SHORTAGE OF FEMALE LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 153, 28 June 1919, Page 5

SHORTAGE OF FEMALE LABOUR.

IMMIGRATION ADVOCATED. AUCKLAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION. A meeting of employers was convened by the Auckland Industrial Association, yesterday, at 3.30 p.m., in the Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of considering the present shortage of labour, particularly females. About forty representatives of various industries were present. The president of the Associa- i tion (Mr. F. M. Hills) in introducing the j business, 6aid the shortage of female ; labour was having a disastrous effect upon the industries of the Dominion as it limited the number of men who could be employed in many instances. He con- ; sidered it was necessary that the Gov- I ernment should set up a scheme not only to give employment to additional workers, but to retain in work a large numbeT of men already employed. A series of resolutions were submitted 'by Mr Buttle, which have already been published in full. Shortly, the resolutions affirm 'the need for an active scheme of selected immigration being instituted by the Government, in view of the existing dearth of labour, and suggesting that a committee be appointed to visit England for the purpose of selecting suitable immigrants, such committee to be fully provided with all essential facts regarding working conditions in New Zealand. A scheme for the provision of suitable housing accommodation, and the necessity for an undertaking from employers that work be forthcoming upon the arrival of the workers, were also dealt with in the resolutions. Mr. S. <Taggs seconded the motions, and in the discussion which followed various speakers emphasised the need for promoting secondary industries in New Zealand. The resolutions were carried unanimously.