THE SERVANT PROBLEM.
tTo THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."] STR,—I read recently in the Educational Supplement of the Times an account of "Domestic Economy Schools," and I should like to call attention to the widespread need of such schools. I know that quite recently, when twelve girls in one orphanage were ready to go out to service, six hundred and fifty-four applications were made for them. This plainly shows that though such girls are generally of poor stamina and often of unfavourable heredity, the fact that they have been trained gives them a good start. Now I have often been told by mothers in different parts of ti e country that the time when girls begin to turn against the thought of domestic service is between thirteen and fourteen years of age. They are tired of school-work and feel restless and are apt to acquire idle ways. Much good would be done if at this critical age they were taken in hand by wise and kind women, who would influence them to look forward to service as the healthiest and happiest way open to them of making a. living. The demand for small modern houses is so great at the present time that in every town large houses, with airy rooms and good kitchen accommodation, are standing empty; these can be hired or bought very cheaply, and would be admirably suited for training homes for twenty or thirty girls. There is one such at Derby, and maybe others, where girls can be received from thirteen years old, and carefully trained. I have had forty years' experience in training young servants, and, in spite of some disappointments, I think that no work can bring a greater reward to the worker. Such work is needed more than ever at a time when so many influences are leading girls in wrong directions and setting them against the real happiness of ministering to others.—I am, Sir, Ste.,
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