N.Z. MAN-POWER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21633, 9 February 1945, Page 4

N.Z. MAN-POWER

NO “WOMAN-HUNTS” DUNEDIN CRITICISM CONTROLLER EXPLAINS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. K. Criticism by the Dunedin Fresbytery of tne so-called "woman mint by the Man-Rower Department ana tne utilisation of women m luxury occupations are, states the controiie. 01 nan-rower, i\ir. H, L, Bockett, quiet unjustified. "The critic,” states Mr. Bockett, "is apparently unaware that under no circumstances are young persons under ii years of age directed o employment away from their home cusnaeo. Furthermore, in any case wnere as a result of a direction to other employment a worker suffers any reduction in earnings, financial assistance is seamed uy the department to print, the workers’ earnings in the new position up to the amount received prior to direction. “One speaker, Mr. McEachran, refers to what he describes as a 'woman hunt,’ and 1 can only assume tnat lie is opposed to the action being taken by* tile department to secure stall' for hospitals and munitions factories. Would he suggest that the labour urgently requiied to relieve the acute stalling position in our hospitals ami other essential .undertakings of viLu importance to the war effort shoutu not be provided? ■

"He asked whether it is reasonable, in time of war, that young men aim women be sent to stick paper on Children’s blocks or to make up lipstick and powder. f would agree wnoie-heartedly that it would be most unreasonable to direct labour lu this type of work," stated’Mr. Bockett, "and 1 say quite definitely that labour has not and will not be directed to undertake work of this nature. On the contrary, this is just the type or work from which labour is taken for direction to essential production.”