LABOUR SHORTAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 10 April 1945, Page 4

LABOUR SHORTAGE

PROBLEM FACED IN AUCKLAND CALL ON ALL BUSINESS FIRMS Auckland, Apl. 9. As part of tfi'o solieme under -which various business establishments hr Auckland are iieinj; called upon for men to fill vacancies In seasonal industries during the next two months,, the district manpower officer. Mr. <V (j K. Kills, met. representatives of warehouses, stock and station agencies, breweries and other firms today. He gave an explanation of the scheme and emphasized the urgency of staffing, the freezing and fertilizer works in the Auckland district. Mr. Ellis said the freezing and fertiliser industries would shortly la* with a shortage of labour which, though acute, would be of only short duration. In the former industry the late season' had delayed l>eef killing and this, combined with the impending release of «• number of single men who hud been ?**- tained in the works as the result of army; aervic* appeals, would aggravate the position till about the end of May. “About KM) men are required in the freezing works at present and we have <o budget for the release of o'her youns men who are expected to go to the army »t an early date.” said Mr. Ellis, "Hem* 1 50,1NK) tons of fertiliser is manufacture! in the Auckland works and awaits dispatch. It is urgently required by the farmers and. when it is realised that theyare operating on a greatly reduced ration, the urgency needs no emphasis. Special! transport, arrangements have been made! for the transport of fertilizer in a 50mile radius.” The business representatives *t «h» meeting were advised that they w firm peing asked for 6 per rent, of their ma'.aj operatives in general for a two-monthly period. week the public service was similarly approached and out of a total malej of 1190 in 16 departments dealt] over 30 men have already been directed to start seasonal werk early th<s week. A further group, bringing the toltal to 70. will be directed to the fertilizer works by the end of the week. “The resiMjnse bus l>een gratifying and «s it is part of the programme to returaj to New Zealand Middle East aoldierx, who have had long service, it is expected that the directed men will carry oat: their unaccustomed duties cheerfully,” said Mr. Ellis. An approach to the hanks and insurant offices will be made by jhe manpower officer in the next few days, and an ap pea| to assist in meeting the labour shortage is also being made to men on miiltary or other service leave. After the next two months it is expected that the falling off of seasonal work in other districts will allow the return to the' aormal labour procurement methods.