GIRLS FOR THE LAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 November 1942, Page 6

GIRLS FOR THE LAND

MRS. DREA VER’S ADDRESS.

Speaking to a gathering of about 30 persons, including four men, in the Greymouth Council Chambers, last evening, Mrs. M. M. Dreaver, M.P., delivered an address on the functions of the Women’s Land Service, outlining the conditions of service and the place it must take in the wartime life of the Dominion. The Mayoress (Mrs. F. A. Kitchingham) presided. The Mayor (Mr. Kitchingha’m) introduced Mrs. Dreaver, whose information, he said, would be entirely authoritative. Her husband fought in the last war, three sons were in the Forces, and two daughters were nurses—all doing their full share of war work. Mrs. Dreaver thanked the Mayor for opening the meeting. So far the campaign had had very good results. It would be necessary tor the Primary Production Council and the W.W.S.A. to co-ordinate, and she regretted the local Council was not represented at the meeting. There were many land girls in the Dominion, and there would be many more. Such could now receive the uniform of the Land Service, overalls, heavy working boots and stockings, a sou’-wester, leather jerkin, and, if desired, wooden clogs for use in cowsheds. Though this equipment was difficult to buy, the Land Service had good supplies. All land girls who applied for membership would receive such working equipment. Mrs. Dreaver urged that members communicate with the Primary Production Council and request their cooperation. From Auckland, alone, numbers of girls who had been hairdressers, shop girls, etc, were going on to farms and liking it, while the farmers themselves were well pleased. Two girls with nine months’ experience milked 90 cows. Young women were sole shepherds, and, though it was hoped there would be sufficient men to do the heavy work and butchering, it might be that girls would have to do such jobs, and they were not alarmed at the prospect. In England intensive training was given for four weeks, but experience in the Dominion had shown some girls could commence work immediately. Farmers, said Mrs. Dreaver, received a subsidy of £1 a week for the first three months of the girls’ training and 12/6 a week on the next three months. Girls were paid £2/1/- a week in the first six months and £2 8/6 thereafter, with free board. If, however, they bached, they were paid £1 a week board money. The dress issue was not given until a month’s work had been done. All clothing remained the property of the Government. in the manner of military uniforms, for it was, in reality, a Land Army. As part of the rehabilitation of soldiers, the Government would provide homes with furniture and it was hoped that many of the girls who went on the land to-day would be the farmers'.’ wives of the future. Serious fighting remained ahead, and the necessity to speed up production was essential. The Americans were bringing in material, but these men had to be fed. Seasonal orchard and hop work in the Nelson district would come under the general scheme. The Primary Production Councils were giving excellent help to farmers and they would be able to facilitate the placing of women on farms. Farmers must apply to the Councils and girls must apply to the W.W.S.A. for enrolment. Land girls were covered by an insurance scheme and could obtain help from the Assistance Board, if necessary. They would obtain their proper holidays—on a dairy farm not less than 28 days in the aggregate for each year, and on other farms .18 days. Girls were finding the work congenial and were able to save more money in the country than in the city. Coupons were saved by the issue of clothing, the stockings being of the 7/11 lisle variety. To a questioner, Mrs. Dreaver said girls would not go to farms “on trust.” Primary Production Councils would vouch for the character of the farmer and the type of home.