[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—As an educated woman
who has served five years in cap and apron as a domestic servant, and investigated the question from every standpoint, will you allow me to protest against the separation of classes that would result from training gentlewomen as domestic servants as a separate class from any other ? I hope when we have raised domestic service to the level of hospital nursing that the distinction " lady " will be dropped in connexion with children's nurses. It is invidious and often misleading.
No one ever speaks of a lady hospital nurse. The training is sufficient distinction. One of the Manchester Halls of Residence for University women has been staffed for a long time very successfully with educated women. I also know at least one girls' school that has adopted the same plan. There are plenty of ways in which girls can learn the technique of domestic work, the training that is needed in the wider mental outlook that recognizes "the kitchen as the centre and source of political economy." We are getting on. Last week at Brighton for the first time in history the N.C.W. included in their agenda a resolution that "all Earls whatever
their station in life" should be trained in domestic work. This was a -result of the work of the Domestic Service Committee last year, and I understand the N.C.W. is considering the formation of a Ilousewi. Section.—I am, Sir, &c., ANN POPE.
.510 King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. 10.
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