INDUSTRY CONCERNED

Chronicle (Levin), 7 February 1947, Page 7

INDUSTRY CONCERNED

—bress Assvciation

Further Recruiting of Men ForJ-Force

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON; Feb. 6. Cbncern is being' felt in the metal tfades following the ' annonncement by the ' Minister of Oefence, Hon. F. Joiies, that men are to be reeruited for service with the J Force. .Those;'in industry foresee an increased labour shortage as the result of so many young men leaving ~ the country. -It is yvith amazement that we' read in the press' of the Goveriiment's intention to again recruit for 18 months ' service with the J Force; anotheT 4000* o'f the youth of this coitntry," said the manager of the Metal Trades Employers' Association, .Wellington, Mr. L. R. James, today. "Industry," he added, "was of opinion that the constitution of the J Force was a mistake' in the first place because it so seriously affected the training of apprentices and it eonsidered a repetition of this mistake was a erime against the youth of the country. Reports from overseas intimated that the British force in Japan umQ n nw Koino1 Wp

could, therefore, . reasonably -question the necessity for the New j Zealand force. "The Deeember' survey of the National Employment Department disclosed that there were 23,500 vacancies in industry and ( only 140 semi-employable applicants for these positions. "The figures' quoted are another serious reason wliy we question the necessity for the New Zealand J Force," added Mr. James. "Taking into considertion the shortage of consumer goods in this country, due to the shortage of labour, it is high time the powers that be. acted or were compelled to act in the -interests of the people. The metal industry is admittedly short of some materials but the shortage of labour is the real feason why consumer goods are * in such short supply. With a further draw off! of apprentiees — the country 's potential tradesmen — to the J Force, consumer' goods would then be in shorter supply."