WOMEN'S LAND ARMY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 4, 16 January 1942, Page 4

WOMEN'S LAND ARMY

FOLLOWING Britain's example the Dominion is now straining every effort to create a force of women workers who will be willing and capable of replacing the men who have been drawn from our main primary industries on the land. Reports indicate that the response, is slow and difficult. Farmers in the meanwhile are carrying the growing burden of their responsibilities und,er the greatest handicap ever experienced by them. Labour shortage is but one of their troubles, and though possibly the most vital, it is calculated, will have a very definite effect upon production unless the position can be relieved. The endeavour to enlist young women and girls for work on farms, may in the near future compell the authorities to introduce an element of compulsion in this sphere of war activity also for it must be remembered that next Tuesday the ballot for a further 27,000 men will be announced, and the bulk of these men are wanted immediately for camp. Something must be done to fill the gaps created by so many being so suddenly drawn from industry, ami as the women-folk of this country are superseding men in the cities, so those fit for the work, must be willing to do their bit by helping to stabilise the allimportant farming industry,.