MILL OWNERS AND MAN POWER

Evening Star, Issue 25301, 9 October 1944, Page 7

MILL OWNERS AND MAN POWER

REPLY AND CHALLENGE TO CONTROLLER (P.A.f WELLINGTON. October 7. " In regard to the unanimous resolution passed by the New Zealand Woollen Mill Owners' Association, which called for tho immediate revision of the man-power regulations aud methods of administration, particularly, as concerning the industrial man-power appeal committees, it is noted," says a statement issued on behalf of the association, " that Mr H. L. Bockett (the Controller of Man Power) has seen tit to reply to this resolution, which was undressed to the Minister of Supply and i«f Industries and Commerce, Mr Sullivan. It is also noted that Mr Bockett makes the statement that the industry has refused to co-operate, and has been uncompromising; " Tho Minister of Supply, to whom this letter was addressed," the statement' continues, " would, in tho opinion of the woollen mill owners, bo the appropriate person to judge the industry's efforts during the emergency years. When it comes to such matters at utilisation councils, however, Mr Bockett may be on safer ground. " Mr Bockett states that the amount paid in respect of the woollen mills on account of directed labour is greater than the sum paid to any other industry. We ask Mr Bockett to publish the actual figures, the number of cases, and the' weekly amounts involved. The public is entitled to a dofinite statement on the subject. " Mr Bockett slates that the industry refused to co-operate in setting up manpower utilisation councils. Will Mr Bockett set down the functions of these councils? We can then proceed to enlighten the public as to tho real position. " Tho New Zealand Woollen Mill Owners' Association will welcome continuanceof a discussion on these matters. The actual complaint of the association, howover, was the totally unjustifiable nature of some of the decisions of some of the industrial man-power appeal committees.