H.—34

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIONAL EFFICIENCY BOARD (REPORTS AND MEMORANDA IN CONNECTION WITH).

laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

PROPOSALS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF INDUSTRIES TN NEW ZEALAND, DURING THE WAR AND AFTERWARDS. Memoranum by the Hon. the Acting Prime Minister. Over 60,000 workers have already left onr shores owing to the war, and about 2,300 more will be sent every four weeks while the war continues. It may be expected that these will not be absorbed into the industries of the country for twelve months after the termination of the war. Many of these have already given their lives for their country, and the efficiency of many others will have been lessened owing to wounds and sickness. With the number of workers thus diminished, if we are to maintain our exports, provide for the essential industries of the country, and establish new industries, it is imperative that capital should be employed to the best advantage in essential industries, and thai by reorganization and scientific training the productiveness of labour may be increased. To do this effectively the State will require the assistance of a number of the most capable business men in New Zealand, and it will be necessary to give them wide administi ative powers. It is proposed to encourage voluntary effort as much as possible, and it is believed that there are numbers of business men of proved ability, not available for military service, who are ready and willing to devote themselves to the service of their country in this great crisis once the State has shown how their efforts may best be utilized. INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY BOARD. Four voluntary members selected by Cabinet from the business heads of the community, one for each military district, appointed where possible for the period of the war and twelve months afterwards, but shorter terms of service may be accepted. Each member of the Hoard will require a paid secretary and other clerical assistance, and will be reimbursed all expenses incurred. Jurisdiction and Duties. 1, To formulate a general industrial efficiency scheme for the approval of Cabinet, and to make such proposals for its amendment as may be necessary from time to time. 2. To inquire and report as to what industries are essential during the war, .*!. To inquire and report what workers are needed in essential matters, and how these may be best obtained without hardship to non-essential industries. 4. To advise the Military Service Board when requested. 5. To ascertain the special requirements of each district and each essential industry, and to report to the Government. (i. To recommend such measures as they may consider necessary to reduce the cost of living, to promote thrift, and to deter luxury; and, if necessary, to curtail the employment of labour in non-essential works during the war. 7. To make recommendation for the more extensive utilization of the labour of women in suitable industries during the war. 8. To encourage voluntary work, and to make recommendations for its utilization. 9. To provide for the industrial employment of those who have been rejected by the military authorities as unfit. 10. To advise as to the organized employment of all the available labour in the community should the necessity arise.

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