MANPOWER POSITION

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1943, Page 2

MANPOWER POSITION

INDISPENSABLE GRADE 1 MEN. CONCERN OF MANUFACTURER'S. AUCKLAND, May 29. Deeply concerned with the acuteness of the manpower position in both manufacturing and primary industries, the council of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation decided at a meeting in Wellington this week, to make representations to the Government with a view to easing the serious situation with which many industries are faced in endeavouring to meet war and essential civilian requirements. Various aspects of the question were discussed by the council, the notice of which had been drawn to the recently published statement by the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, Lieutenant-Gen-eral E. Puttick, giving the view that home defence could now very nearly be disregarded in its more dangerous aspects. Lieutenant-General Puttick had pointed to the improved war situation and, assuming a continued improvement, had indicated that it was hoped eventually to disregard home defence once more. In representing the feeling of the council, the president, Mr C. V. Smith, said the constant combing out of men from industry had reduced the number exempted to such an extent that the large majority of grade 1 men left in industry to-day could not be replaced by the ' release of grade 2 and 3 men from the Army. Of the grade 1 men retained in industry, many were exempted because they were indispensable. The position would be further complicated, said Mr Smith, if the Government carried out its intention to nut into camp for one month’s training .a year those reservists not liable for overseas service. It had been pointed out by the federation that to take men out of industry for a month must cause serious dislocation.

It was also felt that the month’s training was of no practical use, particularly for those without any previous military experience .and for those in sedentary, or less active, occupations. The net upshot of the decision, therefore, would be to incur considerable expense and dislocation of industry without achieving any worthwhile results.

Another aspect discussed by the council was the increasing enlistment of girls in the vzomen’s services. It might have been assumed 'that, with the reducing of establishments, there would also be a reduction in the number of women required, but the evidence before the federation showed that the opposite was the case. Furthermore, the generous privileges granted women in the forces were causing dissatisfaction among girls whose work in essential industries was just as great a war effort. Such dissatisfaction tended to retard production. The federation felt, that New Zealand was over-committed in its obligations for military service and necessary supplies. Now that the chief danger to this country had passed, supply, including essential civilian supply, would appear to be the predominant feature of New Zealand’s war effort. Consequently, it was considered that the time was opportune for the Government to consider a revision of the Army requirements for home defence.