11 FEBRUARY 1938, Page 22

CHARTERED HELPS

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]

Sta,—I entirely agree with Miss Gillbanks. Who can afford 45s. per week for a " chartered help " (dreadful term !) and what help, " chartered " or " unchartered " is worth it ? If that is going to be the standard wage demanded of us, what will happen ? I am the wife of a country parson. Our staff cost us in wages, food, laundry, &c., more than the income of the benefice : and I often tell my husband if they are worth what we pay them, then I am worth my weight in gold. If these same people, when called " chartered helps," are to be deemed to be worth 45s. per week, then automatically I shall become worth a king's 'ransom : and I shall get a job at once !