A SERVANTS’ HOME FOR DUNEDIN.

Evening Star, Issue 3608, 15 September 1874, Page 2

A SERVANTS’ HOME FOR DUNEDIN.

The meefi ig yesterday of ladies favorable to rhe establishment of a servants’ home was attended by Mesdames M. Holmes (who was voted to the chair), E. B Cargill, J. U. Davis, Roseby, Orkney, Coembes, S Little, J. B Thomson, Norris, R. Brown, A. Mercer, and Misses Clough and Lambton. Mrs Holmes, in explaining the objects of the ptomotera, said the idea was to provide accommodation for female servants when they were out of employment, and also a Registry Office to enable them to obtain good ituations, 'one but respectable girls would be admitted to this institution, so that any lady applying to that Home might be satisfied tbat the servants would be honest and truthful. The “room” was mentioned because the promoters wished to commence on a small scale. The regulations proposed were ts follows, but they might be altered if thought desirable:— “1. The founding of a room for servant girls and others, open to all, to read, write, and sew, and where they can receive useful information for their guidance—such room to be always open. “2. 'Jhe propriety or otherwise of adding to the above room accommodation for six or eight girls to sleep ; aud also a kitchen where they can cook their own food; the use of such room to be charged for at the lowest remunerative rates, and subject to the rules of the Ass >ciation. “3. The providing tea on s unday afternoons (the room being open to all comers), such refreshment to be charged for at the rate of 3d each. “4. In the room the following papers shall be provided for the use of the girls ; - ‘ Otago Daily Times,’ ‘ Guardian,’ • Evening Star,’ * Christian Record,’ and ‘ Witness ’; also, the * Sunday at Home,’ ‘ Leisure Hour,’ and such other perio deals as may seem suitable to the Committee. Further: that a library be formed through donations of books or other wise, such books to be read in the room, but not to be taken from it. “5. Sewiug and fancy work will be taught free of charge, and when finished such articles will be for sale for the benefit of the Institution. “6. That a Committee be formed of those present for the purpose of carrying out the above objects. “ 7- Tfiat placards and handbills he issued for the purpose of making the above Home known j also, that a standing advertisement be inserted in the newspapers, and that means be taken for letting immigrants know on board ship and at the depOfca ‘*B. That the Commitee be const tuted, consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with power to add to their number. 11 9. Tbat funds be raised by subscriptions, and by such o her means as the Committee may approve.” _I Q answer to questions by Mesdames Cargill aud Brown, Mrs Holmes explained that all comers mentioned in rule 3 would require alteration, subscribers aud members only should have the privilege of admission. Servant girls should also become subscribers for the use of the room. The plan on which similar institutions were conducted at Homo was that servants paid the lowest remunerative rate, and provided their own food, simply paying for their board. They would cook their own food, and consequently be sure to give satisfaction. A number of rooms would be provided, and one specially for stowage of mmigrants’ luggage. In the couise of a conversational discussion that took place, it was stated that Bishop iNevill and the Rev. Dr btuart wished to move in the matter some mouths ago, and the opinion was expresse t that it would be advisable to call a larger meeting, and invite the co-operation of all tfie clergy. Mrs Holmes was proposed as president and Mis E. B. e argil! as vice-president, but the latter did not feel at liberty to accept the position without having first informed Bishop •Sevid, who had already spoken tn her on the subject, of what was proposed to be done. Several ladies expressed their intention of waiting upon Bishop Nevill, the Rev, Dr Stuart, and oth-r ministers, for the purpose of requesting their co-operation and assist in the good work. It was resolved that Mrs Nevill should be requested to become vice-president of the Institution. It was agreed to further consider the subject at a meeting to be held at the Athenseum on October 2.