GREAT SCARCITY OF GIRLS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12857, 29 January 1913, Page 4

GREAT SCARCITY OF GIRLS.

INDUSTRY SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.

CHANCES FOEi GOOD WAGES AJNTD

CONGENIAL WORK

Some years ago the cry "was raised "What shall we do with our gir^s?" but the trouble nowadays is 'wherej to get girls, particularly for employment in factories. There has been a great scarcity for some considerable time, and in many parts of New 'Zealand the dimculties experienced in securing the services of capable and intelligent girls have been so acute that industry has been largely crippled. Unfortunately, Wiangaraui is not exempt in.this direction, and in several instances girls are very badly wanted. For instance, the Southern Cross Biscuit Factory has an extensive connection throughout the country intervening between Wanganui, Wellington,- Taumarunui, and Auckland, and although orders pour into the office for Wanganui manufactures, it is aosolutely impossible to supply the demand, owing to the great j scarcity of girls wanted for packing, etc. A good many machines are standing in idleness because of the scarcity of, V.lbio desired labour1. Good wages are offered, the hours are everything that could be wished for, and the work is most congenial, so that there is absolutely no reason why girls should not be falling over one another to fill vacancies which occur from time to time.

There was a full staff until. Christmas, when several girls left, owing to change of residence, iand others because they were taking on "sweets" of theijr own selection; consequently there are now vacancies requiring to be filled. •

It seems a great pity that our big and important industries should be hampered in their output when so many desirable girls are resident in the community, and it is hoped that now attention has been drawn to the openings available, the manager will be in a position to fulfil orders which at present have really to be turned out.

We are credibly informed that other industries are also seriously affected by the scarcity of girls and boys coming forward, and it would seem that the only solution to the difficulty is a vigorous immigration scheme.