Manawatu Evening Standard SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 1942. OUR MANPOWER PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 23, 26 December 1942, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 1942. OUR MANPOWER PROBLEM

War is a greedy monster and makes insatiable demands upon manpower. The issuing of the Gazette containing the names of 31,907 men who are called for service with the Armed Forces brings prominently to view that fact, for in just over three and a quarter years New Zealand has drawn upon its'men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five. The drain upon; the nation is a very heavy one. the effects being felt in many directions, and when the men in the latest ballot, which is the last under the present law. have been tSken into the Armed Forces the difficulties facing the country’s industries will be increased considerably. In the latest group there are many men who are essential to the management and direction of industries, key men whose training; and experience have made them j especially valuable to the country. They cannot be replaced easily, for management and direction of important works and industries cannot be learned quickly. No doubt there will be many rejected for service on the ground of medical unfitness, while those in what the law classifies as essential industries will be granted exemption. Nevertheless, there will be a considerable serious disturbance] of the country’s necessary work. Responsible people are giving much thought to the question of whether the Dominion’s manpower and womanpower are being utilised to the best advantage. While it is New Zealand’s duty to make the best war effort possible, it does not follow that the placing of the maximum number of men in the Armed Forces, irrespective of many, other very important considerations, actually constitutes the best effort, this matter was discussed a few days ago by a conference in Auckland of representatives of workers, employers, and commercial interests, and the important opinions agreed on regarding the utilisation of manpower and womanpower have been placed in the hands of the Prime Minister. At long last the War Cabinet has promised to give this matter the consideration it warrants. The suggestions made should assist the Cabinet to take such action as will ensure a greater united effort on the home front and, in the words of the statement, “to formulate a policy commensurate with the probable duration of the war and the resources of the Dominion.” The problem is urgent and most important.