BRITAIN IN WAR-TIME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24529, 11 February 1941, Page 10

BRITAIN IN WAR-TIME

WOMEN'S GREATER ROLE

Women are playing an increasingly important part in Britain's war effort (states our London correspondent). Already hundreds of thousands of them are working in the many women's war organisations, such as the W.A.A.F., the A.T.S., and the W.R.N.S. From now on a steady stream will enter into civil occupations. Five hundred thousand are wanted for the great army pf munition workers to aid Britain's arms production, and an appeal for " recruits " has been made by Miss Caroline Haslett, Adviser of Women's Training to the Ministry of Labour. She has stated that women of all classes were being given the greatest opportunity they ' had ever had. i " Training will be given at technij cal schools and works all over the country. Some may have to leave their homes for the purpose, but they will receive lodging and travelling expenses, allowances, and pocket money," she said. "Training will last generally for about eight weeks, during which women of between 18 and 20 will be paid at the rate of 20s a week, plus 15s for an adult dependent. . Over 20—and there are many women eligible for munitions work between the ages of 45 and 50 — the trainee will receive 245, plus 15s for a dependent. If away from home, in both cases there will be lodging allowance of 19s a week,, plus 7s pocket money and 30s for the \ dependent. Near at home there will be a bicycle allowance, fares, and payment for a mid-day meal." Women are now working as bus conductors in London, as well as in country districts, and they have also taken their place in London's underground railway as guards.- They wear neat grey overalls, with a large-peaked cap which usually seems to be worn at a jaunty angle. Many of the bus conductresses —some call them " clippies "—take their "shift" at night —no pleasant job in the black-out when bombs and ■ anti-aircraft fragments are bespattering the streets. Soon, women will be replacing men as postmen. The G.P.O. is shortly to advertise for several hundred girls to replace men called up from their London and provincial staffs. They will be London's first postwomen since the last war. They will wear a navy tunic in A.T.S. style, piped with red, a brimmed hat, mackintosh, and rubber boots.