PUBLIC WORKS

Evening Star, Issue 23723, 2 November 1940, Page 18

PUBLIC WORKS

WAR-TIME ECONOMY

EMPLOYEES REDUCED BY 9,371

[Per United Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, November 1

“ Compared with the peak figure of 25,153 at this time last year, just after the outbreak of war, the number of workmen employed on public works has dropped by 9,371 to 15,782,” said the Minister of Public Works (Mr Semple) to-night. “ The immense programme of constructing defence works occasioned by the war raised the total number of workmen, including contractors’ employees and local bodies’ employees engaged on subsidised works, from about 20.000 in August, 1939, to more than 25.000 men within a few week," Mr Semple said. ” Since then the gradual diminution of the department’s normal activities has resulted in a steady decline in tho number employed. The only classes of works on which the number of workmen shows an increase are hydro-electric schemes, irrigation, and miscellaneous works. Hydro-electric development is, of course, essential to keep pace with the increasing requirements. Continuation of tho South Canterbury irrigation construction programme is justified economically and from the viewpoint of increasing production. The item ‘ miscellaneous ’ is largely made up of work carried out on behalf of other departments, notably native housing and sewerage, reading, drainage, etc,, for the Department of Housing Construction.” Mr Semple added that more than 3.000 men wore still employed on aerodrome construction and other special defence activities, but as the programme was well advanced he expected that, unless an emergency arose, most of these men would not be required in six months’ time.

Mr Semple remarked that the Government, particularly himself, had been criticised since the outbreak of war for not curtailing the public works programme, thevebv making more men available for essential industries. “I think,” the Minister said, “ that I have made it clear that there has been a heavy reduction. Numerous works which were justifiable in peace time and which could not be classed urgent or productive during the war, have been severely curtailed or suspended, releasing a good type of workmen for industry and the Avar effort. Although the number of men at nrcsent engaged on public works is 15,782, this figure includes 1.876 on Lb P payroll of local bodies and 3,156 employed by contractors.” P* ■ '