From the September 1976 issue of the Socialist Standard
Monday morning coffee break and we’re swapping notes on how we spent the week-end. For two of us it had been the same as usual. As ‘working girls’ trying to keep some sort of comfortable home, the best part of the two days had been spent doing the chores which inevitably pile up during the working week; leaving us little time to relax and enjoy visiting or being visited for the afternoon.
However, for once Jenny had left the chores to deal with as and when possible and, making the most of the glorious weather, had had a lovely day out. Her husband’s boss had invited his staff and their wives down to his home on Saturday; even the return train tickets were provided.
It was no wonder they enjoyed their day out. A beautiful country mansion near one of the Southern Cathedral Cities of England, with efficient rail service to London. The spacious grounds contained, apart from formal, herbaceous and vegetable gardens, a croquet lawn, tennis court and swimming pool. The thoughtful hosts had even provided costumes for those who wanted a swim. A delicious lunch was served on the terrace, charmingly presided over by the lady of the house who, together with her husband, showed an interest in, and concern for, the welfare of every one of her guests. In fact, as Jenny said, they did everything to make this a perfect day for their guests — they were so kind!
That the guests had been invited to enjoy for one day what their labour had provided permanently for their employers did not occur to any of them. However, knowing very well what is provided, I think the employers would have found it easy to be kind!
Monday morning coffee break and we’re swapping notes on how we spent the week-end. For two of us it had been the same as usual. As ‘working girls’ trying to keep some sort of comfortable home, the best part of the two days had been spent doing the chores which inevitably pile up during the working week; leaving us little time to relax and enjoy visiting or being visited for the afternoon.
However, for once Jenny had left the chores to deal with as and when possible and, making the most of the glorious weather, had had a lovely day out. Her husband’s boss had invited his staff and their wives down to his home on Saturday; even the return train tickets were provided.
It was no wonder they enjoyed their day out. A beautiful country mansion near one of the Southern Cathedral Cities of England, with efficient rail service to London. The spacious grounds contained, apart from formal, herbaceous and vegetable gardens, a croquet lawn, tennis court and swimming pool. The thoughtful hosts had even provided costumes for those who wanted a swim. A delicious lunch was served on the terrace, charmingly presided over by the lady of the house who, together with her husband, showed an interest in, and concern for, the welfare of every one of her guests. In fact, as Jenny said, they did everything to make this a perfect day for their guests — they were so kind!
That the guests had been invited to enjoy for one day what their labour had provided permanently for their employers did not occur to any of them. However, knowing very well what is provided, I think the employers would have found it easy to be kind!
Eva Goodman
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