WORK FOR WOMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1933, Page 11

WORK FOR WOMEN

UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE

That, during the last two months, the Women's .Unemployment Bureau had filled 85 permanent, 75 temporary, and 88 casual positions, was mentioned in the report presented at yesterday's meeting of the Women's Unemployment Committee, at which Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop presided. During tho last two months, registrations on the active list have dropped slightly, arid now stand at 160, continues the report. The' amount of work offering has decreased, and wages are very low. TJie secretary is in touch with the directors of :the Winter Show, and hopes to obtain some employment there. .■■.-■ The register has fluctuated considerably. The number coming to meals has largely increased, and the average for dinner is about 100. The number for tea has also increased., About 60 weekend rations are issued, ■ and arrangements have been made -for the issue of extra rations at Easter. ' Efforts have been made during the past two months to give the girls in the workroom and kitchen more training. For tho former, material was purchased and the girls- were each instructed in the making ;of three garments. These will be held and distributed when needed during the winter. ' .. ■ : ; :■■■:• The kitchen has been re-organised after the system being followed in Christchureh. .' The girl* are to be given six weeks' intensive training, at the end of which time, they will be given an examination and, if successful, may be sent to positions with a certificate of competency. Miss Slyfield, who was in charge'of the kitchen, obtained a position at Massey College, and a new appointment has been made. Several visitors from other centres have been in Wellington and have seen the Bureau, and expressed the view that the committee, was doing good work. :The girls'; continue to have their shoes mended at the depot, and some have been purchased. '. A social evening is held every Wednesday, and several excellent concert parties have given programmes. Mrs. Perry resigned as Convener of tho Shop Committee, and Mrs.. Jameson was appointed in her place. The shop has not been doing so well owing largely to the change, of position, and it has been decided to have leaflets printed advertising it and distribute these to householders. Typists continue to avail themselves of the practice room, and Miss Brand has given dictation for shorthand, etc. The Mayoress gave instructions to have the kitchen walls • repainted and the curtains in the rooms lined. These are now being carried- out. Mrs. Hislop brought forward a proposal made by Mrs. A. Crawford that toy making from Tabbit skins be taught to some of the' women, who would be, able to sell these and so make .■a little profit for themselves. Some offers had, been received to teach this. It was hoped that this might become quite an industry. It was resolved to take up the scheme, and go into the question of ways and means. The Ladies' Auxiliary of thu Y.M.O.AV donated 10s to the funds.