A FEW WORDS ABOUT SERVANTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1910, 8 April 1880, Page 3

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SERVANTS.

[From the “ Tasmanian Mail,”] [Bt Etb.]

“ Why add unto the weight of care each heart groans under ? Why not seek some kindly cheerful word to speak, and sharp reproaches, pitying spare ? ” As servants are so frequently the topic of conversation with ladies when they meet perhaps it will not be amiss to say a few words about them. If it will do nothing else, at all events it may vary the usual conversation about them, by giving rise to the question, « Have you read the article in the “ Tas ■ manian Mail ’’about servants ?” A good many girls will agree with me I am sure, if their mammas do not, that the repeated complainings about them are really nearly as bad as the faulty servants themsdlves. I admit that the good old well-taught servants have almost entirely disappeared, and as their mothers are unable to teach those who remain or are not disposed to it remains for us to do it. When a mistress hires a fresh servant, and finds her incompetent in many ways to do what she should know perfectly well how to do, why not spend a certain time—a week, a fortnight, or whatever period is proved necessary—to teach her thoroughly what her duty is, and how to do it ?

In these days of frequently changing one’s servants and being sometimes without any, we almost all know how to cook and keep a house tidy, if we do not comprehend the whole of the duties of a servant; if we do not, we should learn them, if for no other reason than to be able to teach. If a servant sees that her mistress thoroughly understands wha" she is teaching or doing, she will, if encouraged, soon wish, first to then to emulate her, and ultimately be very pleased and much gratified when she can do anything as well as “ Missis.” It is often the habit now to turn cross and hopeless when one’s servants fail in their duties. A little cheerful, willing teaching will be the wiser course, and make them glad to learn, and pleased to perform, not only what you require but much besides, for the sake of pleasing you. Teach a servant to be quiet, and to do her work quietly ; if she do not fuss and rush about she will save many breakages. I would make it understood when engaging a servant, that she is to pay half the cost of what she breaks or ruins; more than half, to my thinking, is not fair, for accidents will happen at times, and things are broken which cannot be avoided. Paying half teaches them sufficiently to be careful. Then there is waste. What is more worrying to a careful mistress than to see her provisions or possessions spoiled or wasted? Teach the servant that she should be as careful for you as she would be for herself. In her own house she would not waste as she does in yours. Make her understand this, and incite her to take a pride in being economical and careful. Undoubtedly »he will then improve. Have places for everything that is handy, so that everything may he put in its proper place. The kitchen maythen be kept tidy, and the tables will not be encumbered with needless articles.

Cleanliness is a great requisite, and a mistress must watch often to see it rigidly oh- s served. If not, and you go unexpectedly into i kitchen, you will find perhaps the “ washing- j up ” is being done in water not too clean, as , it has not been changed for fresh when necessary ; you will find your plates, cups, &c., being “cleaned ” in colJ, greasy water._ But surely I need not say how requisite it is to have a clean servant. If she be honest, truthful, civil, and willing one may teach her much ; and it is worth while to teach thoroughly, and make her fond of you, so that she will prefer to stay with you to changing to a fresh employer. You will find then that your teaching has not gone for nothing. Give holidays, but not too many. Provide simple books and stories, if cared for, and a cookery book, which the servants can understand. I have found that servants are very fond of studying them, and it leads them to try and progress with their cooking. Cover all books you lend them, and request that they may be kept clean. Care for your servants, and let them see you do. Trust them till you find them unworthy of reliance; should they continue to bo undeserving of your confidence it would bo better to part with them at once, as it is not only a worrying and tiresome habit to look up everything, but looks mean. To keep a pilfering servant teaches one to become suspicious, and the result is that often an honest person is suspected without occasion. _ Too often servants have to bear their troubles alone. Being away from their own people they have no one to tell their troubles to; and needing sympathy, as we do, let them know and feel that they can come to you at a suitable time if in any difficulty and depend on you for your sympathy and advice. I by no means intend that they should be encouraged in telling tales of their fellow servants, or in bringing their quarrels to you, for that should not be allowed ; let them settle disputes amongst themselves. Be dignified, though kind. Maintain your rightful position, and be quite certain you are respected, for you will not be if you allow your servants to be familiar with you, and cannot bo loved if you are not respected. Some servants think they are not doing what is right unless they try to entertain you with a little conversation every time they happen to be a few minutes near you. If they will not understand by your manner that it is unnecessary, tell them openly it is so ; it is far wiser to be straightforward with them. Let them take a pride in themselves, in dress and manners, and explain that it is unsuitable for them to be over-dressed. I would try and establish a uniform, to consist of plain black or grey dresses, white aprons, and caps. It is better to tell one’s servants that their dress is unbecoming to their station in life than to complain to one’s friends and acquaintances about the ridiculous way they dress. What is more annoying when paying a visit than to bear all the shortcomings of the servants brought forward as the chief topic of conversation ; Keep your own troubles to yourself, and do not even discuss your servants at home, worrying your husband when he comes back tired, from the office or day’s business, with a catalogue of their shortcomings, sins, and impertinences, when he would, you may be sure, enjoy his dinner and evenings much

more without their sing being retailed to him. He doe* not bring heme ft long list of hig day’ll worries to afflict you with ; why should you perplex him with your day’s vexations ? Besides, gervantg are certain to know that they are discussed, and it will not encourage them to amend their ways, whereas a little kindly quiet reasoning would. Don’t scold, for it is most unladylike. Keep your temper, speak quietly, and do not rate and rail at the servants, saying all you have to say in a voice which can be heard all over the house. If you have occasion to reprove them, do so when alone, and not before their fellow, servants, or any member of your family, for if they think their failings are known to everyone they will think it useless to improve, and not worth while trying. Do not complain to them of every little fault. You have no right to expect servants without faults when your own conscience tells you you have so many. It is very often wiser to be oblivious to trifling faults, especially with a nervous or timid servant. When they find you lenient, and not hard on them, they will have more confidence, and will fulfil their duty better. If duties are properly and satisfactorily performed, say so. If blame is deserved give it, and most assuredly bestow your praise where you conscientiously can.