WOMEN TO REGISTER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 226, 25 September 1942, Page 4

WOMEN TO REGISTER

NATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF WORK AGES FROM 24 TO 30, INCLUSIVE (P.A.) Wellington, Sept. 24. W omen aged 24 to ;,i>, inclusive, will be required to register witniu seven days tor worn of national importance, aceoruing to a statement by the Minister ot Industrial manpower, the Hon. A. McLagan, who announced a new order to tnis effect to-day. The order extends the age class of those liable to register so that now all women who have attained the age of 20, but have not attained the c.ge of 31, are now covered by registration orders. In the past, said the Minister, there had been some difficulty in filling positions in essential wotk suitable omy for women of more mature age than those registered so far. He stressed the point that this registration was lor industrial work, the only requirements of the armed forces for women recruits being met by volunteers. Registration under the regulations did not involve service with the armed forces. In the past, married women with young, children had not been exempted trorn liability to register, though instructions had been issued that these women should not be drafted into employment in the meantime. A definite exemption is now being extended to married women whose domestic responsibilities include the care of young children. Mr. McLagan added that it might be necessary later to withdraw this exemption, and he urged that any women with children who could do so should voluntarily undertake any useful part-time work for which they are qualified. The list of those exempted between 24 to 30 years includes women already registered, those serving with or employed by any branch of the armed forces, full-time employees of registered hospitals, married women whose domestic responsibilities include the 1 care of children, invalids, inmates of hospitals, mental hospitals or prisons. The period of registration, said the Minister, expired on October 1, and penalties were provided for failure to