Crochet patterns

From Woman's Weekly, 23rd March 1918.

The Paper With The Best Crochet Patterns!

Instructions inside!

A LOVELY COSY-COVER.

The instructions for working this beautiful Tea-Cosy Design are so simple that anyone could follow them.  Even a beginner would have no difficulty in working this handsome piece of work.

A LITTLE BAG FOR YOUR SUGAR.

This little bag for carrying sugar would make a useful little gift for a girl friend.  Everyone uses them now when going to a restaurant, or a friend's house for tea.

[The tea-cosy cover featured in this post, after I had looked at the 1918 issues of Woman's Weekly in the British Library - we have a tea cosy made to this pattern in the Knitting & Crochet Guild collection.

Sugar was severely rationed by this time, so expecting hosts to provide sugar to go in cups of tea or coffee was evidently considered impolite. Presumably the sugar was in lumps, though the crochet was lined with silk.] 

The Women’s Royal Naval Service

From Woman’s Weekly, March 23rd, 1918.

THE WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE

THE “WRENS.”

THE very latest war-work for girls is the Women’s Royal Naval Service.  The W. R. N. S. has already received a popular name, and everyone is calling it the "Wrens."  It looks as if it is to be a very popular corps, for Jack Tar is always such a favourite all the girls will want to work for him.
Some girls simply have no idea what work the "Wrens" will do.  One girl said it was no use her joining, for "she was such a bad sailor."  So, first of all, let me tell you all the work is on land, and there is no foreign work either.  All will work at home.  Some will be in London, others at the coast—especially the East, North-East, and South-East Coat.

IF YOU LIVE ON THE COAST. 
ONE chief point of the service is to recruit local women, so that they can live at home while at their work.  Of course, this will not always be possible, but it will be what the "Heads'' will always aim at.  It is a gain to the workers, as it is so much cheaper than boarding elsewhere, and more comfortable.

THE GIRL WHO IS WANTED. 
ANY girl over eighteen can join the corps if she is medically fit, and can give good references. What is wanted is the kind of girl who is really anxious to do her share of war-work—not the slacker.
There is a demand for every type of worker, the skilled and the unskilled—clerks, typists, telephone operators, and, of course, cooks.
Was there ever a time when the woman cook was so much in demand?  For the inner man must be looked after if the outer man is to do good work.
Motor drivers are also wanted (these must be well experienced).  Photographers, tracers, store-keepers; in fact, girls for all kinds of work that women can do to replace the rating.  All these will come as women in the ranks, the officers will act as directors, principals and section leaders.

THE GIRLS IN BLUE. 
THE first group of the W.R.N.S. to start work is London, and almost directly after the coast towns follow on, and before very long we shall all become quite familiar with the "girls in blue."  No girl will be taken who is already engaged in Government work unless she obtains special permission to leave.  The age is from eighteen upwards.  This should give a good opportunity to women who, while still good workers, are beyond the age limit for some kinds of war-work, provided the authorities think the applicant suitable, and she can pass the medical board.

THE PAY YOU MAY EXPECT. 
THE pay is different for the various kinds of work, so that one cannot state a general rule.  It may be 25s. a week, or it may be 40s.; the more highly skilled the work the better the pay.  If a girl is a good worker, she will be sure to gain promotion in course of time, if the war continues, as with each class or sub-class there a minimum and a maximum figure for the pay.
Arrangement-are made to lodge the women in hostels or billets, in the caw of those not living at home.  About 14s. a week will be deducted from their pay for board, lodging and washing.  Those who live at home will not have any deduction made from their pay.  If a girl is sick while at a hostel or billet, she will receive free medical attendance; if in her own home she will receive medical attendance under the National Insurance Act.
A fortnight's leave with pay will be given each year.  When a woman joins her travelling expenses will be paid, also if she is transferred to another place; and when her engagement is at an end, her expenses are refunded, so that in no way is a girl out of pocket.  The hours work  out about the usual war-hours, and as the work is so varied it is impossible to say if it is heavy or light, so much depends on the work and the worker; it certainly is nothing like the work in some branches of war-work.  A very neat but smart uniform is provided free—blue, of course.  It is of a really good material and well made.  It is very neat and business-like, but very smart.  There is a long, wide coat, and for officers a skirt and coat, and such a useful hat.  The coats have a typical sailor collar.  As it is the latest uniform, it has all the best points in it, and those who designed it may well feel satisfied with the result.  A "Wren" looks what she is, a useful war-worker, and quite a "Miss" Jack Tar.  The entire outfit is a very suitable one, and will please even the zealous war-worker—well, she is only a woman, after all, and does like to look nice, besides the photo of her and her uniform that must go off to the Front.

An officer is addressed as Ma'am.

GO TO THE LABOUR BUREAU. 
THE best place to get all particulars, and the most convenient, is the nearest Labour Bureau, or, as it is now called, the Employment Exchange.  If you are a skilled worker, enter for your own work.  If you have never done anything before, do not let that prevent you joining up; you will be useful somewhere at some job, and then you will have the satisfaction of helping and working for those who by day and by night guard our shores, and to whose constant vigil we owe the very food we eat.

Ministry Of Food: Supplementary Rations For Heavy Workers.

From the Halifax Courier, 23rd March 1918.

MINISTRY OF FOOD.

SUPPLEMENTARY RATIONS FOR HEAVY WORKERS.

As soon as supplies are available a Supplementary Ration (of meat other than Butcher’s meat and pork) will be allowed to heavy workers.  To obtain a Supplementary Card for this ration workpeople must fill up a form of application.

Workpeople desiring to make application should apply accordingly to their employers for the necessary forms which must be correctly filled up and handed back to the employers.
Those not able to obtain forms though their employers, should apply to the Labour Exchange.

The Supplementary Ration is only for persons on HEAVY MANUAL WORK.  It will not apply to men and women in professional and commercial occupations, office staff, clerks, commercial travellers, dealers, shop assistants, messengers, indoor domestic servants, and others engaged in similar occupations.

Women engaged on ordinary factory work, whether munitions or other work not involving exceptional physical exertion or exposure to weather should not apply.

A workman must not fill up more than one form of application whether obtained here or elsewhere or attempt to obtain more than one Supplementary Card.

A subsequent announcement will be made as to the place and method of issuing Supplementary Cards and as to the date when additional rations will begin.  This will not be before April 7th.

By Order
PERCY SAUNDERS, Executive Officer,
Halifax Food Office, 16th March, 1918.

Saving Daylight

From the Halifax Courier, 23rd March 1918.

SAVING DAYLIGHT AND COAL

Summer-time arrangements:--
1916 – May 21 to October 1.
1917 – April 8 to September 17.
1918 – March 24 to September 29.

Most people in the light of experience, will advance their watches and clocks this evening (rather than at two o’clock to-morrow morning) and sacrifice an hour (which shall be repaid without interest at the end of September) of relaxation or of peaceful sleep.  There will be a few who will not welcome the change.  For a little time the early-morning workers will be inconvenienced, for the light at five or six a.m. will be similar to the conditions of late February or early March, but the long evenings will be appreciated at once.  No class will relish them more than those who are busy with the soil, for up to now it has been impossible to use the spade after the normal work of the day, and the weeks immediately upon us are of vital importance in preparing the ground for the crops which are to do so much to relieve the food situation this year.

Apart from what may be termed the social benefits of Summer-time, it has been proved conclusively that the arrangements effect a great saving in the national coal bill.  But the Coal Controller asks for more.  On his behalf Sir Albert Stanley, President of the Board of Trade, has forecasted many drastic changes which will have a far-reaching effect throughout the country.  For the present, the Southern part of England (the line is drawn from the Wash to the Bristol Channel) is most affected, this area being most distant from the coal fields and the combing-out of the mines and transport difficulties on land and sea having increased.  Gas and electricity users will be restricted to two-thirds of the quantities used last year, and the power stations supplying tramways and electric railways will be rationed. 

These restrictions are in addition to those applying to the whole country.  Thus there is to be no shop-window lighting.  With Summer-time at hand, that will not be a very serious matter, for early closing is very general, but it would be a serious proposition in the winter months.  Places of amusement are not to open before 1.30 and must close by 10.30.  In these parts that will make little difference.  Nor will the ban on hot meals in public eating places before 5 a.m. or after 9.30 p.m.  It is London that will feel these restrictions — London, which more than any other place in Britain, is a city of late nights.  Here, the great majority of people get to work early and are home in good time; there, the day begins later and ends correspondingly.  It would seem, then, that London will have to make some daylight saving rules for itself in addition to the enforcements of the Summer-time Act. 

It is through the threat of coal rationing for “a great part of England” and through a reduced train service “in the very near future” that the country as a whole will be most affected. The coal system would be based upon what London has been experiencing for a considerable time, whilst in the Provinces we have suffered little.  The reduction of domestic supplies by 25 per cent. is forecasted.  As for the trains, the passenger traffic is to be curtailed, and the running is likely to be slower.  Thus the prospects of holiday travel are gloomy.

All these things point clearly enough to the shortage of labour and to the growing scarcity of essential materials.  Considering the length of the war we still have a wonderful degree of comfort, but 1918 is obviously to be a severe test of patience and nerves.

[The 'combing-out' in the coal mines was the reduction in the number of miners because they were needed for military service instead.] 

The Effect of the Women’s Vote

From the Illustrated London News, 23rd March 1918.

LADIES' PAGE.

MR. ASQUITH has, very naturally, expressed his full assurance that a large proportion of the new women voters will ally themselves with the Liberal Party.  Very likely he is right, for the curious franchise qualification devised for women is the neatest possible arrangement for minimising any special results from their votes.  Five out of every six of the new female electorate are qualified to vote merely as the wives of male electors; while the independent, self-supporting women, by the refusal to them of a lodger and service franchise, will be mainly still kept from the polls.  Now it is only reasonable to anticipate that most wives will vote, notwithstanding the secrecy of the ballot, under their husbands' influence and direction.  As Mrs. Seddon, wife of the famous Premier of New Zealand, said to me when I asked her if the wife's vote there had tended to cause "discord in the family"—which was a favourite bugbear of past discussions—"We find," said Mrs. Seddon, "that there is very apt to be a family vote.  When a husband and father is all that he ought to be, not only his wife, but his sons and daughters too, are likely to think as he does, and all go to vote on the same side."  The wife's vote, especially when she owes her possession of the right entirely to being her husband's wife, must be, in short, much of the nature of the old "faggot votes."  This is inevitably the case.

When the Married Woman's Property Act was under discussion, a great Judge said that he believed it would make no difference, for there hardly existed wives who could not be "either kissed or kicked" out of their money!  This may, at any rate, be the case with the wife's vote.  Indeed, wives will frequently even regard the vote, coming to them solely because they are their husbands' wives, as something over which a sort of marital right of control justly exists.  Lawyers call the jewels with which a man supplies his wife "paraphernalia"—not as her own actual property, to dispose of in her lifetime and to bequeath at her death as she wills, but as still the husband's legal possession, which the lady may call her own, but which she only has and wears at his pleasure and for his honour and glory.  The vote, coming in the same way, will be morally regarded by many dutiful wives, and perforce by others under pressure from masterful husbands, as "paraphernalia."  Then, political ignorance and irresponsibility about politics have been hitherto cultivated in women; is it reasonable to expect a generation brought up under that influence to develop initiative and courageous independence?  Or is it not probable (as it is, in fact, true) that the average wife will say that her husband understands such matters more fully than she does, and that she had better simply adopt his opinions and act by his directions?  Such was, no doubt, the expectation with which the vote has been given to wives and refused to a large proportion of the self-dependent women.  We must not look for any vast immediate results, therefore, from the enfranchisement of five million married women.  Still, evolution can be very rapid, and it may prove wonderfully soon that wives will gain individual judgment and conscience in the use of their new power in the State. 

A Village Communal Kitchen

From the Yorkshire Evening Post, 19th March 1918.

A VILLAGE COMMUNAL KITCHEN.

SIR MARK SYKES' EXPERIMENT AT SLEDMERE.

With characteristic thoroughness Colonel Sir Mark Sykes, has adapted the communal kitchen plan to rural needs, and on his Sledmere estate, yesterday, inaugurated the first venture of the kind outside urban districts.

Housed in a rifle range which Sir Mark had built before the war, the Sledmere kitchen serves not only the villagers, but the promoter and his family, his agent, the vicar— everybody in fact in the parish.  The effect is that with a collective use of meat coupons full value is derived from the rations.  In all, about six hundred people benefit under the scheme.

There are paid assistants, with expert knowledge, as well as voluntary workers, and not only substance but variety is aimed at in the arrangement of the menus.  Particular attention is being paid to the needs of the children, many of whom have to travel a mile or two to school from the outlying farms and homesteads.

One little maid, yesterday, dissolved in tears at the prospect of the stern attentions of the Food Controller, because she could not consume all the food set before her.  At the other end of the scale, a farm labourer of the generous Yorkshire type, declared, after a hearty dinner, that he felt like a toad with dropsy!  Evidently, the rations do not err on the side of scantiness.

No meals are served on Sundays, but a double portion can be had on Saturdays, so that there will be little trouble in preparing the Sunday dinner.  The experiment in this remote country district will be watched with interest by many rural areas, and a much wider development of the idea than was expected when communal kitchens were first opened may well be in prospect.

WEAKER BEER.

It is confidently asserted by persons closely connected with the brewing industry (says the "Daily Telegraph") that there will be further Government restrictions very shortly with regard to the strength of beer.  The proposal, it is stated is to reduce the specific gravity from 1036 the figure fixed for war-time when the strength was last lowered, to 1030.  The brewing standard of specific gravity in normal tunes is 1055.  The reason given for the contemplated change is that by reducing the gravity to 1030 something like 200,000 quarters of barley could be diverted from the brewers to the bakers.  If the anticipations in the trade are realised all brewers will have to come into line, and the standard, so far as specific gravity is concerned, will be the same everywhere.

------

The Ministry of Food decline to include brain workers amongst those who are eligible for the supplementary meat ration, because they declare scientific opinion is unanimous that a man does not need any more food because he works with his brain than he would if he were not working!

[Sledmere is in  Easy Yorkshire.  The house is open to the public, and is still lived in by the Sykes family.  

It's not quite clear how the communal kitchen worked - I presume that participants had to pay for their meals, unless Sir Mark was extremely generous, and wouldn't have had much choice in the matter once they had given up their coupons. It does sound an interesting idea, though.

Beer: I think a quarter of barley means a quarter of a hundredweight, or 28 lb. (12.7kg.)]

A Day in the Life of a Girl Army Pay Clerk

From Woman’s Weekly, 16th March 1918.

A DAY IN MY LIFE.

The Girl Army Pay Clerk Tells Her Experiences.

THERE is an old saying in the Army that soldiering is made up of good times and bad ones, and the life of a girl clerk in the Army Pay Corps may be summed up similarly, with the addition , that the pay is seldom exceptionally good.

The work is to keep accounts, do ledger work, filing and indexing.  Passing an easy test is all that is required to gain her this position.  She begins at a salary of eighteen shillings a week, and rises to thirty shillings.

Her hours are from 9 a. m. to 6.15 p.m., with an hour for dinner and a quarter of an hour for tea; and on Saturdays from 9 to 12.  She works according to Army regulations, and if she stops away without producing a doctor's certificate. her pay is stopped for the hours she is absent.

I remember last Christmas, before I knew of this rule, I was persuaded by a well-meaning hostess to stay over Boxing-night.  This meant that, instead of arriving at the office punctually at nine o'clock, the morning train would not reach London until 11 o'clock.

On my arrival the supervisor said the major wanted to see me, and I was then informed that, by the rules and regulations of the Army, all my Christmas pay had been forfeited, exactly as a soldier's pay would have been stopped.

The life is right for the girl who has just left school and who lives at home; or for the woman who, not having had any experience of office work, wishes to "do her bit," to help the country, and is not dependent on the salary she may command.  The business girl of experience, however, generally finds a better-paid post, for in those days one can hardly do more than exist on 30s. if bed, and board have to be paid for.

Still, the few months I spent in the Army Pay Corp were happy ones.  Previous to this I had been a mother's help.  I chose this way of earning my living because, though I was fairly well educated, I had neither the time or money to take up shorthand or typing to make myself proficient as a clerk.
The Army Pay Corps demands neither of these accomplishments, and the training I received there, working my way to the head of the room, enabled me to get a well-paid post in an office.

The work of the girl in the Army Pay Corps brings home to her continually the tragedy of war.  The only bright visitors are the men home on leave, who make the office their first calling place to collect their leave-money.

TEN DAYS' LEAVE.

THESE boys, with the mud of Flanders still upon their coats and boots, are proverbially cheery, but a broader smile is on their faces when they call on us—the smile of anticipation of the good times they mean to crowd into their ten days' leave.

Other visitors, who call to collect or see the accounts of their dear lost ones, carry the tragedy of their sorrow on their faces.  But even here sometimes the visit has a happy ending.

A JOYOUS REUNION.

I REMEMBER one day an old lady called to go through her boy’s accounts.  He had been reported killed.  She was -heartbroken and her sorrow was pitiful to witness.  After hunting through the files, someone remembered that this particular account had been sent for by another department.  A messenger was sent for it, and came back with the joyful news that, not only was the record of the boy's death a mistake, but the boy himself was actually in the office at that moment, claiming his account.

He had no knowledge that he had been reported killed, and you can imagine the joy of the reunion.  Never shall I forget the look of joy and thankfulness on that dear old mother's face as she and her boy passed out.

Many a woman now occupying a good position owes it to the training she received in the Army Pay Corps, and if the wages had been better I should-not have left.

[One of a series of Woman's Weekly articles about new job opportunities for women brought by the war.  They seem to be honest about the good points and bad points of the jobs - here the author of the article is very clear that the pay is not enough to live on by itself, but that being a pay clerk could be useful experience for some women.]

Table-Mats From String.

From Woman’s Weekly, 16th March 1918.

Table-Mats From String.

THIS little mat being published by special request, for some readers have collected all odd pieces of string of the same thickness, and want to make mats for their kitchen tables.  Of course, from macrame string, or other string of good appearance, you could make a mat fit for any table or on the sideboard before placing hot dishes on it.  The string used for the mine-sweepers' gloves makes the better mats.  Use a strong steel hook, coarse enough to take the string. 

ABBREVIATIONS : Ch., chain ; d.c., double crochet ; tr., treble. 

Work rather tightly. and begin with 3 ch.  Into the first of the ch. make 5 d.c., and draw up the end of the string so as to close the centre compactly. 

2ND ROUND:  2 d. c. into every stitch of preceding round.  Take up the back loop of the stitches throughout, so as to get a ribbed effect. –

3RD ROUND:  * 2 d.c. into the first stitch, d.c. in the next; repeat from * all round.  The increasing is begun in this round.

4TH ROUND:  * 2 d.c. into first stitch, 1 d.c. in each of next 2 stitches; repeat from * all round. 

5TH ROUND: * 2 d.c. into first stitch, 1 d.c. in each of next 3 stitches; repeat from *.

You will notice that every round begins with an increasing made by working 2 d.c. into the first stitch of preceding round, and the number of d.c. between each increase is one more in each section in each round. 

Continue to work in this way until there are thirteen stitches between the increasings.  By following these instructions the mat may be made any required size, and will set quite flat on the table.  

When the middle is done, work the fans all round.  In the first d.c. of preceding round, make * 1 tr., then 2 ch. and 1 tr. 4 times, 3 ch., miss three, 1 d.c., 3 ch., miss 3; repeat from * all round, and finish with a slipstitch into the first tr.  Cut off the string and run in the end securely at the back of the mat.

Requests to Working Parties

From the Western Times, 15th March 1918.

TO WORKING PARTIES

What is Wanted by the Devons in the Field

Will working parties and individual helpers kindly send at once to the Mayoress of Exeter's Depot any woollens which they have ready.  The Director-General of Voluntary Organisations has just issued a notification to the effect that troops in the field will need knitted comforts of all kinds till the end of the present month, so that all available supplies should be despatched overseas at the earliest possible moment.  From the middle of April onwards during the summer months, the articles especially appreciated will be anti-vermin vests, sun-shields, handkerchiefs (dark shades), towels and any hand-knitted socks.  The Director-General has also drawn attention to the fact that the demand for games among the troops rendered these always very acceptable.

['The Devons' means the Devonshire Regiment.  The Director-General of Voluntary Organisations, Sir Edward Ward, was in charge of requesting, collecting and despatching comforts to the troops on active service.]

1918 Fashions

From the Illustrated London News, 9th March 1918. 

LADIES’ PAGE.

THIS is the time of year when, in the happy days before the war, we all began to think about new spring fashions, as naturally as the buds begin to open and the birds to sing.  Now, we are thinking chiefly of sterner, sadder things.  Nevertheless, we must be clothed, and when we really need new things it is worth while to have them as pretty and suitable as possible.  Many girls who had but few and cheap clothes while they depended on a dress allowance from their fathers are now earning their own money at some form of war work, and it is quite natural that they should spend some of it on pretty and becoming dress.  On the other hand, richer women feel that it is "bad form" to be extravagant or to adopt any outré styles.  Both these facts are reflected in the spring displays of designs.  There is a general simplicity, straight and loose cut, restraint in trimming, no great alteration from last year's best styles, and everything shown is comparatively inexpensive.  The prices are, however, affected by the scarcity of some materials.  Woollen goods are doubled in price by the manufacturers because the raw material is scarce, and even at raised prices goods are not abundant.  This fact has been officially recognised in France; the Government has actually requested the great Paris dress-designing houses to construct women's new dresses so as to use up as little material as possible.  The spring models, therefore, have all moderately narrow skirts; but no "hobble" widths are seen—just a comfortable fulness.  Rumour says that the width will presently become still less, and that the fashion of yesteryear of slitting up the sides of skirts will be revived.  It is also certain that there will be a slightly increased length worn, for very short skirts require considerable fulness to move gracefully in, but still sensible shortness prevails.  It is usually just well above the ankle that the skirt of the moment ends—not as it was erstwhile, near the middle of the calf.

When we know that pure wool fabrics (needed in our climate for a large part of the year) are difficult to obtain, a cloth that is guaranteed to be genuine hand-woven wool and that at the same time is entirely produced in Scottish homesteads by wounded or disabled sailors and soldiers, must strongly appeal to us all.  Messrs. Burberrys, the well-known Haymarket firm, have undertaken to dispose of the whole output of this material, so that it can only be obtained from that house or its authorised agents, under the distinctive name of "Blighty Tweeds."  These cloths are woven on hand-looms from the finest Scotch sheep's wool, and are ideal for men's and women's over-coats, suits, and gowns.  The colourings and designs are good, and the tweeds are lasting in wear as well as soft and fine.  They are sold at the lowest possible economic price, and every member of the public who purchases them experiences the satisfaction of feeling that he is making some practical return for the self-devotion of our sailors and soldiers.  Every piece of "Blighty Tweed" is marked with the name of the wounded man who has woven it, who is thus brought into sympathetic contact with the purchaser.

Games For The Men

From The Times, March 6th 1918.

GAMES FOR THE MEN.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

.

Sir,—May I, of your kindness, have another word with my knitters who by the end of this letter will all be turned into something else?  First, to many inquirers, we want all comforts up till April, when a short holiday may be taken—but the needles must on no account be locked up for the summer. Of this more later.

Then I am asked to enlist all friends of sweaters in the following plan.  The Director-General's depôts at Havre, Basra, and elsewhere when doling out the knitted comforts are constantly asked for things of which we never have anything like enough—notably games.  It is these I am now charged to ask all readers with a kindly feeling for the Army to supply.  I can well believe that in the psychology of war, with the infinite patience entailed on all ranks, amusement cannot be called a side issue.  Probably every house in England has a game to spare for the bother of looking it out and sending it.  I don't mean my old friend the pack with 51 cards in it, nor yet Aunt Emily's most ingeniously invented parlour bobo (I hope I have the name rightly, but the MS. instructions are thrice crossed).  Further, racquets are best sent complete with strings, and balls should be of the round shape with some life in them.  Above are indications of what we don't want; here is a preliminary list of what we do:—Everything used for bowls, boxing, cards, chess, cricket, draughts, football, golf, halma, "house," and similar games, hockey, quoits, and tennis.  Also the kit needed, especially shoes and shorts.  Any addition, dictated by good sense and good feeling rather than spring cleaning, can be made to this list.  Extra netting for tennis courts, etc., will be very useful.  I am afraid some of these things are not so easy to post as sweaters, but they can be handed in at any of the local depôts of the Director-General of Voluntary Organizations throughout the country, where this is more convenient than sending them to the Central Pool, at 45, Horseferry-road, S.W.1.

I must recur to sweaters for a moment.  I am most grateful not only on behalf of the men for the quantity sent me (46,405 sweaters and 66,122 other comforts up to date), but also for the glimpses with which I have been honoured into thousands upon thousands of homes willing to give nothing but their best, and having no feeling beyond pride and gratitude for those they serve.

Yours faithfully,
JOHN PENOYRE.
Games to Sir E, Ward, D.G.V.O., 45, Horseferry-road. S.W.1.  Correspondence, marked Games, to John Penoyre, 8, King's Bench Walk, Temple, E.C.4.

Optical Munitions

From Woman’s Weekly, 2nd March 1918.

The Eyes Of The Army

How to Become an Optical Munitions Maker.

JESSICA'S mother had come to consult me; she is an old friend, and pretty, shy Jessica is my god-daughter. 

“She's seventeen next week, and leaving school this spring,” said the anxious mother; “and I can't think what to get her to do.  You see, she had set her heart upon fancy millinery or art needlework, but, as her father says, it is those luxury trades that are bound to be hard hit by the war as time goes on.  And the girl herself would like to help in war-work if she could; but she’s not strong enough for rough work, you know.  And it would be a pity to spoil her hands for millinery and needlework later, if one can avoid it, that is,” she added, for she is a good, patriotic soul, is Mrs. Browne, “Her eyesight is good?”  I inquired.

“Splendid!” said Jessica, who had slipped unnoticed into the room.

She came up and kissed me, and I looked fondly at her; I am very fond of Jessica.

She is not exactly pretty, but she has two “points”—beautiful hands, with long, sensitive fingers, and blue-grey eyes with long, dark lashes that are as clear as truth itself.

“So you would like to help, lassie, would you?” I said softly.

I knew that there was a budding romance already in Jessica's life, and “he” " was out in France with a machine gun corps. 

The girl nodded.

“Well, then, why not help to make Robin ‘eyes’ for spotting the enemy?”  Then, seeing both mother and daughter were puzzled, I explained, “Go in for making those wonderful lenses and prisms that are used for the range-finders, the directors, the periscopes, and the binoculars, you know.  They have to be most accurately ground and polished, or the submarines and the gunners and the air-men are ‘blind,’ and their weapons useless.  And it is work that girls and women can do well, with their delicate, sensitive fingers and their keen, patient eyes.  Just where your talents lie, lassie,” I said.  “Even after the war there will be plenty of work in this way for telescopes, microscopes, photographic lenses, and all the other optical instruments we use.  It isn't a ‘blind alley’ occupation, as some war jobs are bound to be, you see.”

HOW A GIRL CAN TRAIN. 
“BUT the fees for training?  Are they very heavy?” said Mrs. Browne anxiously.  “You see there are the boys still ——”

“There aren't any fees,” I reassured her.  “Jessica would be trained for nothing and given a good maintenance allowance into the bargain while learning.  Ten to twenty weeks should see her skilled enough for a position which will be found for her quickly enough.  In return, she must promise to work where she is sent, and stick to optical munitions until three months after peace is signed.  And though she may be sent to any part of the United Kingdom, her wishes for a special district will be given consideration.”

THE PROSPECTS OFFERED. 
“WHAT about my age?”  asked Jessica.

“Just right; sixteen to thirty is the limit.  Over thirty is possible if the case is considered suitable.  And the wages are good, for some clever girls on piece work, at the end of six months in the factory, have earned 35s. to 40s. weekly.

“Better than millinery or art needle-work, that?”  Jessica nodded.

“There is no physical strain; the work is usually done standing, but it is not heavy, and the day is not longer than nine and a half hours.  Why not write to the Director, Optical Munitions Training School, Northampton Polytechnic Institute, 280, St. John's Street, London, E.C. 1?  And at once, for there is no time to be lost.”

“She's young enough still,” objected Mrs. Browne, rather astonished.

“I meant the hurry for the other side of the question,” I said gravely.  “The boys in the trenches, the men afloat, the lads in the air, and the doctors on research work—they are the ones who cannot afford time to be lost for want of our Jessica.  Every new, keen worker means so much to them, you know.”

“And to us,” said Jessica very softly.

I smiled.

“I see you can fulfil the ‘willing’ bit,” I said.  “A girl candidate must be willing to:

“Stand while working; “Stick to the job; “Go, when trained, where she is needed;“Wait for a vacancy, if a special locality is desired.”

“Yes, I am willing,” said Jessica, and she meant it.

She had seen how she could help, not only “him,” but “them!”

The Traveller’s Aid Society

From Woman’s Weekly, 2nd March 1918.

Alone – And Nowhere To Go.

How The Travellers’ Aid Society Safeguards The Unprotected Girl in a Strange Town.

WE have seen her so often on our journeys, we elder folk; maybe she has reminded us of Little Red Riding of the dear old legend, with her innocent “morning face” and that childlike wonder which shows her inexperience.  And we have hoped that no cruel wolf will ever stray across her path to frighten or injure.  There are so many prowling wolves ready to take their toll of ignorance and youth in our big cities, you see.
And then, perhaps, we have sighed and wished that there were some means of protecting helplessness and guiding ignorance when obliged to travel alone; we know the risks and we wish they could be spared these “little ones.”
And all the while there is such a means, only it is not sufficiently known, despite the big framed advertisements in waiting-rooms and the leaflets published by its organisers.
Red Riding Hood can safely travel the length and breadth of the country, by day or night, if she will but avail herself of the kindness of that old-established and Royally patronised society, the Travellers’ Aid Society for Girls and Women.  She need fear no unscrupulous wolf in the apparent guise of a harmless sheep; she can rely upon aid exactly when and where she needs it.  She has but to ask, or get someone to ask for her, and all will be well.

THE POST IN LONDON. 
“I RECKON our Mary would like to take a post in Lunnon, but ’tis a powerful wicked place, and folks do tell such tales of young girls being lost there or worse,” says the village mother. “And what with fares being that high and food that dear, I can’t contrive to take her up meself. She isn’t over-sharp in strange places, and I don’t want her to come to no harm, so there ‘tis; she must bide at home.”
But there is disappointment on the faces of both mother and daughter, for that well-paid post would have been a godsend, with times so bad and a sick father.
And, like water on thirsty ground, comes the news that Mary can travel as pleasantly and safely as if she were the young lady at the Hall with her maid.  We will write, giving three days’ notice to the Society’s Secretary, at the Office, 3, Baker Street, London, W.1, and a friendly, helpful guide will meet Mary at the terminus, and see that she reaches her destination.

IS THE SITUATION GENUINE?
OR, maybe, the “place” sounds well, but the cautious mother hesitates; all is not gold that glitters, she knows.  How can she be sure that her lassie will not run her head into a noose of entanglement and misery?
And again the society will help; the situation will be put to the test, and Mary can enter upon it with a good heart.
Wonderful society!  It meets the bewildered girl whose train is late and, whose connection being lost, is stranded, penniless and helpless; it will take her to a decent shelter for the night at its own office or elsewhere; it will telegraph to her friends if need be; in short, it will “mother” her till she is safe once there.
The little booklet published by the society tells of a few of the splendid “rescues” that have been accomplished; of the young Belgian lassie who came from Boulogne at night too late to go on to Buckinghamshire, and who, but for the might have fallen indeed amongst wolves.  Of the little child-actresses, separated from their company, who were petted and sheltered and sent again on their way rejoicing.

A TYPICAL CASE. 
A GIRL, eighteen years old, had come from America to go to her home in Kent.  The train from Liverpool arrived in London late at night;. and she found that she could not continue her journey till the next morning.  She had enough money for her fare, but not any to pay for a night’s lodging, nor yet for crossing London with her heavy luggage.  A “gentleman” who had travelled by the same train got her story from her, and offered to pay for herself and luggage across London and take her down by a night train which, he averred, would reach the town at 1 a.m., and she could stay in the railway-station waiting-room till it was light enough for her to get home.  Although not knowing that the “night train” was a pure invention on the part of her informant, yet the girl objected to arriving at a country station at one o’clock in the morning, and a discussion ensued.  While they were talking a station official came up to see what was going on.  He promptly dismissed the “gentleman” and put the girl in a cab and sent her to the T.A.S., where a night's lodging was given her, and she was seen off for home on the next day.  She wrote afterwards to announce her safe arrival, and to express regret that she and her parents had no means to repay the Society.

A DOUBTFUL SITUATION. 
THE danger to girls who take situations heard of only through advertisements and arranged only by letter is terrible to think of, and the pity of it is enhanced by the remembrance that it is just the simple and ignorant who are most surely entrapped in this way.
A French girl, whose parents were very poor and worthy people, had a narrow escape.  Tempted by the prospect of better wages, she came to London, and finding no one to meet her at the station, she took a cab and drove to the address to which she had directed her letters. It was a small shop.  She asked for Mrs. J.; Mrs. J. did not live there, but a man called for letters addressed to her.  He had been there that afternoon, but had gone away again in a hurry, saying that he must go to the railway station.  The cab-man had to take his “fare” back to the station, and the interpreter advised her to go to the Travellers’ Aid Society, which she did.  She was put into a home, a respectable situation was found for her, and she was most grateful to have been saved from what looked like a very doubtful engagement.  How would it have been possible for her poor parents to trace her had she once got into the hands of that man, who must have had reasons of his own for concealing his real address?

HELP FOR ALL. 
THERE are many school-children, too, who will speak gratefully of the kind helpers who made their journeys so easy and safe; there are countless women and girls who have read the placards of the society in waiting-rooms, and remembered in dire emergency, where they could summon help — help that has saved them from worse than death. Foolish children who have run away from home in anger, to find themselves stranded and penniless and afraid — they also would add their quota of gratitude if asked.
Often these befriended ones return to their good Samaritans of the society a tangible token of gratitude for their stay in the emergency rooms, but sometimes they cannot, for stress of poverty. It is all the same to thr T.A.S.; not means, but helplessness is the key to its heart.  Everyone who cares for others, especially for the weak and the ignorant, should remember that all they need do when they would help such on their way is to apply to this useful body of charitable folk, the Travellers’ Aid Society, on behalf of their proteges, giving a clear three days’ notice at the least.
It goes without saying that if they also can help by offerings of service or of money, they will forward a great work.  For until the wolf is extinct the lamb will be in danger; Red Riding Hood is just a pretty parable of a very real and grim fact of modern life.  And it is the T.A.S. that sees to it that there is a “happy ending” to the story, you know.

A Different Jill for a Different Jack

From Home Notes, March 2nd, 1918

A DIFFERENT JILL FOR A DIFFERENT JACK

Your man will have changed when he comes back from the war, and it’s up to you to change, too, says this contributor, if you want your new life together to be a success.

Man Has Changed!

And he will expect “his woman” to change also!

The quiet, domesticated, stay-at-home-and-read-the-paper-by-the-fire husband has disappeared. The war tore him from his home and he has been drilled and disciplined into a very different thing.

And he will expect Jill to change also!  The point is, will she?

The young Jill — the Jill who is bus-conducting, or making munitions, who is mixing with masses of men and women, who is learning self-control and endurance, she is altering as much as Jack is, but then she is growing up in this stirring, wonderful, independent present.  It is the wife who is going to make a shipwreck of life.

The Jill who is not quite young, who grew up in the quiet, uneventful, stagnant past, who has never gone out and rubbed shoulders with her fellows.  Her stride is not lengthening as she swings to work, like her younger sisters; she is till bound by small conventions, and her horizon ends with the outskirts of her own domain.

And she is expecting her 1914 husband to come home again!

He cannot!  He does not exist!  He has evolved into something absolutely different, and she will not like the evolution!

He has been facing big elemental facts, and the narrow little ruts of home life are not going to confine him any longer.  He knows that there are wider and greater things outside, and the little petty domestic rules will bind him no more.

The greatest domestic disturbance will seem a triviality after the colossal upheavals that he has witnessed.

Is he going to trouble over one muddy footprint on the hall floor — he, who has lived in mud?  Is he going to groan when the maid drops a tea-cup — he, who has seen shells drop?

He is too much alive!

And if his wife is sensible she will begin to live also!

She has slight hold on him now except the hold of love, for he no longer depends on her.  Cooking and sewing have lost their terrors for him, and there is not much that the returned husband is not capable of doing for himself.

He has been living with men; he has been making a large number of “pals”, and he probably intends to keep them.

And they are possibly not quite the kind of friends that she has been used to.  Don’t try to choke “our set”, and “class distinction,” and “losing caste” down his throat, he’s past all that.  He lost it when they went over the top together.

In future he is going to choose his friends because he likes them, and not because they move in “our set,” or own a motor.

The success or failure of her future life is in Jill’s own hands.  If she will only learn that there are more important things than door-mats, bigger things than the departure of a maid-servant, and more beautiful things than a super-orderly drawing -room, then Jack when he comes home will find a new Jill waiting for him, and he will give her a love and reverence that will far surpass the love that narrow, prosaic, pre-war-husband Jack gave to his still narrower and more humdrum pre-war-wife Jill. 

[I'm not sure how accurate a prediction this was of the psychological state of the men who came home from the war, but certainly the warning that they would have been changed by the experience would have been valid.  And it's notable that magazines were looking forward to the end of the war, when in reality, the end was not yet in sight and the outcome was far from certain.]