MANPOWER

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23086, 31 July 1940, Page 14

MANPOWER

TO THE EDITOR OF -THE PRESS. . Sir,—Those of us who are unemployed or working short time get little light when we are told over the air by the Prime Minsiter “to work for our lives,” and so bn. The puzzle in this country of the relation of work available to manpower offering seems further than ever from being solved. The (confusing) facts seem to be these: Everyone is told his services must be used by the State for the war effort; yet a number of capable people, in the civil service and elsewhere, have been dismissed for their opinions, and are not allowed to render the community service they offer. Some 22,000 men are ouf of productive activity through war service. Yet there are still about 13,000 men on the No. 13 scheme, and also 19,000 men on public works, many of whom would not be there if other work were available. There are also undoubtedly numerous persons actually unemployed. Yet there is the disturbing fact that numbers of immature adolescents are. being attracted from high and technical schools into factories and other work. Is there a scarcity of workers, or of employment, or just chaos?" The unknown figure is the number of persons who have lost their employment through war economies and changes. But one is forced to the conclusion that there is a considerable body ox permanent unemployed in New Zeafimd. possibly 20,000, apart from war factors. This should not be, and with capable organisation, need not be. a social survey is called for. But the Government has practically dismantled Its Social Science Bureau lust when it is most needed, to work on the results obtainable from the National Register and with all due respect to hnn, mm does not feel Public Works takes Its place.—Yours. JOHN JOHNSON. July 28. 1940,