LABOUR SHORTAGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32404, 8 March 1944, Page 4

LABOUR SHORTAGE

DRAINAGE PROBLEM EFFECT ON PRODUCTION LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER A long discussion on the shortage of labour as it affected the operations of the Thames Valley Drainage Board took place at that body’s monthly meeting last week. One foreman indicated in his report that he had only one man working with him and therefore hardly had a report to make. Other parts of the discussion indicated the general insufficiency of labour to carry out the work of maintaining drains. Pointing out how badly the position was slipping, the clerk enquired the general feeling of the board regarding asking for the work to Ibe declared essential. The chairman, Mr F. E. Hughes, said he had not favoured this course and hoped it could be avoided. Mr H. Wagstaff said one of the troubles was that if men directed to work proved unsuitable they were not able to be put off. In the course of further discussion, however, it was stated that men could be proceeded, against for absenteeism if the industry was essential. Urgency Stressed Letters' are also to be sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Labour and the Minister for Lands stressing the urgency of the work in relation to primary production. The letters will point out that much, of the drained swamp in the board’s area is deteriorating for want of labour to attend to drains. This is some of the most highly productive land in the district, and if the present position is not rectified primary production cannot help but fall still further 1 for adequate drainage in this case is of even greater importance than artificial fertilisers.