ESSENTIAL WORKERS’ CAMPS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 75, 20 January 1947, Page 5

ESSENTIAL WORKERS’ CAMPS

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES’ EFFORTS

OVERCOMING SHORTAGE OF ACCOMMODATION

Materially relieving the shortage of accommodation in Wellington, the National Employment Service is responsible for . housing and feeding more than 800 workers in the Wellington district. As they are able to live economically in these camps, men are induced to come to Wellington and work in essential industries and relieve the labour shortage. The camps have been either taken over by the department from the army or the manpower authorities. As many as 50 per cent, are returned soldiers. Delivered from the “bed and breakfast” racketeers, for 32s 6d the men- are amply fed and accommodated in two-man huts. A bed, mattress, and pillow are supplied and blankets and mess-gear are made available at reduced rates. From their employers the workers receive a board and meal ticket and deductions are made from their pay. Army-Style Life At the camp in the Winter Show buildings, the workers live as if in the army, with all of its good points and none of its bad. As in the army, they line up with mess-gear in hand and are given a well-cooked and substantial meal. A substantial breakfast and dinner are given and to most a cut lunch is supplied as few return at midday. The department employs only a supervisor, an ex-army officer, and two cleaners, and the feeding of the camp is let contract to an exarmy cook of five years’ standing. The caterer employs a chef and as an indication of his well meaning, the Christmas dinner he turned on, with all its embellishments cost £SO.

The camp stands very much as the army left it and washing facilities, ablution blocks and shower-rooms have an abundance of hot water.

Still bearing the red triangle of the Y.M.C.A., the men’s large recreation room houses a canteen, ping-pong tables and at one end a boxing ring. Here, gymnastic activities take place three of four nights a week and some excellent boxing tournaments have been held.