WOMEN’S LAND SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 24868, 7 October 1942, Page 4

WOMEN’S LAND SERVICE

Conditions N ow More Attractive The Government has approved of proposals for the reorganization of the Women’s Land Corps,' now to be known as the Women’s Land Service. The adoption of these proposals will not only result in considerable benefit to existing members and make the service, more attractive to potential recruits, but will also enable the Land Service to make’ a valuable contribution towards the war effort. Applicants for membership of the Women’s Land Service must be members of the W.W.S.A., which is responsible for their control and welfare. Girls under the age of 21 must obtain the consent of their parents before joining the service. Women who are normally engaged on farm work, although not members of the Land Corps, may make application for membership to the Women’s Land Service, and if membership is approved they will be eligible to receive a free issue of dress equipment only. Generally, placement on the farms will be subject to the presence on a farm of at least one man physically fit and available to undertake the heavier duties considered by the W.W.S.A. and Primary Production Council as unsuitable for girls. This general condition may be waived where the W.W.S.A., after consultation with a representative of the Production Council, is satisfied that the nature of the duties is suitable for the applicant. SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION If only one girl is employed on any farm she must be accommodated within the homstead and will not be required to share a room with any member of the employer’s family. Where, however, two girls are employed on the same farm, accommodation may be in detached quarters suitably fitted up for the occupation of two persons. Full laundry and bathing facilities must also be available. The duties of the girls will vary according to whether they are employed on a sheep farm or a dairy farm. If on a sheep farm they must be prepared to do mustering, drafting and droving, attend to stock, drive tractors and teams, milk house cows, look after gardens, and help with the haymaking, but not the heavier stacking work. On a dairy farm they will be required to collect and disperse the stock, feed calves and pigs, drive tractors and take part in the harvesting. The rates of wages for girls employed on dairy farms are £2/1/- for the first six months and then £2/8/6, and for a general farm £l/16/- for the first six months and after that £2/3/6. These wages are subject to taxation. Board and lodging are to be provided by the employei- free of cost. At least 28 days’ holiday will be allowed each year. ATTRACTIVE UNIFORMS The attractive uniform to be worn by the members of the Women’s Land Service was chosen by Mrs A. N. Grigg, M.P., in collaboration with the National Service Department. The dress uniform, cut on similar lines to those of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps, is a rich golden-brown shade, and the greatcoat is slightly darker in tone. Two dress hats are provided. These are brown felt turned up on one side like those of a Girl Guide Commissioner. With the matching shirt blouse is worn a forest green tie. Brown shoes, lisle stockings and gloves complete the accessories. Two shirt blouses are provided The working kit includes two hats (one a sou’-wester), three pairs of overalls, one pair of gumboots (if procurable), one pair of leggings, two pairs of working boots, three pairs of woollen socks, three shirts, one oilskin and one leather jerkin. The dress equipment, which is tailored, is given after one months’ satisfactory service. The clothes are all coupon free and replacement will be made within a reasonable time. Land girls are urgently needed, and it is hoped that the improved working conditions and wages will attract large numbers of applicants.