TO BE DISBANDED

Chronicle (Levin), 6 April 1946, Page 3

TO BE DISBANDED

WOMEN'S LAND SERVICE WELLINGTON, April 4. The Minister of National Service (IIou. A. McLaglan) announced toclay that it' had been decided to disband the Women's Land Service on April 30. Mr. McLaglan said. that the Women's Land Service was iirst established in September, 1042, although the Women's Land Corps had operated for about nine months previously. The service was established to assist in meeting the serious shortage of -farm labour that existed through the enlistment of- men in the Forces. By June, 1944, 2085 giris had talcen up work on the land and these girls rendered splendid service on farms in all parts of New Zealand, and by their uhtiring efforts assisted materially in the maintenance of primary production. With the cessation of hostilities and the demobilisation of the Forces, the farm. labour position liad eonsiderably improved, and it was felt that the time had arrived when the Women's Land Service could be disbanded. All members of the service would be permitted to retain their uniforms and other clothing issues, although it would, of t'ourse, be necessary to- discontinue from the.. end of this month other concessions in the way of clothing uplceep, allowance and fare concessions, which up to the present have been met from the War Expenses Account.