.jpg)
War Economy
Manpower Needs for Industry
Manpower Needs for Industry
The scheme for diversion of men from the Pacific provided for the return to New Zealand by October 1944 of 11,000 men. Seven thousand were to be in the country by 1 July, the remainder to return at the rate of 2000 a month. The men were to be those who volunteered to work in specified essential industries. The National Service Department estimated the minimum needs of industry at 17,500 men, to be placed before the end of 1944, 12,600 for farming and related industries, 4900 for other essential industries.
Estimates for farming and related industries comprised:
| Dairying and pig production | 7,000 |
| Meat and wool | 1,000 |
| Mixed cropping and stock | 500 |
| Vegetables and fruit | 300 |
| Butter and cheese factories | 250 |
| Freezing works | 1,500 |
| Food processing plants | 100 |
| Rural housing and ancillary occupations | 1,950 |
| —— | |
| Total | 12,600 |
For other essential industries the estimated needs were:
| Sawmilling | 800 |
| Coal mines | 300 |
| Hydro-electric works | 800 |
| Railways | 1,000 |
| Housing | 2,000 |
| —— | |
| Total | 4,900 |
First priority was the return of 7000 men for dairying. They would be needed by July to start the 1944–45 season.