MR LAURENSON ON LABOR

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 275, 17 May 1912, Page 2

MR LAURENSON ON LABOR

NO IMPORTATION OF HANDS FROM ENGLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, May 15. Interviewed in Christchurch yesterday, the Hon. G. Laurenson, Minister for Labor, stated:—"There is a brisk demand for workers in most parts of the country, and I have heard no complaints of shortage of labor in any place. The onlj' difficulty which is presenting itself is that of finding work for old men—men who have become partly incapacitated through illness or injury to do hard work. Strong representations have been made as to the necessity of the Government taking steps to make provision for an imported supply of skilled laborers, farm hands, and domestic servants, but, at present, the Government does not see its way clear to take any steps in that direction."

The Minister stated that there was a brisk demand for workers' dwellings both in the North and South Islands. H« had that day inspected land at Oamaru and Tiniaru, where tenders were being called for the erection of homes.

Regarding dwellings for flaxmill hands, Mr. Laurenson said that he had asked Mr. Lomas, Mr. Robertson, member for Otaki, and the secretary of the Flaxmill Workers' Union, to inspect & dwelling provided at the flaxmills for the accommodation of workers. There had been several complaints as to the nature of the accommodation provided, and the gentlemen whom he had named would act as a sort of informal commission of inquiry, to ascertain what the exact position was, and to make recommendations to him within the next few days.