AID TO INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23215, 8 December 1938, Page 17

AID TO INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURERS' HOPES SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT PROBLEM OF LABOUR SUPPLY The new policy of the Government is regarded by the Auckland Manufacturers' Association as the expression of the intention that the secondary industries will be fostered in a practical and scientific manner, according to a statement yesterday by the president of the association, Mr. H. "VV. Shove. It was essential, he said, that if a forward move was to be made by industrialists, either this system of regulation or some similar one should be regarded as a permanent feature of the Dominion's economy.

"If this protection is permanent manufacturers are prepared to spend more money upon plant and machinery and thus open up more avenues of employment," Mr. Shove stated. " Both Government departments and organised groups of manufacturers have for some time been working upon the problem of extending production." Speaking generally, there .was still a considerable amount of plant and machinery not used to capacity, he added. If greater use were made of the shift system of working, these valuable units could, be much more economically utilised. v "If it is once settled that industry is to be given its rightful place, the problem of labour supply can be handled in a different manner," Mr. Shove continued. "Men will be encouraged to go from public works camps to factories, and special training methods should be adopted to help workers to acquire the necessary skill for factory work. The assistance of the trade union leaders to secure uninterrupted work and freedom from petty and non-essential regulations will also be of the greatest value." 1 Mr. Shove added that the Manufacturers' Association intended to hold a special meeting of the association on Monday to cqnsider the position.