MAN-POWER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 159, 6 July 1940, Page 10

MAN-POWER.

ORGANISATION PLANS.

CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK.

DIVISION OF N.Z. INTO ZONES, i 1 (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON", this day. Man-power is one of the most important matters receiving consideration by the Government at the present, and a conference is to be held next week for the purpose of deciding the system of organisation to be adopted in future, both in respect of national service and rehabilitation.

The division of the Dominion into zones, firstly for the arranging of the centennial celebrations, and afterwards for the raising of funds for patriotic purposes, proved so successful that a similar system is suggested by the Minister of National Servicc and Rehabilitation (the . Hon. R. Seniple) for the marshalling of man power as well as for rehabilitation.

The Conference is to be presided Over by Mr. Semple. There will also be present the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, the assistant Minister to the Minister of National Service, the Hon. D. Wilson, and the heads of the various State Departmeute concerned.

Mr. Semple said to-day that the actual details of what was proposed could not yet be mapped out, but he had a mental picture of the organisation which must be developed on the zone system, using the same organisations that had operated for Centennial purposes and the raising of funds. That would mean that the men who did the work required would know how to go about it. The basis of the organisation was democratic franchise, as the chief local body in each zone would be the central authority for the area. Practically all local authorities have representation. He was of the opinion that there should be power to strengthen them bv coopting individuals if this was thought desirable.

Ho had already discussed the proposal with local bodies in the Auckland district. TTie central executive in each zone would be the connecting link be* ween the organisation, the Minister and the Government. The duties of the various organisations he visualised as beinir responsible to the Minister of National Service in respect to the man-power available and man-power required. Anybody who wanted to give service in respect to New Zealand'* war effort would have first of all to make application to the organisation in the zone in w-hich be resided. If labour .was required in any industry or it was a question of the transference of labour from one industry to another, the central orsanisation would report to the Minister, who would be responsible for the necessary steps being taken.

Mr. Semple said that making use of the available organisation obviated a number of unofficial organisations that had no direct responsibility to the people coming into existence.