WOMEN'S LAND CORPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24827, 29 January 1942, Page 3

WOMEN'S LAND CORPS

FEW ENROLMENTS APPEAL BY MINISTER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 28. The Minister of National Service, Mr R. Semple, to-day expressed disappointment at the small number of enrolments for service with the Women's Land Corps as well as the poor response of farmers. " I appeal to women who are physically fit and free to do so to enrol in the Women's Land Corps," Mr Semple said. " I also put it to farmers that, as the male farm labour situation is likely to deteriorate further, they should play their part in making the corps a success. " Corps members must be at least 18 years of age and of good character and health. As soon as they are accepted the women are provided with' a free set of overalls. After a month's satisfactory service they receive the corps uniform. Inexperienced members, after completing a training period of six months, receive a competency badge. During the first six months members are paid 35s a week if employed on dairy farms, and 30s if employed on other farms. After this period the rates are raised to 42s 6d and 35s respectively. It is provided that no corps member is to be employed on a farm where there is not at least one male physically fit and available to carry out farm duties obviously unsuitable for a woman." Mr Semple concluded by stating that the Government appealed to women who had training and experience on the land to render service during the war. They were entitled to a commencing wage of not less than 42s 6d on dairy farms and 35s on other farms, in addition to board and lodging.