N.Z. TROOPS PLEASED

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 91, 26 September 1941, Page 5

N.Z. TROOPS PLEASED

Assured Welcome For W.W.S.A. Girls

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.)

CAIRO, August 30.

New Zealanders serving in the Middle East are always interested in hearing of the women’s war effort at home, but this interest became much livelier with the announcement that 30 members of the Women’s War Ser vice Auxiliary had been chosen to proceed overseas. The news that these girls were coming over to assist in the New Zealand Forces Club and similar institutions established for the welfare of the troops was published in the troops’ newspaper, the “N.Z.E.F. Times,” together with the names.

Already there are many women serving in the Middle East, apart from the nursing sisters. New Zealanders are by now accustomed to the sigh* of English A.T.S. girls and South African Women’s Auxiliary Army Service members. They have a feeling of pride in that New Zealand’s own women will now stand side by side with those of other countries.

There is a wide field for women’s effort on the home front, but the work women are doing in the Middle Eas 1 has proved that there is ample scope there, too. The South African and English girls are engaged mainly on clerical and transport work. Australia intends to b 4 in the picture, too, and has a large contingent of women training for overseas service.

Apart from war considerations, New Zealand’s soldiers, some of whom have been away from home for close on two years, are pleased at the prospect of seeing » New Zealand girls again. The women chosen will be assured of a hearty welcome.

When the “N.Z.E.F. Times” reached units, groups fit soldiers could be heard everywhere discussing the news. One soldier would read out the names, the others stopping him with a shout whenever he came to one they knew of.

The women’s help will be appreciated in the New Zealand Forces Club. At present the. men are served by natives, and, although these are willing, it is often hard to make them understand a simple request.