Smyrna times., 1872-07-03
A Stir in the Kitchen.

Emulous of the example of her Caledonian
sister, the English female domestic servant is
about to initiate a movement to better herself,
and to form an association to protect her inter
ests against that worst of all tyrants, despots,
enemies, oppressors and down treaders-
6 Misss. Preliminary conferences have
already been held in halls and kitchens of
the first responsibility and, as soon as the |
weather is finally settled, great open air |
meeting will be called at an hour convenient |
to those whom hard fate compels to dish up
a late dinner, at which the following pro-
gramme will he recommended for adoption as
essential to the comfort, happiness, self re-
spect and independence of all those whom
suckumstances ohlige to resort to domestic
service for their livelihood:
No servant to accept an engagement until
she has first received satisfactory character
of the mistress who is anxious to secure her
assistance.
Public wating-roOms to be established, at
which mistresses shall attend (aC their own
cost to be inspected and questioned by their
intending employees.
No servant to permit on any pretext, the
slightest difference in the quality or quantity of
the provisions supplied to the parlor and the
kitchen. The best tea always to be provided,
and an absolute prohibition to be placed upon
the use of moist sugar
!. giving previous notice of her intention to its
C occupants.
= No cupboards, sideboards, store-roo or
{ cellars to be kept locked
. Free access to the beer barrel.
!, No servant to be rung up in the morning, OF
Il expected to retire to rest at a certain hour al
}, night
h No interference to beallowed with servant
= dress, of which she is to be considered th'
If best and only Judge Artificial flowers, wells
- jewelry, parasols, chignOns and high heeleC
N boots to pass unquestlOned and unnOticed.
,e No restriction to be placed on kitchen com
pany Male friends to have the entree to tina
mr. apartment whenever it may be agreeable t
d, them. (This last stipulation to be sine Qu
nj non.
st Cold meat to be eaten only at breakfas
of luncheon, tea and supper.
of Charwomen to be engaged TO undertake sue
lie onerous and disagreeable duties as washing
e scrubbing, black leading CRATES, lighting fire
nd preparing the rooms for the reception of tt
cd family in the morning, making beds, cleanir
llv boots and knives, &c.
Servants with musical tastes and acquir
.es ments to be allowed the use of the piano.
os- A supply of newspapers, magazines az
of reviews, and subscription to a circulatil
en- library for the exclusive accommodation of 4
md kitchen.
so The total abolition of the irlsome and b'
/ it barous custom of washing at home
the All such degrading terms as "place
on. wages" character" and q" maid-of-
less work. to be forbidden; and in their stea
cen situation" or engagement" salary, IT
tas timonials," and general domestic" to
his employed. The word Kitchen to be G
the dualy discontinued in favor of servau
ave apartments.
int Two half holidays a week. Vacations
lsti- Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide, and
month leave of absence in the summer, Wi
laws out any deduction from salary, for the seasl
v is the Continent, sc.
the An evening party once a month.
i'm The Sunday question to be a matter of S
stry cial negotiation; but all leave of absence
not that day to be considered to apply to the wi
tex Of it, and no hour to be fixed for the return
red domestics to their duties at night.
only All salaries to be paid in advance, and
ros. wants to be entitled to draw as much none
o at they please on account.
. the Servants not to be required to give warn
Ie Of but all existing customs as regards moi
the wages, &c, on the part of employers, to
nth. main in full force.
for The extension of the franchise to dome
splay servants.
haste No caps