IS THERE A LABOUR FAMINE?

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 969, 9 November 1910, Page 8

IS THERE A LABOUR FAMINE?

« A CURIOUS LETTER. At last evening's meeting of the Wellington Provincial Industrial Association a letter issued by the New Zealand Immigration Bureau over the signature of Ronald S. Badger, bearing on the labour question, was read. The Auckland Association wished to know the Wellington Association's opinion of the matter contained in the -letter, which read as follows:— ; "September 26, 1910. , 'Dear Sir,—Despito the numerous complaints made by manufacturers, farmers, and others as to the dearth of workers in various the Government has thus far done practically nothing to' remedy a state of things which is causing a very serious annual loss to the whole Dominion', though it is very apparent the only way to deal with the problem is by judicious immigration. We have been making inquiries at Home, and are advised that the present is an opportune time to attract suitable workers, es-pecially-as a flight from free trade is setting k strongly towards the overI seas dominions. Our correspondents, I however, emphasise that though tho fares to New Zealand are so much higher than those to Canada, U.S.A., or Australia, we should still.be able to secure tho best class of workers for the various trades that are starving, if wo can guarantee them continual work for, I say, at least one year after arrival. We' [are therefore inviting particulars from tho various manufacturers, as' to tho number of skilled hands they could find Eermanent work for,- and we purpose aving this information put up in book form for distributing through the right i channels at Homo. In order to cover the necossary expenses a charge of 21s. will be made for each' operative secured. You incur no other liability whatever, : but it will be, understood that yon can find work for the number of hands stated, and will give us three months' notice of any reduction in the number of workers so required. Will you please answer the accompanying questions as fully .as possible, and let us have them by an early mail. It will be sufficient to simply quote the number when answering.—(Signed) Ronald S. Badger." The questions are as follow:— (1) How many more workers (if any) can yon find' permanent employment for? (2) Will you guarantee a minimum of one year's work (or other period) to the above or any numbers of workers if wo securo them for you on the above terms? . (3) What are the union hours and rate of wages in this trade? Please mention wages for (a) journeymen, (b) apprentices. (4) What qualifications, certificates, or experience would be necessary to the equipment of competent workers, such I as you want in this trade or business? (5) How long have you been shorthanded in this department or factory? (6) Do you consider that tho trade outlook warrants tho -belief that tho labour famine, which has been so acute i of recent years, is likely to become worse unless relieved by faster immigration? The chairman stated that it was news to him that there was or had been a famine. A member (ironically): What about the iron trade? It was finally decided to furnish Mr. Badger with a list of members, so that he will be able to approach them individually.