LAND GIRLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25136, 29 January 1943, Page 2

LAND GIRLS

FIFTY-FIVE IN OTAGO

There has been a satisfactory response in Dunedin to the call for land girls, and 55 applicants have registered for the Women’s Land Service. These girls, with one exception, have been found positions in Otago on sheep farms, dairy farms, and orchards, while four of them have been employed at Outram growing vegetables under the scheme arranged by the Department of Agriculture. Though many farmers have been doubtful about the scheme, said Mrs M. M. Cole, of the W.W.S.A., in an interview, the land girls, in most cases where they were employed, were doing excellent work. The majority of the girls had previously worked in shops and offices, and had Had no experience of farm work, but they were happy, and were adapting themselves well to the new environment. This had been clearly shown in a letter from one farmer who wrote that his land girl could, if she desired, consider her position permanent, as she was keen, intelligent, and “ game.” The health of many of the girls had shown a marked improvement as a result of the outdoor life. One girl who had not been found a position was temporarily engaged in cutting cocksfoot, but it was expected to have her placed soon. The land girls have not yet been issued with uniforms, but they expect to receive them before long.