MEN ON PUBLIC WORKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23945, 21 October 1939, Page 10

MEN ON PUBLIC WORKS

SEASONAL OCCUPATIONS ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEAVE APPEAL BY THE MINISTER United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 20. The Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) to-day announced .the conditions under which men employed by the Public Works Department may obtain leave of absence To follow seasonal occupations during the forthcoming season. The instructions have been circulated. Mr Semple says it is imperative in these times that farmers and other primary producers, including those associated with them in preparing products for local consumption or shipment to Great Britain, should not be embarrassed through a shortage of efficient labour, and he has, therefore, directed that the schedule of occupations for which leave may be granted shall be more comprehensive than formerly, and it now includes practically every class of seasonal work. “ I am confident,” the Minister said, “that all workmen realise the importance of co-operating to the fullest possible extent and that the maintaining and increasing of primary production are necessary not only in the interests of this Dominion, but also in the'interests of the people of the Mother Country, which is at present engaged in a Titanic struggle for liberty against the most ruthless and cruel despotism the world has ever known. I appeal to them to assist in increasing production to the maximum. It should obviously be apparent to all workmen to whom I appeal that increased production is the first essential, and the public works staff can give magnificent service in this most necessary and essential class of work.”