WORK FOR DISABLED MEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 821, 15 November 1929, Page 18

WORK FOR DISABLED MEN

ARCHITECT’S SYSTEM OF CONCRETE BUILDING PROPOSAL TO COMMISSION Home construction in concrete was the subject of an interesting statement submitted as evidence to the Returned Soldiers’ Rehabilitation ! Commission yesterday afternoon by i Mr. John Mitchell, of Kingsland. He detailed a scheme to employ disabled soldiers. For lfi years Mr. Mitchell was architect to the Auckland Education Board. While visiting Ireland in 1910, he undertook building work for the Irish Local Government Board under the Labourers’ Cottage Act and trained unskilled labourers in construction work. Two demonstration cottages were built and received high praise; the rent was is Oil a week. “In 1920-21 1 was appointed by the Worcester Corporation as instructor of special concrete construction to returned, wounded soldiers, with a view to their being employed on a housing scheme under the Ministry of Health,” added Mr. Mitchell. “The building scheme designed by me was fully approved by the Ministry. The corporation employed the wounded soldiers at wages corresponding to those paid to unskilled workers in ordinary municipal work and increased the amounts as proficiency increased. “Under skilled direction two bungalows were built. Unfortunately, the corporation was harassed by certain trade unions because the work was not carried out under strict union conditions. The dispute was notorious, the unions refusing the wounded soldiers admittance to the workers’ union. The result was that the remainder of the scheme was under contract. Land values increasing, formation of trusts on most of the materials and unsatisfactory response by organised labour made the proposals uneconomic. At the time, doles paid to the unemployed were abused.

“I designed a factory at Kidderminster. My suggestion to employ and train unskilled unemployed men, preferably returned soldiers', paying them probation wages, and to request a Government subsidy in place of the dole, was approved by the company. As the men’s proficiency increased, their wages would be increased and the subsidy diminished and, as soon as possible, the men would be drafted into the union. Beyond an acknowledgment from the Minister of

Health, nothing came of it. Why? “Since my return to New Zealand, I have evolved an improved system of composite concrete constructions. It can be made to find light, congenial and profitable employment for the men the commission desires to help, i have reason to believe that certain employers would accept subsidised labour and the product could he held available for post offices, railway stations, hospitals, schools, rest homes and housing, especially for farm workers. I can hardly believe New Zealand trades unions would fail to open the way for men willing to work.” Mr. Mitchell said he would be willing to offer his services as an instructor or a director. His system, he said, would be a practical sign of appreciation of disabled soldiers.