IMPORTED TRADESMEN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20783, 18 April 1939, Page 9

IMPORTED TRADESMEN

To the Editor) Sir,—That the policy of importing tradesmen from Australia to assist in the Government housing programme is unpopular with the rank and file of trades unionists there is reason to believe, for they foresee that when that programme is ended slump conditions will obtain in the trades and that their plight will be worse than it was in what arc known as tlie "depression years.” -some of the nten complain that steps were not taken to obtain tradesmen in the Dominion, for tliev aver that there were ample skilled men engaged in other vocations who could ha\Q, been induced to return tu their trades, and this would have been a much more satisfactory solution to a temporary difficulty than importing

men from overseas, some of whom are described as "not of the best type.” Another point of complaint is that the federation’s advice was not sought before a decision was reached, but the Ministers accepted that of a large firm of contractors which lias secured many Government jobs. Altogether I am in a position to say that the policy adopted !iv the Government lias aroused much resentment amongst members of Hie trades concerned, for they feel thev have not been accorded a fair deal.— I am, etc.. -POKE-HAVE. Hamilton, April 16.