STATE PLACEMENT SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 5 October 1936, Page 3

STATE PLACEMENT SERVICE

EXTENDED TO ALE OCCUPATIONS (Special to “Tin* Mail ) WELLINGTON, 3rd October. The Labour Department’s State Placement Service has long since emerged from the experimental stage, and each week’s total of placements assists to consolidate its claim to be a very potent factor in the Government’s efforts to provide employment for all physically eligible men. The tendency of all classes of employers to make use of the Service’s organisation in order to augment their staffs has assisted greatly towards realisation of the ideal of the originators —namely that eventually it would form the groundwork upon which a State Labour Exchange would be developed. During the early weeks of its existence the placements were made in well-defined areas of trade and industry. Many employers appeared to realise the possibilities of the service, and tested its claim that only certified men were recommended for work. This claim has been almost completely sustained, despite the fact that, in recommending for employment 8,196 men taken from the relief ranks, there cannot but be a margin of error in estimating human failings, apart from eligibility for particular jobs.

PLACEMENT ROLL TO TOWN CLERK The expansion of the Service’s influence is indicated by the increasing reliance placed on local bodies, University authorities, and sports and other organisations, upon its administrative officers in the selection of employees. A typical instance is that in which a Mayor appealed to a Placement Officer for assistance in finding a suitable man to act as chief executive officer for the Borough. An interview with several men from the local State Placement Service roll was arranged, and one of these was appointed by the Borough Council.

FOR A UNIVERSITY Certain university authorities recently were experiencing difficulty in obtaining the services of a very responsible officer and finally submitted the problem to the local State Placement Service Office. The right kind of man was found to have enrolled and was appointed. A letter expressing cordial thanks for the assistance given, and appreciation of the efficiency of the Service was received from the university. The appointment of a Traffic Officer presented a problem to a certain Borough Council because it was the first time that such a position had become necessary. It was recognised that the officer must possess physical fitness, tact, a thorough knowledge of the rules of the road, and infinite patience. A man with all these attributes was selected from the State Placement Service roll, and thus the efficiency of the organisation was again demonstrated. Racing clubs, golf clubs, sports associations, and swimming clubs have placed in the hands of State Placement Service Officers some of their staff problems, and the vigilance of the Service’s staffs in every district has been quickened by the determination to maintain this public confidence.