WOMEN ORGANISED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 107, 1 November 1940, Page 11

WOMEN ORGANISED

NATIONAL DEFENCE PLAN

MRS. P. FRASER DESCRIBES

AUXILIARY

The Women's War Service Auxiliary, a newly-organised Dominion-wide movement, is to play its part in the country's big scheme for home defence, stated Mrs. Peter Fraser, Dominion president, at a meeting of National Club members yesterday afternoon. In outlining the auxiliary's activities, Mrs. Fraser said that man-power was needed to maintain production and the standard of living. If more and more men were to be absorbed into other war activities women might have to take their place in industry. Many were already back in the factories and others who had no previous experience were being trained in this important work. The basis of the auxiliary was the registration of all women able and anxious to do a job for their country, Mrs. Fraser said, for women would play an even more important part as time went on.

Co-operation and co-ordination of all sections were essential for the success of any organisation formed to meet national crises. Women had been approached through their own movements and were well represented by the auxiliary's officers. It was not their intention, Mrs. Fraser explained, to interfere with the good work already being done, but rather to co-ordinate the women-power so that in the event of a national emergency there would be no confusion and everyone would know her job.

SOLDIERS' WIVES

Mrs. H. Jowett, a member of the Dominion executive, elaborated on the auxiliary's work. Women, she said, could do a great national service by taking into their homes the young wives of soldiers who came straight out of nursing homes with their new babies. Cases were known where such young mothers were refused admission to boarding-houses and flats, and women in such positions often could not afford to set up homes of their own. She appealed to women with large, empty homes to open their doors to such wives of men fighting in the Forces. "This appeal has been made in various country districts," Mrs. Jowett said, "and is not just a local matter."

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT.

Mrs. C. H. Weston, wife of the president of the National Club, and herself president of the soldiers' hospitality committee, was in the chair. She welcomed the large gathering of women as an indication of their real interest in the War Service Auxiliary and of their sincere desire to support this national scheme. The club, she said, was already doing splendid work, but the War Auxiliary scheme had a wider purpose, its machinery dealing with national issues and national crises. "Should these come, we must know our boat drill —be prepared to carry out our special duty so that we are a necessary part of the whole plan," she stated.

"If this war auxiliary were accepted, understood, and entered into with a national spirit, it could be a cord that would bind us together with ; one ambition, to be ready to serve our country when needed," Mrs. Weston continued. "The auxiliary could have but one purpose, to help our people in time of crises. This women's force is a necessary part of defence in New Zealand. It must be a united force, and, as in the Army, it must be coordinated."

Mrs. Fraser and Mrs. Jowett answered many questions before tea was served, and Miss Florence Low, secretary of the Wellington branch of the auxiliary, also gave assistance. Mrs. Guy Johnston, vice-president of the club, and Mrs. J. H. Mcllroy, wife of the chairman of the Wellington division of the National Party, were among the guests. Miss Jocelyn Walker played piano excerpts during the tea period.