Square Deal, Square Meal

Into London, from as far as Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire, came 300 apple-cheeked, angry rebels from the Women's Land Army. Their target was Parliament. Their slogan: "Give us a square deal, and we'll give you a square meal." Their grievances were low pay, long hours, no gratuities, no pants.

A World War I institution, re-established in 1939 to meet Britain's manpower shortage, through six years of war WLA tilled, milked, cleaned and planted. With conscription, the force of "land girls" grew to 77,000 in 1943, despite uniforms that were green and khaki horrors, and pay as low as $9.60 a week. Last December, approximately 30,000 refused a proffered release and elected to stay on the land. But not necessarily on wartime terms.

When three appeals to the Government failed, the girls drafted a National Charter, declaring their rights and wants. Last week's demonstration was the Charter's first product, neatly timed to coincide with a Government drive for 30,000 new recruits who are needed to assure this year's precious harvest. Their deputation to Commons stirred more clods than a year's plowing.

While London newspapers cried shame, M.P.s dodged and ducked, insisting that because the girls were paid by individual farmers and did not risk their lives, they were not members of His Majesty's forces, and were not eligible for special benefits. The girls retorted that WLA was conscripted, wore Government-issued uniforms, badges bearing the King's Crown, and was called an army. More than that, many land girls had plowed through bombs and rockets in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. The rebels promised to keep up the fight--not only for better conditions for girls in the service, but for those leaving it. In demobilization, they bitterly pointed out, girls mustered out of other services can keep their uniforms and get a $42 clothing allowance besides. Land girls get no money, are allowed to keep only their greatcoats, a pair of shoes, and one blouse. The Government disclaims the girls, but reclaims their corduroy breeches.

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