WAR WORK FOR WOMEN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23482, 10 November 1941, Page 9

WAR WORK FOR WOMEN

LAND CORPS TO BE FORMED

SUBSIDY WILL BE PAID TO EMPLOYERS

(P.S.S.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 8. “Food production js necessary war work,” declared tHe Minister for National Service (the Hon. R. Semple) in announcing to-day details of the organisation of the Wopien’s Land Corps. “The Empire,” said Mr Semple, “cannot continue its fight for the preservation of liberty unless, in addition to men, weapons and ammunition, sufficient food is available for the armies and civilian population. Our men are being withdrawn from food production to take the field against the enemy; our women are now about to be called upon to take their vacant places, also to release additional men for the Armed Forces.” The decision to organise the Women’s Land Corps, explained Mr Semple, was made after full discussion with Dominion organisations of farmers and farm workers affected. They agreed that there was scope for employment of inexperienced women in the lighter work of farms. Heavy Work for Men One of the fundamental priciples of the plan was that no member of the corps would be allocated to any farm on which there was not at least one man, physically fit, available to perform the heavier tasks considered unsuitable for women. Because of their inexperience, a subsidy of 15s a week would be paid to employers during the first six months’ service, this period being regarded as training.. It was also felt that as women would not be able to perform the same duties as men, it was reasonable that their remuneration be somewhat less, said Mr Semple. The Agricultural Workers’ Labour Legislation Suspension Order provided the following weekly rates: —Dairy farms: First six months of service, 355; other farms and stations, 30s; thereofter 42s 6d for daix\v farms and 35s for others. In all cases keep and lodgings would be supplied to the worker, and in all other respects the conditions of employment would be the same as men. The term of service was for the duration, but in exceptional circumstances earlier release would be sympathetically considered. On acceptance, one set of working overalls would be provided free, and after one month’s satisfactory service there would be a free issue of uniform and cap. Reinforcing Producers The Women’s Land Corp, continued Mr Semple, would afford patriotic women and girls an opportunity of actively participating in the national war effort in a field that could correctly be termed “war work,” and to provide reinforcements to producers who had been, or would be, deprived of experienced male labour. Special attention had been paid to suitable accommodation, laundry, bath facilities, insurance against accident, and transport. Some delay would unavoidably be entailed in the initial organisation, but it was expected that the interviewing of candidates would begin shortly. The Minister voiced the hope that every woman and girl not employed in other really essential industries would seriously consider joining the organisation. The corps would bo under the administrative control of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, which, to ensure complete co-ordination, would work in close association with the State Placement Service, The date for the reception of membership applications would be announced later.

SCHEME WELCOME TO FARMERS

SECRETARY’S STATEMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, November 9. The decision to form a Women’s Land Corps in the Dominion, to help meet the shortage of farm labour caused by the enlistment of male workers in the fighting forces is appreciated by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, said the secretary of the union (Mr A. P. O’Shea) to-day. In New Zealand, the corps should be of considerable help to farmers, if it were properly organised, and if the women responded satisfactorily, said Mr O'Shea. It could not, however, occupy quite the important place that it did in Great Britain, because farming in New' Zealand was not so intensive, and did not offer the same number of lighter jobs suitable for women. In the milking sheds, women were often belter than men, and little training would be required to lit them for the work. In the winter and early spring, however, there was a fairly large amount of feeding-out to be done. This work would be too heavy and difficult for the average woman alone. On sheep farms, said Mr O'Shea, a much longer period of training would be required before an inexperienced woman could give assistance of material value. In most cases, the period of training would have to extend over a full year's cycle of production. The scheme" was appreciated as an attempt to solve the farm labour problem. It was hoped that it might also make possible the release of some of the men who had been held back when they wished to join the fighting forces.