EMERGENCY CORPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1940, Page 5

EMERGENCY CORPS

FORMATION BY MASTERTON GIRLS TRAINING FOR WAR TIME SERVICES. ORGANISATION MEETING LAST EVENING. “It is no good in a time of crisis being only willing to do any special work —you must be trained to do it and to do it very thoroughly,” stated the Matron of Masterton Hospital, Miss M. F. Barnett in addressing a general meeting of the Women’s Emergency Corps held in the Municipal Social Hall last night. The chairwoman, Miss N. Stalker, presided over an attendance of 180 young, women. “You may be laughed at, rind even scoffed at, and will hear people say that there is no necessity for such an organisation in New Zealand,” saia Miss Barnett, in outlining the reasons for the formation of the organisatian, “and that it,will be time enough when the war reaches our country. But remember the Scouths’ motto ‘Be Prepared,’ so that when the emergency arises you will be able to do your bit.” Miss Barnett said the German army had been able to operate successfully because it was trained and prepared. She also commented on the important part girls were playing in war work in England, and the way in which they had responded to the call in this and the last war. Men had been sceptical at first about accepting the services of women, but after a time they had found that women could carry out their duties efficiently and conscientiously. Miss Barnett spoke of a number of ways in which the service of girls could be utilised in war work, and in conclusion wished the organisation every success. Miss Stalker outlined the immediate aims of the organisation as follows: — “(1) General Service Scheme: When our services are required by any of the local patriotic bodies, we shall call for volunteers from among the members of the organisation, for girls who are willing to co-operate in the direction specified, as we realise that some of our members may wish to assist in local schemes and yet not be free when their services could be utilised. “(2) First. Aid Scheme: We have been in touch with St John Ambulance regarding classes, and some of our members will probably be able to commence training with the new classes beginning on July. “(3) Mechanics Scheme: We have obtained the services of Mr Nelson, of the Waingawa garage, and Mr P. M. Jones, as instructors for this scheme, and Mr Jones has offered us the use of his garage for demonstrations. Mr C. Torr has also expressed his willingness to give us a few lectures on the battery of a car. “(4) Drill Scheme: Miss Thompson, the Government Drill Instructress, has expressed her interest in our organisation and will be willing to take a class once a week, provided we can decide on a night to fit in with her visit to Masterton. “(5) Produce Scheme: We have already obtained the use of several sections in the vicinity of the town, and Mr Laurie Sutton has offered to plough these for us. He is also willing to give the girls demonstrations in ploughing, the use of tractors, etc. Mr Kemp has agreed to act as advisor in this scheme and will give the girls practical instruction in this direction. “(6) Home Scheme: It is not likely that help will have to be given in this direction at present, but when the necessity arises we shall call for volunteers from among those girls who have expressed themselves interested, io assist in any way possible.” The following central committee was set up: President. Miss N. Stalker; secretary. Miss M. Holdworth; treasurer, Miss'G. Collinge; executive committee, Misses N. Robinson. E. Chapman. G. Bacon, N. Snowsill and A. Mannell.