The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 12 (March 1, 1940)
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“Jim's in camp,” said Maysie. “And Michael, my eldest brother, went away with the first echelon.”
“You're right among the war doings,” said Cora. “Somehow although I know it's selfish of me, I can't make myself realise this war. I suppose it's because no-one belonging to me is affected. And also, as the leaders admit, this war hasn't really started yet. Are you doing anything special, Maysie? Besides going to see Jim in camp?”
“I'm afraid I'm not doing much. My young sister has joined a concert party for entertaining the troops. And we're both knitting socks and gloves and sweaters. A winter in Europe will be an unpleasantly cold experience for our boys. I'm trying a bit of self-denial. I've decided to give up smoking (it isn't doing me any good, anyway), and put away 10 per cent, of my personal money to buy cigarettes and other comforts for the boys overseas. Also, several of us girls are going to start a letter-writing club. During the winter we're going to give up an evening a week to writing letters to relations and friends, and any lonely ones we hear of. Of course, none of us are literary experts, but men who went through the last war tell us how much the boys appreciated simple letters with news of home and of New Zealand doings. We're making a sort of social evening of it, meeting at each other's houses, and finishing up with a spot of supper. We're less likely, then, to slacken off.
“That's all we've planned so far. I'm afraid it seems trifling compared with what the women of England are called upon to do—A.R.P. work, driving ambulances, etc. The few women friends I have over there all seem to be doing something special in the way of war work.”
“Yes, Maysie, but they have the opportunity. I'm sure, if such work were needed here, you'd be one of the first to volunteer. I'm the lazy one. I'd like to join your letter-writing circle, if I may. I am doing some knitting, and can do more if I concentrate on it. I don't smoke, so I can't give that up for the boys, but I can no doubt think of some form of selfdenial.
“And I've been thinking. This war, you know, is mainly an economic one. Certain supplies are essential for war purposes, and the more civilians cut down on their use, the more there is available for the army. Rubber and petrol are examples. The Government is rationing petrol, but it is up to private citizens to ration themselves with other products. Perhaps in your letter-writing circle we can study the war problem from the economic angle, and find out how we, as housewives and spenders of the men's wages, can help to win the war.
“Another ‘economic’ angle is that of country of origin. We buyers should support friendly countries, and most of all Great Britain, who is aiming to keep up her pre-war level of exports. Unfortunately, it is necessary for Britain to purchase many supplies from foreign countries, e.g., U.S.A., and as there is only a certain amount of foreign exchange available, we must see that most of it is spent on war supplies. That means that we must limit our private consumption of ‘foreign’ goods. ‘Foreign’ countries will not lose in the long run (though suppliers of certain luxury commodities) will feel the pinch), for Britain will be buying war supplies up to the limit of funds available.
“I think it is up to us to consider our expenditure very carefully, and to make other women (and particularly women's organisations) realise their responsibility in this direction.”
“Bravo, Cora” cried Maysie. “I believe your idea is the right one, and far more important than our small ‘war efforts’ (though they, too, are helpful). We'll see what we can do to aid Britain in this economic war.”
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