WOMEN FOR SERVICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 203, 29 August 1942, Page 4

WOMEN FOR SERVICES

RESPONSE IN WANGANUI Since a national appeal was made for women and girls between the ages ot 18 and 45 years to enlist for service in Ihe Armed Forces, 32 women in Wanganui have joined the W.A.A.C., and one has enlisted in the W.A.A.F. The appeal was launched on July 10 by Mrs. P. Fraser, wife of the Prime Minister, who, speaking over the air, said that every woman undertaking work in essential industries assisted in releasing a man for the Armed Forces, and that every woman who joined the Armed Forces, helped to release a man for active mobile service duties. Volunteers before being accepted have their papers submitted to the Manpower Officer who, if the volunteer is already working, decides whether her job is essential. If permission for her to resign her iob is given, the applicant is medically examined. and, if passed, the oath to serve for the duration of the war and for a period after, is taken. Eight Wanganui volunteers were unable to pass either the Manpower Officer or Medical Board. Before the anneal the number of Wanganui women who has joined the forces was 43. The application form is the same for all three services, but the applicants are allowed to state which service they prefer to serve in. For all three services the demand is for cooks, waitresses, stewards, shorthand-typists, clerks, transport drivers, and such duties as runners and cleaners. There arc also many specialised jobs such as fabric workers, instrument repairers, and other occupations for the Air Force: telegraphists for the Navy, and signallers and anti-aircraft personnel for the Army.

telle, they would be very much appreciated bv the men in camp,” Padre Datson added.