WOMEN FOR THE LAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 70, 25 March 1940, Page 4

WOMEN FOR THE LAND

WILLING TO GIVE SERVICES FREE HAMILTON PROPOSAL ( Per Press Association.J HAMILTON, March 23. An assurance that there were between 400 and 500 women in Hamilton willing to give free service on the land in order to increase production during the war period was given by Mr. H. D. Caro, Mayor of Hamilton, at a meeting of the Waikato Council o f Primary Production to-day. Mr. Caro strongly advocated the formation of a women’s land army as a national war effort. He said that similar efforts had been carried out in England and in Continental countries and had been successful in increasing production. He added that the apathy the farmer had shown had resulted In a definite drop in primary production. Mr. W. S. Gooseman, M.P., and Dr. H. E. Annett objected to the suggestion that the farmers were apathetic. Continuing. Mr. Caro repeated his statement. Unfortunately, he added, the Government had not done anything to help the farmer. It paid a price for produce that was not acceptable and production was falling. The women wore willing to give their services free and steps should be taken to organise them in a way that would be of the utmost value. The volunteers should receive a period of instruction before the busy season commenced next spring, Mr. Caro added, and in this connection he was prepared to make available a farm three miles from Hamilton. The following motion was carried:— "That, on the assurance of the Mayor of Hamilton that there was a body of women prepared to assist in the national effort to increase production, this council wholeheartedly supports the formation of a land army to bring about this result.”