SHORTAGE OP SKILLED LABOUR.
GOVERNMENT WILL DO NOTHING. Tho shortage of skilled labour was diecussed by tho Geiveral Committee of (lie Wellington Provincial Industrial Associe* tion Inst night. In reply to a letter from tho association, the Minister for Labour (tho Hon. G. Lauroiisois) wrote that tho Government could not at present see its way to talc* any steps for bringing skilled labour from overseas, as suggested by the association. Tho secretary (Mr. H. F. Alton) thought the committee should further consider tin's very important matter. It was unsatisfactory to receive such a reply from the Minister at a time when the maimfactiirers'woj'e badly in need of skilled labour, while the press repeatedly veferred to tho shortage of labour, ami the birth-rate was declining. The state of the baking trade in Wellington was such that if one baker was iftid up, tho supply of bread would be affected, t'ho Government was assisting farm labourers to como cut, but not people (o consume the increneeu products. Mr. C. B. Norwood emphasised tho fact that the association's request was for skilled labour.
Mr. S. S. Williams referred to the action of Australia in deciding to import HiO.Oiio workers in oive year. There was a shortage of labour throughout New Benliuicl, and if it was not overcome Now Zealand would stand still—which was equivalent to going back. Ho thought the Minister should be interviewed by a deputation. The president sft.id his employes wore working overtime because he could not got enough skilled workers. Mr. T. Ballinget said there was a great shortage of plumbers. He thought Hie nssociatioii should press the question further on the Government.
Mr. C. I!. Norwood thought tho Minister's reply wn.s very unsatisfactory. ' ■ moved that the association co-operate with other associations throughout New Zealand to bring tho matter of the shoring of unskilled labour again before the Minister.
This wn.s seconded by the president, msd carried unanimously.
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Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1440, 15 May 1912, Page 6
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318SHORTAGE OP SKILLED LABOUR. Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1440, 15 May 1912, Page 6
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