THE HIRED GIRL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 August 1938, Page 8

THE HIRED GIRL

VANISHING IN AMERICA. The hired girl is vanishing, if not almost gone, according to the Bureau of Home Economics in Washington (states the “Christian Science Monitor.”) With her going she takes one more institution that was truly American. She was housekeeper, washerwoman, dressmaker, cook and often a valuable family counsellor. The Bureau lists as one of the causes that “sums paid out for household help are too meagre for such service.” They always were, no matter what she was paid. To many the deepest memories are those of a kindly understanding confidante of childhood. If a little boy wanted a special favour from a parent often the best way was through the good offices of Martha-May. She knew how well-behaved he had been for the past week; she conveniently forgot about last Thursday when he had tracked the kitchen with his muddy boots.

“Many a homemaker would rather spend money for a car and widen her social contacts.” No doubt the modern homemaker is right. Martha-May wasn’t a social success, but she was kind and a good friend. And now she is gone and in her place there are motor cars, wider social contacts, and even the mechanical “hired girl.” The report lists them all. But there is still something these cold facts and figures forget. ’