JOBS FOR 500 MEN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22795, 22 August 1939, Page 10

JOBS FOR 500 MEN

SEASONAL WORKERS IN CHRISTCHURCH POSITIONS IN COUNTRY OFFERED MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT (.From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, August 21. An announcement that 500 jobs were available throughout Canterbury and the West Coast for Christchurch men who are at present out of occupation because of the closing down of practically all seasonal work was made by the Hon. P. C. Webb. Minister for Labour, this evening. The Minister added that a little time would have to elapse before all the men could be provided with work, as it was first of all necessary to provide accommodation for them. Through the closing down of practically all seasonal works, said the Minister, many, additional men were seeking employment. Because of this, Ministers and heads of departments met this afternoon to arrange employment of an asset-creating value to’ which the men could be drafted. The Government was desirous of finding employment for all able-bodied men; but it had been found impossible to provide sufficient . work for all of them in the localities where they resided. Consequently it was necessary for men living in towns to accept positions in the country where useful work was available. The Minister said that his department had been successful in making 500 jobs available in Canterbury and on the West Coast, and there was a hopeful indication that this number would be increased when further departmental reports had been obtained.