LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15193, 13 April 1917, Page 7

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A first-cffender for drunkenness was convicted and discharged by Messrs E, N. Liffiton and James Williams, J.'sP., in the Police Court this morning. During the past month (according to the Railway Officers' Advocate) a number of superannuated members have been, taken on as casual clerics, in order that men eligible for military service might be released.

At to-day's meeting of the Wanganui County Council, a letter was received from the Chairman of the National Efficiency Board asking for information concerning t>he practicability of employing women on certain works in the county instead of men. Cr Robinson thougtht the matter should be referred to the engineer for a report. Cr. Boss thought that the Efficiency Board was subservient, to the Military Board, and it appeared to him that the, Efficiency Board would not take any pracieal suggestion, but iust wanted to do what they thought best without suggestion. Cr. Poison agreed with Cr. Ross. Cr Robinson said that meu were wanted, and it the Board's idea to gain particulars so as to release men who were urgently required to win the war. The letter was referred to tie engineer for a report.

A deputation from the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, consisting of Messrs. T. B. Williams and A. Harris, waited on the Wanganui County Council this morning to ask for the appointment of two delegates from the Council to approach the Department with a view to establishing direct telephonic communication between Wanganui and Paction during the daytime. Mr Williams said that if the line was constructed there would be no los*. In fact, that would be guaranteed both to the Government if it erected the Hue or to the Wanganui Couuty Council. Cr.'Ross thought that t«he Government was sadly neglecting Wanganui. "They think we're a lot of old women here, and don't seem to bother with us at all." he added. Tt was finally decided to appoint Crs. Allan Robinson and O'Neil as representatives of the Council. "It is necessary lliat in many cases (in addition to office work) the labour of women can be successfully utilised to replace or partially replace the labour of men. In Great Britain large numbers of women are employed successfully in agricultural work and navvying work, and in connection with the building trades. The women of New Zealand are, as a whole, physically litter and far more suited by country experience for such work than their sisters in the Old Country. For instance, there seems no reason why a woman should i>oi undertake a large portion of the duties that now fall to Kie daily lot of a country roadman—riding round the roads of the district and carrying out the light duties of raking stones into ruts. Again, why should it be necessary to retain sailor men in the signal stations of the Doniiniou when their light duties could be equally well performed by women? . . . Without knowing

your local circumstances, it is impossible to indicate to you, other than by the above general terms, in what direction you can assist, but I shall be very pleased to reply to any specific inquiries you may desire to make. The object of all fo us should be to conserve tho forces of the country so as to render the maximum assistance to the Empire in this hour of ueed.." The above remarks were contained in a letter from Mr William Ferguson, chairman of the National Efficiency Board, to tho Wasganui County Council this morning. Members were, on the whole, in agreement with the sentiments expressed and a resolution ('which is reported elsewhere in t&is issue) wae carried accordingly.