"MOSTLY ABOUT AMAZONS"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 8, 25 September 1942, Page 4

"MOSTLY ABOUT AMAZONS"

Sir, —One of the reasons advanced by a woman speaker In a recent 8.8.C. discussion, in favour of the training of at least some women in every branch of warfare which they are physically able to perform, was that such training will help to provide an alternative to polygamy. So far as the English spealking peoples are concerned there is unfortunately no justification for hoping that the thinning out of the flower of our young men has more than bogun, polygamy or old-maidism ares alternative prospects for — how many? Well the Edgecumbe Amazons are doing their part in training in a manner worthy of their realistic outlook. A review of their work to date embraces the following: Foot drill, weapon training, bayonet fighting, shooting, first aid, emergency maternity work and home nursing under the efficient tuition of Mrs Haultain and Mrs Cowie respectively. Field work, field signals and messages, both verbal and written. They have acted as runners too, on occasions—but that is a military secret and. must not be made available to the enemy. It is proposed in the immediate future to concentrate on signalling. The Amazons are much gratified at the allocation of funds by the Awake N.Z. Committee to their cause. This donation, supplemented by their own efforts, will enable them to procure much needed blouses, overalls and brogues. It is intended to stage a dance in the near future at Edgecumbe from which, incidentally, it is hoped to augment the funds. Latest information says that shooting practice done ov.er the weekend was particularly good. Yours etc., CORRESPONDENT.