FINE LURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 4

FINE LURE

MANY “BITES” SEARCH FOR STAFF ENTERPRISE REWARDED The enterprise of some Dunedin manufacturers in using the Centennial celebrations as an inducement to North Island workers to accept employment in their factories next year has in some cases been well rewarded. In others it has produced few results. One large clothing manufacturing firm has advertised throughout the North Island and it has attracted girls from most of the towns. Applications for temporary positions have come from Auckland, Gisborne, Wellington and several other towns and the firm is well pleased with the response. It is expected that the girls will experience some difficulty in obtaining board but they appear to be so anxious to come to Dunedin that they are prepared to risk finding a solution to that problem. Advertisers have realised this difficulty and have exhorted applicants to come south before the rush for board becomes too keen.

It is expected that there will be a drift of hotel workers and restaurant employees to Dunedin in the New Year. Such opportunities for employment will enable girls to take part in the Centennial celebrations and at the same time earn sufficient money to pay all their expenses. Most of the functions will be held outside working hours and everyone will be given the opportunity to see the main Centennial events.

While it is not expected by some manufacturers that there will be much absenteeism next year, it seems likely that some hours of production will be lost in the early months. A decision has not been reached yet as to the arrangements which business firms will make for the two main weeks to enable their employees to see the spectacular Centennial events, but it seems that it will be necessary for them to close on occasions.

“It is to be hoped that there will be a drift of workers to the south next year,” one manufacturer said yesterday. “ Too many of our young people went to the North Island during the American ‘ invasion ' and we could do with them back. There should be plenty to attract them south and I see no reason why they should not be induced to stay.”