Scheme 4B to be Suspended

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 264, 6 November 1941, Page 4

Scheme 4B to be Suspended

MEN TO BE OFFERED WORK IN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 5. “Scheme 4B is to be suspended,' * said Hon. P. C. Webb to-day. Mr. Webb explained that while the 1200 men employed under scheme 4B are doing excellent work in clearing and developing land withdrawals for war purposes had resulted in a shortage of acceptable men available for the processing of present production. This consideration had prompted the Minister to suspend the operation of scheme 4B in the expectation that the bulk of the men now so employed would offer their services in the industries referred to and that those with expedience in or leaning towards operational farm work would engage therein. “There is work for all," said Mr. Webb, “and the men now on scheme 4JJ are those who have shown that they are able and willing to go to jobs offering and not sit down and wait in the hope that work would be brought to them. The fact that they are lit and willing to work should make them a decided acquisition to industries and enable them more directly to support the services of the Empire’s overseas forces who could not fight without food (of which cheese is a valuable part), clothing of good New Zealand wool and aeroplanes in which our linen flax will be used."

It is understood that the scheme 4B contracts now being carried out will proceed to completion, but that no new work will be commenced. Asked whether he could say that the scheme would definitely be continued at a later date, Mr. Webb stated that he expected that this would be the case although the ultimate decision would necessarily be influenced by the conditions than obtaining.