THE HOME FRONT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 81, 22 July 1942, Page 5

THE HOME FRONT

WOMEN ON THE LAND

OVERCOMI N't J PREJUDICE

(By K.O. Waimana)

No longer are Ave only •defending other helpless countries from scourge of the oppressor. The time is past for an impersonal atitude towards the Avar. Our own. country is threatened by an enemy long despised for his vile misdeeds. We are under no delusions as to the consequences of an invasion by such an enemy. This menace that has arisen threatens eA'ery thing Ave hold dear

—our art—our music—our religion —the simple things, logs on the fire, Avith our dear ones near. The call is for increased production. In times of peace and arduous task, hut now with all, the added difficulties among which the shortage of labour is the most pressing, it is one that is insurmountable if we the women of New Zealand: do not rally to the cause. Remember we are fighting for our own personal freedom—the magnificent heritage of mankind, of which Herbert Read wrote in his haunting song. The golden lemon is not made But grows- 011 a green tree ; A strong mAn and his crystal eye Is a man/horn free. The oxen pLsses under the yoke And the blind are led at will ; But the man born free, lias A path oli his own— And a house on the hill.

Surely no sacrifice we can make is too great to ensure that we may choose our own path in life, and have our own house on the hill ! The New Zealand Women's Land Army was organised to meet the call for increased production on the land. Among its members are girls and women who< had never so much as spent a holiday on a farm, yet who gallantly offered their assistance, forgot they were tackling a job where their mettle had hitherto been unproved, and have by their splendid efforts set an example and given a lead to those who are still wondering what they may do to help. For the first six months the land girl undergoes a period of training, and during this period the farmer is subsidised, She is taught with patience and is allowed to take the work gradually and to accustom, herself to the new routine. The scheme has been an outstanding success and decidedly beneficial to both the harassed farmer and the land girl herself. These young women with splendid vitality and steadfast purpose of mind stand boside their courageous sisters overseas and know that although sometimes they may be discouraged and weary, every job well done is striking a blow for those brave men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice. To the man on the land who perhaps is still sceptical about women workers, let me say: Throw aside this foolhardy prejudice, let what has been accomplished convince you that given your support and confidence these women Avi 1 ] help' you carry on in whateAer lies ahead.