APPEAL TO WOMEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 September 1942, Page 2

APPEAL TO WOMEN

TO UNDERTAKE LAND SERVICE MORE-: ATTRACTIVE CONDITIONS. ANNOUNCED BY MINISTER OF NATIONAL SERVICE. (By Telegraph-Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. , “Events have shown that foodstuffs and other primary products are more and more essential to victory, - ’ states the Minister of National Service (Mr Broadfoot) “The farming community has maintained and in some cases has substantially increased these supplies, notwithstanding the ever-increasing shortage of farm labour. “The? drift, over the years,, of far too many of the younger generation from rural industries to the city has thrown much of the arduous work in primary industries on to the older generation, who have done magnificent work in them” the Minister continued, “but there is a limit to their endurance. The Government has therefore decided to give New Zealand women an opportunity to enter the ranks of the Women's Land Service. I am confident they will do this readily, emulating what is being' done by the women of Great Britain in a magnificent contribution to the war effort. Hie War Cabinet has agreed to greater remuneration and wore attractive conditions for the service. Members will be issued with an adequate clothing outfit, including a distinctive two-piece costume, greatcoat and hat, together with a generous supply of the working equipment issued to women in the armed services. It is to be replaced annually free of charge, or a .weekly upkeep allowance will be paid. An amendment to the Agricultural Workers’ Labour Legislation Suspension Order provides new rates of pay (all plus keep) for female farm workers as follow:— Dairy farms: First six months, £2 Is a week; thereafter, £2 8s fid a week. Other farms and stations: First six months, £1 16s a week;; thereafter, £2 3s 6d.

“In respect to inexperienced members of the service, a subsidy will be paid to employers of £1 weekly for the first three months and 12s 6d weeklv for the second three months. In closely settled districts, where suitable accommodation is not available and where farmers will guarantee, through the district production councils, to employ labour stationed there, hutments will be established, so that members of the service may be. grouped under the control of a senior gil'l or matron, in corps of from six upwards; The Government will pay £2 weekly towards a matron’s remuneration. The balance is to be met by members concerned from a lodging allowance payable by the employer.”