The first female telephonists were appointed in 1881. Although women were paid less than men, the work was sought after – in 1893 there were 484 applications for 79 jobs. Women who had to depend ‘on their own exertions for a living’ were favoured. There was also an element of political patronage involved – applicants with the support of their local member of Parliament were more likely to be successful.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference:
AAMF W3327 206 PO540
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