SEASONAL INDUSTRIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIV, Issue 22701, 30 September 1943, Page 4

SEASONAL INDUSTRIES

Survey Of Labour Needs JOIRECTION OF STUDENTS (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. The Minister of Industrial Manpower (the Hon. A. McLagan, M.L.C.) stated to-night that arrangements very similar to those made last year were being made for the employment of students and senior school pupils during the Christmas holidays. This year, he said, the need for labour on the land would be greater, as our own and Allied fighting forces had to be fed while supplies to the people of Great Britain had to be maintained. At the present time, Mr McLagan said, the needs of seasonal industries for labour were being surveyed with a view to allocating jobs on the most suitable basis having regard to the relative priorities and need to reserve more mature persons for work beind the capacity of younger persons. Male university students would be required in freezing works and dairy factories, and female students in considerable numbers for canning factories and the vegetable growing schemes. When these were fully staffed the remainder of the students would be directed to other seasonal jobs according to the priority of the jobs. It was anticipated that the university colleges would not re-open until April so that students would have an opportunity to visit their homes and be available for the peak rush in February and March. The Minister requested farmers to notify their requirements within the next few weeks as the manpower officers must know by the end of October how many were required. It was possible that some could be made available for an extra period if required. Bovs could assist in market gardens and other forms of work, and a number of senior girls would also be required for the vegetable growing schemes and fruit picking. Schoolboys and girts would not be employed away from their homes except under fully approved conditions, and only those aged 18 and more would be placed under direction. Wages would be paid according to the appropriate award or ruling rates. The Minister added that the interviewing of students who could be directed had already commenced, and the manpower and vocational guidance officers were discussing with head teachers the arrangements for senior pupils who volunteered for work.