A BARMAID COMPETITION.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 895, 2 December 1871, Page 3

A BARMAID COMPETITION.

(From " Land and Water"). We have been invited to be present at a novel and interesting, we cannot say exhibition, but rather a sensational concert at the North Woolwich Gardens. Having lately held a babyshow in his gardens, the energetic proprietor, Mr Holland, has during |the last week held a " barmaid contest." Arriving by the train from Fenchurch street, we found the gardens just lighted up. The effect of the well-arranged illumination, carried out by Mr Duffel, in the long avenue, was very striking. Really, these gardens are not so well known as they deserve. The contest was held in the large hall, duriug the performance of a promenade concert. The sides of the room were fitted up with long tables, and bars resplendent with glass and other furniture. To each competitor a space was allotted, with plenty of elbow room. The rules and conditions were freely distributed about the room, from which it appeared that no candidate could be admitted unless she had been in the refreshment business for twelve months. She was also required to bring good references and testimonials. Neatness of costume was enjoined, •' nothing being so requisite as plain but good articles of dress, in which a happy blending of colour without prominent display will be most suitable." A " Dolly Varden" on the Bouth side of the room quite came up to this ideal. " The utmost propriety and decorum, without undue forwardness of frivolity, and a strict attention to business," was also exacted. As one entered the room, a card was given, which read as follows: — *' Public Voting Card.—This is given to the public to record their vote for the barmaid they think most deserving, the undermentioned qualifications being recommended by the jury—attention to business, civility, and neatness of costume. Please give this to the young lady whom you considei most deserving. Notice.—lt does noi necessarily follow that those obtaining the largest number of these votei should get a prize but simdv as i guide of public opinion, as reierencei and business qualifications have to be considered by the jury." There were twenty-eight competi tors; all seemed smiling and happy One of the conditions was that th<

competitor " must be over sixteen years of age." There might also, we think, have been a limit in another direction, as some of the Hebes were not particularly young. We understand that this contest has caused some little excitement, and not a little chaff among London barmaids in general. One young lady told Mr Holland that she would not contend because " her friends had informed her that she would be put in a pen and shown like a pig" - ; , "We must say we were exceedingly pleased at the good behaviour of these young women. There was nothing approaching to vulgarity or lightness of demeanour. We fancied, however, that we detected among the competitors just a trace of the natural characteristics of the daughters of Eve, for occasionally we observed rather jealous looks on the part of the young ladies whose stalls were not patronised, towards their better dressed or more charming neighbours who were better patronised. It appeared to us, judging from the patronage given by the "Lords of the creation,' that out of the number assembled, only a few competitors had a chnnce of a prize. By the way, the prizes were as follows: —Ist, A gold watch and chain, value £2O. 2nd, A

gold locket, with chain complete. 3rd, A solid gold brooch. 4th, A pair of gold earrings; and various olhor prizes, consisting of jewellery ; every young lady would also receive a sovereign. It would be perhaps assuming for us to give a verdict, not being one of the judges, but in our opinion, the first prize would lie between No. 25 and No. 3.

Mr Holland informs us that his barmaid contest has not met with very great commendation from pome of the press. He assures us however that the writers of the articles against him do not understand his object. The want of female occupation in London is very great, and there are numbers of young women who are not sufficiently educated to become teachers or telegraph clerks, even if places could be found for them. Many, again, do not like the sedentary life of a needlewoman, but are naturally active, quick, and obliging. It is to such as these that Mr Holland has opened this contest. Many visitors came to the contest, we believe, to laugh and jeer, and many doubtless, like ourselves, went away with the impression that the " barmaid contest" was not such a bad thing after all, as it may serve to the promotion of industrious habits and a constant attention to propriety amongst a very respectable class of young women in London, whose daily services and long hours of duty are not always sufficiently appreciated by the public, while an additional interest is given to what would otherwise be an ordinary promenade concert.