DEPLETED STAFFS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23839, 14 December 1940, Page 12

DEPLETED STAFFS

LAEGE COMPANIES EFFECT OF WAR DEMANDS PUBLIC INTEREST APPEALS How seriously staffs of large companies have been affected by war demands was illustrated before the Auckland Area Manpower Committee yesterday, when Territorial ballot appeals affecting groups of employees were heard. The appeals were based on the grounds of public interest and hardship. "Great difficulty is being experienced in procuring labour to carry on operations," said Mr. J. C. Andrews, works manager and chief chemist at R. and W. Hellaby's West-field freezing works, in supporting appeals affecting 28 works employees. The killing season was particularly late this year, with the result that killing would be very heavy during the first half of 1941. and all experienced labour would he required, he added. Contracts from the authorities for the supply of tinned meats had been accepted up to the fullest capacity for the next 12 months. Three appeals were adjourned sine die for medical reasons, one was withdrawn and one was struck out. Decisions in the remaining cases were reserved. Butchers in Retail Shops Appeals for postponement in the case of 17 butchers in the retail shops of the same firm were supported by a director of the company, Mr. J. Hellaby. Witness said that from the company's retail shops :S1 men had volunteered and had been called up for overseas service, 18 other volunteers were awaiting service. five had been called in the first 'Territorial ballot, and 19 in the second. To replace butchers at the present time was impossible. The company asked tha- a third of the balloted men be put into camp at a time. In the case of six men the appeals were dismissed on condition that the reservists were not called for service before January 7. Decision in the other cases was reset- ved.

Sugar Company Workers Postponement of the service of 14 out of 37 employees drawn in the second ballot was sought by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Limited. The company did not seek permanent exemption for any of its staff, but merely wished to have the training periods of those called up "staggered" so that the industry could carry on efficiently, it was stated. Mr. J. P. Wildman, Auckland manager, said it had been possible to replace 43 men who had enlisted and had been accepted for overseas service. Five others who had enlisted for overseas were waiting to be called up. Another five were on home defence duties, four were in Territorial camp, and 30 more were waiting to go in. Ten had been drawn in the overseas ballot. Appeals affecting nine men were dismissed conditional on the reservists not being called for service before April 1. Four cases were adjourned sine die and another was adjourned for further hearing early in January. Cannot Spare Any More "About 75 per cent of our work at the present time is on military garments." said Mr. M. B. Thorpe, secretary of P. Greer and Son, Limited, in supporting appeals affecting five employees. The company already had a number of men undergoing Territorial service, and it could not spare any more from its cutting and pressing departments. The appeals were adjourned for further hearing. "For the last 12 months we have been working up to 10 o'clock each night," said Mr. H. S. Seagar. managing director of Seagar Brothers. Limited, in appealing for postponement of the service of an iron moulder and a boiler maker. The firm was engaged on air base, shipping and radio development work for the Government, he said. The appeals were adjourned sine dio. Sheet-Metal Workers "Sheet-metal working is of the greatest importance to the country at present owing to the need for increased dairy production," said Alexander Harvey and Sons, Limited, in a statement supporting appeals for the postponement of service of seven sheetmetal workers and a costing clerk. The men were also engaged on defence equipment, and there was a prospect of the company being called upon to manufacture munitions, it was added. The appeals were supported bv Mr. L. Neal, secretary of the Sheet-Metal Workers' Union, who said the union had agreed to an extension of hours. The men were working 63 hours a week. All the appeals were adjourned sine die.