WELL IN HAND

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32517, 15 December 1944, Page 5

WELL IN HAND

QUESTION OF MANPOWER FREEZING WORKS STAFF MEN NOT FULLY EMPLOYED An inquiry as to what immediate steps were being taken to provide urgently-needed manpower for the freezing works in the Auckland district, where losses of stock for killing’ for export were threatened was made in the House of Representatives by Mr A. S. Sutherland (National, Hauraki), in an urgent question to the Prime Minister.

Replying, Mr Fraser s"aid that though it was claimed that the position in the Auckland district was desperate, the Westfield Freezing Works slaughtermen were still working only part time, and even as late as Thursday work on the killing chain ceased at 4- o’clock. Mr Fraser, said the National Service Department through its district 'officers was in constant touch -with the- managers- of the freezing works and no effort was being spared to ensure that adequate labour was made available. 9000 Men Required ‘•’As it will be necessary to divert some 9000' men from other employment to meet the peak labour requirements some difficulties will inevitably be experienced in providing all the laboui’ when called for by the freezing works,” continued the Prime Minister. “While in common with other industries the freezing works may be inconvenienced to some degree by temporary shortage of labour it is confidently' expected that the position will be adequately met. After referring to the Westfield works position, Mr .Fraser said that at Horotiu on Monday last the men employed on the chain ceased woxk at 2 p.m. and the manager stateu that he then only required a few men. At the Southdown works, Thursday was; the first day on which the slaughtermen were employed full time. The position would therefore appear to be well in hand and with the number of workers at present under direction adequate labour should be available during the forthcoming week to cope with all stock offering. Danger Of Dry Season

The chairman' of the New Zealand Dairy Board, Mr W. E. Hale, had approached him expressing . concern about the question, particularly in the event-of a-dry season developing in the Waikato, said Mr Fraser. He had said the flush of the season had brought stock on and if a dry season followed it might be desirable to handle stock at the- time the'works were closed for holidays. The works managements had considered ths question of a shorter holiday, -but had found from experience that this would not assist as the workers simply took the longer holidays now provided. Mr Fraser said the position was under constant observation.