Canberra's women were being urged to put their hands up for service in "any national emergency" on this day in 1939.
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A story on the front page of The Canberra Times said the Women's Voluntary Services Association would hold a meeting in April that year, at which "registration cards" would be available.
"Membership of the association shall be open to any woman not less than 17 years of age, who is a resident of the ACT, and who wishes to prepare for service in any national emergency," the Times' story said.
"This is a call to all women of the territory; volunteers are urgently required."
The story said Canberra's men had already responded to the call for recruits in the militia forces.
"Now it is the women's duty to help in other ways," the story said.
"Everyone able to do so should attend the general meeting at the Albert Hall on Monday next."
Meantime, ministers in London said they had no plans to introduce conscription, and would work hard to develop "voluntary spirit" instead.
