Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 10, No. 10. July 16, 1947
Sexes Share Work
Sexes Share Work
Nearly all the jobs are being done by both men and women, and the people in charge often find it hard to get typists for the necessary office work, as girls, who until recently have worked in offices, much prefer to carry bricks or to dig foundations. During my visit to the camp I was accompanied by a large group of young people and during one of our talks I asked their occupations—they included students, workers, clerks, craftsmen and a small number of professional builders. Some are there for the minimum period of four months, others for one year and one or two intend staying for two years.
In the evening, when work is over and there are no organised entertainments small groups gather in rooms and in the lanes, singing, dancing or talking. Wardrobe doors open to reveal musical instruments and parcels from home containing such luxuries as chocolate and fruit.
By their youthful spirit, their songs and dances, and particularly by their work, which will greatly improve life in the district, these young people are creating a centre of cheerfulness and helping greatly in the transformation of the whole countryside, a transformation which will eventually turn the unpleasant Black Country into a congenial working place.
Dagmar Stein.