STAFF NEEDED

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

STAFF NEEDED

GREEN LANE HOSPITAL

APPEALS AGAINST DIRECTIONS

"The hospital board requires 26 nurse-aids at the present moment, and possibly more," said Mr. F. R. Beckingsale at to-day's sitting of the Auckland Industrial Manpower Appeal Committee when referring to 11 appeals lodged against directions to the Green Lane Hospital. The directions, it was stated, would apply for 52 working weeks.

Grounds for appeals, some of which ' were lodged by employers, were hardship and health. The occupations of the girls were given as factory and shop assistants, telephone operator and clerks.

An indication that the Government had instructed one department at least, not to oppose directions of female employees to nursing duties was given by Mr. Fraer, who appeared on behalf of a telephone operator in a Government office.

"Due to shortages of staff many pharmacists are cracking up," said the principal of an appellant firm. At the moment, he said,- attempts were being made to obtain the release of experienced men, even though unqualified, from the Armed Forces. The witness, did not agree with a contention that the girl for whom he was appealing would be of equal use in a hospital, he pointing out that all employees in hospital dispensaries were qualified, and nurses could not administer drugs.

Appealing on behalf of her 19-yeaiv old daughter, who had previously expressed a desire to take up nursing, a woman forwarded a letter stating that she had' six children, including four wards of the State, whose ages ranged from four to ten years, to care for. Owing to ill-health she required the service's of. her daughter.

Decision was reserved in the majority of cases. In one instance the direction was withdrawn on it being stated that the firm was being allowed the services of the employee; for a further three months.