SUBSIDIZING OF ADULT LABOUR

Southland Times, Issue 23817, 15 May 1939, Page 8

SUBSIDIZING OF ADULT LABOUR

Aid For Secondary Industry SUGGESTIONS APPROVED BY MANUFACTURERS (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, May 14. The New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation has given its approval to suggestions made by the Government for the subsidizing of adult labour apprenticed to the various trades in secondary industry. An announcement to this effect was made by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) yesterday. Mr Webb added that the New Zealand Federation of Labour would call a conference this week of unions that would be affected by the scheme, and this conference would be followed by a further conference of representatives of the employers and unions which would be convened by the Minister. The purpose of this final conference would be to discuss details of the plan for the subsidizing of wages and for conducting the scheme on a basis that would be satisfactory to both sides. Mr Webb said he was confident that satisfactory arrangements could be made. An alternative to the training of more artisans in New Zealand was the importation of labour from overseas. “On evidence that has been placed before me, it is clear that sufficient young labour is not available to expand production,” Mr Webb said. “From every angle it seems imperative that more men must be brought in from those classes of work that are generally described as being unproductive and trained in industries. It must be evident that unless there is a big increase in the production of those goods that are necessary to the community, then the alternative will be to import goods that should be produced here. Already a large number of overseas firms which have previously exported goods to New Zealand have decided to establish factories and workshops in New Zealand with the object of retaining their market. These factories will require labour, and although it is unavoidable that key workers will be sent to New Zealand with plant and machinery needed for these new factories, the training of our own adult labour is an absolute necessity.”