DRASTIC STEPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20877, 1 September 1942, Page 4

DRASTIC STEPS

LABOR PROCUREMENT AUSTRALIAN WAR WORK 219,000 EXTOA WANTED (By Telegraph—Press As.n. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (2.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 1. The War Cabinet has decided on more drastic steps to obtain another 219,000 men and women for war and civil needs before the end of the year, says the Daily Telegraph. The latest review indicates that the Government’s estimate in May that .t would require 313.000 more men and women for war work must be increased by anolher 00.000. Abnutjialf the original estimate) 318,000. has been obtained. The official view is that unless the reorganisation of civil industries is carried out with the greatest energy and determination, there will be a serious deficiency in man-power at the end of the year. A sub-committee of the War Cabinet presented a report, in which it states: “To meet the estimated requirements of 139.000 men and 80.000 women, it would be necessary to take a series of measures which, in scope and •severity, transcended anything previously contemplated. In particular, the reorganisation of industries would have" to be carried through with ruthlcssness and speed which might involve individual inequities and_ might arouse considerable opposition.” The full Cabinet and War Council will consider the report without delay. No indication has been given that the Government intends to conscript women for war work, but this is believed to be a possibility. Many women offering for war work are reported to be unwiliing to accept what they are offered, but try to pick the best-paid positions. It is reported that because of the man-power position no more age groups would be called up for the army except in an emergency.