5 MARCH 1943, Page 12

LIFE AS IT IS

SIR,—Evelyn Simpson's article in a recent Spectator evokes sympathy, but her dilemma is but part of a far greater problem. I refer to the crying need of some form of domestic help for the poor, or what is termed working class, mothers generally, who work ceaselessly a seven- day week with none of the aids usually to be found in middle-class homes. Mothers arc on the whole intelligent people, and the increased tempo of life, the enforced economies, and so on are adding to their sum total of domestic cares and domestic toil, which they still perform to the best of their ability.

Besides all this, having a new infant can well-nigh become a calamity. Four months ago we had a second daughter, and my husband was the only person available, apart from the visits of the midwife, to look after the home, my other small girl, the new baby and myself. Fortunately, he's a resourceful sort of a husband. From this one can deduce that anY time for convalescence after childbirth is out of the question. Business as usual, and you must weep over the washing-up if you don't feel too good—for the washing-up and the washing must be done.—Yours