LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[Letters of the length of one of our leading paragraphs are often more read, and therefore more effective, than those which fill treble the space.] JOIN THE V.A.D.'s.
Pro THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."3
Srn,—The Director of National Service is calling for women to join the V.A.D.'s, and knowing the interest you take in our work, I venture to write and ask you to set before your readers the great objects we have in view. Many thousands of V.A.D. members have been working for the'seick and wounded at home and abroad since war began; but as the Armies have increased our Detach- ments must also increase, or we shall not be able to continue giving all the care which is necessary to help our men to recover from wounds or sickness. If we are to keep up our fine record, we must have the help of thousands of additional women. Those who cannot leave home must come forward to serve in hospitals in their own neighbourhood in order to release the independent active women who will soon be wanted in military hospitals at tome and abroad. Officers of V.A.D. hospitals should spare as many of their whole-time workers as possible, and no woman who is free to devote her whole time to our work should be content with doing part time. We shall want a great many younger members for work under the Joint Committee in France. This work is unpaid, as all expenses of such formations are borne by the Joint Committee of the Red Cross and Order of St. John, and we are particularly anxious to provide staffs who will not be a charge on funds which depend entirely upon subscriptions. The work of these formations is mainly general duty, and our members are moved from one sphere to another for whatever duties eel fur them. It may be nursing, cooking, doing the odd jobs of Aid Posts on lines of communication, or possibly house and pantry work in hostels and clubs. But whatever work they are sent to members may rest assured that it is for the ultimate good of the sick and wounded, and that if they are not there to de it, our men can say with justice that the women of England have not done-all they could do to help them in their pain. We may have a limited number of openings for V.A.D. cadets in France—girls between the ages of sixteen and eighteen who are too young for hospital work, but who can give their services as messengers and orderlies. They Will be well cared for and wisely controlled, and should be glad of this chance of helping. All women who volunteer as V.A.D. recruits, whether paid or unpaid, must join Its in a serious spirit, determined to make the best of whatever condi- tions they find. We want workers who will accept discipline and who will put their personal feelings aside while endeavouring to carry out the greatest and most glorious duty of women, "The Care of the Sick and Wounded," wherever they may be.—I am,
Commandant-in-Chief, Women's V.A.D.'. Devonshire House, Piccadilly.
[We deal with this most important appeal in our "News of the Week-" paragraphs.—ED. Spectator.]
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