URGENT WORK IN AUCKLAND

Southland Times, Issue 25643, 10 April 1945, Page 6

URGENT WORK IN AUCKLAND

Seasonal Industries CALL ON BUSINESS STAFFS (PA.) AUCKLAND, April 9. As part of the scheme under which various business establishments in Auckland are being called upon for men to fill vacancies in seasonal industries during the next two months, the district manpower officer, Mr C. G. S. Ellis, met representatives of warehouses, stock and station agencies, breweries and other firms today. He gave an explanation of the scheme and emphasized the urgency of staffing freezing and fertilizer works in the Auckland district.

Mr Ellis said the freezing and fertilizer industries would shortly be faced with a shortage of labour which, although acute, would be of only short duration. In the former industry the late season had delayed the beef kill, and this, combined with the impending release of a number of single men who had been retained in the works as a result of army service appeals, would aggravate the position until about the end of May. “About 100 men are required in freezing works at present, and we have to budget for the release of other young men who are expected to go to the army ’at an early date,” said Mr Ellis. “Some 50,000 tons of fertilizer is manufactured in the Auckland works and awaits dispatch. It is urgently required by farmers, and when it is realized that they are operating on a greatly reduced ration the urgency needs no emphasis. Special transport arrangements have been made for the transport of fertilizer in .a 50-mile radius.” SIX PER CENT. OF STAFF The business representatives at the meeting were advised that they were being asked for 6 per cent, of their male operatives in general for a twomonthly period. Last week the Public Service was similarly approached, and out of a total male staff' of 1190 in 16 departments dealt with over 30 men have already been directed to start seasonal work early this week. A further group, bringing the total to 70, will be directed to fertilizer works by the end of the week.

“The response has been gratifying, and as it is part of the programme to return to New Zealand Middle East soldiers who have had long service it is expected that the directed men will carry out their unaccustomed duties cheerfully,” said Mr Ellis. An approach to banks and insurance offices will be made by the manpower officer in the next few days, and an appeal to assist in meeting the labour shortage is also being made to men on military or other service leave. After the next twe months it is expected that the falling off of seasonal work in other districts will allow a return to normal labour procurement methods.