THE GERMAN HOUSEBOY IN AMERICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3435, 29 January 1912, Page 7

THE GERMAN HOUSEBOY IN AMERICA.

Hans the Hauskneclit, dressed in.his cleanly garb of washable blue linen is a figure so familiar to travellers in Germany that they will not be surprised to learn that America has readily adopted him. A solution of the domestic problem lias been attempted in certain districts by employing those men who, often accompanied bv wife, and even children, sail for the now country, ready and willing to undertake any duties that come their way. Housekeepers eagerly engage a newly arrived German couple, for, while the man has a thorough knowledge of the duties of house maid, as well as valet and house porter, the 'wife is usually an excellent look. She is also capable of doing the family marketing and buying to good advantage. In most Continental towns this houseboy, or man servant dressed in washable linen, is a familiar personage. In hotels and pensions he does more work than in English. service, or, at least, he is much more in evidence. A lad who is under training in a, well managed house will easily and willingly turn his hand to any sort of work, or he will run out and do a message, without the slightest murmur. American ladies who have substituted the German houseboy for a staff of Chinamen, find them so satisfactory that they earnestly hope that their simple and cleanly ways will not be- spoiled by the national tendency to extravagance- and luxuriofis living! .