POOR RESPONSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21009, 4 February 1943, Page 2

POOR RESPONSE

WOMEN FOR INDUSTRY COMPULSION PROSPECTS CARPENTERS VOLUNTEER “There has been a very disappointing response to the appeal Cor volunteers among women and girls to take n)5 industrial work near Wellington,'’ stated Mr. V. G. Walker, industrial man-power officer for Gisborne, when speaking to-day on the call for female labour in industry. Mr. Walker said that large numbers of women and girls were required by February 8. and so far Gisborne had not nearly filled its quota. 11 was pot the desire of the department to compulsorily direct girls into any form of work, but that action would be necessary if a sufficient number was not forthcoming.

So far, Mr. Walker added. Gisborne had been required to supply only small numbers of female labour, although many had left for duties in ihe uniformed services. Compared with other places near the main centres, there should be a large percentage of women and girls to draw upon, and for that reason the response to the recent call for volunteers had been more than usually disappointing. On the other hand, the recent call for carpenters for defence work outside the district had met with an exceptionally good response. A total of 27 left Gisborne on Monday, and several more had volunteered since then. It was not known yet whether more would be required, but in the meantime the names of the others were being retained in the event of a further call, being made.