UNPRODUCTIVE WORK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27291, 18 January 1950, Page 6

UNPRODUCTIVE WORK

Large Staffs In Rationing Offices MINISTER TO SEEK REPORT PA ' AUCKLAND, Jan. 17. The extent to which the Post and Telegraph Department’s staff difficulties would be relieved if employees in rationing offices were available for other departmental work ■ is to be brought officially to the notice of the Prime Minister, Mr Holland.

• This was announced in Auckland today by the Postmaster-general, Mr Broadfoot. The Minister said he was amazed to find that 29 people were employed in the Auckland ratioping office. There were probably 300 in all the Dominion’s rationing offices. “In considering tjie removal of rationing, we have to take into account the number of people engaged in this task, which Is really an unproductive occupation,” the , Minister added. * “When I get back to Wellington, I Will call for a report showing how many people altogether are engaged in rationing work, and I will put it to the Prime Minister that this is one of the contributing factors in our department’s staff shortage. We are short of 1200 men and women. This is a matter that should be weighed ih the balance.” - Mr Broadfoot spent today visiting departmental offices, stores and other installations in and about the city. He said that, in general, there was much less congestion in Auckland than in Wellington, where it had become appalling. He had had some films taken illustrating the Wellington congestion and he hoped to use them in support of addresses which he planned to give .to sections of the business community, 'With suggestions how business men could help to lighten the department’s burden.