WOMEN WORKERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 69, 22 March 1915, Page 6

WOMEN WORKERS.

REGISTRATION APPROVES EXCEPT BY UNIONISTS. LONDON, March 20. The Government's invitation to women to apply for employment in various industries to cope with ..war needs has caused "considerable excitement amongst women .in the trades unions. The unionists declare that there are 40.000 women, normally wage-earners, who are now unemployed.' They claim that these women should be absorbed before! those who are presumably economically independent women are introduced into the labour market; Since the morning papers announced the .scheme a steady stream of applicants has commenced. " Seven hundred women have been registered in London. The majority belong to the middle-class, including many wives who worked before their marriage. The Board of Trade is not sure of the extent of the response that may be expected from the employers, upon whom the success of the scheme ultimately rests. It is uncertain whether the bulk of the employers will seriously eonsidcr it their duty to substitute female for male labour, in the national interests. It is suggested that the Government might lead the way in releasing thousands of its clerical staffs. Employers are to be asked to consider the reinstatement of men after the war. Harrod's establishment has approved of the scheme. Already '900 of the staff have enlisted, and 300 men eligible for service remain. Girls are working the lifts and packing parcels, and the firm is considering whether they might also serve in the groceries departments. INDUSTRIAL CONSCRIPTION. 'WOMEN WANT FARM WORK. iTimes and" Sydney Snn Services.) (Received 8.30 ajn.) LONDON, March 21. It is expected that the registration of women will improve the position with regard to farm labour. Women are eagerly seeking for farm, milking and gardening work.' Several agricultural colleges have undertaken to train women, specially the wives and relations of soldiers who have given up employment because they are receiving allowances from the War Office, Miss Sylvia Pankhurst regards the scheme for registering women as "industrial conscription," and approves of it if it will help to get the vote. At a conference of women's political,, industrial and social societies it was decided to demand equal pay for women doing men's work.