MR. G. A. SALA ON BARMAIDS.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume V, Issue 239, 12 September 1885, Page 4

MR. G. A. SALA ON BARMAIDS.

The barmaid question has been a burning subject in Victoria as well as here, and Mr (i. A. Sala was asked his views on the matter. " Pretty barmaids," remarked Mr Sala, "form, with us in England, a -social institution. Tliey are very well conducted, sprightly girls, as a rule, and many of them get good husbands, it' they are only sensible enough— and most oi them are —to keep virtuous. Spiers and

Pond, tiie eminent caterers, and who own hotels m England —are hotel millionaires, | in fact —introduced the system of employing barmaids. Spiers and Pond came j from Australia. They were the first to ! revolutionise the English system ot rail- ' way refreshment rooms. They established a system of pretty cheerful barmaids at all the various buffets with which they j are connected. Their barmaids are re- j nowned for their good looks, civility, and smart business abilities, and also for their j very decorous demeanour and virtuous ! reputation. At every refreshment room in England, the ordinary polite toast of the traveller, is, " The Pretty Barmaid," At the Ludgate Hill buffet, London, a large number of these barmaids are employed—all virtuous and pretty girls. It is a charming sight to see them marching, two and two, to the Temple Church, in charge of an appointed attendant, in the pretty uniforms provided for them by Spiers and Pond." " Then I understand that you approve of the employment of barmaids and lady waitresses?" "Yes. A pretty girl is preferable to a man, because she lends a gentleness and charm to social amenities that could never b« created by a man. A refinement is added to the surroundings. She is a check, too, 011 the use ot bad language, or in the indulgence of prankish boisterousness. A barmaid, too, does not bet and make books 011 the next horse race; and, perhaps, lose more than she can afford, and then, perhaps, filch the difference out of her employers till —as many barmen have been known to do. She doesn't smoke and swear and hobnob with drunken guests. I know that the opposing argument is that pretty barmaids encourage immoderate drinking, and lure brainless young fops to frequent bars. I have seen some of this, but I have always noticed that such a brainless young fop did'nt want much allurement. If the barmaid were not there, he, instead of sucking the top of his cane and staring at her with stupid round sheep's eyes, would be haunting the billiard rooms and ruining himself by fancy bets. We like ' The Pretty Barmaid ' The Little Barmaid 1 —in England. Further, we Like " The Buxom Landlady,' whom w.; find here xmd there, and with respect to whom there is always a comfort in her cheery smile and her ready, bustling activity in attending to our wants. Barmaids are treated with universal respect and courtesy in England—and they deserve it."