WOMEN’S NAVAL SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 24765, 9 June 1942, Page 5

WOMEN’S NAVAL SERVICE

RECRUITING TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 8. The War Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Women’s Royal Naval Service in New Zealand following generally on the lines of the service in England. This decision was announced by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, who said the service was being established in the Dominion so that naval personnel now Serving in appointments on shore could be relieved by women and the men released for sea service and so that subsequent expansion in shore posts could be met, wherever possible, by the use of women where naval personnel otherwise would have to be employed. Miss Ruth Herrick has been appointed director of the organization and Miss F. H. Fenwick deputy director. Recruiting will start immediately. This will be arranged through the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, but the final selection will be made by representatives of the naval service.

The rates of pay a day for a qualified member will be as follows, those for unqualified members being given in parentheses: Probationary Wren, 5/(4/6); Wren, 5/6 (5/-); leading Wren, 5/9 (5/3); petty officer Wren, 6/- (5/6); chief petty officer Wren, 7/- (6/6). A deduction will be made if living accommodation is provided. A-victual-ling allowance of lOd a meal will be paid where victualling is not provided by the Navy Department The initial outfit of uniform will be free to selected applicants. This will consist of a navy serge costume, a double-breasted coat, a navy felt hat, a white shirt and a black tie, grey stockings and black shoes. Ratings will wear naval cap ribbons on their hats and officers and chief petty officers, where entitled, will wear naval cap badges. Naval gilt buttons will be worn by officers, chief petty officers and petty officers. Other Wren ratings will wear black naval buttons.

For the purpose of the upkeep of uniforms an allowance of £lO a year will be paid. Selected applicants will be required to be engaged for the duration of the war and to serve, if necessary, in any part of New Zealand.