THE PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22491, 27 August 1938, Page 17

THE PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRY

LABOUR'S EFFORTS AT SOLUTION

STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR MINES | (PBESS ASSOCIATION TZLXGEAM.) AUCKLAND, August 26. The importance of co-operation between manufacturers in New Zealand and the Government so that problems could be fully appreciated and more easily solved, was emphasised by the. Minister for Mines (the Hon. P. CJ Webb) to-day. Mr Webb has visited a number of Auckland factories during the last week. "It is Mr Savage's wish that every Minister and every member of the party should make a personal inspection of factories and workshops throughout the Dominion," Mr Webb said. "There is nothing more important than having a first-hand knowledge because it leaves a lasting impression. Matters arise, requiring legislative attention and Ministers and members are better qualified to approach the difficulties in each ; industry. This policy is being carried on throughout New Zealand and reports are sent to the Prime Minister."

Young businessmen with whom he had come in contact showed a keen tiesire to co-operate, and he was satisfied that if more meetings could be held between the Ministers and departmental heads a more intelligent approach could be made to the problems needing attention. "I was specially gratified at the keenness of some of the younger men, irrespective of their political convictions, in the interest they are taking in making a* study of new methods of production," Mr Webb said. "One of the outstanding features of my present series of visits to factories has been the impression left on my mind of the enormous amount of work now being done with the aid of some of the most modern machinery in the world almost entirely worked by girls. This work in the past was done by their fathers and brothers under more primitive methods." This must have the effect of throwing thousands of men out of the particular industries and work must be provided in other * directions where such labour could be put to the best advantage, he added. This in itself was another outstanding reason why the utmost co-operation was desirable between manufacturers and the Government to bring about a classification of labour.