SEEKING RELIEF

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22202, 23 November 1943, Page 4

SEEKING RELIEF

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES CHRISTMAS RUSH FOR SHOPS Christmas is less than five weeks ahead. Already through the adornment of a number of shops with the appropriate festoons and like decorations the fact that the Yuletide season, the time of giving, is fast approaching has been brought patently to the public and there are not a few people who have begun their Christmas shopping. This season as perhaps never before there appears a likelihood of a shortage of certain popular lines which always proved the greatest standby for those selecting presents, and the tendency is for the average person to shop early, realising that there will be a prospect of being left out if the mission is long deferred. Nevertheless there is every prospect that there will be the customary period of bustle and distraction for many shopkeepers and assistants in the week preceding Christmas Day, wkich falls this year on a Saturday. ® It is with this prospect in sight that managers of firms which have carried on as well as possible under the burden of depleted staffs turn to the possibility of obtaining additional staffing for the rush period. The recent announcement by the National Service Department that the engagement of additional temporary staff for shops will be permitted for the Christmas holiday period offers encouragement to many firms, who thus see an avenue of relief. Those desirous of taking advantage of the offer must, on securing the required assistant, apply to the district manpower officer for permission to employ the worker. Satisfactory Arrangements

Hamilton shopkeepers generally appear to be satisfied with the proposals, which, it is stated, are the same as were in operation last Christmas. The period during which the arrangements apply actually began on November 15 and concludes at the end of January. It is considered likely that the majority of the temporary employees will come from the ranks of schoolgirls under 18 who will be returning to school or commencing at training college or university next year. Married women are eligible but it is considered that those without children would in all probability be employed elsewhere, while those with children would not readily come forward owing to family ties over the holiday period. There would not be many women with small children who would be prepared to leave them to their own devices during the school vacation.

The impression gained is that retailers will take full advantage of the offer to augment their staffs to tide them over the period, with relief most likely to come from schoolgirls, who in the past have generally provided efficient and competent service. There is satisfaction concerning the prospects of helpful co-operation with the district manpower officer.