2/3rd POW Adoption Fund
ARGUS (Melbourne, Vic.: 1848 – 1957), Tuesday 1 June 1943, page 6
PSYCHOLOGY TEST FOR LAND GIRLS
Because so many girls enlisted in the Women’s Land Army have proved unsuitable for land work it has been suggested that girls enlisting in the Land Army should undergo a psychology test. This was discussed at the State Advisory Council meeting, and will be discussed again at the interstate conference of the organisation in Melbourne on June 8, 9 and 10. Also to help with the “settling down” of girls to their new life in the country, more matrons are to be trained. The first course of matrons began yesterday at the Land Army Instruction Depot, Mont Park.
Other matters discussed at the meeting and which will also be discussed at the conference are accommodation, flax mill training and the bringing into line of the AWLA with the other women’s services. It has been decided to make representations to have members included in the Australian Comforts Fund distribution, and for concession fares on trains and trams. The question of accommodation will be thoroughly explored, and where possible girls will be billeted in private homes.
More girls are urgently needed for flax work, and it is likely that they will be employed not only in the field, but also in flax mills, for which they would have to receive additional training. About 60% of the girls who have joined the Land Army have enlisted for permanent service, while 33% have volunteered for seasonal work.
The YWCA has volunteered to send a letter to each member of the AWLA offering to help the girls in their shopping, with a lending library, correspondence course, or in any way with sports in their district.
AUXILIARY WORKERS FOR P O W
An organisation working quietly and unobtrusively for prisoner of war funds is the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft POW Adoption Fund, which in less than 2 years has raised 4,000 pounds by means of luncheons, bridge parties, raffles, and participation in two big market fairs.
The auxiliary was formed by relatives and friends in July 1941, after many of the men in the Regiment were captured on Crete. However, not only their own men, but other prisoners of war are helped by the auxiliary. The latest effort is a raffle for a chest of linen, a similar raffle last year raising 1,125 pounds. Helpers are needed to sell tickets for this raffle, and also to assist with the Friday luncheons, held from 12 to 2 in the Commercial Bank Buildings, 245 Elizabeth Street. President of the fund is Mrs. H. Curtis, and secretary Miss E. Rolling, Windsor 8887