Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1901-09-20
THE SERVANT GIRL PROBLEM

IRE SERVANT GLt(L PkObLEN
Row It Has Been Satisfactorily SOLVED
In Norway
The servant gin problem has beer
solyod in Norway to the satisfaction
of an concerned, although doubt
/ whether similar solution would b
accepted BY domestic servants in
America. In large cities like Bergen
and Christania, says VI y Curtis. in
the Chicago Recoro-llorald, thcreis a
central employment bureau under
the direction Of The municipal govern
inent. and twice year-one week be-
fore New Years day and one week be-
fore ST.. Johns day, the 9th Of June
there isa general change Of servants
by those who are dissatisfied with OK
listing conditions, aud engs ecmcnts
are made for the ensuing So, months
Of the year. Families who want scrv-
ants fiji out blanks setting la.3 what
is required and the wage, ;aey are
willing to pay. These alc i,td at the
employment Office and arc noted in a
conspicuous manner upon a black
board. Women or men in search of
employment go to this bureau during
the weeks named, examine the black
board and apply to the clerk in charge
for further information.
Ifthey desire to apply fore particu-
lar position they submit their recon-
mendations to the clerk, and if he is
satisfied he gives them card to the
lady Of the house. That card is good
for the day only and must bereturned
by the lady Of The house before the
close Of Office hours. If the girl isen-
gagged the blanks upon the card are
filled out with a general statement as
TO her duties, the term Of service and
the wages agreed upon, and the card
is filed away for reference Unnecessary.
If the lady Of the houseis not satisfied
with the applicant she sends heraway
and returns the card marked mot sat
isfactory" to headquarters, with re-
quest that other applicants be sent to
her. If the applicant is satisfactory
the lady of the house pays her bonus
Of one krone or two kroner, called
''hand money"-that is, she crosses
her hand with silver as an evidence of
good falkland the girl agrees to re-
port for duty within one week after
New Years or Midsummer's day, as
-he case may be. This is to allow her
present employer an opportunity to
ill her place.
In some of the smaller towns the
dates for changing servants are April
ii and October IA.
The law protects both theemployer
and the employed. The employer
guarantees to give the servant a com
Portable room, wholesome food, take
care of her if sick and pay her wages
as agreed upon during good |
behavior; while the girl agrees to per-
'orm her duties faithfully during the
ERIN for which she isengaged. If
here is any complaint upon either
ide it must be made to a magistrate,
who investigates and decides between
them. A family cannot get rid of a
servant during her term of employ
nent without official intervention.
On the other hand, the girls wages
are first lien upon their property, for
-he entire term, although judgment
must be rendered and made matter
Of record. If a servant runs away
from her employershe can bearrested
by the police and imprisoned and
fined. Cooks are paid from four to
seven dollars month; housemaids,
from three to six dollars month;
men buffers, from ten to SIS; coach
men, from $12 to SIG month; soul
.ery maids and men of all work receive
wages.