The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1944-01-23
Lend A Hand, Ladies

Women are needed in American warplane
plants. Women are needed in all auxiliary
branches OF the armed forces There is for
ever one campaign or another to increase re-
cruitment of women for some war-allied serv-
| ice.
Never in the history of this country have
women been needed in so many occupations,
and to their lasting credit be it said many
are responding nobly to calls for volunteers,
DESPITE the fact that other thousands who
could be doing something for their nation
maintain their accustomed social schedules
and give neither time nor work in any enter
prise affiliated with the conflict or home de-
tense.
There is no way of paying adequate tribute
to the women of America who have abandoned
their familiar routine OF life and taken up
tasks in industry, in their own branches Of
the armed services, in becoming nurses and
nurses aides, in manning defense set-ups
and Red Cross activities 1t has not been done
without actual sacrifice and in many cases
heavy personal loss.
But while homage is due those who have
enlisted for the duration whether in work for
which they earn regular pay or in enterprises
offering no monetary compensation, it is i'm
possible to condemn too sternly other women
who recognize no obligation for service in the
war emergency.
This is predicated upon the reluctance OF
many Wilmington women to take part in the
present war bond campaign The women S di-
vision of the city and county organization is
having great difficulty finding volunteers for
booths in retail stores for the convenience OF
prospective bond purchasers.
It is not probable that all women invited to
serve at these booths cannot give the time
required. Nor is it likely that they are incom-
petent No great skill is necessary. A pleas
ant manner. ability to answer easy questions
as to the forms of bonds available and, par
ticularly, willingness to share in an essential
and patriotic service-these are the flnda-
mental qualifications.
Certainly it would be difficult to find women
with nicer disposition or more affable. Surely
Wilmington women could not fail to learn the
answers to simple queries or, if the questions
were too involved, direct inquiries to cam
pagn leaders. This seems, then, to narrow
the prevailing rejection of the invitation to
unWillingness.
It is true that many homemakers are heavi-
ly engaged with their domestic obligations and
others are not physically able to take part in
this or any other activity. There can be no rea.
sonable complaint Of their decision. But the
sad fact remains that there are enough cap
able women in Wilmington to discharge every
duty urged upon them, who fatty refuse to
lend a hand at any war or defense task or
help in any campaign, claiming the war eft.
fort does not touch them or their lives
The Red Cross has never had enough vol
unteers to fill the requirements of any single
branch of its activities. The civilian defense
units, the Filter Center, never had a full
quota of women helpers. Now, the fourth bond
campaign is tagging because women, who
could but won't, are lacking for service in
booths.
1t is not pleasant Sunday reflection