CREDIT FOR AEWS

Flak, Volume 1, Issue 8, 25 June 1943, Page 5

CREDIT FOR AEWS

As one of a body of 20 men who recently attended a Cabinet-making Course at the Seddon Memorial Technical College, I wish on behalf of those men to thank AEWS for the opportunity given us. Not only were we taught to make useful things, but more important, use of various tools. The hours were 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and during that time every man worked hard and conscientiously. All work was thoroughly examined by the instructor before classed as satisfactory. To 90 per cent, of the men the work was new, and yet included in finished work was the following: Tables, iron-boards, stools, dinnerwaggons, boxes, . clothes horse, “ teatrays, etc. In most camps to-day there is always some kind of carpentry or woodwork going on, and I say without hesitation that the AEWS opportunity has made these men better soldiers. My proof is this, that the knowledge gained by these men will enable them to give advice and help to those boys who are doing their best without proper tools. And, as . the Army teaches, there is only one way to do a job, and that is the correct way. CONFABS WITH CONSCRIPTION I’ve talked to lads of every walk, And lots of lads to me, About the jobs that they once had, And things they’d planned to be, About the raise there would have been, Had they not been conscripted. About that case of solid love, The Arpiy had interrupted. I’ve talked to lads who had no goal, No mark wherewith to aim at, Who thought that life and all therein, Was meant to wax profane at. I’ve talked to those who never had A home with friends and dear ones, Conversed with those who had degrees, And, too, some mighty queer ones, I’ve heard on land, our Ministers, Our Parliament, our houses, Discussed in terms, both pro and con, Heard Nazis labelled louses, Each man, without exception, Would give his all for Britain’s - Cause, And that’s no misconception.