N.Z.'S MANPOWER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 153, 29 June 1940, Page 10

N.Z.'S MANPOWER.

ORGANISATION MOVE.

"A MIGHTY BIG JOB." COMMENT BY HON. R. SEMPLE. "It is a mighty big job, but the organisation is getting into shape," said the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Scrapie, on his arrival at Auckland this morning from Wellington in discussing plans for the organising of the manpower of the Dominion in order that the best possible' war effort may be made. ■ The Minister explained that the plan involved the taking of a national survey to ascertain the needs of ourselves, the needs of Great Britain and where industries could be speeded up. The Dominion had to separate the things that mattered from the things that did not matter, and concentrate on those that did matter.* In organising manpower it had to be found just where men were wanted so that the most competent workmen could be put on to jobs in essential industries. It must be understood, however, that this was a big undertaking:, and it would take some time before the machinery was operating effectively. The public could take it from him, 'however, that no time would bo lost in getting the machinery into full working swing, Mr. Scrapie proceeded. The job was to sort out the essential things, and then to find useful work for members of the forces when they return to New Zealand. The question of repatriation, indeed, was in band at the present time. The rehabilitation of soldiers depended on planning and designing. This was an engineering task, and with so many of the P.W.D, engineers enlisting it was going to bo a tough one. However, the position would be faced.