Cited by D.M. to Our Dogs, 'The Wages and Hours of Kennelmaids and Kennelmen', Our Dogs 92 (25th Aug. 1933), p. 587.
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'Sir,- Your correspondent, H.N.B., writing on the subject of a kennelmaids’ union, may have forgotten (or possibly does not know) that about three years ago there was a most interesting correspondence in your columns on the virtues and vices of both kennel-owners and kennelmaids, both parties airing their grievances in a most intriguing set of letters. (I remember I was quite disappointed when you closed the subject). As a result of that publicity a kennelmaids’ club was inaugurated, I believe by the secretary of the L.K.A. Whether it is still in existence I do not know, but this lady would doubtless tell H.N.B. if the latter wrote to her.’

 

Relevant passage from H.N.B. to Our Dogs:

‘Sir,- Can you or any reader kindly enlighten me as to whether there is in existence any Union or Society to which kennelmaids or kennelmen may belong, as they appear to be unprotected against long hours and low wages?

Do you not consider that 12s. 6d. weekly (which seems to be the average wage of kennelmaids) is altogether out of proportion to the hours of work put in, often as many as 12 and 14 a day, and also the responsibility entailed in the care of valuable dogs?

As I am particularly a sufferer in these respects I am naturally anxious to know whether such a body exists, and if not, is it not time that some brave person in an authoritative position, took up the matter and endeavoured to remedy the abuses of what is now acknowledged to be an honourable and skilled profession?’

Cited by N.M.F. to Our Dogs, 'The Wages and Hours of Kennelmaids and Kennelmen', Our Dogs 92 (25th Aug. 1933), p. 587.
Description:

'Sir,- Your correspondent “H.N.B.” laments that her proposition with regard to a kennelmaids’ union has met with scant response. The fact is in itself sufficient answer, for no such union is needed. There are more situations open than there are really good kennelmaids. I have to stress this point because there are numbers of incompetent girls about, but really efficient ones are few and far between, and these can obtain good wages.

I have never come across a heard-hearted and callous employer; but, assuming that such do exist, no girl is compelled to stay with a mistress of that character if she does not want to.

As to hours, in all work where live animals are concerned, it is impossible to keep rigidly to time “off,” and dogs are not machines.

I am sorry if “H.N.B.” feels that she belongs to a downtrodden and ill-treated class. She must be singularly unfortunate, for the kennelmaids I have seen have always been keen and happy in their jobs. Could she not be happier perhaps as a typist? A type-writer can be covered up sharp at the stroke of 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., as the case may be, and left alone ‘till 9 o’clock on the following morning. It can safely be trusted not to be ill out of working hours, or to start having puppies during the night!’

 

Relevant passage from H.N.B. to Our Dogs:

‘Sir,- Can you or any reader kindly enlighten me as to whether there is in existence any Union or Society to which kennelmaids or kennelmen may belong, as they appear to be unprotected against long hours and low wages?

Do you not consider that 12s. 6d. weekly (which seems to be the average wage of kennelmaids) is altogether out of proportion to the hours of work put in, often as many as 12 and 14 a day, and also the responsibility entailed in the care of valuable dogs?

As I am particularly a sufferer in these respects I am naturally anxious to know whether such a body exists, and if not, is it not time that some brave person in an authoritative position, took up the matter and endeavoured to remedy the abuses of what is now acknowledged to be an honourable and skilled profession?’