WOMEN’S LAND SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23750, 23 September 1942, Page 4

WOMEN’S LAND SERVICE

—♦ — MINISTER APPEALS FOR RECRUITS BETTEK CONDITIONS APPROVED BY CABINET (P.A.) WELLINGTON. sept, 22. "Events have shown that foodstuffs and other primary products are more and more essential to victory," said the Minister of National Service (the Hon. W, J. Broadfoot). "The farming community has maintained, and in some ca cs substantially increased, these supplies, notwithstanding the ever-increasing shortage of farm labour.

'Tine drift over the years of far too many of the younger generation from rural industries to the city has thrown much of the arduous work in primary industries or to the older generation, who have clone magnificent work, but there L a limit to their endurance," Mr Broadfoot continued. “The Government, therefore, has decided to give New Zealand women an opportunity to enter the ranks of the Women’s Land Service, !am confident they will do this readily, thus emulating the women of Great Britain in their magnificent contribution to the war effort.

"The War Cabinet has agreed to greater remuneration and more attractive conditions for service. Members will be issued with an adequate clothing outfit, including a distinctive twopiece costume, greatcoat, and hat, together with a generous supply of working clothes. Clothing will be issued free to girls, and will be comparable with the equipment issued to women in the armed services. It will be replaced annually free of charge of the weekly upkeep allowance to be paid. "An amendment to the Agricultural Workers Labour Legislation Suspension Order provides for new rates of pay for female farm workers as follows:—Dairy farms, first six months. £2 Is: thereafter £2 8s fid: other farms and stations, first six months £1 16s, thereafter £2 3s fid (all plus keep). "In respect to inexperienced members a service subsidy will be paid to employers of £1 a week for the first three months and 12s 3d a week for the second three months. “In closely settled districts where suitable accommodation is not available and where farmers will guarantee through district production councils to employ labour stationed there, hutments will be established so that members of the service may be grouped under the control of a senior girl or matron in a corps of from six upwards. "The Government will pay £2 a week towards the matron’s remuneration. The balance is to be met by members concerned from the lodging allowance payable by the employer."