ORDER REVERSED

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19895, 26 May 1936, Page 7

ORDER REVERSED

A NOVEL COMPETITION. TESTIMONIAL FOR EMPLOYERS. Prizes were recently offered by the Manchester Guardian for a. reference (in correct “reference style”) written by a servant for his or her employer. The letter was not to be more than 100 words in length. The subversive suggestion contained in this competition is never likely to be widely adopted, though that in itself is nothing against it, commented the judge. In the competition the criticism tended to be a little one-sided. There were rather too many tributes from butlers to masters for not noticing the gradual disappearance of the port or from maids to mistresses for not detecting dust in dark corners. In other words, many of the “references,” though assumed to be written by servants, actu—ally read as though they had been written, in a satirical mood, by em—players. There were, however, a few genial “digs" at the employing class here land there. We enjoyed th. bottom—wless contempt in a cook’s reference Ifor her mistress, from Manchester:— 1 “She never interferes in the kitlchen as she knows little about real ‘housework, having only studied do}mestic science.” I There were some pleasant innu—endoes in a reference from Bradford: ‘ “I have pleasure in testifying to the character of Mrs Woodby-Bigge, of [Mom Repos, Where for the past five ‘weeks I have been constantly em—l iployed . . . Of the scores of maids she has had, Mrs Woodby-Bigge has never discharged one. Any maid in her employ is assured of length of days.” Kindly in tone was a realistically inconsequent effort from 8, Durham writer:— “I have much pleasure in recommending Mrs X, as I have been in many worse places and am now going to Blackpool. She is easy to work for, and it isn't her fault Peter has his father’s temper. She makes up for the wage with clothes, and fashions don’t change much out here, and I know she is really sorry she takes i XOS.

The first prize was awarded to “Lady Pamela Southport has em—ployed me as her maid for the past two years. It gives me pleasure to recommend her as one who would be in full sympathy with young people of ultra-modern tastes. Lady Pamela has considerable musical ability, though her preferences are not classical, and some proficiency in tapdancing. Her needlework is amazing, and her packing is a triumph of ingenuity. She is unpunctual, imaginative, and hot-tempered, but not devoid of charm, and should be of great help in an atmosphere where these qualities can be sublimated. Mary Wellread.

The second prize to Mr M. Ployer has been with me for many years. I have always found him very courteous and considerate, showing a sympathetic interest in the death of one’s distant relatives. He permits free use of the telephone,and open—neck shirts in summer. Extends a cordial welcome to any employee’s friend who may drop in for a chat. Wages—accepts own valuation, and applications for increase are welcomed. His intelligence and general abilities afi‘ord ample scope for any enterprising employee, whilst his slight deafness and failing sight render him particularly desirable. I shall be exceedingly sorry to lose him.