CONTRADICTIONS

Putaruru Press, Volume XV, Issue 760, 20 January 1938, Page 4

CONTRADICTIONS

Speaking at Runanga, the Minister -Of Mines is reported as saying that 10,000 more tradesmen could be absorbed in the Government’s housing scheme and another 20,000 in allied trades if the men were available. I,ack of skilled tradesmen was a big factor, Mr. Webb said, in holding up the building of State houses. As Mr. Webb” was acting-Minister of Labour in the absence of Mr. Armstrong, he has a first-hand knowledge of the subject. His statements call for a further explanation. If, as he declares, there is no lack of work in the country—men are needed to do it, that is all—why is the Government still hesitating to formulate an immigration policy? Before the Prime Minister went to London for the Imperial Conference he stated publicly that population was the best defence, that the best title to occupation of a country was the full use and development of its resources. One would expect such a statement to be accompanied by plans for a greater population; but no such plans have been announced. Why ? The Government’s excuse has been that the unemployed in New Zealand must first he absorbed. Recently Mr. Armstrong, Minister of Labour, declared that the back of the unemployment problem had been broken and that the men still unplaced and in receipt of sustenance were those who from age, incapacity, or lack of training could not find permanent employment. Now we have Mr. Webb’s statement that 30,000 skilled tradesmen could be absorbed. Surely this discloses an [anomalous position. Skilled labour is [needed, but there is no immigration [policy; a £5,000,000 Employment [Promotion Fund and a £17,000,000 [Public Works programme are maintained to provide work, though the [back of the unemployment problem [is broken and 30,000 more skilled [men could be used. A clear explanation of these contradictory facts [would be welcome. In part it may be [that the continuance at the same time [of unemployment and a shortage of

skilled labour is accounted for by lack of training. Then why not accelarate the training ? A while ago a scheme was produced and appeared to meet with approval for placing men in jobs where they would be trained, with the Government supplementing their pay during the training period. At Runanga, Mr. Webb said he had attempted to find employment for 5000 young men between the ages of 18 and 25 and to have them trained as tradesmen. Did he succeed in this attempt, and what is the present position of the training scheme ? Is it held up at any point, or has it absorbed all the men suitable for skilled occupation ? Again, what is the. position of public works? All the works in hand are not urgent, and some of them are of doubtful value. The excuse for continuing the latter is that they provide employment; but if employment can be provided by other means and there is actually a demand for skilled labour, why carry on the full £17,000,000 programme ? It appears tov us that the Government is attempting to carry out conflicting policies and to support contradictory claims.. The big spending is going on, the heavy taxation remains, costs are rising, yet all the money (including the wages tax) is needed. And 30,000 skilled tradesmen could be absorbed.—Evening Post.