BOOK REVIEW

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32419, 17 April 1944, Page 3

BOOK REVIEW

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTION IS ENOUGH BEING DONE? J “Guilty of Manslaughter," by W. B. ' Sutch; Progressive Publishing So- ' ciey.—In his latest book, Dr. Sutch, ' who for some time has been in the Armed Forces, raises some provocative questions about New Zealand’s war- ' time manufacturing production. He discusses whether enough is being done, and how increases in our manufactures can be brought about. ! “We prolong the war and make it more costly in human lives and resources ns long as we allow ‘politics as usual’ and ‘business as usual’ to weaken and obstruct the war effort,” he writes. “Each of us can produce examples of the ‘as usual’ attitude. And it’s up to us to do something about it. What can we do?” j In Other Countries i What might be done is largely indicated by the references of Dr. Sutch to what has been accomplished in other countries. What he considers the defects of both New Zealand employers and employees are outlined. Then follow details of how other countries have stepped up production by such things as interesting the workers, improving their conditions, combating absenteeism, and so on. Reference is made to the very bad accident rate in New Zealand factories, with the suggestion that the increase in this rate calls for immediate attention.

Dr. Sutcli maintains that New Zealand’s production effort is not enough. Production is being held up by the lethargy, prejudice, traditions, and desire for gain of both workers and employers, he writes. Call For Action In all, the book is not. only timely 'but also very readable. The arresting facts presented .can be dwelt on with advantage not only by employers and workers but by the general public. There is nothing technical about the work, and readers can soon judge for themselves whether in view of what the writer sets out the call for action which he demands is justified. Not the least interesting of his remarks is a plea for better publicity for more production, and the book is illustrated with interesting samples, including publicity cartoons available free to American newspapers.