LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 287, 23 August 1918, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GIRL CLERKS Sir,—lt is with great pleasure we noticed the lines penned by "Wago Earners by Necessity" in this mornings paper. We might noint out that the sentiments expressed therein are not only limited to one or two, but indicate the feelings of the majority of female clerks. Why should only' women clerks be subjected to criticisms in irel'erenco to their work, dress, etc., and the men go "scot free"? Is it because only women fail in clerical work? If that is so, then we say, Do not fill up the secondary schools with girls who are lilting themselves for these positions, but hand tho schools over for the training of thoso who aro fitted to till them. From personal experience we have found that if there is any shirking of work during Ihe day it is usually dono by tho men clerics, who, whenever they have tho opportunity, hand some of their work over to the girls, while they either got out fort a "spot" or a walk to the post ollice (which includes a cup of ten, by tho way). But as a general rude, aro the men clerks ever willing 1 to retailato when a female clerl; is busy? Pcniiaps that is one of the reasons why the men get their work done so punctually by tho time five o'clock comes, while, on the other hand, the girl has still a halfdozen letters to type.

"Wage Earners by Necessity" were quite correct in saying there aro a limited few who have no ambition, and who take positions for the sake of "filling in time and having extra pocket money," but why should we all bo 'branded as such? Jf an employer has his office staffed with efficient, well-educated, practical women (which he should see to when he employs them), then wo say that ho will find that the women do their work as conscientiously, * orrectly, and as quickly as tho men, and may in a good number of cases "run rings" around them.

AVo trust that this injustice and criticism meted out to girl clerks from time to timo will come to an end, and should employers bo inclined to think hardly of girl clerks in their offices, will they kindly turn the tables and see if the men clerks are up lo their standard of! efficiency ?—We are, etc., FEMALE CLERKS. August 22.