WOMEN'S LAND SERVICE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 29, 30 November 1943, Page 5

WOMEN'S LAND SERVICE

EXTENDING THE MOVEMENT

MORK LABOUR AV.ULABLI

Farmdrs generally are experiencing increasing difficulty in obtaining supplies of material and labour, so that the armed forces-and civilian food requirements are to some extent now under a heavy handicap. Of the two, manpower appears to be a more difficult problem. The call to the army of so many permanent experienced farm workers has very materially impaired efficiency., in that development is at a standstill and maintenance carried. on under adverse circumstances. Consequently, farms must be producing below capacity. Harvesting Scheme The Primary Production Council wish to again draw attention to Hie army - harvesting labour scheme and hope full advantage will be of the opportunity to obtain assistance. There is also another source of labour,. which i.s not exploited as it should be; namely, the Women's Land Service. We know, farmers are reluctant to accept incxpciicnce.d workers, but as time goes on, it must be realised there, will be no alternative as, far as. permanent labour is concerned until hostilities cease. Our women are being used to a considerable, extent to take the place of men in industry and it is well within the compass of their capabilities to render great, service on the land. In Britain the Women's Land Army is doing yeoman service and in spite of considerable prejudice at the commencement, they have shown themselves capable of doing most of the work previously carried out by men. The. few members of the. service Avho liave been locally placed '$tve also proved themselves to be satisfactory and efficient workers. | Many Gi'rls Available Up till recently, the supply of girls has not exceeded the demand, but at the present time there is a considerable surplus of enrolments over vacancies 011 farms. AVhere labour is, short, we recommend farmers to take advantage, of the Land Service. The conditions of employment provide for duties suitable for females, with accommodation within the homestead. Minimum weekly wages on dairy .farms plus board: Untrained £2 Is, trained £2 8s (id. Where an inexperienced member is acceptcd a subsidy of £1 per week for the. first.' three months and 12s fid for the next three months', will be paid by the. National Service Department. Application forms are obtainable from Mrs H. Burgess, Secretary Women's Land Service,., or Primary Production Council Office, Whakatane.