GIRLS IN WAR WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 8, 11 January 1944, Page 6

GIRLS IN WAR WORK

CANADA STUDIES PROBLEMS

As the result of ■ several years' experience in the placement of girls and more than two years in, serving girls in war plants, the Y.W.C.A. in Toronto, Canada, feels that a general policy should be formulated regarding the question of young girls in war industry who must live away from their homes. Some of the problems have to be met in New Zealand, and the suggestions that were made would probably apply equally here. To meet the needs of thousands of women and girls who went into industry, a committee on women in industry was formed. It correlates the work of the local associations and studies the special problems facing employed young women and girls.

EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE.

Girls under 18 years of age should be brought to centres only when placed in supervised dormitories, it ruled. It has been found that girls of 16 and 17 are frequently quite unstable, emotionally immature, and totally unprepared to cope with problems of personal hygiene, budgeting, and leisure time. A thorough physical examination should be given girls before leaving their homes. Instances were given where a girl worked only two days and had a serious heart attack.

A clear understanding was needed of the financial situation of the girl and her plans for supporting herself pending receipt of her first pay, perhaps a matter of two weeks.

IN DEBT BEFORE THEY START.

The association found, that many girls arrived entirely without funds for board and personal needs. Thus when a girl received her first pay she was in debt and seldom able to catch up and pay her board in advance. Following ' discussion with the Y.W.C.A., one Toronto plant insisted on girls depositing a certain sum with them with a written agreement that this was to be used on account of board when arriving to take up work.

When it had been decided by the proper, authorities that a girl should return 'to her home, the agency responsible for bringing her to the centre should assume full financial responsibility for her return-trip. The report pointed out, however, that if the preceding points were made effective ther.e would be little need for girls to return home because of social problems.

SAFEGUARD CHILDREN.

Any day children are liable to pick Up a cold from a playmate or take a chill after overheating. Y/atch for signs of sniffles or sore throat. Give Baxters Lung Preserver promptly as directed. "Baxters" is safe and pure for all ages. Children who never take medicine will ask for "Baxters." Baxters, Ltd., 602 Colombo Street. Christchurch.—Advt.