regard to church membership. Both are, well calculated to promote , the esprit do corps which is so essential to happiness in any kind of work. _ . :

; . Pretty coverings for'?.- bedroom , may bo made of heavy, unbleached muslin. For the bedspread buy cloth of doublo width to avoid a seam in tlio middle.. Turn a two-inch hem and hem lightly by hand. Then, from softcoloured cretonne or sateen, cut wreaths'of flowers or sprays and apply them to the cotton in any way-that appeals to your taste,. If wreaths aro used ono in each corner and a light, trailing design in tho centre will bo enough. Curtains and pillows as well as bureau-cover 3 may be made to match. Tho materials are cheap, but by using good judgment tho young housekeeper may rnako most attractive furnishings for her bedroom.