N.Z. Fails To Attract Workers From Britain

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27563, 21 January 1955, Page 15

N.Z. Fails To Attract Workers From Britain

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, January 19. One of the problems awaiting the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Holland) on his arrival in London is the failure of recent advertising in the British newspapers to attract men to apply for 150 jobs offered by the Works Ministry and 250 by the Dominion’s railways. Engineers and draughtsmen are particularly required by the Ministry to increase the staff and to replace New Zealanders who are leaving the department to earn more money in other avenues. „ , The question that faces Mr Holland is: If the men are not forthcoming from Britain, will he have to consider reducing public works in the Dominion? Will he start two new projects on the Waikato river? Housing Main Problem Other alternatives are to consider increasing salaries, both to retain New Zealanders and attract men in Britain, and also to see what can be done to provide housing which is the mam question among those making inquiries in Britain. This question of housing also applies to men wanted for the railways, for at present offers of work are being made only to single men. And in England, Scotland, and Wales, only married men have so far applied. If New Zealand does not obtain the number of men it requires in Britain, and if none is forthcoming m the Dominion, then it seems that in the matter of a year or so New Zealand will be faced with reduced train services. The general position regarding public works and railways will be put to Mr Holland shortly after his arrival in London. Meanwhile advertising for men to go to New Zealand has not been exactly helped by accounts given to the British newspapers of conditions in the Dominion by single men returning to England after working for two years on the Roxburgh hydroelectric plant. For instance, an article in the “News Chronicle” says: “New Zealand may have a wonderful climate, the pay is good and so is the food. But if the pubs are shut, the cinemas closed, and there are no young ladies to court or partner at a dance, is life out there really worthwhile? ‘No’ was the verdict of 44 young Britons who returned home in the liner Rangitata. “Said 24-year-old Bill Marton, of London: The money was good, but I only got to a dance twice. I have a

girl friend at home, so I was not worried overmuch about the shortage of women.’

“Michael Godden, of Margate, said: ‘There is an acute shortage of girlo. Even in Dunedin, the nearest big town, they are pretty well booked up.’ “Michael’s brother, Alastair, said: ‘The only attraction is money.’ “Said Wesley Davidson, of Belfast: ‘lt is like being abroad with an army miles from anywhere.’ “George Colliris, of Liverpool, »aid: ‘There is very little social life. By I the time you finish work all the shops ’ are shut and so are the pubs.’ “By the same ship came a different point of view, expressed by 61-year-old Arthur Richardson, formerly of Harrogate, home for the first time in ; 43 years. / ; “ ‘People who come out and go hoirie after tw« years have no guts. Australia and New Zealand do not want anybody looking for glamour, but men with a bit of the old pioneering spirit,’ he said. *But perhaps New Zealand’s shortage of women did have its effect on Mr Richardson. He is still a bachelor,” the “News Chronicle” said.

CURTAILMENT OF WORKS

N.Z. OFFICIAL DENIES LIKELIHOOD

(New Zealand. Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 20. A senior official of the Ministry of Works said today he doubted whether failure to obtain trained staff from Britain would result in public works projects in New Zealand being curtailed. He was commenting on a report from London about the. failure of recent advertising in the British press to attract men to positions offered by the New Zealand Ministry of Works and the Railways Department. The official said that such projects as the hydro works to be constructed on the Waikato river were given high priority. It was more likely that when staff shortages developed men would be transferred from other assignments. The General Manager of Railways (Mr H. C. Lusty) said he did not think failure to obtain staff from abroad would result in train services being curtailed next year.