SHORTAGE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 214, 29 May 1918, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

BYIDENCE BBFOE-E SEEVICE BOAED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, May 28. An appeal by the Christchurch city electrical engineer (Jfr. E. E. Stark) on behalf of the assistant city electrical engineer, Joseph Lythgoe, was btfrao tho Canterbury Military Service Board today. A statement handed in by Mr. Stark. showed that the minimum number of men required for operations, omitting all construction work, was 85, awl the total number employed, including those on construction work, was 133. Of these, 15 were unfit and over age, and 19 were returned soldiers. The number called or to be called in ballots was 57, besides one whose appeal had been adjourned sine die, and the number of appeals and proposed appeals was 11. Thero were 13 men on active service* Of tho 5S reservists subject to the ballot, 41 were classed as non-essential and 17 as essential. ■ Mr. Stark stated that three of the principal officers of his department had gone to the front. Lythgoe was the man qualified for all those positions, and was also assistant to witness. Evidence as to the great shortage of experienced electrical engineers was also given by witness. The only way in which lie could fill Lythgoe's place was by "stealing" a man from another centre.

Mr. Bishop (cliairmm of the board) By "stealing" you mean, of course, bribing a man wjjth a higher wage? Witness: Yes, that is what I mean.

Tho chairman said: "We thinn Mr. Stark has made out a very good case. Wo do not want to interfere with this industry. Of course, we do not know what the future may brini* forth. W" way have to give up electricity for something else. Tile appeal will be adjourned sine die."