WOMEN IN WAR
THE tradition and superstition of women as "the weaker vessels" still lingers in parts of New Zealand, and in the official mind. They are addressed with contemptuous patronage as 'jitterbugs,' 'chatter-bugs,' and shiver-sisters (on what evidence has never been revealed) . At the same time,, with brilliant inconsistency they are informed that they are in the Front Line, with this difference, that they are: to remain there unarmed. There, a helpless prey to any heavily armed enemy who may materialise, they are to refuse information or help, and "await Government orders,' whilst the enemy indulges in homicidal inclinations unchecked and at leisure. Translated into simple English official orders to women are: 1. Stay put—unarmed. 2. If faced with the enemy either: (a) Surrender (in which case he will mutilate and kill ycu—or worse). (b) Shoot him, in which case you will be arraigned by the Government, which will probably shoot you at dawn, (c) Go up to the enemy unarmed, and demand his surrender. If successful you will get the 0.8. E. If unsuccessful you will get a military funeral. It would appear that Edgecumbe at least has given the lie to the above.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19420610.2.12.2
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 63, 10 June 1942, Page 4
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196WOMEN IN WAR Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 63, 10 June 1942, Page 4
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