ON THE HOME FRONT
GIRLS AND WAR WORK NECESSITY OF ADEQUATE PREPARATION How tho adolescents, or “ halfgrowns,” particularly girls, will fit into a war world was discussed by Miss L. E. Vial, of the Dunedin Vocational Guidance Association, at a meeting of that organisation last night. Tho necessity for continued preparation for greater responsibility was emphasised by tho speaker, who pointed out the important part they would play during the years of conflict. “ Already the outbreak of war has had a certain effect on our young girls, and it is very important that they should be advised by this association as to the way in which their futures may be concerned. One hears talk of how all sections of the community may bo affected —•' Will our men be sent overseas, or will they be required for home defence? What steps are being taken lor the protection of our women and children? How will business be yffectcdi?’ But wc do not hear very much about bow the adolescents or ‘ half-growns ’ will fit into a war world,” said Miss Vial. “ They are trained that there must be no panic in any emergency, and from my experience of this generation 1 am sure that they can be depended upon to play their part calmly. Not only .oust they be trained not to panic should any disastrous happening occur, but they must keep calm under ordinary conditions. They have to consider calmly' how this war will affect them and how they may bo of the greatest use to their community. There is even more necessity at present for being wise as to what they intend to do about their own employment. “ The position in regard to employment as I see it at the moment,” said Miss Vial, “ may be: “1. Our men may not bo sent overseas and there may be dullness in business. If this is the case there may be fewer positions for girls. The fewer positions, the more need there is for them to be trained and efficient, otherwise they may be faced with future unemployment. It is not the girl who rushes in and takes a vacancy because such may be fewer who will necessarily hold down that appointment. Thq fewer the jobs, the higher standard of efficiency required and the necessity for higher training. “'2. Our men may be sent overseas, in which ease these young girls are the people who will be called upon for employment. They will have to step in and carry on. There is danger hero for them, in that eve.n half-trained and untrained girls will be accepted for positions beyond their abilities, with resultant physical and mental strain. “ If such is their experience, it is necessary that they carry on with their studies to prepare themselves for greater responsibility after they begin work. The fact that positions are easy to find sometimes works against- the efficiency of employees, and in the long run against their economic well-being. “ If our adolescents are to complete their growing-up in a war world they must be all the more closely guarded. They will need all their physical and nervous energy to face post-war conditions. It is to these young people that we look to build up a new wofld out of the present chaos.”
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Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 7
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546ON THE HOME FRONT Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 7
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