MUNITION WORKERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16266, 27 June 1916, Page 8

MUNITION WORKERS.

SKILLED ARTISANS WANTED.

ENGLISH FIRM'S OFFER.

AUCKLAND ENGINEERS APPLY.

The need for skilled artisans for employment in the monition factories at Home is disclosed in a letter which has been rei ceived by Mr. H. Rigby, secretary of the ! Amalgamated Society of Engineers, from the Australian agent of the firm of Tickers, Son and Maxim. The letter authorised the appointment of Mr. Rigby as a sub agent in New Zealand for tie purpose of securing qualified engineers to assist in the manufacture of munitions in the firm's factories in England. The writers state that the firm requires highly-skilled tool makers, machine-setters, turners, millers, and a limited number of fitters, but no other tradesmen. It was pointed out that as there was great difficulty in finding berths on vessels leaving Sydney for England it would be well for any from New Zealand to book their passages here. The passage money would be refunded up to £20 on the arrival of the men in England after a fortnight's satisfactory service in the firm's works. It was also stated that third-class return fares would be paid at the conclusion of the war.

The difficulty of obtaining permission for these skilled artisans to leave New Zealand was pointed out by Mr. Rigby. who stated that he had learned that some men who had applied for passports had been refused. It was probable, he added, that the men were of military age, but he would emphasise the fact that the work required of the men was not old men's work. He knew of men in New Zealand ready to go, and he hoped that the Government would see that passports were granted. He thought that the difficulty in regard to berths might be overcome by the Government sending the men home in a transport.

A meeting of the Auckland branch of the society was held last evening, at which the terms of the contract under which men proceeding to England will work were explained to the members. The wages offered are from 70s to 90s per week, and the men are guaranteed six months' employment, provided they are sober and prove competent. The- firm has factories at Sheffield, Barrow, Birmingham, Erith, and elsewhere, and the men will be required to work at any the firm desires.

After hearing the conditions of the contract 12 members of the society made application for employment at munition work in Britain, and these applications will be forwarded in due course to the- Minister for Defence, the Hon. James Allen, for his approval.