WOMEN’S PART IN WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23717, 26 January 1939, Page 19

WOMEN’S PART IN WAR

SPEAKER CONDEMNS " PANIC TALK ” “Panic talk” was condemned by Dr F. A. Maguire, of the State Joint Council, Voluntary Aid Detachments in Sydney, when he addressed a meeting held in the N.S.W. State Assembly ballroom recently to discuss a scheme which has been launched under the title of Women’s Voluntary Services. “War is a nasty, dirty sickly business —as I have reason to know, having served in forward areas throughout the Great War,” Dr Maguire said. “ Don’t be carried away by anyone who emphasises the horrors ot war. or talks panic talk. The best answer to panic is training and knowledge. Many will try to tell you how terrible air raids are, and gas attacks —but the best course is to train and nrepare for those raids. “This organisation will provide necessary knowledge and preparation.” he added. WORK BEHIND THE SCENES i “To-day, war means that every man and woman, and every child who is able to help in some way, rrtust be organised to serve so that the country may present its greatest strength. This is not only a man’s job, but a woman’s job too. It takes at least 10 men to keep one man in the trenches —food must be cooked, transport arranged and similar essential work carried out. Under modern conditions women could play a very great part in that work.

and take many responsibilities which would free men for actual fighting. Dr Maguire indicated* a shedule of qualifications drawn up by the Women s Voluntary Services under the headings of nursing, professional, commissariat, clerical, technical, and miscellaneous. “This schedule embraces everything a man can do—excepting going into a trench to use a rifle and machine-gun. And I would not be surprised if the day came when we had to ask women to do that, loo,” he said. DETAILS OF SCHEME The president. Miss Ruby Board, outlined the Women’s Voluntary Services scheme, and explained that it had been inaugurated by the National Council of Women. Mayoresses of Sydney municipalities had been invited to attend, and it was hoped to organise areas where women could be trained and gathered together according to their varied qualifications, should an emergency arise. It was planned to have central headquarters, with local centres in municipalities and country towns Miss Board announced that the Amateur Women’s Sports Council, with 4000 members, had volunteered its services.

The president of the Country Women’s Association, Mrs J. C. Beveridge, who came from the country in order to be present, said that she would offer her services to take the knowledge around the country so that country women might help their city sisters,’ especially as some day it might be necessary to evacuate the city AIR RAID PROTECTION

“ The only way to prevent war between Britain and aggressor nations between now and the English spring is by preparedness throughout every part of the Empire.” said Dr Lyle Buchanan.

“ Our first preparation must be to train and protect all agamst gas attack. We must organis. large classes, and every citizen should know the elements of first-aid and gas protection We must start with 20,000 or 30,000 wardens trained to know everything and advise everybody. The Premier and the Town Hall have given us a lead.” Dr Buchanan added that other necessities were air-raid shelters, and training and equipment to cope with incendiary bombs. " Each household should have a chemical fire-ex-tinguisher and someone with a gasmask, trained to dispose of p firebomb, he remarked. At the conclusion of the meeting i resolution was passed that “the Government be asked that necessary information for protection in an airraid be brought to all citizens, men and women, free of charge.” All women registering with the Women’s Voluntary Services for training in voluntary aid work will receive their training through the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance Association Registration is free, and membership Is.