The servant-girl problem has been solved in Norway to the satisfaction of all concerned, although it is doubtful whether a similar solution would be accepted by domestic servants in the United States.  In large cities like Bergen and Christiania, there is a central employment bureau under the direction of the municipal government, and twice a year—­one week before New Year’s day and one week before St. John’s day, the 24th of June—­there is a general change of servants by those who are dissatisfied with existing conditions, and engagements are made for the ensuing six months of the year.  Families who want servants, fill out blanks setting forth what is required and the wages they are willing to pay.  These are filed at the employment office and are noted in a conspicuous manner upon a blackboard.  Women or men in search of employment go to this bureau during the weeks named, examine the blackboard, and apply to the clerk in charge for further information.

If they desire to apply for a particular position, they submit their recommendations to the clerk, and if he is satisfied, he gives them a card to the lady of the house.  That card is good for the day only, and must be returned by the lady of the house before the close of office hours.  If the girl is engaged, 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 if necessary.  If the lady of the house is not satisfied with the applicant, she sends her away and returns the card marked “not satisfactory,” with the request that other applicants be sent her.  If the applicant is satisfactory, the lady of the house pays her a bonus of one krone or two kroner called “hand money”—­that is, she crosses her hand with silver as an evidence of good faith—­and the girl agrees to report for duty within one week after New Year’s or Midsummer’s day, as the case may be.  That is to allow her present employer to fill her place.  In some of the smaller towns the dates for changing servants are April 14 and October 14.

The law protects both the employer and the employed.  The employer guarantees to give the servant a comfortable room, wholesome food, take care of her if sick, and pay her wages regularly as agreed upon during good behavior; while the girl agrees to perform her duties faithfully during the term for which she is engaged.  If there is any complaint upon either side, it must be made to a magistrate, who investigates and decides between them.  A family can not get rid of a servant during her term of employment without official intervention.  On the other hand, the girl’s wages are a first lien upon their property for the entire term, although judgment must be rendered and made a matter of record.  If a servant runs away from her employer, she can be arrested and fined.  Cooks are paid from $4 to $7 a month; housemaids from $3 to $6 a month; men butlers from $10 to $15; coachmen from $12 to $16 a month; scullery maids and men of all work receive corresponding wages.