On This Day, 27 July 1917

Evening Despatch

Friday 27 July 1917

WOMEN LAND WORKERS

SCHEME TO TEST PROFICIENCY OF APPLICANTS

Representatives of 10 Midland counties met at the Council House, Birmingham, and approved a scheme for testing the proficiency of women offering themselves for work the land.

Alderman Brooks said it was suggested that the entries should close on 25 September, and that the tests should take place a few days later on land belonging to the Birmingham Corporation. A proficiency badge would be given to all women and girls who passed the test.

Although at the moment the character of the test, or competition had not been decided upon, it was suggested that the subjects should include milking, driving and harnessing horses, ploughing and other field work, and, possibly, the working and repair of agricultural machinery.

It might be considered desirable to open the competitions to the public, and charge a small fee for admission in order to cover the expenses. It was also felt that each county should subscribe £10 to a guarantee fund.

The scheme was warmly supported by the representatives present, and the nucleus of an executive committee to carry it through was appointed.