LAND GIRLS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 224, 8 October 1943, Page 8

LAND GIRLS

T will surprise most of our readers to know that the membership of the Women’s Land Service in New Zealand is already 900, and increasing daily. The total number of women actually at work on farms is, we believe, about 800, and since some of these have been there for a year or longer, it is possible to form some idea of the result on the workers themselves, and also on farm production. The notes that follow are actual reports by farm girls on the lives they are living, and’ by farm owners and managers on the kind of service they are getting. In both cases we quote from letters received by the National Service Department last month. It is necessary, however, to make one qualification. Without a single ex- | ception, every farm-girl who writes, says that she likes the life, and is glad © that she volunteered for it, but they do not all say that they like everything in connection with it. A few, a very few, but still some, complain-not bitterly, but definitely-of loneliness, or of lack of consideration by employers, or of long hours, or of undue weariness. Similarly among the employers one says that his experience does not encourage him to believe that girls are strong enough for farm work, one says that they are too expensive, and one says that while he welcomes their assistance, he thinks it a mistake to give them the idea that they are heroines. With those qualifications, the reports from both sides are precisely as they are given in these necessarily abbreviated extracts. The photographs illustrate various aspects of work done by land girls. FROM THE GIRLS e MUST say that I find farm life very healthy. Before joining the Land Service I was in domestic ‘duties. The farm hours are long, but who is more pleased to do it than I? We are doing our share to help our boys. Most of us are proud of our toil-worn hands, for it is them that help our boys. I can now take the team of three horses out and harrow the paddock, mow it, or any other team work, I think more

girls would join if only they could realise what pleasure they get out of doing the duties among the animals. The conditions under which I live could hardly be better, as I am treated more as a member of the household than employee." (Helensville). * % * "FARMING to me is a grand job. Previous to coming on the land, I had a position in an office; I enjoyed the work, but would not care to go back again. The main reason, I think, being shut up inside. Once a person has left an indoor job for an outside one, there is no going back. I soon became accustomed to the hours of work, and feel a different person since I have had regular hours of sleep." (Oakura). a By He ae | FIND life on the farm a great change from housework. My chief occupation is tractor driving. I also do fencing, grubbing gorse, seeing to the sheep and a bit of gardening. It certainly is healthy. For the first time in my life I have gone through winter without getting a cold or the ‘flu. The equipment is very good." (Koputaroa). * * a "THIS life on the land is the best anyone could wish for. Before I came to Mr. O., I -was a salesgirl in a big I ed! ee (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) store in Wellington, and wouldn’t give up this outdoor life to go back. The conditions here are excellent, and I am treated just like one of the family. I have put on more than a stone in weight." (Blenheim). %* a Bo a WOULDN'T hesitate in saying how very ‘healthy and satisfying life in the country is. It is much more interesting than my previous work, tailoring, with the outdoor life being far the most healthy. I find the country folk very friendly and most understanding. Alto-

gether, I think it is the ideal life." ( Wanganui). e * Pd HAVE now been on the land for over 18 months. I love the open air, and do not think I could work in an office again. The work is very interesting and not hard once one gets broken in. A great attraction on the land, I /think, is the riding. I don’t think there is any better exercise. The uniform is smarter than any of the

other Forces’ uniforms." (Martin- * * "T WAS nursing for six months before I came on to this farm nearly two years ago, and before that, a draper’s assistant. But I like this better than either. Conditions are very good; I have a hice bedrcom to myself and every convenience for my laundry. It is part of my pride to keep the cowshed spotless and show. it off to visitors. It is worthwhile to hear their pleasant comments." (Bay of Plenty). * % BS "| WAS raised on a farm, so I do not find the hours very strange. The work is hard but healthy, and conditions are good. I find the equipment issued is wonderful; the leather jacket is especially good." (Stratford). * * * "1 AM very much satisfied with my job as a land girl. I am on sheep work, and like it very much, riding a horse and going round with my dogs. I also help with the shed work, dipping, and a bit of gardening. The place where I am they treat me just like one of the family. I have received my outfit all right, and the quarterly allowance to keep them in repair, so I don’t think I could wish for anything better." (Orirae). % x * "AS I have lived in the country all my life, and am used to farm work, I found nothing strange. I would not hesitate in advising any girl who is keen on outdoor work to join up with the Women’s Land Service." (Timaru). * % * "| AM very happy with my employers -they treat me very well. After living in the city all life, I would never go back to inside work again. Give me the country life! My husband, who is overseas, was very pleased when he heard I had joined the Land Service. I have learned a lot ‘about poultry farming. The conditions under which I

live are grand. I have everything I want, including a lovely room. The equipment is the best in any of the Services." (Hawera).

FROM THE FARMERS "Me is thoroughly satis- | factory in every respect. I have employed both men and | boys for dairy farm work for over 20 years, and I can safely say that "Miss would run Tings round the best of them so far as "milking cows, feeding calves and pigs is concerned. Anyone can come along any -afternoon and see her at work in the shed on her

» own. I never had a man who could manage that on his own." (Barrytown). a x % "MiSs has been brought up on a farm, and is thoroughly efficient in all branches of dairy farm work as well as in sheep farming. She is definitely assisting production in that she has replaced the services of my son now in the Middle East Forces. I would like it recorded on her file, that as an experienced farmer my-

self, I consider she is quite capable of not only managing a farm but of owning one should the Land Service Girls be offered sections of land on the cessation of hostilities, which many consider is their just due." (Otorohanga). * * * "1 CAN definitely assure you that Miss is assisting in production in a useful and efficient manner. She is a pleasant girl, and has adapted herself to country conditions very well, in spite of Phe fact that the winter has been very severe and conditions far from ideal. But she has not complained." (Wanaka). % * * Iss came to me as an inexperienced girl at the end of January, and has been of great assistance. In fact, but for her and the other land girl, Miss , who is also working for me, it would have been almost impossible for me to have carried on the farm. We have milked 85 cows and run 150 ewes and have done all the winter feeding." (Rahotu). 7 as Bo mm HESE girls, with occasional assistance from myself, have done the whole of, the work on the farm, which is at present carrying 900 breeding ewes. Such work as crutching, foot-rotting, docking lambs, repairing fences, has not usually been considered suitable work for girls, but I must say that these two girls have just taken these jobs in their stride, as it were. From the commencement of their service with me, I have regarded their work as equivalent to that of one good man, and they have certainly measured up to this paneer ¥ (Masterton). *. * * "\ E now have three land girls, who are taking the places of three men, and I am glad to say they are doing a splendid job, too-if anything, better than the men. All my four sons are overseas, so we have three farms to look after." (Featherston).