Work For Students During Xmas Holidays

Northern Advocate, 30 September 1943, Page 2

Work For Students During Xmas Holidays

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Minister for Industrial Manpower (Hon. A. McLagan) stated last night that arrangements very similar to those made last year were being made for employment of students and senior school pupils during the Christmas holidays. This year, he st:id. the need for labour on the land would be greater, as our own and Allied fighting forces had to be fed while supplies to people of Great Britain had to be maintained. At the present time the needs of seasonal industries for labour were being surveyed with a view to allocating jobs on a most suitable basis, having regard to relative priorities and the need t oreserve more mature persons for work beyond the capacity of younger persons Male university students would be required in freezing works and dairy factories and female students in considerable numbers for canning factories and vegetable growing schemes. When these were fully staffed the balance of students would be directed to other seasonal jobs according to priority of jobs. It was anticipated that university colleges would, not reopen until April so that students would have an opportunity to visit their homes and be available for the peak rush in February and March. Farmers Should Apply Now

The Minister requested farmers to notify requirements within the next few weeks as manpower officers must know by the end of October how many were required. It was possible that some could be made available for the extra period if required. Boys could assist in market gardens and other forms of work and a number of senior girls would also be required for vegetable growing schemes, and fruit picking.' Schoolboys and girls would not be employed away from homes except under fully approved conditions and only those over 18 would be placed under direction. Wages would be paid according to the appropriate award or ruling rates.

The Minister added that the interviewing of students who would be directed had already commenced and manpower and vocational guidance officers were discussing with head teachers arrangements for senior pupils who volunteered—tor work.