INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 230, 27 August 1938, Page 9

INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS.

CO-UPERATION j STRESSED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Aug. 26. The importance of co-operation between manufacturers in New Zealand and the Government so that problems could be fully appreciated and more easily solved, was emphasised by the Minister of Mines (Hon. P. C. Webb), to-day. Mr Webb has visited a number of Auckland factories during the past week. “It is Mr Savage’s wish that every Minister and every member of the party shoud make a personal inspection of factories -and workshops throughout the Dominion,” Mr Webb said. “There is nothing more important than having first-hand knowledge, because it leaves a lasting impression. Matters arise requiring legislative attention, and Ministers and members are better qualified to approach the difficulties in each industry. This policy is being carried oh throughout New Zealand and reports are sent to the Prime Minister.”

Young business men with whom he had come in contact showed a keen desire to co-operate, said Mr Webb, and he was satisfied that if more meetings could be held between Ministers and departmental heads a more intelligent approach could be made to problems needing attention.

“I was specially gratified at the keenness of some of the younger men, irrespective of their political convicJ tions, in the interest they are taking in making a study of new methods of production,” Mr Webb said. “One of the outstanding features of my present series of visits to factories has been the impression left on my mind of the enormous amount of work now being done with the aid of some of the most modern machinery in the world, almost entirely worked by girls. This work in the past was clone by their fathers and brothers under more primitive methods. This must have the effect of throwing thousands of men out of particular industries, and work must be provided in other directions where such labour could be put to the best advantage. This in itself is another outstanding reason why the utmost cooperation is desirable between manufacturers and the, Government to bring about classification of labovfr.”