LOCAL INDUSTRIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20053, 27 September 1939, Page 13

LOCAL INDUSTRIES

MAINTAINING OUTPUT QUESTION OF KEY JOBS PRONOUNCEMENT AWAITED For the purpose of co-operating with the Government in applying the emergency regulations introduced on the outbreak of war .and maintaining production, the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation has offered to set up a central committee to act with the controller of factories, Mr. G. A. Pascoe, and also smaller executives in each of the four centres which would operate and supply information concerning particular trade groups. It is expected that an announcement will soon be made on the matter bv the Minister.

So far as the maintenance of production during the war is concerned, it is stated that manufacturers generally would appreciate a statement from the Government as to what are regarded as key jobs in essential industries. There are certain positions in many factories which it is n'ot in the public interest for men to leave. This is considered particularly important because a number of factories are engaged in fulfilling Government contracts, and others are manufacturing articles to replace those previously .imported. ‘lts always the most qualified and the men we can least spare who arc the first to answer their country’s calJ," said an employer, in expressing the hope that the Government would make a pronouncement as to what were key jobs in essential Industries. While lie appreciated the spirit that had prompted these men to act as they had done, there were men who would be doing a greater service to their country by'remaining in their jobs.