A WORD TO HOUSEWIVES.
[To THE Emma or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—With reference to Mr. Stanley Little's letter, "A Word to Housewives," in your issue of October 20th, I would like to point out that in my experience a large number of the ladies who hare been working in the military hospitals since the outbreak of war would be quite ready and willing to give up their hospital work, and do the work of their own homes, if it is considered by com- petent authorities that the release by this means of their domestic servants would give a larger and more efficient supply of labour. But it must be remembered that the ladies to whom your correspondent refers cannot both run their own houses and work in military hospitals. This is done on a small scale in some of the smaller auxiliary hospitals, but, from my personal experi- ence, after commanding such a hospital for nearly three years, I consider that the double work is too much for any woman for more than a short period, and the difficulties of the senior and permanent nurse, with different helpers twice daily, makes such an arrangement quite impossible as a general rule. If Sir A. Geddes considers that the W.A.A.C.'s requirements can be sup- plied by "calling up" (if I may use the expression) a large number of domestic servants, I am sure that their employers, when possible, will spare them; but in cases where it would necessitate the return home of an experienced Red Cross worker I imagine it will be necessary to consult the War Office and the Joint Committee of the B.R.C.S. and S.J.A.B. as to how far their services can be dispensed with, and whether they are willing to accept the substitutes who, I presume, would be offered in their
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