LABOUR SCARCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 307, 29 December 1942, Page 6

LABOUR SCARCE

DOMESTIC SUPPLY

INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS

Domestic labour is scarce in Auckland, and the full supply for industry and production has not been met. At the moment the call of production comes first. Clothing factories, particularly those with orders for the Armed Forces, have increased the demand for woman pov/er, and want more workers. Other industries are in a similar position, as often it is the case that the output of one industry is necessary for another industry to carry on. It has meant that the supply of labour for domestic work is greatly reduced.

In Wellington the domestic position has been eased by a plan to bring Rarotongan girls to New Zealand, but the number so far has not met the local demand. It is uncertain how large the supply of domestic labour from the islands will be. So far no Rarotongan girls have been available for Auckland.

At various times, apart from the present scheme being operated, Rarotongan girls have entered domestic service in Auckland, and have been described as capable and willing workers, particularly useful in assisting with the handling of children.

From inquiries made in Auckland to-day it appeared that prospective employers had the greatest difficulty in getting domestic help, as there were so many other avenues of employment offering. It seemed that domestic work appealed mostly to middle-aged women, who wanted a quiet life and a good home. The average rate of wages in Auckland is in the vicinity of 25/ a week with keep, but there are employers prepared to pay considerably more for competent domestic help and, in addition, hold out considerable inducement to retain satisfactory services.

There is at the moment no indication of any improvement in the supply of women workers. Many girls and women' are in various branches of the Armed Forces, and have proved their capacity to do highly technical work. It is just as important fully to meet the demands of the industrial front.