VITAL COAL NEED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 203, 27 August 1943, Page 3

VITAL COAL NEED

British Campaign To Attract More Workers

APPEAL TO ALL CLASSES N.Z.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, August 2G. A national campaign to attract men to the coal mining industry is about to be launched by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Bevin, and the Minister of Fuel, Major Lloyd George. Men from 18 years upwards will in future have the option of going into the pits when they register for service. This the Government will regard just as important as going into the army, navy or air force. It is hoped tnat men from the universities, public schools and all classes will respond with alacrity to the appeal for more coal. Men who go into the pits will receive six weeks' training on the surface before going underground for further training in charge of skilled men. The coal industry is regarded as a key point in the war effort. The Government has done more in the last 12 months for this industry than had been done in the last 50 years. Among rne improvement is a guaranteed weekly wage, improved transport, introduction of mechanisation in an increasing measure, improved wage structure for adults and juveniles, training facilities for youths, more canteens, health services, and rehabilitation centres.