WOMEN’S AUXILIARY AIR FORCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 39, 17 February 1943, Page 4

WOMEN’S AUXILIARY AIR FORCE

SOME PAY MISCONCEPTIONS CLEARED UP (P.A.) Wellington, Feb. 16. ‘‘Though without exception the girls are extremely keen to become actively engaged in radio location work in the R.N.Z.A.F.. it has been found that there is much misconception about the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force’s rates of pay,” said Wing-Officer Mrs. F. I. Kain, commandant of the W.A.A.F., commenting on the progress of recruiting of girls for the radio location system of the R.N.Z.A.F.

Mrs. Kain said a satisfactory number of recruits was coming forward, but of these it was surprising to find many who were under the impression that their joining the W.A.A.F. involved a monetary sacrifice. “On the contrary,” said Mrs. Kain, “in many cases tne girls would be better off financially.” She added that airwomen who formerly earned their living independently of parental assistance now considered that their service pay was equivalent to £4 10s weekly in civil life. This conclusion was arrived at by assuming that, if in civilian employment they earned £4 10s weekly, they would be taxed 11s 3d weekly. Clothing would cost them 9s weekly and board and lodging 35s weekly, leaving them 34s 9d clear lor other expenses. A W.A.A.F. member, however, received at least 35s

weekly, and this was clear —there was no tax to pay and no clothing to buy, except underclothing. Full board and keep was provided, or in service terms, quarters and rations, thus eliminating three essentials upon which a civil girl paid out her wages. In addition, a W.A.A.F. member received concession rates on city travel amenities, on rail travel, on the inter-island ferry services and on toll calls and telegrams "from the Post and Telegraph* Department. In cases of girls serving away from home, three tree to and from travelling warrants were pro-

vided each year; i| fact practically all the concessions available to members of the armed services were likewise available to members of the W.A.A.F. Mrs. Kain pointed out that the rate of 35s 9d weekly was the lowest received in the service. Airwomen could quality for difterent trades and as a result reach higher rates. Similarly, appointments to n.c.o. or commissioned rank resulted in further increases in pay. This promotion was largely the responsibility of the individual — meritorious work would be rewarded. Irrespective of promotion, it could be generally assumed that 35s weekly in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force was worth £4 10s weekly in civilian employment.