GRADE I MEN IN INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 235, 1 July 1944, Page 8

GRADE I MEN IN INDUSTRY

N.Z.R.S.A. Discussion A defence committee motion, based on an Invercargill remit, .‘‘that ‘grade I men be now released for military service overseas and that they be replaced by discharged ex-servicemen,” provoked keen discussion at the U.S.A. Dominion conference in Wellington. , Mr. C. O. Bell (Wellington) opposed the motion in the form submitted. It was absolutely impossible, he said, to release every grade I man or to replace them all bv discharged servicemen, lie did wish to see every grade-'I man released for service at some time during the war. Mr. K. C. Aekins (Auckland) said that despite strong representations, surveys and promises, there were still, thousands of grade I men in essential industries. All should reappear before the appeal boards. It was useless to plead that some were married with young families, but thev knew there was a war on when they undertook these responsibilities. Mr. D. Forsytn (Dunedin), moving the addition of the words .‘‘and that employers be given a limited period to train returned men to replace them,” said the position had continued for four years. Till they took a firm stand they would get the same answer. The Government boasted of training tradesmen in one year under its schemes; that some these would soon become foremen and specialists. . Replying. Air. Bell, said he knew the position was not right, but grade single men were now being placed on leave without pay io assist primary pn>duetioii. The conference itself was setting up a select committee to investigate falling production. One of the first questions that. committee would have to consider would probably be additional labour. After a small snb-cominit'te had met to reconcile the. conflicting views-the conference carried this motion with- applause: “That this conference is very dissatisfied and concerned with tlie present manpower position regarding service. It finds that despite repeated promises ot the combing-out of grade I category A men. there are still sufficient men in Hus class for an army division. 'Hie U.S.A, lias always stood for equality of sacrifice as far as possible, but it considers that in the present manpower, situation that, is not oven attempted. 'The Kb.A. considers every endeavour should be made that all category A men should be made to take their place in the services Definite time limits should be giien to the men in this category and to employers, including Government departments, Stating when lhe man will be called and the time tlie employer will have to replace him. Both will llms know their position. Tin- Dominion council realizes theinereasinir production, housing aud essential industries position, but nevertheless it urges Hie Government, to so enforce or amend Hm manpower and services regulations to ensure Hull everv category A man serves overseas and efiualit.v ol sacrifice is achieved.” ,