HOURS IN WORKING WEEK

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25301, 29 September 1947, Page 8

HOURS IN WORKING WEEK

“ SHOULD NOT BE A FETISH ” (PA.) WELLINGTON, September 27. “I do not think 40 hours or any other hours should be a fetish,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) to-day, replying to a deputation irom the Dominion Population and Settlement Association. Mr Fraser said that if New Zealand had a big population there would be no difficulty wtih the 40-houi week, but the country was suffering from growing pains at present in regard to the 40-hour week.

The question of the 40-hour week had been raised by the leader of the deputation (Mr A. Leigh Hunt). Mr Fraser emphasised the need for any immigrant to New Zealand to be willing to turn his hand to any type of work. He said that there was an increasing number of persons in New Zealand who would not fit in with the country’s economy. They were among those who came here of their own accord. There was no trouble with selected immigrants. Mr Fraser said there should be,sufficient organisation in London to tell all applicants of the true conditions here.

“If there is to be disillusionment it is better to be done in London than out here.” said Mr Fraser. In the old days people turned their hands to any Job, but to-day some immigrants, uness they could import their own cars and move from one squirearchy to another. went home again.