MANPOWER PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 239, 6 July 1944, Page 4

MANPOWER PROBLEM

Influence On Production FACTORIES INSPECTED BY OPPOSITION M.P.’S

Manpower problems affecting production potentialities engaged the attention of the group of Opposition members of Parliament who yesterday fully inspected three factories in AVellington. As, in the main, representatives of rural constituencies, the members were in quest of information about conditions of trade, methods of operation, prospects in the post-war period and employment conditions in general, and they again expressed their satisfaction with the progress being made in manufacturing and in providing employment. At the National Carbon Co.’s factory, the group took two hours to inspect the processes in the manufacture of dry cell batteries, this factory supplying almost wholly the New Zealand mrtrket and service demands. The shortage of batteries in the Dominion was investigated and the position was understood by the members when it was explained that some batteries for service communications take up to 50 cells. Evidence of a steady stepping up of production of all types of batteries was presented, despite a shortage of manpower in one department and factoryspace difficulties, and information was given that the company proposed erecting a factory which would adequately meet New Zealand’s peace-time requirements. Staff amenities interested the party, who,, also at the other two places visited, made a point of inquiring about staff welfare provisions. The company was congratulated by the visitors on its war effort and congratulations were extended to the employees on their work. To the shortage of manpower was attributed the shortage of fully-fashioned hose when the Parliamentarians visited the mill of Prestige, Ltd., in the afternoon. Shifts are being worked at the. mill to meet the demand, and the com- 1 puny proposes to extend its premises as soon as the necessary permit is given, so as to provide employment for a considerably enlarged staff in the rehabilitation period. The plans of the company were commended by the visitors. 'l'he problem of manpower was also explained to the party at the match works of Bryant and May. Bell and Co., Ltd., when inquiries were made, as to the cause of past shortages of matches in the Dominion. From the outbreak of war the works began to lose their trained, young men and the demand for female labour is still not fully met. The party .expressed praise to tlie company for having, when it built the works in 1924, established amenities for the workers, giving a lead to other employers. A CORRECTION In a supplied statement published yesterday. reporting a visit to. Hutt Valley industries by a group of National memliers of Parliament, it was stated that Mr. George Jackson is general manager of the Ford establishment in New Zealand. -Mr. Jackson is managing director. It was stated also that "only three members of the executive staff came from the United States, and the remainder of the employees are Now Zealanders.” Ihe three | executives referred to are Canadians.