PLACEMENT SCHEME

Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 12

PLACEMENT SCHEME

NEW OFFICE PROVIDED Since the inception of the State Placement Service the placement officer and his assistants have been housed in a cramped and dingy corner of the employment bureau. The scheme, at first somewhat of an experiment, has proved an undoubted success, and according to departmental statistics some 16,000 persons have been directly or indirectly permanently benefited by engagements that have been arranged. Altogether, however, including temporary placements that have been effected, qome 25,000 persons have received benefits through the energetic and effective operation of the scheme. Public complaint was soon voiced, however, regarding the unsatisfactory, accommodation for the Dunedin, office, and the department has arranged for fiew offices in Marshall Chambers,, opposite the public baths, in Moray Place. One very reasonable criticism in the past has been that employers have had no opportunity of privately Interviewing the placement officer, but this objection has been met in the new premises, where separate entrances are provided for employers and for the men enrolling under the scheme. When a ‘ Star ’ reporter called at the old office this morning the usual scene of bustle and congestion prevailed. Outside the office were notices of some 30 vacancies in private employment, while 1 within,'the placement officer proceeded with his task as if heavy dividends were payable to, him personally for every man placed in employment. ' '

It speaks well for the _ staff that so much has been accomplished in the most unfavourable working conditions, and. if employers and men are pleased with the new accommodation that has been provided, it is very obvious that the placement officer and his staff will at least register- great relief.