MR. LAURENSON AND LABOR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 17 May 1912, Page 5

MR. LAURENSON AND LABOR.

MEN. FROM. ENGLAND

BX TEIiEGR&PH—PRESS A880CIJiXIO!f.

CHKIST.€HURCH, May 15

Interviewed in Christchurch yesterday, Mr Laurenson., Minister for Labor, stated: "There is a brisk demand for workers in most parts of the country, and I have heard no complaints of shortage, of labor in any place. The only difficulty which is presenting itself is that of finding work for old men —the men who have become partly incapacitated through illness- or injury to do hard. work. Strong representations have been made as to thenßcessity for the Government taking steps to make provision for' an imported supply of skilled laborers, farm hands^ and domestic servants, but, at present, the Government does not see its way clear to take any steps ■ iii that direction,-, for the present at all events." Tlie Minister- stated that there was i a brisk demand for workers' dwellings j both in the North and South Islands. He had that day inspected land at Oamaru and Tiinaru, where 'tenders were Being called for the erection of homes. Regarding dwellings for flaxmill hands, Mr Laurenson said that he had asked Mr Lomas, Mr Robertson, member for Ocaki, and the secretary of the Flaxmill' Wovkevs' Union, to insoect a dwelling provided at the flaxmills for the accommodation of workers. There had been several complaints as to the nature of the accommodation provided, and" the gentlemen whom he had named' would act as a sort of informal commission of enquiry, to ascertain what the exact position was, and to make recommendations to him within the next few days.