MANPOWER REVIEW ADVOCATED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 4, 30 September 1943, Page 6

MANPOWER REVIEW ADVOCATED

Needs Of Manufacturing

Industries

STAFFING OF THE FORCES

During the past 12 months the public had suffered shortages of many manufactured articles -which had 'been due very largely to the growing shortage of labour in manufacturing. industries. Where materials were available, it had not been possible to turn them quickly into finished products, said Mr. C. N. Cathie, retiring-president, at the annual meeting of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association last night, in .urging a review of the manpower position. “The present labour shortage is .not surprising in view of the enormous amount of manpower which was withdrawn from ordinary productive and business channels for the armed services, and the numbers which have been added to the Public Service,” he continued. “The advertising columns of the newspapers give a very good idea of the unfulfilled demand for assistance. “As it became evident that the danger of invasion receded, the release or a number of men was decided-on, but the increase in one branch of the war effort, the Air Force, has to some extent cancelled out. the expected relief. Though the home establishments have been . reduced, it is felt that a-closer examination of the staff position could be made with advantage, if carried out immediately. , . , - “The Prime Minister has indicated that he thinks the question of the number of men in the forces could be reviewed, and tiie Minister of Industrial Manpower, made a similar statement in relation to the women. “An independent examination of the whole question of staffing the forces in New Zealand would do much to satisfy the public) from whom there are many complaints of both men and women in the forces who appear to have insufficient) to occupy their time. The amount of leave that is given to home-service men 'is also the subject of comment. Meanwhile, all manner of production unite are clamouring for extra help, and a really serious position has developed, which will intensify as seasonal work develops.”