H—lB

SECTION V—TRADE TRAINING (i) General 16. The number of applications for all forms of rehabilitation trade training assistance substantially declined during the year ended 31st March, 1950. This trend is likely to continue, as the needs of the majority of J Force personnel, who temporarily augmented the flow of applicants for trade training, appear to have been met. 17. Following the Court of Arbitration Standard Wage Pronouncement of 12th April, 1949, Cabinet approval was obtained to increase the wages of trade trainees. "A " Class trainees received their increases direct from the Department. "C " Class trainees (revived apprenticeships) participated as the Court of Arbitration amended the various awards affecting this group. In the case of "D " Class trainees (disabled exservicemen) the increase was granted following negotiations with the Disabled Servicemen's Ee-establishment League. Almost without exception employers of "B " Class trainees (numbering over 1,100) have readily complied with the Board's request that the trainees be given the increase. 18. Table VI of the Appendix shows the assistance granted under the " A," " B," and " C " forms of trade training. (ii) " A " Class Training (at Board's Training Centres) (a) General 19. The activities of " A " Class centres have, on the whole, been on a slightly reduced scale during the past year as a result of fewer class intakes at some centres. It can be anticipated that from now on there will be a progressive decline in the number of ex-servicemen seeking training, and in view of the contribution this scheme has made to the present building force in New Zealand and the need for further men in the trade a decision must soon be made on what alternative civilian training schemes should now be introduced. (b) Supply Situation 20. During the year the supply situation required to be carefully watched and every effort made to ensure that available materials were distributed in such a manner as would afford continuity of training and production. At times flooring timber was in particularly short supply, and in some instances created a major handicap. Periodical shortages of bricks, cement, and roofing tiles also gave concern, but the close liaison maintained with the Ministry of Works and other Departments proved invaluable in overcoming these disadvantageous conditions. Many merchants and private organizations were also most co-operative. (e) Closing of Carpentry Trade Training Centres 21. All ex-servicemen undertaking carpentry training at the Westport, Greymouth, and Oamaru carpentry trade training centres have now completed training and have transferred to private employment. These centres have now been closed. Any occasional applicant for training from either of the towns first mentioned is now being encouraged to accept training in either Nelson or Christchurch. Any applicant from Oamaru is being diverted to Dunedin for training. 22. There has also been a decline in the number of applicants for carpentry training at Thames. As it would seem that the requirements of ex-servicemen in that locality have been substantially met and as any future applicants can be trained at the Hamilton trade training centre, the Board has decided to gradually close the aforementioned centre as the various classes at present in training complete. It is anticipated that it will cease operations in approximately October, 1950.

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