TO MAKE FURNITURE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 164, 13 July 1945, Page 6

TO MAKE FURNITURE

JOINER'S SERVICES SOUGHT

SUPPLIES FOR EX-SERVICEMEN

The statement that he would not supply the type of furniture being manufactured to-day to returned exservicemen, for whom he and his partner were solely catering, was made by Noel Beattie to the Auckland Industrial Manpower Committee this afternoon, when supporting the appeal of C. J. Elder for release from a boatbuilding firm-to take up furniture manufacture.

When witness alleged that furniture manufacturers would not supply him and his partner, Mr. K. Simpson, a member of the committee, commented that it was "a pretty bad state of affairs." Witness also said that in the past six weeks they had not been able to get any furniture, and orders for suites which had been placed nearly three months ago had not been filled. It was their desire to obtain the services of the appellant so that they could make furniture to their own designs: Appellant said he was working 54 hours a week for a firm which was engaged on boatbuilding. "That would seem to indicate that there is a shortage of labour in the industry," remarked Mr. F. R. Beckingsale, the manpower officer's representative. Elder said the work he was engaged on was. related to the building of 45ft tugs for the British GovernmMr." Beckingsale: And for the Navy. Appellant agreed that no work was being done on pleasure boats. Evidence that he had obtained the release of Elder from the Army, was given by Percy Vos, who pointed out that the appellant had been employed as a joiner on the bench for the past three years. His firm was working to schedule, and present contracts, would not be finished before February next. Elder had been working 14 hours' overtime a week. Witness agreed with the suggestion of the chairman, Mr. H» Campbell that it might be possible to release Elder to work for the two ex-servicemen and to obtain his services part-time when required. Decision was reserved.