GROWING STRAIN ON INDUSTRY

Southland Times, Issue 24757, 30 May 1942, Page 3

GROWING STRAIN ON INDUSTRY

LABOUR SHORTAGE The fact that appeals have been received from or on behalf of 60 per cent, of the men in the Southland area called up in the fifteenth ballot is an indication of the growing strain that the need of the armed forces for men is imposing on the labour supply available for industry. This fact was referred to by Mr E. H. Murney, chairman of the Southland Man-Power Committee, a recent meeting of the committee hl Invercargill. He said that the committee was disturbed by the possibility that the shortage of labour might result in a decrease in the production of essential foodstuffs. It is not, however, the farming industry alone that is facing a difficult position. Other industries, which are equally important to the war effort, are affected by the shortage of labour. One of these is the timber industry, which is in a more difficult position than some other industries because it cannot employ women in place of men and because much of the work requires strong and comparatively young men, just the type that is also required by the Army. DEMAND FOR TIMBER Timber requirements for Army purposes are now greater than the supply, and output is falling because of the number of skilled workers serving with the armed forces. Recently there has been a very large demand for timber from Southland sawmills. Southland silver beech timber is required for the construction of lorries, ambulances, stretchers, bomb cases and food containers. Pinus is required for cases and rimu for general purposes. So many men have left the industry for service overseas that it is considered imperative that the men now in the industry should remain there to help the war effort. In fact, more men are needed for the efficient staffing of the mills. Because of this, an urgent request has been made tp all employers to lodge appeals for their men to the Man-Power Committee and leave it with the committee to decide if the men should stop on the job or go into the armed forces. It is recognized' that no employer wishes to appeal on the grounds of personal interest, and many do not wish to appeal in the national interest. Moreover, men do not wish to be appealed for, but the exigency of the position leaves them no option but to place the position before the Man-Power Committee. Even if a man is appealed for he has the right to state his case to the committee. It is hoped, however, that both employers and employees will assist the war effort by following the course indicated.