The Star Delivered every evening' by 5 o'clock in Hawera, Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho, Manutahi, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea. Waverley. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1917. NATIONAL EFFICIENCY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 29 October 1917, Page 4

The Star Delivered every evening' by 5 o'clock in Hawera, Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho, Manutahi, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea. Waverley. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1917. NATIONAL EFFICIENCY.

In view of the possibility of the Government later utilising the services of | men who have failed to pass the standard required for service abroad, it would be well for reservists to keep in mind the fact that twenty-four hours after the issuing of the Gazette containing their,names as having heen selected for service, they become soldiers. On failing to pass the medical test they are issued with a blue form, stating that they have leave "until further notice." They virtually cease to be citizens and are technically soldiers on indefinite leave without pay. This being the case, it is clear that, if it becomes necessary for the Government to call upon men to fill vacancies, the reservists should "hold themselves in readiness. So far the call for men for home service has been met by volunteers, but jf the war continues for long, and there is extensive drawing upon men of the Second Division, the need for transferring men from non-essential to essential industries will become much greater, and Government action may be necessary. The shortage of labor is at this stage being severely felt, especially in some of the Dominion's main industries, and if production is to be kept up—a matter of vital importance to the whole country —it will be necessary to find labor. By a temporary extension of the age limit for Civil servants and the employment of women, some progress might be made, and home service men engaged ,in offices would be freed for work in most essential industries. The country is reaching a stage when organisation will be of supreme importance, and when every man's work will be viewed from the point of view of national efficiency. In peace times the position is different—luxury and wasted manpower seem to be part of the modern social system—but in a time of unprecedented difficulty, such as our nation is now passing through, the efficiency and distribution of our man-power engaged in industries become increasingly important as the number of men left decreases. Up to the present time, New Zealand has done remarkably well, especially in view of the fact thai/no effort has been made to organise those who are working at civilian occupations, but the position in twelve months' time will be greatly altered, if the war continues. It is to find a plan to meet thig difficulty that the reconstituted Efficiency Board will direct its energies during the next few months. The previous Board's work should save much time, though it is certain that the new body will find its task surrounded by much difficulty. It will be necessary to secure the fullest particulars of the various, commercial activities, and to formulate a just yet comprehensive plan of action. No

doubt some businesses will suffer considerably, and it may even happen that some of the least essential will have to close down, but the main question is that of keeping the country going as well as possible till the war is over. The question of reducing the great amount of waste that i, s daily taking place might well form a subject for enquiry by the Board, and a successful plan of combating it would b e most welcome. New Zealand can do much to help the Empire by maintaining her output of meat, butter and cheese, which find such a ready market in the Old Country, but the reduction of men is making the task very difficult; in a few months efficient organisation will be the only way by which a greatly decreased output may be averted. It remains then for the National Efficiency Board and the people to face the situation boldly and with determination, and if it is necessary to make sacrifices let them be made cheerfully, remembering that in these days no one person can be a law unto himself, but

must be willing to work for the good

of all. The war months ago ceased to be a struggle of army against army, and it has become a contest of nation against nation. Germany by organisation has succeeded in a wonderful manner in surmounting many difficulties, and she has shown that civilian heli> is

a very important factor. Our people can hasten victory and place themselves in a better posifton on the world's markets after the war by systematically preparing without longer delay to meet the difficulties which must arise.