ALLEGATIONS MADE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 21 July 1944, Page 2

ALLEGATIONS MADE

UNQUALIFIED FOR JOBS RETURNED MEN FROM PACIFIC Wellington, This Day. “I met a man back from the Pacific yesterday who is roaming the countryside at the request of the manpower officer looking for a job.” said the chairman of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board. Mr J. W. Andrews, when the board at its meeting yesterday was discussing manpower problems as it was effecting one of its contractors as well as its own staff. “I am perfectly satisfied this information is correct. I am afraid, also, that there are men in the Pacific who are putting their names down on the lists circulated by the military authorities for jobs for which they are totally unfitted.” The board's engineer and general manager, Mr E. F. Hollands, reminded members of the fact that two of the board’s clerks had been directed to the building industry. “And yesterday.” nc added. “I found that our storekeeper, a man whose services we badly need is back from the Pacific and directed to railway construction work.” Mr Andrews: The country thinks it is getting a lift-up in the particular industries specified and the industries are not. These men are often totally without any qualifications for the jobs they nominate. Mr H. S. Dlidding; The building trade is now getting overloaded. Carpenters have been brought to this district from all over the Dominion, and there is no timber for them to work on. Contractors are unable to finish jobs already begun, and are being pressed to lay down more foundations. The supply of money is running out because they ca i get no money till they complete the jobs. There is going to be a terrible crash soon. Mr P. Dowse: The name of the man mentioned by Mr Andrews should be made public and the case brought into the open so that it can be investigated. Other members stated that they had knowledge of other men going round looking for jobs.

The board decided to support the application of its sub-contractor for men to make the goods required.