RUSH FOR JOBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 46, 24 February 1939, Page 7

RUSH FOR JOBS

TRADESMEN FOR DOMINION MORE THAN THOUSAND MEN APPLY IN SYDNEY SPECIAL STEAMER MAY BE . CHARTERED. [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] SYDNEY, Feb. 23. Many building trade artisans have applied to the New Zealand Government's representative, Mr. J. Hodgens, for employment in New Zealand. Mr. Hodgens said that he was very pleased with the response to the New Zealand Government's advertisement calling for men, and he was delighted with the type of tradesmen who had applied.

Mr. Hodgens stated that more than 1000 men had already applied for jobs in New Zealand, and he could get all he required in Sydney without going to Melbourne and Adelaide, where he had arranged to go. Union officials fear that a rush of men to New Zealand may cause a shortage of skilled tradesmen in Sydney and master builders are also becoming concerned. The main attraction appears to be the continuity of employment in New Zealand, said one union official. Well Up To Standard. Mr. Hodgens said he was satisfied that the men’s general calibre was well up to the standard required.

So many have applied that the practicability of chartering a special steamer to take them to New Zealand is being considered. Mr. Ilodgens said he found that berths would not be available on the steamer leaving Sydney on March 10 and only a limited number could be booked on steamers leaving on March 10, 11, and 17. A cablegram will be sent to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. M. J. Savage, to-day, explaining the position.

MASTER BUILDERS ALARMED

AMPLE WORK AVAILABLE IN MELBOURNE Received Feb. 23, 11.50 p.m. MELBOURNE, Feb. 23. The master builders will be gravely embarrassed if many men leave for New Zealand. Sufficient work is available to employ every man conttinuously for 12 months. The New Zealand Government representative, Mr. Malcolm, is receiving 30 applications daily, which he will submit to Mr. Hodgens when he arrives in Melbourne at the end of next week.