“Too Much Publicity To Unemployment”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31633, 20 March 1968, Page 24

“Too Much Publicity To Unemployment”

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, March 19.

New Zealand’s total number of registered unemployed could not be termed an unemployment problem in comparison with overseas rates, several Government members of Parliament said in Hamilton today.

The group included Mr L. R. Adams-Schneider (Hamilton), Sir Leslie Munro (Waipa), Mrs R. M. Stevenson (Taupo), Messrs A. E. Allen (Franklin), J. F. Luxton (Pi ako), and W. L. Young (Miramar). Discussing the statement on unemployment made by the Minister of Labour (Mi Shand) to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last night, the members pointed out that in general there was now a greater job awareness in New Zealand and rates of production had shown increases during past months.

The members considered there had been too much pub licity on unemployment arising out of the country’s economic situation, and emphasised that many industries in New Zealand had increased staff establishments as well as increased production in recent months.

Several members quoted examples of businesses which in some cases had increased production as much as 140 per cent over the last year, and had engaged additional staff. Others, in spite of decreased staff numbers, had still increased output because of improved work attitudes among staff members retained. Mr Adams-Schneider said a

recommendation was being considered by Cabinet for the establishment of a special training scheme in an attempt to give unskilled unemployed some type of skill or trade.