REPAIRING TYPEWRITERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16624, 22 August 1917, Page 5

REPAIRING TYPEWRITERS.

FIRM APPEALS FOR EXPERT.

FOUR MONTHS' LEAVE GRANTED

A plea for the retention of an employee was made yesterday by Wm. De Renzv, of the Office Appliance Company, on behalf of Noel H. Aitkcn, typewriter repair expert (Mr. Denniston). The company held over 800 contracts for typewriter repairs in all parts of the province, said Mr. De Renzy, for which payment had been made in advance, and there was only one other expert in Auckland besides a-t>el-lant competent to do this work properly. The board expressed surprise when this statement was confirmed by counsel, but the latter reiterated that it was absolutely true. Letters written by leading Auckland typewriter supplies companies were produced, stating that expert mechanics were practically unprocurable. In addition to work for his ow n firm, said Mr. De Renzy, Aitken had frequently to assist these other companies. He had had nine years' experience in typewntr repair work. Answering Major Con lan, Mr. De Renzy maintained that office work was increasing, and it was essential that machines should be kept in proper repair. It would bo quite impossible to go back to pre-typewnter days, and if Aitken were taken there certainly would be very serious difficulty in keeping the many thousand machines in the city in working order. It would take three or four years to acquire the special knowledge necessary to deal with every class of machine.

The Chairman : It seems extraordinary that there can only be two or three expert men of this class in Auckland.'

Mr. Denniston pointed out that a considerable number had already enlisted. Aitken, on being called, made it wlain that the appeal was not a personal one. He was remaining in his position soleiv at his employer's request. The Chairman: This ma n appears to be quite an expert. We learn with considerable surprise that one man can be so very essential! Exemption will be granted until January 11 in order to allow his firm to complete their contracts, and, if possible, to replace him.