W.A.A.F. RATES OF PAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 40, 17 February 1943, Page 6

W.A.A.F. RATES OF PAY

MUCH MISCONCEPTION

"Though without exception, girls are extremely keen to become actively engaged in radiolocation work in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, I have found that there is much misconception about the Women's Auxiliary Air Force rates of pay," said Wing Officer Mrs. F. I. Kain, commandant of the W.A.A.F., when asked yesterday to comment on the progress of the recruiting of girls for the radiolocation system of the R.N.Z.A.F. Mrs. Kain said that a satisfactory number of recruits \vas coming forward, but of these it was surprising to find many who were under the impression that their joining the W.A.A.F. involved monetary sacrifice. "On the contrary," said Mrs. Kain, "in many cases the girls will be better off financially." EQUAL TO £4 10s IN CIVIL LIFE. Qualifying her contention that W.A.A.F. rates of pay were often better than those received by girls in civilian employment, Mrs. Kain said that airwomen who formerly earned their living independently of parental assistance now considered that their service pay was equivalent to £4 10s weekly in civil life. This conclusion was arrived at by assuming that if in civil employment they earned £4 10s weekly, they would be taxed lis! 3d weekly, clothing would cost them 9s weekly, and board and lodging £1 15s weekly, leaving them 34s 9d clear for other expenses.

The W.A.A.F. member, however, received at least £ 1 15s weekly, and this was clear—there was no tax to pay, no clothing to buy, except underclothing, full boai-d and keep was provided, or, in service terms, quarters and rations, thus eliminating the three essentials upon which the civilian girl paid out her wages. In addition, the W.A.A.F. member received concession rates for travel and on toll calls and telegrams from the Post and Telegraph Department. In the cases of girls serving away from home three free to-and-from travelling warrants were provided each year. In fact, practically all concessions available to members of the armed services were likewise available to the members of the W.A.A.F. . OPPORTUNITY FOR PROMOTION. j Mrs. Kain pointed out that the rate of £1 15s weekly was the lowest received in the service. Airwomen could qualify for different trades and reach higher rates. Similarly appointments to n.c.o. or commissioned rank resulted in further increases in pay. This promotion was largely the responsibility of the individual—meritorious work would be rewarded. Inrespective of promotion, it could be generally assumed that £1 15s weekly in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force was worth £4 10s weekly in civilian employment. j