RAW MATERIALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22124, 19 November 1941, Page 4

RAW MATERIALS

Problem Of Supplies (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 18. Although many problems regarding raw material supplies have been brought before the Government, unfortunately the real seriousness of the problem for 1942 does not yet seem to be appreciated, states the annual report of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, which was presented to the annual conference. The report stated that there were cases where delays in the issuing of licences or insistence on rigid adherence to the import schedule had meant the loss of supplies as well as considerably advanced prices when the orders ultimately were placed. If New Zealand’s factories and any other industries associated with war production are to achieve their maximum output, some of the working conditions enjoyed by workers in normal times of peace may have to be sacrificed temporarily. While no sacrifice in the rates of pay is suggested, there are many cases where adjustment of overtime restrictions or of conditions governing piece work, shift work, employment of females, etc., will have to be made if we are to get the maxim ..m production. The worker will not suffer so far as his standard of living or health is concerned, but the cost of production will be kept at a reasonable level and output recorded.