LABOUR SUPPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 14

LABOUR SUPPLY

APPRENTICES NEEDED BOOT TRADE HANDICAPPED HAMPERING RESTRICTIONS One effect of the reduction of operatives in the hoot manufacturing trade is that proprietors in,many instances are said to be finding it practically impossible to engage new apprentices because such lads would bo in excess of the proportion allowed to journeymen. Manufacturing methods have changed greatly, and aro changing still, and the view is taken that development of the industry is dependent on the training of an adequate number of apprentices to meet the new conditions. "Because of the restrictions placed upon us by law in the employment of labour wo aro fast hastening to the utter extinction of the boot trade," said the proprietor of one large firm. "At present the trade, liko all our secondary industries, is in a Vnost parlous state, not so much through importations but through the unnecessary and irksome regulations under which wo are compelled to conduct our business. Pessimistic Outlook "In a few years skilled boot operatives will he so scarce that they will be fit exhibits for a museum. What we want are lads, strong, clean and active, similar indeed to a type I have just, through the regulations, been compelled to dismiss, who can be taught by ourselves the trade as it now is. "If there were a spurt in the industry there would bo a scarcity of suitable labour," the manufacturer added. "About eight months ago when the trade was fairly busy there was not a really highly skilled r man unemployed. I will admit there were a few unfortunate men unemployed who had little or no experience in the use of highly intricate machines now customary in the trade. "Constant Pin-pricks" "What is required, and without this the trade will peter out, is New Zealand lads who can, with a sound education, particularly technical training, and with the aid of overseas experts, if necessary, be taught what is now a highly technical and skilled industry." The manufacturer concluded with the remark that it would be a pity if a business such as the one with which he was associated, which had been built up always with the employees' interests in. view, and upon which some 450 to 500 people were dependent, should by constant pin-pricks and unnecessary interference bo brought to naught.