FACTORY LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 May 1939, Page 4

FACTORY LABOUR

VIEWS OF MANUFACTURERS TURNING TO PROVINCIAL TOWNS. SUBSIDY SCHEME DISCUSSED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. May 18. A. statement that manufacturers were having very great difficulty in getting female labour for machine rooms, was made by Mr N. B. Spencer, at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. In the footwear and clothing industries, he said, there was far more work offering than could be met. In efforts to solve this problem, continued Mr Spencer, manufacturers had been trying to obtain new machinery. which would reduce the amount of female labour required. Another idea which was being followed up was that of establishing sections of factories in smaller centres outside the cities, sources of female labour which had not yet been tapped. Some of the promoters of proposed new factories in the Wellington district, for instance, were thinking of establishing themselves in places like Masterton and Palmerston North. The president, Mr A. Ely, said it seemed to him that employers would have to be subsidised while girls were being trained, so that they could be taken on right away and gradually absorbed into industry. That would be on the lilies of the wages subsidy scheme, which was apparently being evolved in . the case of men.

Mr Spencer suggested that the Government should be asked to explain the full scope of the proposed subsidy scheme, since he felt that female labour should also be covered by it.

Mr J. Hislop said he did not think the chamber should take any part in advocating that a subsidy should be paid to manufacturers. After placing all sorts ,of restrictions on importers, the Government should not now add to the burden by asking them to help contribute through taxation as much as 50 per cent of the wages of factory employees. Other members said the proposed subsidy was really for the purpose of training men in industry, and the view was expressed that, if the move would result in men being transferred from Public Works to industry, it would be an excellent one.

It was decided to ask the Government to explain the scope of its proposed scheme.