SEASONAL WORK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20074, 21 October 1939, Page 7

SEASONAL WORK

LEAVE FOR P.W.D. MEN

LABOUR FOR FARMS

INCREASED PRODUCTION

APPEAL BY MINISTER

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day

The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, to-day announced the conditions under which men employed by the Public Works Department may obtain leave of absence to follow seasonal occupations during the forthcoming season. The instructions have been circulated.

Air. Semple said it was imperative in these times that farmers and other primary producers, including those associated with them in preparing products for local consumption or shipment to Great Britain, should not be embarrassed through a shortage of efficient labour and lie therefore had directed that the schedule occupations for which leave would be granted, should be more comprehensive that formerly. It now included practically every class of seasonal work.

“I am confident that all workmen realise the importance of co-opera-ting to the fullest possible extent and that the maintaining and increasing of primary production is necessary not only in the interests of this Dominion but also in the interests of the people of the Mother Country who are at present engaged in a titanic struggle for liberty against the most ruthless and cruel despotism the world has ever known.

“I appeal to all to assist in increasing production to the maximum. It should be obviously apparent to all workmen to whom I appeal that increased production is the first essential and the public works staff can give magnificent service in this most necessary and essential class of work.”