WOMAN WANTS TO FIGHT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 27 November 1916, Page 7

WOMAN WANTS TO FIGHT.

A letter from a woman who wants to join the Army was read at Blackpool Tribunal. The woman, who is married, said she had been struck with the number of applicatoins for exemption coming before the Tribunal. “I did not think men were such cowards," she said; “and we can never win the war, with men o fthat kind. Why can’t women go when we arc so anxious to go We can use the rifle as well a& any man, and I should be delighted to go into the infantry, artillery, or any other service, having wanted to go since the war began. I have strong nerves, and have been in several aeroplanes. Why can’t wo be soldiers like the Russians I have been in the Women’s Training Corps, but walking about in Khaki wdth nothing to do is of no use to me. If you can’t find < something for me to do I shall go out to France in my khkai, and they will find me something. It is miserable being at home with nothing to do. I have never, done household drudgery, and it is hateful and a curse. Why can’t we be free from our slavery and fight for our country. Some of us would soon win the Victoria Cross. No one can do what women can. Give us a chance. It is time wo put away these grandmotherly ideas about women staying at home. Nothing will shame the slackers more than a few regiments of women.’ ’ Mr. Birkott,, the military representative, suggested that the letter should be read at the opening of each Tribunal session when the gallery was crowded.