WOMEN'S HELP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 184, 24 April 1918, Page 4

WOMEN'S HELP

MINISTER REPLIES TO AUCKLAND • ' ' OFFER. ■ The following reply has been sent by the Minister of Internal Affairs to the letter from the Auckland branch of the Women's National Reserve:— "I havo to acknowledge receipt, of your letter of April 15, confirming your telegram of April 12 with regard to Iho question of conscripting women for national iservice. "I need hardly assure, you that I greatly appreciate, tho loyal and patriotic offer of your reserve going so far as it does as to invite conscription of womo->. I have, however, to point out to you that New Zealand is <i. pastoral country, and tho employment of women as shepherds, musterers, and general farm hands ts impracticable, nud this is even more evident regarding tho coal-mining and shipping industries. Up to the present, so far as the- Government is aware, the need of femalo labour to take the places of conscripted men has not become directly apparent.' The employment of Setond Division men and ,of men beyond military ago has eo far enabled toe country'to be carried on. The time is, however, coming, if the present drain on the manhood of the wintry continues, when it will become necessary to turn to our women for assistance, and when that time docs come the Govornment will gladly avail itself of the assistance of your reserve. Thausmg you for your patriotic offer."