WOMEN’S WAR WORK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21254, 7 February 1931, Page 2

WOMEN’S WAR WORK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The statement made by me at the meeting convened by the Mayoress on Wednesday afternoon, to which “ Zeala ” takes exception, 1 again repeat—namely, “ We who were actively engaged in war work saw only too well the wastage that occurred in the making of garments, when all and sundry were engaged in the making, many garments being badly made and unsuitable for use.”

“Zeala” implies that 1 was referring to the work of the Otago Patriotic Association. I made no reference to that or any other association. The point was raised not in order to belittle the work of any women war workers, but to support the proposal put forward by Mrs Herbert that orders for clothing, etc., should bo placed with the factories, thus serving the twofold purpose of assisting earthquake sufferers speedily and' efficiently, and providing employment tor workers in our factories.

It is a well-known fact that in the early stages of the war the well-inten-tioned but unskilled efforts of many women were plainly displayed in the illfitting and badly-made garments that were contributed. Later, when responsible executives were established and the assistance of skilled factory cutters was obtained, the garments showed a marked improvement.

Will “ Zeala,” who was evidently a member of the Otago Patriotic Association, confirm or deny this over her own name?—l am, etc., February 6. Sadie Macdonald.