Scheme Excites Quick Response In Britain

Northern Advocate, 16 May 1939, Page 7

Scheme Excites Quick Response In Britain

v Special to “Northern Advocate ” 3 AUCKLAND, This T)ay. The Minister of Housing, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, today gave further details concerning the Government’s plan for bringing 500 artisans from England for State housing work. Preference was being given to single' men, he said, because the Government could not guarantee to give the new arrivals homes as soon as they landed. The conditions were much the same as obtained in regard to those engaged in Australia. Those engaged had to contract to refund the cost of their passage money out of their earnings over a term. 100 To Arrive Next Month. “The first batch of 100 men should arrive next month,” said Mr Armstrong. “They will all go to Wellington, where the-shortage of skilled men in the building trade is most acute.

“It has been overwhelming, simply astounding,” said an official of New Zealand House when asked whether there had been an immediate response to New Zealand’s request for 500 building trade workers who would be given assisted passages to be repaid from their earnings,” states a London correspondent. “In two days | a firm which advertised for the Government received 2000 replies, while another had hundreds of inquiries,” he said. "At New Zealand House, where thei’e were already 200 applications waiting, there was also a heavy wave of inquiries. Preference is to be given first to single men, it is stated. New Zealand House officials expect to be kept busy for some time to come befoi'e the final selection is made.” Reduced Steamer Fare. A special reduced steamer fare of £37 sterling has been arranged. Owing to the existing rate of exchange this is equivalent to £46 5 in New Zealand currency. The value of the amount advanced for fare will be repaid out of wages during the first year in New Zealand. It is stipulated that a good kit of tools must be taken. Men will be required to accept work in whatever district they are placed by the Government. Wages will be at award rates. A forty-hour week of five/days will be worked.”