MAN-POWER ISSUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 4

MAN-POWER ISSUE

INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS „ VIEWS OF MANUFACTURERS ■■' ' • ■■ ■ > \ * Deeply concerned with the seriousness of the man-power position in both ' manufacturing and primary industries, the council of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation decided at a meeting in ‘ Wellington this week to make representations to the Government with a view to easing the situation with which many industries - are faced in endeavouring to meet war and essential civilian requirements. Various aspects of the question were /- discussed by the council, the, attention of which had been drawn to the re-' cently published statement by the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, Lieutenant-general E. Puttick, giving the. view that home, defence could now very nearly be' disregarded in its more dangerous- aspects. Lieutenant-general Puttick had pointed to the improved war situation and, assuming a continued improvement, had indicated that it was hoped eventually to disregard home defence orj/de more. In representing the feeling of the council, the president, Mr C. V., Smith, ,of Dunedin, said the constant combing out of men from industry had reduced the number exempted to such an extent that the large (majority of grade 1 men left in industry to-day could, not be replaced by the release of grade 2 and -3 men from, the army. “Of the grade T men retained in industry, many ~ were exempted because they were indispensable. The position would be further, complicated, said Mr Smith, if the, Government carried out its intention to put into camp for one month’s training a year--those reservists-;who; were-not liable for overseas service. It was felt that the month’s training was of no , practical, use, particularly for; those J without any previous military experience and for those in sedentary, or less Active, occupations. The net upshot of the decision; therefore, would be to incur considerable, expense ..and dislocation * of industry.. without any worthwhile.result's. .... Another aspect' discussed by the Council was the increasing enlistment: of , girls in the women’s services. It might, have been assumed that; with the’ reducing of establishments, there would also be a reduction in the number of women required, but the evidence before the federation showed that the op-

posite was the case. Furthermore, the generous privileges granted women-in the forces were, causing dissatisfaction among girls whose work in essential, industries was just as great a - war effort. ' , Th'e federation felt that New Zealand was over-committed in its obligations for military service and necessary supplies. Now that the chief danger to this country had passed, supply,, including essential civilian supply, would appear to be the predominant featsrt of New Zealand’s war effort.