WOMEN HERD TESTERS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3153, 5 August 1942, Page 7

WOMEN HERD TESTERS

GOOD SERVICE TO INDUSTRY

REPLACEMENT OF MANPOWER

An interesting commentary on the increasing utilisation of women in industry, resulting from the absorption of manpower in the armed forces, was provided in the annual review of the season’s operations by the general manager of the Auckland Herd Testing Improvement Association, Mr S. J. Sheaf, at the annual meeting of the association in Hamilton recently. At the completion of the past season, he pointed out, of the 82' testing and junior- officers employed, only five were males and only one of these male officers would be in the employ of the association this season as he was over military age (54 years). Resignations during the past season resulted in the employment of 113' women testers and 57 male testers. 'Generally, said Mr Sheaf, women testers were giving excellent service and their work was of $ high standard. The speaker paid a tribute to the co-operation and assistance afforded the women testers by testing members. Mr 'Sheaf added that the staffing problem this season would be even more difficult than last year, particularly in view of the fact that an exceptionally large number of girls was required for essential war work. Only about half the outside staff of testers would be available to the association this season and with these, and the I's new girl testers, approximately 5'5 would be coming forward. These, he considered, would be able to cover about 1400 herds.